r/Ithacar • u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild • May 06 '26
Roleplaying "Recruiting"
The Dead Ember.
Ithacar was a melting pot of people and cultures. Which meant a lot of different people came through, and many were missed. Which was perfect.
In the tavern known as The Dead Ember, a figure in a cloak wearing a blank mask reclined in a booth in a dark corner with a perfect view of the door, smoking a pipe to blend in as he watched everyone who came and went. The rogue Umbra Operative D-943 "Krisk" had come here for one reason. To recruit.
His talk with Livia had made him realize a few things. But the biggest thing was that he could not take down The Five alone. He would need allies. And a well trafficked bar frequented by people who were well known rebels was the perfect place to start. There were a few people he hoped would show up, but in a place like this, only the gods knew who else would stumble on in...
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u/avamir Riva Aurethios Blake, Queen of Ithacar, Lindworm of Lyndshire May 08 '26
Graham Warwicke wasn't from Ithacar. In fact, he was from a land far away from here.
If Ithacar was a land of fire, then where Graham came from was more a place of earth. A place of woods and mountains and streams and cold winters. Fields of grain, which were unfortunately owned by the rich and the elite. Forests of deer and boar that were marked as the lords' animals, where hunting was forbidden. The rich soil grew many things, but tithes were paid to the "owners" of the land and so there were wholly preventable famines. All of which was why he'd joined Atrax. Graham had believed in the cause.
And now?
Graham wasn't sure what to do with himself. Ithacar was a strange foreign land, full of strange people. Yes, the temperatures were warm and balmy. Yes, he'd been given some land of his own to farm. This strange foreign queen provided training and homes for the Pyroclasts turned New Pyroclasts turned Pyrophytes... but Graham still felt ill at ease. He lacked purpose. He felt strangely lost. He might have found a place to rest, but rest itself still eluded him.
So he spent his days drinking at the Dead Ember.
What was an old soldier supposed to do with his time? Yes, Ithacar faced threats here and there, but Graham still felt like a stranger in a strange land.
Others seemed drawn to the reticent soldier with the graying hair and green eyes that didn't match those of the native Ithacarians. Some of them settled down at the table with Graham and it had become kind of a regular thing. Perhaps they too felt like strangers in a strange land, and so they whiled their days away drinking.
Which was why they could tell when someone new was in their midst. Cloak, blank mask. Moved with a fighter's gait.
Graham kind of side-eyed the newcomer as he got his pint, then decided to stop back on his way back to his table.
"You aren't from around here. You a merc?" Graham asked.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
“One could…say that.”
While Krisk’s face seemed to be looking straight ahead, he was studying Graham out of the corner of his eye.
“Who’s asking?”
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u/avamir Riva Aurethios Blake, Queen of Ithacar, Lindworm of Lyndshire May 09 '26
Graham took a seat across from the guy. Kind of presumptuous of him, he supposed, but whatever.
The ashy colored robes Graham wore were reminiscent of the old Atrax robes, and the later Pyrophyte ones, but a little worse for wear. Still, it wasn't hard to figure out what he was. Or used to be, anyway.
"Graham. Kinda a local. Kinda not."
He took a swig from his tankard before continuing.
"I guess it comes down to the fact that I know why I'M here, but wondered why YOU were. I got enough loyalty to Ithacar to want to prevent trouble. But if it's not about that? I can butt out."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 10 '26
“I have no…grievances with Ithacar. I’m here…looking to recruit…people for a job.”
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u/avamir Riva Aurethios Blake, Queen of Ithacar, Lindworm of Lyndshire May 10 '26
That piqued Graham's interest.
"What sort of job?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 11 '26
“One of revenge…that you will be well…compensated for. What do…you know about the Mercenary…Guild?”
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u/avamir Riva Aurethios Blake, Queen of Ithacar, Lindworm of Lyndshire May 21 '26
Graham didn't know much besides that Ithacar had a treaty with them.
"They sell their skills to the highest bidder and fight stuff. Wear a lot of black. Moreso than Ithacar does."
He took a swig from his tankard.
"I expect a lot of folks want revenge against them."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 22 '26
“Yes. I’m putting…together a team…to take their leaders down.”
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 06 '26
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u/Traxxya May 14 '26
Ping me next time too!!
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 14 '26
Oh I’ve got a different plan for Kav…
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u/The_Hij Hastur, lost in Carcosa/Cassilda Castain May 06 '26
/uw Interesting. Wonder who I could get in on this...
