The M.E.R.C.

In the wake of the collapsed Empire of Pickleseed, the inhabitants of the Heartland and surrounding areas began to resurface. One such faction was the M.E.R.C., which had flown under the radar of the encroaching colonists by retreating to the extensive cave systems below its former territory. After the Emperor and Pickleseed's death, the Empire withdrew from the area and the members of the M.E.R.C. began to populate the surface of its home territory, Oakheart Ridge, once again. The country is governed by the Mercadian Underground.

## Citizens

### Civilians

JumpyJay, Pepper2, sebbst, Lego526, DriftLizard811, Jacob77346, and one other

The faction's name is an acronym, standing for Mercenary Efficiency Research Combine. It is dedicated to the premise that natural resources are not to be taken for granted, and those who are deemed wasteful do not deserve to walk upon the land. Having lost their most powerful possessions, the M.E.R.C. rebuilt its infrastructure from the ground up, eager to regain its former glory in the absence of the Empire. Having dwelled in the subterranean realms for months, the M.E.R.C. were well versed in mining techniques and soon had access to a wealth of tools and armor. Rival factions also arose during this time, but they mostly stayed out of each others' ways for a while.

One rising faction was Seragoth, whose location had been kept secret all through the Empire's reign over the area. The M.E.R.C. had been aware of them for some time, but were eager to size up their rivals. This proved to be fruitless, as Seragoth appeared to have gone to great lengths to conceal its location. The M.E.R.C. continued to pursue the coordinates of the mysterious faction for quite some time.

A nearby village, glad to be free from the rule of the PRP, happily joined the M.E.R.C.'s cause. However, zombie hordes, also eager to be free of the powerful emissaries of the Empire, quickly tore through the village's weak iron golem defenses and slaughtered many villagers. Four survived, two of which were holed up in houses. Another remained stuck in a flower pot for 11 days straight, and the other would mysteriously vanish and reappear days later.

JumpyJay quickly forged a powerful sword, believing that their cause was for naught if their influence was not felt. Around this time, the location of an abandoned base was discovered, which ended up belonging to Corruscade, a band of neutral individuals who did not want to be under the rule of a powerful faction. The leader of the relatively unknown Commerce Guild, Lego526 also met with the leader of the M.E.R.C. and the two became allies, although the Commerce Guild has since hidden themselves away for an unknown reason. Lego said that if Seragoth was to ever break the Civilian Limit Pact, the M.E.R.C. could legally absorb them.

The M.E.R.C. then shifted its focus back to industry, creating automated farms to increase the reaping of sugar cane and lava, which were quickly becoming necessary for books and fuel, respectively. Many sheep were also stripped of their wool and used to create beds, a powerful tool for excavating netherite from the Nether, which was quickly used for major upgrades. The M.E.R.C.'s leader quickly had a full set of Netherite armor, and his second-in-command followed suit. Having believed to have secured enough of an advantage, they focused more on inter-faction relations once again.

An initiative began to discover Seragoth, because after the reveal of Corruscade by its leader, it was the only faction left undiscovered. After extensive search of the Nether, a lucky glance managed to spot an exposed corner of Seragoth's portal, marking the day when Seragoth had officially been discovered. Nothing came of this discovery, as the M.E.R.C. found nothing of use and kept it a secret. The M.E.R.C. believed that if Seragoth was hiding from the factions, it was surely hiding something. The faction's leader regularly visited Seragoth until the Archmage closed Seragoth's borders and demanded they be left alone. What they were hiding turned out to just be a large castle, so the M.E.R.C. let them be.

Shortly after this, the Civilian Limit Pact was broken by Seragoth when they acquired a fifth member in Bootman, which the M.E.R.C. saw as a threat. In compliance with their agreement with the Commerce Guild, the M.E.R.C. absorbed the guild, making them into the M.C.R.D., or the Mercenary Commerce Research Division. Seragoth claimed that one of their members, Bassman, did not count as being in their guild because he hadn't been seen in a while, and thus the pact had not been broken. However, Bassman still had an active position in their government, so JumpyJay dismissed this. This started the Limit Conflicts.