Difference between revisions of "Mercier/Reflection"

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== Clemenstone Vale and the Estate ==
 
== Clemenstone Vale and the Estate ==
[[File:Estateresized.png|thumbnail|right|250 px|Clemenstone Estate Manorial Residence]]
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[[File:Estateresized.png|thumbnail|right|250 px|Clemenstone Estate manorial residence]]
 
The Mercier home away from home: the true source of their power.
 
The Mercier home away from home: the true source of their power.
  

Revision as of 17:17, 16 January 2017

House Mercier

Mercier Mockingbirds


Family Background

Coming soon...

Clemenstone Vale and the Estate

Clemenstone Estate manorial residence

The Mercier home away from home: the true source of their power.

Initially a small homestead built in 760 AR, it has grown into sprawling 105 acre farmlands and a large estate as the Mercier fortunes multiplied. It rests along a tributary of the Gray River, in the foothill woodland zone between Arx and Ashford Keep. Its manorial residence is a rectangular "maison forte" (strong house) flanked by four cylindrical towers with 'pepper-pot' roofs, surrounded by water-filled moats, with a park, stables, two pavilions, a vineyard and winery. The region it resides in is generally known as the Clemenstone Vale (or simply 'the Vale').

There are many farmsteads and hamlets dotting the area (always around its numerous river and creek valleys), but there are no cities or large settlements. There are chalk downlands in the east of the region which the family has cultivated into agricultural limestone - also known as “aglime” - which is utilized in their fertilizer to reduce soil acidity and make it very versatile for farming. It also possesses a notable supply of good and cheap coal.

The woodlands are varied and rich in plant life. The ecoregion contains areas of grass, chaparral shrublands, savanna dotted with oak, oak woodlands, serpentine soil communities, closed-cone pine forest with small patches of mountain conifers, wetland, marsh, and riverside forest.

Over seventy species of mammals dwell in the rich ecoregion. The endemic mammals include three species of kangaroo rat. Some hundred species of birds occur in Clemenstone Vale and naturally the house sigil, the mockingbird, is native to the area.

The Family Business

The Mercier farmlands and vineyards

The Merciers primarily deal in the wine trade - particularly in white and sparkling wines - but have dabbled in the tea and flower trade in recent years. Their business does particularly well in the "wedding season" (spring and summer) due to their wines being exceptional in quality but also affordable to the more well-to-do commoner caste.

They grow many of the ingredients they use on their own land, cutting import costs and exporting crops to nearby regions to spread their influence.

They ship most of their products via boats down the Gray River and through merchant caravans.


Known Arx Ventures
  • Mercier Woodworks: Carpentry shop, operated by Silas Mercier
  • Mercier Tea Shop: Tea and curio shop, operated by Bethany Mercier, joint-owned by House Valardin/Mercier
  • Mercier Shelter: City shelter, operated by Mercier servants
  • Mercier Warehouse: General storehouse, joint-owned by House Thrax/Mercier
  • Mercier Garden/Lab: Research center

Creating a Mercier: Recommended Attributes

A young Mercier merchant prince
Name themes: English, Greek, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek

Fealty: Grayson, Velenosa (far less common)
Social Rank: 7
Religion: Gild; Pantheon
Eye Color: Blue, Green/Hazel
Hair Color: Blonde, Brown
Skin Tone: Fair tones
Height: Male = 5'8" - 6'0", Female = 5'4" - 5"8"
Home Region: Clemenstone Vale, Arx, Ashford, Bastion, Pride Hall, Old Oak, Nilanza, Caith