Name: Magnolia Rae

Class: Caretaker Warlock, Pact of the Forgotten

Race: Human

Level: 2

XP to next level: 0/200

Current quests:

* Enter Tova Manor.

I found myself standing before an imposing, dark mahogany door. This magnificent door was adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and mysterious symbols, skillfully etched into the wood. Flanking the door were two tall torches. Flickering purple flames jumped to life at our approach and cast dancing shadows across the ornate carvings. As I reached out, the brass doorknob felt cool to the touch, and as I turned it, the door began to open slowly, as if inviting me into a world filled with wonder and enchantment. Or death, it might have just been inviting me to my death.

The entryway was dimly lit with a few sputtering torches, casting long, dancing shadows on the cracked marble floor. The air was thick with dust and cobwebs, and the atmosphere was heavy with a sense of forgotten magic and ancient secrets. It was a hard feeling to put into words, magic in the air and all around me, especially coming from a world without it. The walls were adorned with faded tapestries depicting scenes of mythical creatures and long-lost battles, adding to the mysterious ambiance of the place. Despite the neglect and decay, there was an undeniable aura of power that lingered within the abandoned manor's entrance, hinting at the incredible history that had unfolded within its walls.

In the middle of the room was a quaint circular table adorned with an ancient-looking scroll resting on top.

“I take it I’m supposed to take that.”

“Willow do it.”

I scooped up Willow and grabbed it for myself.

“This is mommy’s,” I said as I settled her onto my hip. “I think.”

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Quest complete: Enter Tova Manor

Your patron is- system error.

I am pleased.

Reward granted: 50 XP

Reward granted: Tova Manor.

Others will recognize you as its rightful owner. Be good to her and she will protect you.

The ancient scroll crumbled and disintegrated into a fine, shimmering dust.

I wish I had been given the power of a spell to command, or maybe even a trusty sword by my side. Although, I didn’t have any experience with either.

“Okay ladybug,” I said giving her my full attention. “Brand new, very old, house. Where do we start?”

“Treasure hunt?”

“No baby, we can’t play treasure hunt right now but let's look around and see what we find.”

Water.

Kitchen.

Bedroom.

Something resembling a bathroom.

And maybe a library. Libraries contain knowledge and I was in desperate need of that.

My body tensed up as I felt a cold, wet sensation make contact with my ankle. It wasn't just a light touch; it felt like something was coiling around it. My eyes moved down my body to see a tongue around my ankle. My eyes then followed the tongue to the table.

I played D and D.

I knew a mimic when it was attacking me.

Pain bloomed from behind my eyes as my head hit the stone floor. As if drawn by the irresistible allure of catnip on a scratching post, Luci pounced on the table, claws extended, leaving behind a trail of shredded fabric and splintered wood. It released me to go after the cat. I scrambled away.

“Lucipurr off,” I yelled as my hand wrapped around a candlestick. If I expected him to listen to me during a fight when he ignored me about my kitchen counters, I was wrong. “Willow, get on the stairs and close your eyes.”

She listened at least.

The tongue flicked blindly above it as it tried to find my cat but he was always just out of reach. Luci scratched then moved, scratched then moved. I went for a leg. It splintered with a loud crack to reveal a tentacle.

Do mimics whimper?

That was definitely the sound it made.

For a brief moment, I observed the creature. It was toothless and one of its eyes was clearly absent. I couldn't help but feel compassion for it. Wait, did I?

Part of the manor. Part of your problem.

“Luci stop.” I dropped the candlestick and picked up my oversized cat. He tried to scratch me but I scooped him into my arms and rubbed his back until he began to purr.

On three wooden and one tentacle leg, the table ran away.

“Protect Willow,” I said as I sat him down. “I think I need to check on the table.”