[Xietor]

Death bless is interesting, and certainly has its bonuses, but for my money the Earth 9 bless is a must since your mages are sacred as well. Plus that e9 bless really shines on the burning ones with the 4 extra protection, as well as giving them some recourse against fatigue inducing spells. I have never seen the need to inflict afflictions as most foes die fairly quickly.

Of course the d9 bless would be handy against thugs and sc's, but so is being able to cast longer and having less fatigue in melee.