Illwinter, are you keeping it multiplayer?

[rdonj]

You could get your increase in ability by earning the favor of your god. Say, you have to prove yourself by performing certain actions and once you earn enough favor your god will offer you a blessing they will bestow upon you. Maybe you could be turned into a different creature, or be promoted to a different sort of commander, or be empowered. There are lots of different ways you could go about it depending on what way you chose to go for the base of the game.