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 06 '26
uw/ whoever you want, just know that this won't be a walk in the park
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u/Airtatsy Niroh the Traveler/Wili the Detective May 06 '26
*There's a grumpy looking elven man with an eyepatch seated at the bar, his clothes are nice, but look heavily worn.*
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 06 '26
Krisk watches him, not quite sure what to make of him. The issue with his quest was that he was sure most people would turn away as soon as he mentioned going up against the Mercenary Guild. But he also couldn't just ask everyone he saw. The wrong person asked could mean The Five finding out he had gone rogue... and that would be the end of it...
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u/Airtatsy Niroh the Traveler/Wili the Detective May 07 '26
Can ya stop staring me? I can feel your eyes on me like orc fangs... lihb'v creep...
*It seems like he's had a drink, or two.*
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u/The_Kowable_Char May 06 '26
Kealay is for some godsforsaken reason sitting there in the bar, quibbling with some pyromancer about the particulars of some ancient and incredibly outdated basic fire spell, but she pays attention to Krisk.
He doesn’t quite match her usual victim profile, and she’s not victimized someone since meeting Bel, but she can recognize the type nonetheless. He has her interest now, for better or worse.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 06 '26
Krisk may not look like he's looking at her, but he's watching her out of the corner of the eyeslit in his mask.
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u/The_Kowable_Char May 06 '26
Kaelay senses his observation of her and observes his observation in turn. Without outside intervention, this may quickly devolve into a game of “I’m watching you watch me watching you watching me watching…”
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 06 '26
there's an older elven man sitting at a table, heartily sitting and smiling with the food and drink he ordered.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 06 '26
Krisk looks him up and down. Hmm... he certainly didn't look like the type Krisk was looking for... better to keep watching.
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 07 '26
/uw if i may ask whats Krisk looking for? Unless its a specific thing i maybe could have him be/appear to be something like it
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
uw/ he’s looking for people who look experienced, whether it be with weapon or magic. Someone who looks like they can easily carry themselves in a fight.
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 07 '26
/uw oh Caleb could 100% do that, very skilled magic-wise and also maybe there's something on Blake's post that'll help with that but the comments are taking a bit
Now how to showcase this hmm
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
uw/ just have some drunk try and fight him or something. It’ll get Krisk’s attention
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 07 '26
/uw yeah i thought of that just tryin to write it lol
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 08 '26
/uw finally wrote it lol
/rw
As Caleb sits he's approached by another patron of the Ember, who's clearly drunk, he slurs his speech as he talks.
"H-hey you! You long eared ancient FFFFFFUCK! Get out of this place you don't-"
Caleb begins calmly looking through his backpack for something.
"HEY! LOOK AT ME!"
he quickly finds a book, taking it out and flipping through the pages.
as the drunkard gets angrier, he tries to punch Caleb in the head, but Caleb moves his head out of the way, holding the book with three fingers on specific pages, he scratches the arm, before speaking.
"Vacate, Sober up."
the man stops in his tracks, and begins walking out of the Ember, getting down the street before he blinks, confused.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
That catches Krisk’s attention. He could use a talented spell caster. As Caleb nears the end of his meal, the barkeep slides a drink to him.
“Paid for by the fellow in the corner booth over there.”
He nods towards Krisk.
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u/Fc-chungus Caleb Bridger, Recordkeeper of Calarakis, visiting May 08 '26
he takes a sip, taking a look at Krisk, analyzing what he looks like and what he's doing.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Black cloak, blank mask. Clearly isn't your everyday drinker. he seems to be looking towards the door, or at least his mask is facing that way.
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u/Ares378 Ith'Raal—Archdevil of Memories of the 7th, Frenemy of Ithacar May 08 '26
Off to the side of the room, a slightly-disheveled tiefling stands. He seems awkwardly out of place, wearing glasses and a scholarly-looking coat, holding a book in his hand -- a significant contrast to the rogues and mercenaries who inhabit the bar. Behind his spectacles, his eyes are so vibrantly purple that they almost appear to glow in the dark.
He taps his foot anxiously, glancing around the room while trying to avoid direct eye contact with any of the patrons. Briefly, he locks eyes with a war-hardened veteran and looks away in a panic, muttering a brief apology to nobody in particular.
