Orloch's Veterinary and Apothecary (oar- locks)

Orloch's exterior boasts the same unassuming wooden frontage as all the other timber-framed buildings in Skitterfjord. Only the vibrantly painted green door and distinctive gardens differentiate it. Despite it's humble appearance, the residents of the city know that in this small, green-doored building works one of the most proficient healers in all the kingdoms.

Design

Built with a timber A frame construction to shed the heavy rains and snows that the residents are constantly at odds with, it rises up two stories. The building is adorned with the knot work engravings and anthropomorphic images that can be found throughout the city.
Its slate shingles are well scrubbed and clear of moss. The cedar gutters funnel water towards two large barrels connected to an intricate set of irrigation pipes made of fired clay that spread through the gardens like roots of a tree. Its two chimneys, one in the front and one in the rear are soot covered and well used.
There four windows, two on either side of the main door. Each is adorned with cedar window boxes that are filled with different herbs and flowers, many a mystery to the untrained eye.

Entries

The main entry is unique in Skitterfjord, being painted a bright green. It is the only one in the city and it is intended to show the refreshing vibrant colour of health and renewal. The handle is fashioned of wrought iron in the form of ivy leaves. The weathered frame is engraved with vines intertwined with all varieties of flowers and herbs. Though both door and frame show signs of wear from the consistent battery by the elements they appear to have been recently repainted with great care.
A simple step of granite leads up towards the entry from the cobblestone street. It has been worn smooth in the centre with years of clawed and cloven feet passing over it.
To the rear is a smaller door, only three feet high. Its cedar is greyed with age and a simple iron handle adorns it. The carvings around it show the same care as the main entry though its colours are muted.

Sensory & Appearance

During the day the front chimney billows with consistent smoke that appears a darker grey than most of the other chimneys on homes nearby and smells sweetly of pine needles. The aroma of mint, lavender and lemon balm from the window boxes outside linger in the air as one passes the door.

History

Constructed forty five years ago it is one of the older buildings in Skitterfjord. Built under the explicit instructions of Orloch the Apothecary, they positioned the building so that the front windows would receive the best light for the growing of medicinal plants in the large window boxes. The peaked roof slopes into gutters that fill the rain barrels for the side gardens which provide the medicines.
Since its inception, Orloch has been providing care to all those that need it in the community, trading skills as both a herbalist and veterinarian to all those who require assistance.

Type

Apothecary

Environmental Effects

The area around the Apothecary emanates a sense of natural calm. Its affect amongst the other buildings is like that of spring meadow in the bottom of quarry, a startling display of life. The herbs and flowers have started to spread over the years from its gardens through the cobblestones giving the effect of life blooming from the building. Life itself is attracted to the area in the form of bees and all manner of butterflies dancing through the displaced wilderness.