Josh raised his eyebrows. “Impressive,” he said as John demonstrated his scars and skills and told his story. “That's a neat trick, too.” he gestured at the ring that had produced the cigar with the hand holding his glass, swishing the scotch about but not spilling a drop. He took a deep sip and sighed. “Nothing beats Yurik's eh?” He placed his tumbler down on the table and rolled his broad shoulders.

“I've never fought a dragon before. I did grapple a griffin once, though. In Fallien. It attacked me, and I dislocated its wing and got it to fly me to the oasis in exchange for fixing it up. Turns out griffins have a strict warrior society.” He chuckled at the memory of the lion of the skies, with its throaty voice and archaic mannerisms. The great beast had always seemed a bit silly to him, but honorable in its way.

Breaker stopped a passing server with a hand on the young woman's elbow.

“I'll have what he's having,” he said gesturing at John. The server crinkled her forehead.

“A whole bottle sir? Are you sure?”

“I can afford it,” Josh chuckled, “just put it on my room's tab.”

“That wasn't what I... never mind.” She took his empty glass and sidled through the crowd to the bar and back, bringing another bottle of the firewhisky. She uncorked it and poured Breaker's first glass for him. The demigod sampled the scotch anew and smacked his lips.

“To think I used to play drinking games,” he mused, “mind you, they had some interesting ones in Alerar and Salvar. Have you ever played Salvic Pressups?” He looked up way up, uncertain whether his companion was even listening.