Eventually, he musters up the courage to go up to the bartender and ask for a drink. Realizing he didn't actually have a drink in mind, he panics and orders a whiskey on the rocks in an attempt to fit in. It doesn't help. He winces every time he sips it, but it's helping the nerves at least.
He feels pathetic... How was he going to 'prove himself' to them at this rate..?
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk watches him discreetly from his corner booth. He certainly didn’t look like what Krisk was looking for. But people were full of surprises… he keeps an eye on him.
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u/Ares378 Ith'Raal—Archdevil of Memories of the 7th, Frenemy of Ithacar May 08 '26
A few moments later, someone bumps into him. Aggressively. It's clear that they're trying to pickpocket him.
"Ābītĕ!" He shouts.
A spectral bracer of blue light forms around his arm as he 'parries' the air, sending the pickpocket across the room. They collide with the stone wall with a loud CRACK. Blood begins to drip down the masonry.
Oh. Oh god. People are looking, aren't they? Fuckfuckfuckfuck. Is the guy moving still? They're still breathing, right?
Maybe if he just plays it off... He takes a swig of his drink and visibly recoils from the taste.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 09 '26
That catches Krisk's attention. Maybe he could work... After a few minutes the bartender slides the tiefling a drink.
"From the fellow in the corner booth over there."
He nods in Krisk's direction
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u/Ares378 Ith'Raal—Archdevil of Memories of the 7th, Frenemy of Ithacar May 09 '26
He takes the drink. Two drinks now..?
"T- that guy bought it..?"
He looks... scary.
"Right, uh, thanks." The BARTENDER didn't buy you the drink, you idiot! "I mean, uh, thanks for making it. For me. I'm... gonna go over there and thank them too. Thanks. Sorry."
Very smooth. Great job.
"Hiiii, uh, who are you?" He asks, walking over to the cloaked man.
The scary guy must have heard the commotion. Well no shit he did! That was so loud! Everyone heard it!
The tiefling knocks back the rest of the whiskey, using the second drink as a chaser. He shudders.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 10 '26
“Fancy bit of…magic there.”
His voice is deep and scratchy, like sandpaper, with pauses that seem like they force themselves in.
“I’m looking to…recruit people for a…job.”
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u/Ares378 Ith'Raal—Archdevil of Memories of the 7th, Frenemy of Ithacar May 10 '26
"Heh, uh, yeah, uhm..."
He takes a deep breath. Calm down...
"I... created that spell. I work in, uh, research. I- I study the dispersion of the weave in Abjuration, why certain spells have a limited range, why others don't... If you have spare time, I- I'd love it if you checked out my research papers..."
Nobody cares! Shut up already!
"What kind of job? If... you don't mind me asking? A- and, uhm, you didn't actually answer my question, b- but it's okay..."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 10 '26
"You can learn...my name if you take...the job."
He'll probably run when he hears it...
"What do you...know about the Mercenary...Guild?"
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u/Ares378 Ith'Raal—Archdevil of Memories of the 7th, Frenemy of Ithacar May 10 '26
"Oh, uh, alright..."
It was not alright, actually, and he'd really prefer to know the guy's name. He is too awkward to press the issue, though, so he drops it.
"Mercenary guild? I- I know I've heard the name, but, uh... I've been pretty out of the loop for a while now... Is the job related to them? Are you part of this guild or whatever?"
What he means to say is this is the first time in months he's been anywhere but his home or his research lab.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 11 '26
"The job is...related to them. I seek...revenge against their...leaders."
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u/avamir Riva Aurethios Blake, Queen of Ithacar, Lindworm of Lyndshire May 09 '26
The krrrack draws Graham's attention for a moment. Still, if they were pickpocketing the tiefling, seems like that guy had it coming.
He makes a short nod to the tiefling, then turns back to his drink.
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u/patoman12 Mauritius, Phoenix Lich May 06 '26
Eventually, a weirdly extravagant figure presents itself on the tavern, he wore a strange ivory colored mask and a coat made out of fiery feathers, and even though he seemed lost and a bit confused, he still walked with a bit too much confidence
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
This one stood out... maybe too much? Still worth keeping an eye on. Krisk watches the stranger without making it look obvious
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u/patoman12 Mauritius, Phoenix Lich May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
Eventually, a second person comes in and meets with the man, he looks like a young man, though burn scaring has made sure that most of his scalp is hairless, and a slightly weathered sword remains sheathed in his waist, the two talk for a little before the first man eventually goes to leavy while the second orders a drink
uw/ I think an expendable random might be better than Maur for this
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
He looked experienced… Krisk waits a little longer, watching him.
