I'll try
listing some of the NPCs to attract people to ENES. Feel free to comment on the style, even if you aren't joining: maybe I'll start a trend, or maybe this is an offensively bad idea.
First tier
House Leonhard - a fairly evil country, played by Contempt until he left. Currently has two vassal states paying tribute. Is at war with The Church (Warman17) and is somewhat threatened by the hordes to the north.
Kenyata - a large, industrious farming nation, NPC since the beginning of the game. Currently being attacked by undead on the western border. Several nations to the east. Rich, not very militaristic. Ripe for mobilization.
New Illyria - aggressive, expansionist nation played by Cleric until recently, when he quit right after sparking two rebellions by trying to grab the entire continent without having a unifying culture. If played right, Illyria might conquer a continent.
Rome Reborn - sort of what you'd expect from people trying to consciously imitate Rome. So far it conquered Telvanni and declared it a province, although the Telvanese appear to be rebelling. This nation is especially open for silver 2039 if he feels like some genocide and militarism.
Second tier
Techno Union - sporadically played by human-slaughter, who quit early. Facing a large degree of rebellion and an independence movement threatening to disunite the nation entirely.
Seleucia Novus - a peaceful, democratic, vacation-suited country, whose main fault is that its player disappeared without reason, and the country stagnated a little.
Iceland - a rather quizzical country, without many distinguishing features. Originally played by Swiss Bezerker (not a typo), who I haven't seen around in a long while. Air Elementals and Ice mages.
Blood Elves - no, not elves, just isolationist humans who modified themselves as a genotype. Raging, ambitious, and they can drain magic. It's unclear what they intend to do. Will you give them purpose?