[ Oh, good. If Gideon thinks that monsters and monster-hunting are topics of interest, they'll have plenty to talk about.

Ciri is glad she doesn't press about the scar. Instead, she carries on with her change of subject more easily and with some enthusiasm, gesturing vaguely with her free hand as she takes another gulp. The ale is cold, and she appreciates that; she's noticed taverns in Cadens usually manage to keep it cold even in this desert heat, which is impressive, whether it's machinery or magic or both. ]

Giant scorpions. Haven't seen 'em yet, but I'm assured they're big enough to warrant the moniker. Wolves and wildcats too, I think. Not sure how far out or how much trouble they cause, though.

The ones I'm most interested in are beasts I've never heard of before. But I've been asking around. Picked up some books, too. Some armored bastards called 'chaigon' and big mean birds that go after travelers.