The ice has withdrawn, leaving behind opportunity, mud, and things best not discussed. The realm awakens — and with it, the need for the busy, the brave, and the bewildered.
1. Bridge Sweeper (Post-Thaw)
Clear mud, leaves, and forgotten mittens from the city bridges. Singing optional but appreciated by ducks.
Apply: Bureau of Public Ways, Bridge House No. 2, ask for Foreman Cobb.
2. Puddle Depth Surveyor
Measure and report the depths of newly formed puddles to aid in boot requisitions.
Apply: Ministry of Hydrological Curiosities, North Courtyard Office, bring ruler.
3. Bell Rope Dryer
Uncoil and dry cathedral bell ropes dampened by mist. Must not mistake them for serpents.
Apply: Cathedral Belfry Yard, after the morning peal.
4. Seed Sorter (Early Season)
Assist gardeners in sorting viable from suspicious seeds. Keen eye and lack of allergies preferred.
Apply: Palace Gardens Office, Greenhouse 2, ask for Mistress Petal.
5. Rain Barrel Inspector
Examine public barrels for cracks, frogs, and unauthorized poetry carved in the wood.
Apply: Office of Rain Collection, Stable Alley Gate.
6. Window Opener (Spring Contract)
Go about the city unsealing windows painted shut during the winter. Crowbar provided; tact required.
Apply: Department of Ventilation, Room 6½, knock twice then push hard.
7. Shoemaker’s Assistant (Mud Season Division)
Scrape, clean, and patch boots without judgment. Must tolerate the smell of damp humanity.
Apply: Treadwell’s Shoe Shop, Narrow Street, back bench.
8. Street Music Licenser
Issue permits to wandering minstrels, ensuring melodies remain within acceptable limits of decency and key.
Apply: Bureau of Cultural Harmony, South Hall Office.
9. Garden Snail Relocation Specialist
Relocate early snails to approved grazing zones. Compassion and patience essential.
Apply: Civic Garden Office, Plot D, behind the rhubarb.
10. Clock Lubricator (Seasonal Restart)
Apply oil to the town’s frozen clocks to restore punctuality and civic pride.
Apply: Office of Horological Affairs, behind the main tower stairs.
11. Market Sweeper (Mud Removal)
Sweep away the winter’s residue before commerce resumes. Pay in coin and gossip.
Apply: Market Wardens’ Shed, Stall Zero.
12. Itinerant Poet (Subsidized)
Compose brief, hopeful verses to be read aloud in muddy lanes. Must supply own quill and melancholy.
Apply: Ministry of Uplift, third floor window (the one with the geraniums).
13. Pond Frog Enumerator
Count and record the number of frogs returned to civic ponds. Must recognize a toad when seen.
Apply: Office of Natural Reckonings, Public Park Gatehouse.
14. Chimney Cap Fitter
Install new caps dislodged by thawing winds. Balance and sobriety necessary.
Apply: Roofer’s Guild, Yard 3, near the tar cauldron.
15. Herald of the Dawn (Trial Position)
Announce the morning sun each day until it grows bored of you.
Apply: Bureau of Optimism, Hallway 1, speak softly but brightly.