How about a magic road strategic spell to replace cloudwalk? It would give us a balanced strategic spell with some utility. Because it would be territory dependent, it would give outposts even more utility.

Suggestion:

Cat's Paw Highway

Strategic Spell

Schools: Earth, Air (Can be accessed from either)

Builds a magical road between any two points within your area of influence. Movement along the Cat's Paw Highway costs 1/4 movement point per tile. If you lose influence over tiles containing a portion of the Cat's Paw Highway, the magic that maintains the road begins to decay, resulting in destruction of the Highway in those tiles if you do not restore influence within 5 turns.

Cost: Variable based on road length, suggest 10 mana per tile

Maintenance: 0