Formed in 1094, the Harts split from the Lions, and fought them for control over Albion and eventually won. As a result the members of the new faction have become very close knit and loyal to each other.
The Harts of Albion are famed for their love of tea and cake, and for the importance they place upon good manners in the face of the enemy. The Harts value honour and diplomacy, and have used both to work to achieve a lasting peace within the Heartlands. They are ruled by a monarchy and place a great deal of importance on their feudal system of noble houses, although this does not mean that the ruling council does not heed the views of the people of Albion. All races are welcome within the Harts; loyalty to the Crown and respect for the laws of Albion are expected.

"All the unliving are destroyed and the kettle is on, ma’am"
- A report to Queen Elspeth of the Harts.

The Harts Faction has a somewhat strange past. Seemingly steeped in tradition, they would not exist today if they had not sought to break with it.

In 1094, the Lions were the Faction of Albion. When General Corvus Corvidae of the Lions declared himself King of Albion, the faction was split in two. Those who disputed Corvus' right to reign over them, aligned themselves behind the then Lady Elspeth Karlennon and Duke Calin of the Hunters and called themselves the Harts of Albion.

Both the Harts and the Lions claimed to be the true voice of the people of Albion. The Gathering Treaty was invoked and battle was fought. Had Corvus won, the rebels were to have been handed to him for justice. Were the rebels to win then Corvus and his nobles would do the same. Unfortunately despite having lost the field Corvus and his allies fled, thus causing civil war within Albion. Lady Elspeth was declared Speaker for the Harts of Albion.

In 1095 Corvus was once more defeated on the field of battle. By 1096 Corvus himself had gone into exile and the Lions were lead by Jaddvor Erland, Duke of Cornwall. A final battle took place; it was agreed that the losing side would take exile in the magical land of Avalon. The Harts won and the Lions were given until the turning of the year to quit Albion shores and seek haven in Avalon, or pledge themselves to follow the Speaker for the Harts and the Pendragon Throne.

The Noble Houses
There are three predominant noble houses in Albion, all formed in the time of Arthur II;
House Corvidae - originally the line of Rook, King Arthur II's Lord Chancellor.
House Hunter - Arthur II appointed Marin as his military commander in the Greenwood, a position that earned Marin the title of King's Huntmaster. Marin's line became known as House Hunter.
A political alliance between formed between a rebellious vassal in the Vale of Eaton (Elon) and the son of one of Arthur II's most trusted advisors (Kalor) lead to the formation of House Karlennon.
There are also a number of minor noble houses, of these the largest is House Charenten.

The lands of Albion
Albion is a varied terrain from the mountainous border with cymrja which is backed by the deep Greenwood to the ports and coastal climes of Bristol and Londinium. The country is mainly a green and fertile land, although in parts desolate moors and swamps would make you think otherwise.

The Harts faction own web site can be found at
www.hartsofalbion.org.uk
or you can email them at
harts@merlinroute.co.uk