Philsus

Tucked away near the public docks of Balic sits a small bakery, little more than a counter in a wall, yet it is a well known spot among sailors, and new arrivals to the city are urged by their more experienced compatriots to visit Philsus the baker, the best in Balic (some claim.)

Those approaching the faded red and white striped awning over the simple wooden counter are treated to some truly fantastic smells. Philsus opens his counter before sunrise to serve the early-rising sailors and longshoremen of the city. His selection is limited to a dozen different pastries and rolls, but all are delicious. Sticky buns and sweet rolls are the best selling items he bakes, but for those lacking a sweet tooth, his flat rolls and flaky crescents are the favorites.

Philsus cooks everything on-site. He has two stacked ovens in the back of his shop, with a chimney puffing smoke into the air all morning, a beacon to hard working men and women to pay him a visit. He is often asked by sailors about to disembark on long trips to bake larger batches, and he obliges these requests, hoping his pastries will gain fame - and buyers - at other cites along the Silt Sea.

Philsus is a short, slightly overweight man with fair skin, always a bit red from the heat of the ovens. His hands and frock are forever covered with a thin layer of flour. He has a ready laugh and greets return customers with a hearty "hello" and ready meal.