Current Monarch: Queen Ida Astwick (missing)

Current Voice: Syr Corrus Imitos, Raven of Wessex, appointed by the Low Council of Wessex

The new Queen has inherited a realm on the brink of self-annihilation. Her predecessor was overthrown by his people when his rule proved to be disastrous for the realm. The former King was known as one of the most generous monarchs in Albion… to those outside of his realm. Unfortunately, his decisions appeared to focus more on keeping up appearances to others then the careful rule of a wise monarch; seldom were the consequences of his actions considered, particularly the effect his disastrous edicts would have on his own people.

Wessex’s crops and livestock went to offer food to realms such as Deira and Cornwall, leaving his own people little for themselves; farms and other vital efforts were left short-handed as more and more of the people were sent away as militias and soldiers to fight in foreign wars. Eventually, the people of Wessex had enough, and, inspired by the rulership of others of the Ten Realms, overthrew his rule. After a brief period emulating Oxford’s rule by Council, Wessex gained a new monarch from among its people. The Queen has already proved herself to be a woman of integrity, vowing to restore Wessex and the peoples’ faith by doing whatever it takes, even selling off that vast majority of the royal household’s material goods to give the wealth back to the Realm through investment and the vital procurement of food.

Despite her efforts, there is still a long way to go to repair the damage done to Wessex. Famine still afflicts the land, and there are rumours that the effects causing it go beyond mere nature or poorly made decisions, and that some dark force is behind the ongoing crisis. The realm also finds its army depleted, and it will take time, and possibly conscription, to bring it back to a reasonable strength. This is doubly troublesome, for the situation in Oxford to the east grows ever more tenuous, and what little forces Wessex has are amassing on the border, ready to defend against whatever the blighted realm may throw at them, be it living troops or the Lich Lord’s undead.

Not all is lost, however; the people of Wessex stand loyally behind the new Queen, offering their fealty and support. There is also a strong ecclesiastic presence offering religious guidance and holy conviction, both at home and in the warhost. There are always those who would seek to exploit any weakness, or sow discord for their own fell purposes however, and the Queen must be wary as she seeks to restore the Realm that she is not led astray by the falsehoods and underhanded power plays of devious opportunists.

Famine and weakening of the Realm’s armies aside, Wessex is still a potent nation, known historically for its archers and boundless heroism in the face of danger. The realm is divided into ten Shires, each with its own seat of local power; Barrackshire, Battleshire, Boweshire, Briggshire, Castelshire, Havenshire, Hexamshire, Mersheshire, Rivershire and Templeshire. In addition to these is the small but powerful Borough of London, which contains the mighty City of London, largest trade city in Albion. Geographically unremarkable, Wessex is known to be a highly religious realm, though more tolerant than its southerly neighbour, Sussex. Worship of all the Albion Gods is welcome here, even those of the trickster god, Ranalf. The Shire Town of Canterbury is renowned for its temples to all eight of the gods of Albion, in particular the great and shining cathedrals to each of the Seven.