Maran:
Mantle? Get prot/fly potions.
Zeal? Get a frenzy pot.
Lightforge? Learn to gear yourself properly.
Cry of deliverance is unique, and underused due to its cost and limitations.
Eyes of flame is often more liable to get you killed than secure a kill.
Acolyte:
Favor is unreliable.
Spirit sight is... niche as hell, but quasi-useful.
Spiritual link is arguably the best of the bunch - IF and only if you're a communer. It's still worse than black channels anyways, since it only applies to some (not all) heal/protective supps.
Succor is useful in PvE situations.
Altruism is useful, but has very unique flaws which make its use a gamble.
Bless Water - the leader power. Makes a limited-use bloody skin like item. Virtually never cast because people are retarded and never remember to use them.
TL;DR: Fort powers arent anything super-awesome (nevermind OP). They're convenient and functional, but a competent Sect leader has more power at his disposal than a competent Fort Leader.
Empire has the benefit of powers tailored to class, so they dont get saddled with useless abilities.
Outlanders/Tribunal have the benefit of powers tailored to playstyle.
Scion (mages) have the benefit of powers tailored to sodomizing the rest of the MUD.
Nexus has the benefit of being able to Voltron together into a different, scarier combos. Hidden tiger + thief cutoff? Vibrato+Pillar off of a bard who cant be lagged and a 'voker who can cast spells deaf?
