[Wrana]

I'd say good scales are the way to go here. I tried a similar approach with Helheim once and it wasn't disappointing even though Helheim has better sacred troops. Early expansion with non-sacred Van troops is quite easy and when you add Legions of Steel...
As for Pretender itself, I'd think either Rainbow or something like Ghost King (SC/Rainbow) to add to magic diversity. What I would like to include here are Earth (for bless), Nature and Water. Astral if possible, but this will have to be at least 4 just to not be killed by Duels. I am not sure it's worth it. If going Astral it's probably better to go 5-6 initially for later heavy spells and Rings...
I also agree with chrispedersen on subject of Quills.