As far sa you know, many players build multilevel bases. And each new level claimed with new alt and new claim pole.
Also, Sometimes you don`t need rectangular claim (half of it will cover the water and useless). Sometimes you want to claim external gate.
I suggest same mechanics with patch-claiming, with restrictions:
1. New level can be claimed only if level straight above is clamed
2. New patch on the same surface can be clamed not far than 6 tiles from existing claim (to leave free road for example), but it can be seamless with main.
3. Patch inherits main claim rules, but can be tuned (to make trade/guest area) and can be reseted back to main rules (reset patch on the patch, reset all patches from main pole).
4. Minimal patch is 1x3 tile, and maximal area of all patches can`t be greater than main.
5. Patch-claim should «dry» too and should gain it`s power, only after main claim will gain it`s full presence. When main claim`s presence full and patch`s too, their presences unites.
6. Reclaiming new shape/area will not kill patches immediately, if they was disconnected, they will die slowly in 2-3 RL days if not reshaped and connected back.
Patch-bones/stone can be passed through. It can look like two crossed bones with violet (dream) cuts or bumped stone with runes…
This idea is raw, and i hope fer discuss.