Essex

Ruled by: Queen Esmerelda Harcourt
Order of Succession: The Essex Crown Council recommend the next monarch to the High Monarch. They have never yet been overruled.

More than anything, the rhythms and whims of the sea have influenced this largely coastal region. Unsurprisingly then, Essex has strong fishing and naval traditions and the kingdom is the centre of ship building industry as well as home to many Albion naval contingents. It shares some qualities of politics and intrigue with Oxford, bringing a newer, bolder take than its more traditional counterpart - considered daring by some and brash by others. Ruled by Queen Esme, who is herself fond of courtly spectacle, Essex has become famous for lavish courtly events. Worship of the nine - of Ranalf and Mithras alongside the gods of law - is also traditionally looked on with tolerance in Essex and Queen Esme has worked hard to win the hearts and minds of her subjects, despite being Wessex-born. However, shaken by tragedy in recent times, a rather sombre mood has descended on the populace, particularly after its sacrifices at the Siege of Maidenshead where many of Essex’s young men and women met their deaths. And betrayal also lingers in the air, with one of Essex’s two dukes recently tried, convicted and executed for treason against the land and her people.