Mimic Infestation Hits Suburban Mailboxes

A quiet neighborhood in the suburbs of Waterdeep is on high alert after a swarm of mimics was discovered inhabiting the residential mailboxes. The creatures, typically found in dungeons guarding treasure chests, have adapted to suburban life by disguising themselves as standard issue wooden post boxes. Residents report opening their boxes to retrieve bills only to be snapped at by rows of sharp teeth. The local postal service has suspended delivery to the affected street until the creatures can be removed by a professional pest control wizard.

The infestation began when a wizard moved into the neighborhood and accidentally transmutated his own mailbox while practicing shape-changing spells. The spell spread to neighboring boxes through a shared wooden fence, causing a chain reaction. The mimics have proven difficult to remove, as they blend in perfectly with the wood grain and only move when no one is looking. Several mail carriers have required healing potions after being bitten on the fingers. The union is threatening to strike unless they are provided with plate mail gloves and hazard pay.

Interestingly, the mimics have developed demands. They refuse to release mail unless they are fed a steady diet of junk mail and catalogs. They seem to have a particular taste for parchment written in ink rather than printed material. Some residents have started feeding them old spellbooks to keep them docile, though this is illegal under the Conservation of Magical Knowledge Act. The city council is debating whether to classify the mimics as pets or pests, a distinction that carries significant tax implications.

Pest control wizards are attempting to lure the mimics away with larger chests filled with fake gold, but the creatures have become savvy to such tricks. One mimic was caught trying to open a neighbor's mailbox to steal their mail, suggesting they are evolving socially. The Postal Service has issued a statement advising residents to use a stick to open their boxes until further notice. They are also exploring the use of golem carriers who do not feel pain. Until the infestation is cleared, residents are advised to switch to digital communication via crystal ball, though the mimics are reportedly learning how to hack those as well.