The<em>thwip</em>of the bowstring is almost musical, the arrow perfectly arced... and perfectly deadly. The gnolls don't even see it coming... but as the arrow explodes with a sudden burst of flame, instantly killing one of their number, you see them... three gnolls (one dead now) and one thing that looks like it might have been a gnoll once. Now, though, it is a mutilated abomination, standing a full two heads taller than its companion, with eyes sewn shut and a hulking scythe hefted up on one shoulder. Strips of skin hang from one arm, and blood hangs from the flensing blade in its left hand...<br/><br/>Not only did they know where you were going,  but they sent a champion to meet you...