Customizing Factions

So I know this makes sense for how the game story is set up, but I would kind of like to see more options when it comes to customizing your faction itself. Just small things like choosing your colors, maybe have a choice of an unique building and/or unit to aid you.

On a similar note having the forge of the overlord visible in your capital city, even as a decrepit ruin, would make a lot of difference in increasing its visibility and significance in the story.