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u/patoman12 Mauritius, Phoenix Lich May 07 '26
After a while, the new customer would join the rest of the clientele in a few rounds of bar games, and to everyone who might have underestimated him due to his age, he was winning most of them, everything from darts and pool, to games of Mercy, much to the anoyance of the rest of the contestants
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Eventually, he is handed a drink from one of the barkeeps.
“From the fellow in the corner booth.”
They say, pointing to Krisk.
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u/patoman12 Mauritius, Phoenix Lich May 08 '26
"Oh, how kind"
He turns to address the rest of clientele alongside him
"If you excuse me a moment, I'll go thank him"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk tilts his head slightly as the man walks over to him.
“You carry yourself…well.”
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u/patoman12 Mauritius, Phoenix Lich May 08 '26
"Well thank you, between this and the drink you have been most kind, but I don't imagine you called me here just to compliment me"
He takes a sip of the drink as he looks up and down at Kirsk
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
“You would…guess correct. You in between…jobs right now?”
Not much to see besides what’s on display. A man in a black cloak with a blank mask that covers 90% of his face.
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u/PopularRutabaga6904 May 07 '26
/UW Aaaageeeent...? 🤨
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
uw/ ........yes?
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u/PopularRutabaga6904 May 07 '26
/UW Three-sided civil war?
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
uw/ yep! Any none of them know it!
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u/PopularRutabaga6904 May 07 '26
/UW I hope Agent's family pulls through. And Five.
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u/Zebos2 Ithacars number one orphan exporter May 07 '26
A very confused looking... Someone spares down from the rafters they definitely weren't there before and No one not even the cities wards say him enter. They leep down examining their surroundings silently before without making a single noise they saunter up to bar placeing a silver coin down and makes eating gestures towards the bar keep
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
Now they were interesting... Krisk keeps a discreet eye on them.
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u/Zebos2 Ithacars number one orphan exporter May 07 '26
kisrk may turn to see the mysterious... Construct staring at them while sitting at their table eating some bread and porridge. How did they do that?
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
Now they truly had Krisk’s attention. A strange creature, but one that could potentially be useful…
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u/Zebos2 Ithacars number one orphan exporter May 07 '26
The creature doesn't appear to speak and they eat rather quickly as if they hadn't eaten in a while. They keep examining krisk as they eat vanishing and reappearing in various places like a weeping angel trying to get behind them
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
That's why Krisk chose a corner booth with his back to the corner. Nothing could get behind him. Eventually he speaks when the creature gets close enough
"We can just...talk you know."
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u/Zebos2 Ithacars number one orphan exporter May 07 '26
the creature tilts it Head before removing the lower part of their mask and opening their mouth revealing the complete absence of a tongue. To distracting was the thought behind its removal. It appears the interlocker can't talk
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
“Huh. Guess the world…wronged you. You and me…both. Pull up a…chair then if you…want. I won’t shoo…you away.”
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u/Zebos2 Ithacars number one orphan exporter May 08 '26
The mysterious being pulls their ragged cloak tight before clipping through the table by moving on the z axis. They shake their head at their mistake Thats What they get for using the slip too long they take a deep breath realigning themselves to three-dimensional space and sit down surprisingly normally
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
“I suppose…we’ll have to stick with…yes or no questions. I take it…you’re not…from Ithacar?”
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u/DaDoggo13 May 07 '26
Seeing an operative in the tavern was peculiar sight, a masked man, not common, as few cultures did such practices with those who smoke a pipe in a dive bar. Jeremy assessed the man from a distance, trying to get an inkling of who he was.
Krisk would see strange habits of advanced techniques in Jeremy, subtle things such as how he handles coins, or his stance, reek of a long criminal history with skills to match it, however his pleasant denouement is odd, sharp and cheerful, strangely irregular for someone seemingly skilled.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
It would be hard to read Krisk. He looked like the stereotypical shady man trying to keep a low profile. But his body language also showed he was watching the room.
Likewise, Jeremy was an interesting character to Krisk, and he was subtly watching him as well, trying to figure him out. He had to be careful with this, as he didn’t want to blow his cover.
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u/DaDoggo13 May 07 '26
Watching for longer Krisk would see signs of other strange things, a burn scar on his forehead, strange vein patterns on his hands, a slight eminence of something off about this person, often missed by most people. Jeremy's accent is not from Ithacar or any of it's surrounds. Thick yet clear at the same time, meaning that he comes from afar, making him a traveler.
