[Chacal]

What I find original and appeling in Dom series is the use of Mytholgy (and fantasy like Lovecraft inspired nations) to combine in nations, at different degrees. I'm amazed before the work done at this. (and wouldn't be surpised if the developers were also history professors)

I think adding classicall D&D elves or Dwarves or Orks just wouldnt fit with the spirit of Dominions (and we have enough of them in evry fantasy game), even if they would make the game more appelaing for common gamers, but Dominions is more a 'niche' game. I would prefer far much like you propose nations based on Korea or others (Maybe eastern Europe country which have also a rich mythology and colorful history or Monghol hordes, or even a combination of both)