Ulm beefed up ...

[Sandman]

I can't say that the idea of shock resistance on Ulmish soldiers really appeals. Lightning is effective against most national troops; it's hardly a distinctively Ulmish problem.

If lightning resistance is desperately required, why not make an earth spell that grants it to a small number of troops? Although... that would probably help Vanheim more, with their air mages and dwarves. So, make it a 1-earth spell that only affects one square at a time, which puts it firmly in Ulm's territory.

Combined with my suggestion for a 1-earth apprentice smith, that would really help Ulm at fighting air nations.

And another idea: what about giving Ulm assassins? It may not be thematic, but it would certainly tie in with their forging ability.