[@Magister] NPC families would probably be a good idea, so there's some diversity, and people don't feel pressured to play more characters than they can handle. 

EDIT: Currently, there are four positions open on the Council. Seat of Terramancy, Seat of Aeromancy, Seat of Necromancy, and Seat of Runes. These positions can either be partially filled by NPCs of various descents, or they can be claimed by anyone who is willing to go for the position for a family line for their character, or just a family line in general.