Harts
Albion is a green and pleasant land bordered by the kingdoms of Caledonia to the north and Cymrija to the west, and separated from the mainland of the Heartlands by the Betton Sea. Whilst tiny in comparison to the vast landmasses ruled by many of the other factions, Albion is fertile, rich in mineral wealth and relatively densely populated.
All those who live within its borders are considered subjects of King Edward Pendragon; who claims sovereignty by virtue of a birthright that can be traced back to Arthur. Whilst all power rests within the purview of the King, day-to-day government is delegated to the Harts nobility; a network of hierarchies under the Pendragon Throne. This nobility is led by a Royal Council consisting of the five Dukes, and selected senior ministers. The Harts nobility serve the King in a wide range of capacities and are considered his most trusted and honoured subjects. With this comes great responsibility; When Albion is in direst need it is the Harts who stand at the forefront of any struggle; putting their lives on the line for the land, its people and their king. This being so, it takes a certain type of person to want to join the Harts. Most possess a good measure of either idealism or ambition that makes them accept the risks in the service of their country. Many believe strongly in duty, and often see honour in service to The Pendragon Throne.
Albion was not always as it is now, and in many ways it is ironic that a faction so steeped in ideas of tradition and duty was born out of rebellion. In 1094 Lord General Corvus Corvidae of the Lions (then the ruling faction of Albion) succumbed to the dire influence of the demoness Roxanne. As he became ever more irrational, his leadership began to divide the faction and alienate Albion’s allies, until finally he claimed the Crown for himself. When attempts at reason failed, those who would not accept Corvus’ claim united behind the banner of his niece, Elspeth Karlennon. Albion was divided by civil war as Elspeth’s supporters (calling themselves the Harts) fought to wrest control of Albion from the Lions and Corvus’ increasingly insane and corrupt rule. When the war ended Corvus fled and the Lions were exiled; leaving Elspeth and the Harts in control of Albion. In the years that followed the Harts sought to rebuild Albion; uncovering ever more of their own lost heritage, summoning forth the sword Excalibur and recognising the spirit of the Pendragon reborn. Elspeth was eventually crowned Queen and under her leadership both the Harts and Albion prospered. Following the death of Queen Elspeth, Albion has been ruled by a succession of Regents for the boy King Edward.
Lord Regent of Albion - Gabriel Bathroy
Lord Gabriel succeeded William Hulce as Regent of Albion several years ago. Of a minor Noble house of York, Gabriel was selected as he had no links to any of the established houses allowing him to rule the country without having political scores to settle or debts to pay. A highly skilled mage, Gabriel has led his country through the changes of the cataclysm, and ensured that Albion was at the forefront of the recently ended war against the Akari. From this platform, Lord Bathroy seeks to make Albion once more a great power on the world stage.
Robert Mortimer - Duke of York
The first legitimate son of the lord of Berwick, House Mortimer took the side of Corvus during the civil war, holding to their ancient oath to defend the people of Berwick against harm. In the later stages of the siege, Robert’s father was struck down by a Hart spear, and Robert, at sixteen, had to take charge of the household and the defence of the town. Proving his strength to the Mortimer beastkin guard, Robert continued the defence until Corvus surrendered, following which he swore to The Pendragon Throne of Albion to ensure he could keep the ancient oath. Ten years later Robert led his house into the Harts faction to better serve his people. He took a lead in the formation of the Knights of the Pendragon and became that ancestor’s Paladin, and as such was one of the leading nobles of Albion to push his faction into the war against the Akari and Entropy. For this he was created Duke of York and is commonly considered in the faction to be Lord Gabriel’s armoured right hand.