[Torin]

I think MA Ulm is the best nation for beginners. Just a dormant pretender with all good scales.
Buy a frontline infantry with independant archers back and start building armies and forts. You can even beat impossible AI. later Summon earthpower and blade wind will make your mages useful.
A master alchemist with all the paths will allow acces to every trick in late game.

Sure this wont work in MP.