[johnarryn]

I don't think I would necessarily pursue a bless strategy. Your sacreds, while good, are cap only and aren't as good as some of the other sacred nations like Vanheim and Helheim.

Instead, i would concentrate on working your magical diversity. Take a pretender who is strong in areas you aren't (Earth, Nature, Air, Water) and use that to gain access to some of the great late-game summons and items.