Which faction should I pick?

[CloacaMaXima]

So, the title says it pretty much. I have a pretty fun Roman campaign going on, but I've decided that I want some change now! Of course I'll continue rebuilding the Roman Empire, but it'd be nice to play some different faction sometimes, as to not get too repetitive

So here's a poll: which faction I should pick up? The Romans aren't obviously on the list, but every other faction is. I have a slightly negative opinion towards factions that start out as established "empires" (like HRE, Seljuks, Fatimids, Almohads, Khwarezmia or France) since they are confusing to start upon, BUT those aren't really ruled out if they get enough votes or you can convince me And I like most of them as a faction (a big fan of HRE and muslim factions especially), they're sheer size is simply intimidating

Also, crusades would be nice. It can be as a target or as a crusader myself, just missing that part of the game a bit, since Romans don't participate in crusades But again, this isn't a necessity.

[CloacaMaXima]

Oh, and in case the poll options didn't give a hint, I'd rather play Late Era Fewer rebel settlements and more developed cities/more tech events mean more variable troops, both for me and my enemies

I used to prefer Early Era, but the fact that alot of factions would be absorbed before some major tech events or before they could develop more their armies means a more boring campaign for me, sadly