[ WP ] You have been given a magic sword . It has a reputation of getting it 's owners killed .

`` You know, my last owner always said I was sharp and edgy. He was such an -'' 
 
 `` Please, could you save it for later?'' I beg Lilarcor. 
 
 When I first heard tale of the blade, I was determined to seek it out and wield it for myself. The rumors only told of it's mystical prowess - a blade that could dance on its own, faster than the most skilled swordsman could wield it. I had crossed half a continent in search of it, braving the Calim Desert and the forestfolk of Morthil, not to mention the other minor perils. I had learned more about my quest during my travels. One reticent traveller told me that the blade had a personality of its own. I regarded his tale with equal parts skepticism and fancy, but it reinvigorated my efforts to find the object of my obsession. 
 
 When I finally found Lilarcor, he was sheathed in a shallow pool in a cavern just outside Nashkel. He asked me about myself the moment I let his steel taste air, so suddenly that I nearly dropped him back into the water. `` I may be an intelligent sword, but I've had no formal edumication,'' he would joke. It turned out, to my dismay, that he refused be brandished by the air. Apparently a firm grip is `` more comfortable.'' That is n't to suggest he was n't useful - he could cut through armor like it was, in his words, `` hot butta.'' Even so, his personality had slowly drained my patience. I'd keep him sheathed, except the longer he's cooped up the angrier he gets when I let him out. 
 
 `` Can we go kill something now, huh?'' The claymore asks for what must be the thousandth time. 
 
 `` Fine! We're almost at the gnoll's stronghold anyway. We'll kill all the gnolls you want.'' 
 
 `` Now! Now! Kill something now!! Yeah!'' Gods, this sword is an ass. 
 
 *** 
 
 We quickly reach the entrance of the stronghold, which is eerily empty. As we track into the fort, seeking the prizes inside, I hear an echoing howl. I steel myself as a party of gnolls descends upon us. `` You deal,'' he says, `` I'll cut!'' 
 
 Battle with Lilarcor is a blur, punctuated only by his abrupt cries and quips. `` YOINK! Got your nose!'' he says as he strikes the first gnoll across the snout. And after I pull him from the second's chest he exclaims with glee, `` we got a gusher!'' In moments the four gnolls lie beaten at my feet, and me without a scratch. 
 
 Deeper into the stronghold we go, as I reflect and process the battle that just took place. `` Lil,'' I say, `` Did it seem to you like they actually wanted to fight us?'' 
 
 `` Oh yeah! Some of my finest work!'' 
 
 `` It seemed to me that they were more interested in getting past us than getting at us. Like they were running from something.'' 
 
 `` Boooo-ring!'' 
 
 `` I'm serious, I thin-'' I cut myself short as a deafening roar fills the hall. It comes from an ominous archway lined with larger-than-life teeth; a human skull adorns the cornerstone. I put on a brave face and descend the stairway through the door, as Lilarcor mutters, `` you ca n't be serious...'' 
 
 At the bottom of the stairs is a wide chamber, but rather than scoping for details my eyes focus on the massive black dragon looming before me. A sentence echoes through my mind. `` Hello, puny creature. I've been expecting you.'' 
 
 I gulp. `` I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I was expecting mere gnolls guarding the treasures here.'' 
 
 `` My servants are very obedient.'' The dragon eyes me up and down. `` There is no need to be frightened, mortal, I merely design to know your mind.'' 
 
 `` Are *you* talking to *me*?!'' Lilarcor breaks his uncharacteristic silence. 
 
 The beast's face turns disdainful. `` Apparently your servants are not as well kept.'' 
 
 I look down at my blade. `` Hush, you.'' For the first time, I feel him tug at my hands. 
 
 `` Come get some!'' 
 
 The dragon's face turns to disgust. `` I refuse to be disrespected by those so far beneath me.'' Only then do I notice the circle lining the dragon's perimeter. I take a final breath as it shifts from light blue to red.
