I spent 6 hours playing last night.
Yeah - newb, indeed, 6 hours is nothing for this game Seriously, we don't have a down on new players here, any new convert to share our sad affliction is welcome, and it gives us a chance to share our "wisdom" one more time

So as no-one else seems to have mentioned it yet, the exception to the rule is the German (Holy Roman Empire) faction, which actually elects its leaders. Usually this is the last emperor's heir, but if the royal family dies out, then it will be the most capable general, so the faction continues. However, the HRE is about the most prone to civil wars, so I guess it balances out Also Muslim faction leaders are always married, no need to go hunting for a princess...