[MaxWilson]

I'd say let them have any nation they want, but start the newbies off with an extra SC and some magic items. The newbies will probably lose eventually just because the experienced ones know more tricks but they'll have fun being powerful at the beginning, and will be more willing to play again so they can use the tricks themselves. All you really want to avoid is the newbies getting steamrollered early on, and that means they need an SC or a bless or both.

-Max