Historical Overview
Founding
In 450AR, House Semillon marched on
Surlee in the
1st Semillon Usurpation War against
House Braelea. One of the major causes of this uprising was strong Braelea control of the Blossom Fields' wine business. Wine, a major export of the
Vinelands as a whole, formed a crucial source of income for smaller houses. House Braelea used this to their advantage through a strict system of licensing and exports, making most of the wine flow through the Arm, in their seat of Surlee.
While this may seem restrictive, House Semillon was hardly impacted, as their wine production was average for the region. Their main source of income was the
Free Company, one of the few standing armies in the Age of Rule, which they rented out for immense profit. However, to build support amongst lesser houses for their uprising, they agitated around the wine monopoly, and promised to end it.
Upon coming to power, House Semillon found they were in a position to do what House Braelea had not, and efficiently crack down on smuggling, which they were previously a beneficiary of, through the use of their Free Company. With no other minor house able to resist, the monopoly on wine exporting was not only perpetuated but enhanced by House Semillon.
Monopoly
Rather than follow the cumbersome licensing system of House Braelea, House Semillon sought to consolidate exportation under the Blossom Fields Bottlers, owned by themselves. By backing a company with the power of the house, the Semillons were able to more efficiently crack down on smuggling, and make sure that purchases went through their own men. Unlike many house-backed companies, such as the
Merchants' & Traders' Trust or the
Pike & Sons Co., management is not deferred to an appointed minor house, rather the Bottlers follow the Semillon theme of delegating to a cousin or son, and keeping it in the family. Headquartered at the
Aure Halls, the Bottlers are a major source of income for the house, and one of the most prominent businesses in the Halls.
Comments