If i take air for rainbow pretender i usually take it up to 4. That gives him access to air boosters and maybe to elemental staff too. Those low fire and blood are not very usefull but they are not that expencive either. Gives bit more reseach too.
Starting dormant gives points for better scales or more magic. Awake pretender can do lot of research or site searching in the first year. Which is better depends on your early game strategy.
Abysia is one of the few nations that can play with dominions strenght 5. Good priests and blood sacrifice. You still need to keep an eye out on those candels all the time. Its maybe bit experts only strategy. For beginners i would suggest atleast 6-7.
Good luck on your game... and im not talking about the scales