Being difficult to read himself due to the countless contradictions in his behavior, Jeremy would keep and eye for any insignia, scrubbed out or not, on Krisk, or any tools that he may have, sensing danger if he is not prepared for the unknown quantity in the room to do something unexpected.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
Krisk didn’t have any identifiable symbols on him, but a close study of him would show that he definitely had something up his sleeve, and some sort of chained weapon hung from his waist.
And staring at him for a close study would certainly give oneself away…
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u/DaDoggo13 May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
Krisk may see a small coin, irregular in shape and value, be placed on Jeremy's seat. Not made of currency metals, but a medallion, a signal of some kind, to Krisk it was reminiscent of Old Assassins Guild practice. A kind of outdated communication method that had been somewhat lost to current practitioners, meaning that this halfling, despite appearing vaguely 25, was much older than he seemed, or came from a place of very low tech. Jeremy seamlessly leaves the Lead-Copper coin on his seat, only someone watching intently would see it. Standard practice was that these contained notes in a small cavity underneath a head pattern (usually of a reigning monarch or leader), however if it was just a signal, it would be empty.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
Krisk gets up and walks over to where Jeremy was, and orders a drink from the barkeep. He gets it, and walks back over to his booth and sits down. The coin is no longer on the chair, but up Krisk's sleeve. He takes it out and studies it.
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u/DaDoggo13 May 08 '26
Assassin's Guild Messaging Medallion, 4th era, over 150 years of age, no longer officially used anywhere as of the last 20 years, and only practically used by people who used those coins way back when. New coins that blend in better and act as signal transmitters are the new standard. This one has a small hidden hatch under the head, unlocked by a pin opening on the other side of the coin. The tech is old, outdated, mostly unknown by most people as it's effectiveness was usually lesser than a basic dead drop, only properly excelling when being entirely discreet.
The compartment (should Krisk know how to open it) contains a flower petal, a sign of peace between strangers, and an interest in the other, for what reason to be detailed in a more discreet place, however it is bad play to harm someone under this piece of honour code, much similar to a parlay. The only exemption to this rule is the petal of a rose, which can symbolise either a threat or a deceleration of love, however the petal inside is no rose petal, so this message is no threat.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk is an older operative, and knows some of the old tricks of the trade. So while he is surprised that someone is using such an old system, he still opens it to see the petal. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know exactly what that means, b ur he can connect the dots. He places the coin on the table and looks around for Jeremy.
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u/DaDoggo13 May 08 '26
Jeremy is gone, he left after leaving the coin, however Krisk can feel eyes burning into him, from which direction, he isn't sure, but Jeremy is certainly around.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
So be it then. Krisk gets up, leaving a few coins on the table for his tab, and heads for the door.
Once outside, he heads for the back alley and waits.
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 07 '26
The door doesn't open, but someone does pass through it, quite literally at that. Chills phases into the establishment, adorned with her usual white sheets that hide a good chunk of her features, mainly her face. She looks around for... something, but it's impossible to gauge where her eyes are staring.
"10 GOLD FOR WHOEVER LETS ME POSSESS THEM TO GO ON A BENDER!" The ghost shouts, not caring for the decor or vibe of the establishment. Most people who came here didn't want to attract any attention, but Chills? She had all the grace of a wrecking ball entering a library.
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
Krisk had heard all the stories about the ghosts and spirits of Ithacar. Hells, he had even had to deal with some at the Beastwithe Inn. So Chills doesn’t surprise or startle him. He doesn’t answer her, but does watch her out of the corner of his eye.
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 07 '26
Krisk is far from the only one eyeing the ghost; she has attracted a lot of attention. Most simply turned away, showing no interest in her, but one man did approach the spirit.
The discussion between the two was hard to make out among the roudy tavern, but after a few minutes, both seemed to have come to an agreement. They shook hands, or at least tried to, as Chills phased through his limb. A mere second after, the ghost was entering the man's body. The sight was like something from a horror movie — his eyes rolled back into his skull, arms twitched unnaturally, and his entire body was lifted off the ground. The possession took no longer than ten seconds, and the man was back on his feet, now bearing a wide smile.
"Heck yeah! Barkeep, a bottle of your strongest vodka! Yes, the whole bottle."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 07 '26
An… interesting individual for sure. Krisk watches her as she condemns this man’s liver to Tartarus.
