Bait & Switch: Trap or Monster?
by Jonathan Palmer
At first glance, it looks to be nothing more than a sword rack, masterfully carved from a single piece of dark wood, holding weapons in stylized arms. However, approaching the sword rack, it comes to life as its arms unfold to wield the sharp payload. It bounces menacingly towards you, flourishing the blades with an uncanny skill.
The master swordsrack is an example of a creature made through magical accident. The original was a simple animated piece of furniture made to protect a noble’s treasured magical weapon collection from thieves…
Instead of leaves, the gnarled black tree grew sharp, metallic slivers, ringing out like a thousand tiny bells in a constant trickle of wind. Stronger gusts often cause a razor or two to disconnect, falling lazily and slicing blades of grass in its descent. The accumulation of dismembered birds that lay by the tree in shapeless stacks of red ruin are a testament to their deadliness. 
The shopkeeper looked at the leopard-spotted dog sitting outside his shop, and he found himself oddly compelled to leave his shop so he could pet the sad-looking animal. The dog sat there while he consoled it and asked it where its owner was. Suddenly, a sharp whistle sounded to his left, and the dog trotted off toward the sound. The shopkeeper watched the animal wistfully before returning to his shop, where he discovered his most expensive wares had been stolen.
Trebuchets are the dominant siege engine in parts of the world. They have advantages over many other weapons, including longer range, the ability to throw a variety of objects, easy maintenance, and variable power.
“The door was thick—made of stone, I think—but I could still hear it. Damn my soul, I could still bloody hear it.” 