As much as I like Eriu (and the current CBM version is very fun), if you aren't that interested in the stealth aspect of the game they might not be a good choice. Actually no stealth or blood rules out all my favorite nations. 
What about Machaka? While it's not my style of play I think they're an interesting nation and have gotten some CBM boosts.
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					Originally Posted by  legowarrior
					 
				 
				What are good ways to get into Astral?  Any decent summons that would allow a non astral nation (but with an astral pretender if necessary) get some astral access? 
			
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 Spectres, golems, hidden in sand. Pretty sure that's it (aside from tarts of course). I'm still hoping for CBM to add some more options for breaking into astral.
Edit: Lol. Lots of responses to breaking into S. Forgot about ether lords.