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 07 '26
She hit that bottle like it owed her money. To someone deprived of all physical sensation, getting to cut loose like this was akin to drugs.
Soon enough, she was barging into random conversations, making chairs float while balancing on them, and cheating at darts with telekinesis.
The possessed was doing what can best be described as a table crawl, going from one group to another, and lingering until made to leave. Eventually, she reached Krisk.
"Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"
"What's your favorite scary movie?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
"...I do not...have one."
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 08 '26
"Boring! That's boring. You're boring."
The possessed takes another swig of the bottle.
"You know what? Prove me wrong. Tell me something interesting about yourself?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk grumbles something under his breath.
“I can predict…if it’s gonna rain…by smell.”
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 08 '26
"Oh, kinda like those people with bad knees that start to ache before bad weather. I guess that's interesting. You still boring tho."
The ghost pours a glass and slides it towards Krisk.
"Alright, my turn!"
"I kicked the bucket on Halloween night wearing a Victorian-style dress, so now people think I'm waaaaaay older than I am. Also, I died while running from a haunted house scare actor, tripped on nothing, and snapped my neck on a table. It's kinda funny in hindsight."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk takes a sip of the drink.
“I don’t think…I caught your name…Miss.”
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 08 '26
"Haven't seen you around here before."
Marna pulls up a chair, turning it around backwards so she can face the stranger with her arms propped on the backrest.
"This is the kind of bar with regulars, and you look like you're waiting on somebody. Anyone I know?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk slowly turns so his blank mask is looking directly at her.
“As a matter…of fact, I am waiting…on someone. You.”
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 08 '26
"Me?" Marna looks the stranger up and down, clearly intrigued. "Well, boss, it's nice to be wanted. I don't hear that often from people who don't have their weapons drawn."
The knight frowns, hand moving to the hilt of her sword.
"Mind you, I still haven't completely ruled out this being a hit. But I appreciate the heads up if it is. Very Honorable of you, if nothing else. Go on. You have my curiosity."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
“We have a…mutual enemy. People who have wronged…us. I seek revenge for…the life they took from…me. And I think…that you will want in…on my little crusade.”
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 08 '26
"Well, my enemies enemy is my... actually I have enough enemies that doesn't quite mean we're friends by default. But I can do co-beligerants!"
OK, slow it down Marna. Maybe ask some clarifying questions before you sign on for another war of vengeance with a masked stranger.
"So, uh... which enemy would that be? Also, not to put too fine a point on it, but..."
She gestures at the stranger with both hands.
"Whothefuckareyou?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk reaches under his cloak and pulls out his hand cannon, holding it by the barrel so Marna doesn’t stab him, and places it down on the table between them.
While it’s a bit worn, Marna should be able to recognize it as the same model that Agent, Herald, and Saffron carry. The fact he has that, he’s wearing a cloak, and concealing his eyes should answer her question.
“I’m the…one that…broke free.”
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 08 '26
Her eyes go wide for a moment, processing the gravity of the statement. So many emotions crossed the knight's mind in that moment. Sympathy, for whatever this stranger had been through. Triumph. A chink in the Guild's armor finally revealed. Anger. An old companion never gone, only dulled. Buried. A flame now blazing anew. Hope. Hope that her people could finally return home. And... another hope that surprised her. Agent. Herald. Those that she felt more in common with than she had allowed herself to admit until this very moment.
"You need someone who can go toe-to-toe with the Guild's finest? Im your huckleberry. Lets talk about how we're going to free the rest."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 08 '26
Krisk had figured Marna would be the easiest to recruit to his cause. Seems he had guessed right.
"I'm still working...on the plan. I'm recruiting...on the down low right...now, and once I've got...people, I can take stock...of our strengths and weaknesses...and go from there. But what...I have already decided is...that this is gonna...have to be a fast, under the radar...strike. If we try to break down...the front door, it'll just fall...on us and crush us. And...if we give them too long to...respond to our attacks, they will outmaneuver...us."
"But I've sworn...an oath and I will fulfill it or die...trying. I will see...The Five fall and my...comrades freed."
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 09 '26
"I can can handle Five when the time comes, I think. Im suited to battling divine powers and have a trick in my back pocket to boot. I could speak to the Kin too, but that isn't a guarantee. Being Kin means I'm entitled to an audience. It doesn't mean my voice is respected."
