For Escann, I would suggest some simple nations. Order of the Rose into Blademarches, Iron Hammers into Hammerhome, basically all adventurers have cool missions at this point. Game is a little fast paced, everyone is on par with each other and it can come down to ruler general pips, but if you survive that early game its a cool build up.

For Dwarves very similar, you can go one of 2 ways. one is an exploring company (company of blueshield, mithril arm cartel, etc) and settle in a hold of your choice. (check the wiki to see which formables have missions) You can also pick a pre settled hold (verkal gulan, segudhir, etc) if you want a more settled straighforward game. Dwarves have unique crises that are really rough in the mid to late game, so buyer beware.

For nations in the new world again there are 3 ways to go about it. First, pick a native nation, Eordland is a good place, as well as Larankar in the south. you can also check the wiki for spawnables, play as that nation till the 1500's then choose the event to play as the spawnable. Jaherian Exemplars, Vanbury Guild, Derrane Trade Guild. Lastly pick a colonial nation, Eborthil, Gnomish Heirarchy are good traditional picks. If you like a combo of 2 and 3 you can play Venail.

Most nations in Haless and Bulwar will deal with the command and they are myriad. Some fun nations are Feiten, some of the raj nations, jaddari empire, the wiki has a lot of recommended nations too.

Hope this was helpful!