Cryptic crossword No 2,391

A lot to like here, my top pick is 13a - very smooth surface. Also liked 5a, 12a, 24a, 3d, 16d, 17d. Thanks, I hope you post more. A few questions ...

Welcome to MyCrossword Pyewacket. Certainly a good puzzle for your debut, with a variety of devices and drawing on various cultures. I particularly liked 12a, 13a, 24a, 3d, 17d among others. Some niggles, which I'll elaborate in 'reply' field to avoid spoilers for other solvers. Very helpful to have put in the annotated solutions to better understand your thinking.

Thanks Pyewacket & congrats on an impressive debut. There was much I liked including 12a, 24a, 3d, 8d, 15d, & 17d. More in reply.