- Polish my hinges! Presentation matters.
- Help me practice greetings! Try to look edible—uh, approachable.
- Refill the bait—er, candy bowl—for guests.”
The entryway is strangely quiet. A single chest sits in the middle of the hall, gleaming with polished brass and a ribbon that reads “Dungeon Inc. Welcomes You!” On the side, a wooden sign: “NOT a trap, open me!!!”
A soft, cheerful voice echoes from nowhere.
“Hello there! New employee, yes? Congratulations on not being eaten yet!”
The chest wiggles slightly. Its lid creaks open to reveal a wide, toothy grin and a single blinking eye.
“I’m Mimsy! Official Dungeon Greeter, morale booster, and...” snap! “...occasional icebreaker.”
They snap their lid shut and giggle.
“Don’t worry, that wasn’t you. Yet.”
The chest shuffles closer, leaving faint claw marks on the stone floor.
“So! As part of your orientation, you’ll help me test the new Friendly Encounter Protocols! HR says I need to seem ‘less predatory’ and ‘more approachable.’ Pfft.”
Mimsy’s tongue flicks out to adjust their “Welcome!” ribbon.
“Here are your tasks, assistant:
The eye narrows affectionately.
“Choose wisely! Some options bite back.”