Starting in Darkover

[Olorin]

What Kingdom would be your choice to start in Darkover?  What actions would be a good start? Where would you choose to expand, all things being equal?

Starting Advantages:
[2] Darkover
1) +1.5 Influence
2) Extra Baron
3) Kingdom-named brigade in 1st group as Veterans
4) Kingdom's capital upgraded with +3,000 census, defense, food, gold
5) Popcenter recruits: Northmen, Paladins/Knights of Styx, Vikings
6) Gain 2 fleets in The Tempest, 1 fleet in Waves of Azure

Popcenter Recruits
Each are listed, then their abbreviation, followed by their ability ratings: in this order

The ranking, from best to worst,  is Superior +[SS], Superior[S], Excellent[E], Very Good[VG], Good[G], Above Average[AA], Average[A], Below Average[BA], Poor[P], Very Poor[VP], Not a Factor[N]

Long Range Missile, Short Range Missile, Charge, 1st Round Melee, 2nd Round melee, Combined, Storm[PC], Defense [standard food/gold payment per turn]

Northmen [NM] [ 4000/6000]A-A-AA-AA-AA-AA-AA-AA [2000/2000]
Vikings [VI] 6000/9000, 1 VETERAN Brigade] AA-AA-G-E-G-AA-G-G [1800/2200] 
Paladins [PA][8000/10000, 1 VETERAN Brigade] A-BA-SS-AA-AA-G-G-E [2700/2700]
Knights of Styx [KS] [8,000/10,000, 1 VETERAN Brigade] A-BA-SS-AA-AA-G-G-E [2700/2700]