Approximately ten minutes ride east of Riverfall is Vytoria’s Conservatory. Used primarily by the healers of the city to obtain herbs from a controlled environment, many areas of the establishment are often quiet. Offering several services in addition to the purchase of herbs and various other plants, the conservatory can be considered a local hub of endeavors involving plants and fungus. From ingredients, to gardening, to laboratory services, the conservatory offers it all.
The primary structure lays 100 or so meters back from the main eastbound road to Riverfall. Its distinctive glass domes and stone blocks rest amongst towering trees and bushes. Farmland eats up the distance between the road and conservatory, providing an important service for Riverfall. This land is never planted with a uniform crop, and neither is it a single plot. Instead, the conservatory has divided the land into many sections that can be rented for use by a family. Because Riverfall’s surrounding area is not exactly conducive to agriculture, the conservatory provides a controlled field for individual Akalak to provide for their families. This farmland is superior in quality to that of the surrounding area because the conservatory staff maintains the soil, ensuring it does not become degraded with overuse. Each plot is approximately 10x10 meters and costs 20 gm per season to rent. Tasks such as watering, weeding, and harvesting are done by the renter, but the conservatory staff is available for advice and tips on any aspect of the process. Between the far superior soil implemented by the conservatory, and the professional advising, renting is often quite worth the price.
As one continues down the dirt road that cuts through the farmland and to the conservatory, they will often notice Akalak or other residents working on their plots. The large premise is surrounded by a low wall to divide it from the farmland that surrounds it. The dirt path turns to one of small river rocks as it continues to the square stone structure that lies in the center of this maze like complex.
The lobby is rather austere, nothing but the oak receptionist’s desk and two chairs against the opposite wall to serve as furnishings. Nobody has bothered to polish the interior, leaving the stone walls unfinished with wood and paint; though the floor has been worn smooth over the years. Another door on the opposite side of the lobby leads deeper into the conservatory. An elderly Akalak with a noticeable limp when he walks would greet prospective visitors and customers, inquiring as to their business at the conservatory. While not overly friendly, neither is he as rough as his working area. Upon asking for rental space, he will assign the customer a plot and ask for vital information such as their name and location within the city. If the customer requires an advising appointment, he will often direct you out into the labyrinthine conservatory grounds to find a gardener that is not busy. If the appointment cannot be made, it is possible to arrange one at a later date. The same procedure of finding a gardener is followed when the customer requires ingredients. The gardener will inquire as to what you require, and harvest it in the manner least harmful to the plant. This is to help maintain the conservatory’s primary goal of keeping rare and local plants from extinction. Laboratories are, surprisingly, unsupervised once rented- it is the conservatory’s job to care about how the plants are picked, not what happens to them once they are in the customer’s hands. A simple laboratory is 30 gm to rent for a day, while an elaborate laboratory runs for 50 gm.
The conservatory grounds outside of the lobby is a vast maze of trees, bushes, plants, fungi, ferns, and many other forms of plants. The same river rock path that led the customer in now carries them along winding trails. Small stone structures built in a style similar to the lobby dot the grounds, serving as equipment sheds or laboratories. Both structures are kept under permanent lock accessible only by the gardener’s and renters. Once a lab has been leased, a key will be handed out to allow access to it. Glass domes also permeate the area, nestled behind the foliage. These contain special specimens that either require a specific environment or would kill other species. Two ponds containing aquatic specimens also lurk amongst the jungle that is the conservatory. While this area is often quiet (as opposed to the farmland outside), it is not uncommon to stumble upon the occasional conversation between gardener’s.
The conservatory currently has a job opening listed with the Labor Aid. The title is that of “Apprentice Gardener” and has a pay range of 2-5 gm per day. Housing is not included, however free access to common plant components and a plot are extended as part of the offer. Specialists such as those with knowledge of cooking, medicine, or poisons shall also be considered for a reduced pay rate.
NPCs
Name: Ailodes
Race: Human
DoB: 478 (34 YO)
PoB: Riverfall
Title: Proprietor - Head Gardener
Skills: Gardening 78; Philtering 45; Poison 39; Medicine 30
Gnosis: Avalis 3
While Vytoria has long since died, her granddaughter continues to run the conservatory in her stead. Though where her ancestor was a bold leader hoping to establish a resource for the healers of Cyphrus, Ailodes just wants to be with her plants. Seemingly more interested in the plant life than the cause of healing wounded Akalak, the girl is quite taciturn even if skilled. In her seven years as head gardener (after her mother died), Ailodes has turned the conservatory into a healer's number one resource into a true haven for plants; though it still caters well to disciples of Rak'keli. Ailodes does not handle public situations well, but she is still rather dependent on her friends in the conservatory. As such, she is tentative to hire new faces, but has recently needed to due to an accidental poisoning.
Horicant
Name: Horicant
Race: Akalak
DoB: 423 (89 YO)
PoB: Riverfall
Title: Receptionist
Skills: Business 54; Accounting 34; Negotiation 30; Lakan 28
Gnosis: Bala 1
Horicant has been unable to reproduce since an injury he received long ago. As such, he has grown to accept his low status, and received a job working outside the city for a boss that would not judge him. However he is still constantly attacked and ridiculed by his other half, Tujok. While Tujok is unable to fully seize control from Horicant, he still often barrages his other half with insults and mockery because of their situation. Many people see the good brother in this Akalak as the evil one, because while Horicant is always in control, Tujok often makes it a point to ruin his day and make him irritable. He just takes life one day at a time though, and has become good friends with Ailodes
Pay Rates
The pay is as follows:
5 gm for Competent or better in one of the follow: gardening, herbalism, philtering. 4 gm for 15-25 in one of the following: gardening, herbalism, philtering. 4 gm for competent in one of the following: cooking, medicine, poison. 2 gm for 15-25 in one of the following: cooking, medicine, poison. Applicants with lesser skills shall not be considered.
*Credits to Puck
