P.s. I've already suggested my solution to the problem.
You can weaken or change the mechanism. For example, make the presence of Kirins in the army mandatory, like a higher blessing from Shalassa or something similar. And since it takes a significant amount of time to develop to the point of having Kirins, problems similar to yours will be solved because, at the start of the game, the Sanctuary won't have an advantage, and you'll be able to develop normally.