[Taqwus]

Or EA Sauromatia may be interesting. There's not a huge chasm in the unit lineup; it has understandable units (light cavalry, spearmen, archers, et al); doesn't really need an ultrabless; doesn't rely on national spells; and has a fair bit of interesting magic available.

Arco, by the way, has the nifty healing priestesses that might be fun if you like creating combat pretenders.


Mostly, 'tho, I'd suggest avoiding:

Ermor, Late Era (very VERY different from everything else)

R'lyeh, Late Era (insanity domain is... interesting, possibly frustrating; Void Gate is a slot machine)

Oceania (reportedly quite bugged units)

Mictlan, Early or Late (blood sacrifice is an extra mechanic to fuss with, and it's mandatory here)