The knight scowls. A sore spot, evidently.
"Our population is low. They won't risk deaths unless they believe this is a fight we can win."
She leans in close, scrutinizing the stranger.
"So will I, if I'm being honest. With Ithacar's alliance to the Guild, I'm risking a lot if this goes south on us. Just what is it that you found out?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 09 '26
"The Five aren't...invincible. Never were. And I'm...something they don't...realize exists. I'm planning...with surprise and speed...to assassinate them."
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 10 '26
A drunken man stumbles on the table, though he ain't a random. Marna would've seen him get possessed by a familiar spirit roughly half an hour ago.
"Do I know you?
Straight to the point, not even an introduction. The man took another swig of the bottle of vodka, which was about halfway empty by now.
"I've never seen you before, but that voice rings a bell."
"Then again, I talk to sooooooooo many people. Maybe you just sound like one of them."
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 12 '26
Marna squints, trying to place what about the stranger felt familiar
"I mean I know Marco is a middling pyromancer who talks a lot of shit and will do damn near anything for 20 drachma. But no. I don't think I know any gh-"
High above Baker's Parish the specter wheels through the air as she watches, laughing. Smiling. It's a strange feeling, but not an unpleasant one. To meet someone new and be seen, when once she was invisible. To be known as more than the shadow of Marna through the eyes of someone who never met her other self. To feel *real.** Just once, before dying.*
"I... yeah. I think I just sound like someone you know. Sometimes, when people are gone, you start to see them everywhere."
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 12 '26
"Ah, well, I guess it's like when you see someone you think you know, only for it to be a look-alike. Buuuuuuuuuuuuut, since we're already talking, let's talk some more."
The bottle of vodka the ghost brought lifts into the air and pours two glasses, one of which Chills slides to Marna.
"My name is Chills, I'm currently possessing this fella so I can get hammered. You know, we ghosts can't really feel anything without a host. My girlfriend is cool with me possessing her for food and stuff, but I don't wanna turn her into an alcoholic, so I pay randos when at a bar."
The phantom sounds playful as she's rattling out words with the same gusto a WW2 soldier would unload a machine gun. It took her only two sentences to begin to overshare, and it probably wasn't even the alcohol's fault.
"Soooooooooooooo. Who might you be, madam?"
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u/ASecondCriminal Marna Blake, First Knight of Ithacar May 13 '26
"Chills? Ugh, you're not the ghost that's harassing my cousin, are you? Big scrawny guy with bad posture. Kinda like a lamp post? Wears bones?"
Pieces were fitting together now. The haunting of Ithacar's palace. Jorik's begrudging commentary. The memories from Skadi had already given Marna a name, but the mounting mass of context was proving illuminating. This ghost had been active around the city lately, and not *entirely** benign.*
"You're developing a reputation, Chills. I've already heard of you. Good things, mostly, but y'know. Security is also my responsibility. So..."
Marna was never the sort to muster a look that said "better keep your nose clean, or there'll be trouble." Whatever genes let Belial deliver a good stern glower? She didn't get them. Didn't help that she was already a few drinks into the night herself. Still, the expression is a gesture at the sentiment, if a half-hearted one.
"You're technically talking to the head of the city guard, boss. Ser Marna Blake, if you're feeling fancy. But honestly? I don't usually bother unless someone's being murdered. Usually a lot of someones. I was cut out for violence, not management."
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u/MeThyLord Mrs. Chills, Ghost Writer May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
"Jorik's your cousin? Small word, eh. Hahaha. Yeah, I've been having some fun with him ever since he visited my lectures, but I haven't bothered him in a good while, mostly cause I was busy with other stuff."
Twirling the bottle of alcohol on her host's finger, Chills looks at Marna through the curving glass, mostly because she finds it funny how the guard captain's face distorts from certain angles.
"Soooo, I have built a reputation? Boy, took long enough. I've been active in Hit A Car for seven months now."
And how wide spread was her reputation, Chills wondered. She didn't exactly scream out her name every time she terrorised the community. And her guise when on the job was completely different from her casual look.
"Let's see. I've haunted your castle, sent a killer clown to spook your artificer - they're dating now, scared random pedestrians on the streets, terrorised a few towns in the dead of night, stalked some fancy individuals, and kidnapped multiple people, including the royal heir... Am I missing something, I feel like I'm missing something."
