Mercier/Reflection
< Mercier
Contents
Family Background
Coming soon...
Clemenstone Vale and the 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. Many of the creeks are ephemeral. The valley has a number of small dams that serve local storage needs. The vale contains fertile black soils, and 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 even more 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 climate features dry summers and rainy winters, and is prone to flooding in times of extreme weather events as it borders Clemenstone Brook. In 960 AR, the vale experienced some of the worst flooding in its recorded history with farmers experiencing total crop failure. Many bridges were either completely gone or partially destroyed and House Mercier contributed significantly to their reconstruction.
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.
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
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
