[u]Joric Ironfist[/u]

Truthfully, Joric had not expected the Duergar to accept, considering his initial reaction. But now, the honor of his people was on the line, but he was not worried. His constitution was greater than most, even by Dwarven standards. And hey, maybe he could learn more about a future traveling companion - drinking contests were a great way to make friends. Anyways, he accompanied the Duergar to the tavern, and sat down at the table, ready to get down to business. 

"Two of your strongest dwarven brews!" Joric decreed with enthusiasm. Although history books were unlikely to record the event that was about to happen, it would undoubtedly be the most significant conflict between a Dwarf and a Duergar to ever unfold. "Keep 'em coming until one of us can't take anymore. Loser pays the bill."

He looked over to the other table, and waved to his Dwarven brethren, who were understandably shocked. But if they wanted to place bets or cheer him on, he would not object. He turned back to his new rival. "I'm Joric Ironfist..." he introduced, realizing he had yet to provide his name. "And you would be?"

[hr]

"I'm Darius." Darius introduced himself, sitting next to the Spellsword. He decided not to give his last name - even though it was a fake one at that. The Spellsword had only given a first name, so it only seemed fitting to do the same. He looked over to the two dwarves in their party, that Arden had already previously commented on, about to engage in a drinking contest. "Hard to say how this will turn out. I've never met a Duergar, and even if I did, I'd be an idiot to judge them all based on that first encounter. As for the dwarf... he's a bit odd, that much is obvious. Then again, we traveling types are all a bit odd aren't we?"

He ordered a drink. "First round is on me." He told Arden and Dhyannah. Darius had used this tactic before. It was amazing how much you could learn from someone by simply buying them a drink. In his experience, people's tastes tended to become more expensive when someone else was paying for it, but there was always the occasional individual who either bought something cheap or refused the offer altogether.

Of course, Arden had already ordered, but the woman had yet to do so, and so far she was the mystery. She had kept out of the negotiating, but didn't seem to appreciate the paladin's judgemental gaze any more than he did, and had not hesitated to say so to her face. "Good job shutting down 'Her Holiness' back there." He congratulated her.