OOC: If people aren't coming back they need replacing rather than NPCing if at all possible, and so more players should be invited in before we all start diplomacy on the basis of NPCs. This is quite important seeing as players who haven't showed up yet include Italy, Egypt, Saraqusta, Lotharingia, Denmark, the League, the Romans, the Chobanids, Bohemia, all important nations, and various others, and the NES can hardly operate on the basis that all these are NPCs. Whatever the case, surely all players need to know precisely who's what in order to engage in coherent strategy and diplomacy? I can't do anything until I know the precise state of Lotharingia and the League.