Okay so the first thing is getting the belief system back or something akin to it. Or alter the bonuses a realm can get. So first think Sim City(The shitty one that was always online) They had Wonders that ONE city could build. It would take massive resources and the help of others to make. But gave out massive rewards.
Right now Realms have very little incentive to help other villages in their realm. But if each village in a realm could build a wonder to give the bonuses or generate points on the belief system then they would want to protect the other villages. Or make alt villages and do it all alone... If instead of statues that can all be built into one Vclaim or anything like that make it spread out. Make it a reason to have more villages in a given realm. The main village would be more swayed to help protect the village if it has The Memorial of the Dead wall that generates Death points or gives that +40 to survival. Or help that noob village grow cause they are the only ones with a lake near by to build the Water Wheel to get more to farming and generate Industry points.
Pros:
More reason to develop the realm.
More reason to interact with villages/villagers in your realm.
More reason not to abuse them.
Cons:
Can be abused with alts.
Far fetched idea honestly but it was worth a shot.