[thejeff]

I'm probably a suboptimal player, but I'm often looking for a number of things from my pretender, based on the nation. Some diversification in magic, at least enough for boosters in paths my mages have but can't boost, for hammers and for access to death. If the nation has decent troops I'm willing to forgo the starting SC, but unless it's got recruitable thugs it's nice to have a pretender who's capable of playing that role until the better summons are reached.

If the Ghost King can give me my desired magic cheaper than other SC chassis I'll use him. Usually sleeping for the points and so he has some gear when he wakes up.