Jeriba Sachet (JERR-ih-bah)

Keep Jeriba always near your doors, and tie it 'round your neck

— Gression Folk Saying

Of all the creatures warped by magic, one of the most noisome and dangerous is the Orpus, or Chitter. Found primarily in the Gression region of Polira, these armoured, rat-sized creatures travel in packs and can take down large prey as a swarm.
For years, they proved a deadly danger to those trying to rebuild their lives. Difficult to kill due to their plated shells, their likely rat ancestry is visible in their sharp teeth and voracious appetite. They are known to kill children, and even adults if the pack is large enough.
It is said that one day a settler planted Jeriba in their yard, admiring the purple blossoms and fragrant smell. This settler had a young daughter that was playing in the yard one day, while he hung the wash. Called back inside for a few minutes, he emerged to see a swarm of Chitters barrelling towards his child. The settler seized a scythe and was prepared to do battle to save his youngling when the Chitters stopped dead, sniffed the air, and scurried away. This was the beginnings of the Jeriba sachet.
The sachet is simple in construction, but an absolute necessity in areas where Chitters roam. A powder of dried, ground Jeriba flowers poured into a cloth bag, frequently unbleached muslin, although fancier versions exist for those of fashion, it is kept in a pouch, pocket, or simply tied around the neck with string. In the event one encounters a pack of Orpoi, the sachet is thrown at the ground in front of the swarm. The scent that exudes from the small sack is enough to send even the most determined group running, and the sachet can then be safely retrieved.
Sachets are common gifts for newborns, and often the cradle is full of such aromatic bags. Some folks carry two or three, just in case, but even a small sachet is effective. You can always tell a Gression native by the sachet around their neck, and often the very poor are gifted with sachets as an act of charity.
There are other ways to deal with Orpoi, but they require specialized weapons and strength in numbers. In the meantime, the citizens of the Gression region go to sleep every night with the sweet smell of Jeriba wreathing their necks, safe from harm.

by Nightflyer0ne via Midjourney

A Decorated Sachet

Item type

Survival

Current Location

Gression

Raw materials & Components

Dried, ground Jeriba flowers
Muslin or other cloth
String