Mercier/Reflection

Family Background

Coming soon...

Clemenstone Estate

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. Naturally the house sigil, the mockingbird, is native to the area.

The Family Business

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.

Cultivated crops

• alfalfa
• barley
• corn
• grapes (obviously)
• potatoes
• strawberries
• tomatoes
• wheat

Flowers

• bee balm
• false indigo
• hibiscus
• iris
• rain lily
• royal catchfly
• swamp lily
• woodland phlox

Herbs

• basil
• chamomile
• lavender
• mint
• rosemary
• tarragon
• thyme

Orchards

• apples
• lemons
• limes
• oranges
• peaches
• pears
• tangerines