an idea to reduce turtling

[Illuminated One]

Well, I like the idea of not having the mages do the research.
I like the idea of giving the map more points of strategic interest for the late game, too, but those will be around early on also and just another bonus for the bless rushers.
How about giving each nation a shapechanging unrecruitable researcher instead of the starting scout. Different shapes produce different research but need different upkeep?