A Tour of the Mandrake House -

"The house is three solid stories, all dark hardwood floors and wood-paneled walls. To my right you should find a set of oaken double doors, these lead into my library, to my left you should find the first hallway that leads into the kitchen. We'll start in the library."

Counting out his paces, the new owner opened the doors manually and stepped in. These were of the same wood paneling as the remainder of the house. All the way around the room, these walls were lined with bookshelves and packed four rows strong with books of every size and color.

"In here you'll find every book I've ever read that I could claim, note that some of these are almost as old as I am, so be very careful. They are sorted by age and then by alphabet, back to front."

Stepping into the middle of the room, Valic found himself in the midst of a carpet on which resided three dark green armchairs each with a small table and a lamp, as well as a small couch.

"This room has it's own personal touch. There is a weave I've created for security reasons that hide my more arcane collections elsewhere in this library. Nothing grand, it merely deals in perception. My demon bestiaries and whatnot are scattered throughout this room, sorted in the same fashion in as the other books. But to make sure I don't have guests over one day and they find a book telling them how to best kill a Malifeci, I have fashioned it where you may not ever see a book unless you know precisely what book you are looking for, yes?"

Valic smiled briefly and stepped back through the doorway. Generally he would have left them to do their own explorations, but there were a few things that needed mentioning before the others got here and the chaos of many bodies together in one room reared it's ugly head.

Continuing down the main hallway, these erstwhile explorers now ventured into the living room, a wide open space stood in the exact center of the house which connected the main hallway, the hallway that led directly into the kitchen, which also housed a bathroom, and two staircases. Around them in a semi-circle were three full sized couches, as well as two armchairs and a big screen TV.

"I really don't need all of these amenities, but to be perfectly honest I've been keeping up with the dealings in Sunnydale for quite a while now, thus I expected to house a few people. It goes without saying that young people in this age enjoy the telly profusely?"

Above them one could all the way to the third floor, as the center of the house was a square. Two staircases were situated on either side of the main entrance, the one they had stepped through, which led a slight curve the remaining two floors.

"The second floor houses the guests, as there are six guestrooms, three of which are situated directly above where we entered, with the other three situated just above my study on the opposite side.

"You may have any room you desire, they are equally furnished. The third floor houses my room, a small map room, and the rest is a large plain exercise room. I don't have any modern equipment, it is just a medium-sized room with a hardwood floor, one wall covered in mirrors and you will also find my armory in there as well, equal parts wood and steel."

Valic's Bedroom

Dojo

Walking further into the living room the tour guide de fossil gestured to the opposite end of living room from the main entrance. "Up those three stairs is the door to my study. Please bare with me and my peculiar habits, but if the door is open that means there is nothing particular so feel free to come and go for any reason whether I am in there or not.

"If the door is closed please knock first. It is more for your own safety, than my belief in propriety, believe me. The door is always open if I'm out of the house."

The 'habitual' oldster gestured vaguely in the direction of a wall. "The& CD player? Yes? That should be over there, I have speakers throughout most of house, so whatever you play, anyone can here anywhere, save the bedrooms and the basement."

He smiled, almost sheepishly. "A little much maybe but I enjoy music. Play whatever suits your fancy. It may be adaptable to your Opads or M16 players or what have you, I haven't a clue. The small discs you people use nowadays are befuddling enough as it is."

With that rather astute declaration, Valic seated himself in his favorite chair, The same stained oak as his cane with the two eagles at both heads and the dragon coiling round the back and legs. The back of the odd work of art faced the door to the study.

"You will find food and beverage of all kind in the kitchen, as well as beverages." Bushy white eyebrows hunkered down and his voice echoed a tone of cross warning.

"You can have anything you like& BUT, do not ever touch my Newcastle Brown Ale. It is clearly marked in bottles on the top shelf of the door on the refrigerator." ::It damn well better be or I'll hunt down those boys& ::

"I like my ale, and I like a lot of it. And I do not like to share - take one and I shall thrash you within an inch of your life, my promise to God. Any other beverage, alcoholic or otherwise is& how do you say, `up for grabs'?" Then the Scot relaxed with a smile.

"Now one more warning if I may: Behind the right staircase is a door that leads down into the basement." The smile faded slightly as something dark passed over his eyes. "Never go down there without my blessing or myself. It is where I keep my most prized and dangerous possessions. It is also heavily protected by Black Magic, so it will do more than just prevent your entry. Please do not even touch the door if you can help it."

Then sprouted a grin that denoted questionable sanity. "After all. blind as I am it would be rather annoying to have to pick up bits and pieces of either of you, AFTER I step on it." Chortled he, gaily. "That concludes the tour, so there should be no unpleasant surprises, as I said, you may stay here if you like."
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Details of the Study-->

Items From the Armory and Around the House-->