Welcome February

January is almost over and with it, the first thirty-one entries for Petrichor 365!  Now we move in February which gets its name from the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa performed at this time of year.  Note that the Romans considered February an ill-omened month which is why it is only twenty-eight days long (and also my birth month, take that as you will). 

Normally, I use the theme of curses for February but that may be subsumed into the whole Petrichor 365 thing, we will see.

What was published in the journal in January 2023, which due to Perrichor 365 has quite a lot, was the following:

Wyn Tarmo, Letter Writer (Petrichor 365)

On the corner of the market under a small shelter can be found the letter writers, the most respected of whom in Wyn Tarmo.

Wyn Tarmo is an older man, how old it is hard to say, but he is still spry and his green-amber eyes are clear, his ears sharp, and his hand steady.  All important qualifications in a letter writer.  His greying hair is tied back and his clothes plain, the only thing notable is his writing kit.

Tuesday Magic Item – Spirit Hunter’s Candle

Gollaon lit the candles and placed it inside a lantern.  “Cannot risk an errant breeze putting this out.”

Voddick shook his head.  “How did I let you talk me into spirit hunting again?”

“And the purse of gold has nothing to do with it?”

Voddick just grumbled.

Spirit Hunter’s Candle

These candles have an odd sheen to their wax, which is usually black or dark red, they are difficult to extinguish once lit.

Neko and Hund Outfitters (Petrichor 365)

On the main road out of Port Imperial -it has actually been paved and runs out through the first gate constructed for the walls that, will eventually, enclose the land side of the city- is a stout building made of mixed stone with iron-bound doors and a slate roof.  The windows are narrow and additionally blocked with iron bars.  A sign above the main door has the silhouette of a cat and a hound above a crossed pick and shovel and on the door is “Neko and Hund Outfitters.”

Alacon’s Boarding House (Petrichor 365)

While this bonding house once had quite a nice location but now it is wedged between two warehouses and its view of the harbor blocked by other new construction.  It is a three-story building that has been repaired a surprising number of times for a structure that has only been around for five years.

Originally built by Gis Alacon, at only two stories, with their settlement pay from their position as the second mate of a cargo ship.  Seeing a gap in the market for housing, the boarding house was the result, two years later, another story was added.

Six, Gambler (Petrichor 365)

“Come and try your luck, a winner every time!  Come and throw the dice and win some coins!“

Where there are people willing to take risks for money and people who have suddenly made too much money, you will usually find gambling.  And one of those gamblers is the enigmatic figure known simply as Six.

Arrun the Fisher (Petrichor 365)

Things are always busy on the docks, even at night, but one of the constants is Arrun the Fisher.  He arrived on a small boat, badly damaged from a storm, and just stayed.

Arrun is of average height and thin but is stronger than he looks.  His clothes are worn and his greying brown hair hangs to his neck.  His eyes are grey-blue and often have a faraway look to them.   Arrun always has a couple of knives on his person, several fishing poles, a basket, and a couple of small nets.  Sometime while he is fishing he will produce a pipe and some shag and have a smoke, such is usually a sign that he is in a good mood.

Three Stars Stable and Hire (Petrichor 365)

Sometimes, you need a horse or another sort of mount or pack animal.  One such place to buy such, or hire for local use, is the Three Stars Stable.  They have been in business for around five years, continually adding to the building and their stock.

Their business model is simple, they sell mounts and pack animals to those going out at slightly inflated prices and then repurchase them on the cheap when the venturers return and do not want to pay to keep them stabled and cared for.  Or they make money stabling them, in either case, profit!  As an additional sideline, they rent out wagons and carts to locals who need to move things but do not want the expense of owning their own.  They will also sell such vehicles to those going out of town.

Commodore Pharos (Petrichor 365)

While he is not always in port, his presence is always felt through his command of the Imperial Navy ships that visit Port Imperial.  Commodore Pharos is far too much of a sailor to stay ashore any longer than is required for his duties.

Much is said about Pharos, but how much is legendary and how much is the truth is hard to say, what is known is that he is an old earthkine.  How old?  Over eight hundred years it is said. If the stories are to be believed, he joined the Imperial Navy in the second century of the Empress’ rule as a midshipman during the Grand Spiral Progression.

The Port Guard (Petrichor 365)

The Port Guard are the closest thing Port Imperial has to a constabulary but even they primarily serve as the enforcement arm of the Imperial Bureaucracy that oversees the actual port of Port Imperial, keeping ships safe and making sure that the proper taxes and fees are paid.

Their numbers have grown over time from an initial force of twelve to seventy-five or so now.  They are glorified civil servants, not soldiers, though the Imperial forces give they weapon training weekly at Fort Ajzure, their role is to watch and intimidate and fight only if necessary.