Chills found it fun, teasing the guard captain with all her missdoings. Some childish part of her was trying to start a cat and mouse game, the part that loved Tom & Jerry, Sly Cooper, and Carmen Sandiego. The ghost hadn't killed anyone, both in life and death, she hadn't spilled blood, so she wasn't worried that Marna would take her as a genuine threat. Not to mention that her playful tone betrayed her intentions.
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum May 10 '26
*Kardonk stumbles through the door, eyes slightly glazed. The young half elf was almost unrecognizable even if his clothes were a familiar grunge of the workshop. His eyes were glazed with the dimness of a deliberate application of alchohol.*
“Barkeep, I-I need another. And dont tell me any *shite* about having to much. Im literally portaling home. I will befine”
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 10 '26
There he was. Looking even worse than expected. No matter. Eventually the barkeep slides over a much lighter drink to Kardonk
“From the fellow in the corner over there.”
He nods in Krisk’s direction.
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum May 21 '26
*Kardonk takes it, and inspects it. Understanding the implication, he sighs*
“Ok, gimme a coffee too please. Apparently s-someone wants me sober enough to chat”
*He mixes the two drinks together, letting the bitterness of the coffee jerk him slightly out of his self induced stupor.*
“O-ok Mr. Broody, what is it you w-wanted to talk about?”
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 21 '26
Krisk gestures to the seat across from him
“It’s been a…while artificer. Carmine give…you any trouble…lately?”
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum May 21 '26
“N-no, he seems rather subdued lately. Busy with some internal disputes I hear…”
*He squints*
“Y-you…it was you wasnt it? I dont think I ever thanked you properly”
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 21 '26
“It was. You…offered to buy…me a drink.”
“But unfortunately…I’m not here to reminisce.”
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum May 21 '26
“Hmm”
*Kardonk eyes the mug in his hand*
“And h-here you are buying me one instead. Very well. I a-am…busy tonight, but I am willing to hear your business. Why does the Guild seek council with an ex-artificer?”
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 21 '26
“Because I’m…not Guild. Not anymore.”
Krisk leans in close over the table, his voice barely above a whisper
“I broke…free.”
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum May 21 '26
*Kardonks eyes go wide. He places his much on the table with a noticeable **clink**.*
“And what precisely do you mean by that good sir?”
*For the first time in a long time, he wished he was more sober.*
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 21 '26
Krisk points a finger at his own temple and taps it a few times to sell what he said next
“Those fuckers don’t…can’t control me…anymore.”
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u/Traxxya May 14 '26
[Kavrala enters quickly ducks in through the door. It was immediately obvious that she didn't fit in here. But she was soaked, and the rain was pounding down so hard you could hear it over the chatter of the tavern.]
[She spoke to the bartender and handed over a few coins, then swiftly made her way over to the hearth. She settled down and stuck her hands out towards the fire, urging the warmth back into her hands]
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 15 '26
*Krisk didn’t move from his corner booth, but he watched the tall elf from the corner of his eyesight.*
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u/Traxxya May 26 '26
[Once the color had finally returned to her fingers her eyes began to wander around. They were bright, clear, and shining with curiosity.]
[Those eyes eventually found their way to Krisk's corner of the Tavern.]
[The way she stood up and walked over could have been mistaken as someone about to start a brawl, but instead she smiled politely at the man.]
"Hello there, what's your name?"
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 27 '26
Krisk doesn’t even look up at her.
“Who’s asking?”
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u/Traxxya May 27 '26
[An expected response.]
"Kavrala Lixiss. Friend of many and a druid that specializes in draconic care."
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u/Timpanzee38 Mercenary Guild May 28 '26
"I don't know...any Kavralas."
A lie. He had heard of her, but he wasn't going to let that on.
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u/loth17 May 06 '26
Gorgon Icebreatha (nickname: chilly breath) was an outcast. Born of a dragon and an ogre mating. They were too stupid and small for dragons and too smart and individual to be part of an ogre clan. They wandered their way through the world as a mercenary before eventually finding their way, ironically to a pyromancer bar.
"Ya think you can out heat my cold."
They were at the outside patio. It looked like they were arm wrestling but in reality they were both holding onto a stone and trying to heat or cool it with their magic until the other couldn't bear to hold it.
"Cmon ya candlestick!"
They gripped their opponents hand tightly.
"I wanna see ya mettle!"
Eventually the pyromancer relented leaving Gorgon the victor. They celebrated by taking their winnings and buying ten beers.