The town of De'rrgat was nestled between the moist nook of a natural bay on the coast of Nabeer and the Roiling Ocean. Said ocean was named for its horrendous and often storms who's only salvation was those weather beaten rocks jutting out of the water like knarled fingers of a dead giant. the city found itself one of the most lucrative ports in its kingdom, with so many ship set to weather the storm, Their captains had plenty of free time to trade and barter their extra goods and wares. This of course led to the numerous bars and taverns that sat stone throws away from the ports, happily squeezing coin from sailors with cheap booze and big breasted wenches.
And behind it all was the ruling mercantile families, who's breeding has made hating each other as natural as breathing the salty air as they strut about plying their family trades. Adventures also had a tendency to wash up on the city, drawn to the monster infested lands beyond the city and the many other cities and townships that dotted the winding road that cut though the wild.
It was an unusually bright and sunny day and the city took up the drying streets, life and song bouncing across the cobbles and walls. It bled into the taverns and even the most salt crusted sailor had some form of smile on their faces. However one man was not feeling the warm spirit, a cloud of darkness hung over him even though his drunken stupor as he watched a weaselly man in overly fine clothes stalking toward him with a pair of hulking thugs.
"Goddard!" The weaselly man shouted, voice annoying and nasally to match his face. "You bastard where is the money I lent you?!"
" I Already paid you Morduk." the vendor said, too drunk to understand the air of violence about them.
"You never paid the interest." he sneered, the thugs moving closer. " So pay up or else."
Goddard was about to tell the merchants son where to stick his 'or else' when thug one slammed a ham fist into his gut, sending the man sprawling him to the cobbles. The world swam as the poor man gasped for air, ears ringing with Morduk's whiny laughter. He rolled to his side and found himself staring at well worn black boots and a tattered hem. His eyes trailed up the leather and cloth robe to a large brimmed pointed hat, obscuring the obvious wizards face.
"You alright?" He asked, voice male. Young sounding Goddard thought.
" Could use a hand." he sputtered, pointing to the three men.
The wizard sized up the three of them, all of them much taller than the shorter than average man. Marduk sneered at the mage, his airs inflating his ego to supreme pompousness.
"Don't you even dare you mice eaten Adventurer, I am Marduk Valingala, fourth son of Merchant Lord Mallingatla Valingala. He owns 6 ships and much land and if you lay a finger on me I will bury you in fines!" He grinned, that well practiced threat often getting him his way.
The wizard stood there, seemingly mulling this over before he looked down to Goddard.
"5 gold and I'll help you." he said.
" What?!" Marduk screamed, a string of threats and insults following on deaf ears.
" Deal." Goddard said.
With a flash, a slim rod of wood appeared in the mages hand. With a flick the closest thug was thrown bodily into the air, landing in the waters with a heavy splash. The second barreled toward the man, aiming a hammer sized fist at his head. Another flick and a flash of light and the man stopped mid punch, frozen in place like a statue. Marduk had gone pale, Magic was rare in these parts and only the royal courts had such people about them. And now he was face to face with one, height and stature meant nothing to one who wielded the arcane forces with a stick.
" His debt is paid, leave him be or this-" With a flick, the mans fine clothes exploded off him. "Will be your skin next time."
The nude brat of a man squealed and ran down the way, running for his life. Goddard was helped to his feet. He quickly gave the wizard his money, not wanting to incur his wrath.
"Lay low for a while alright?" he told him, money sliding into his pocket, wand vanishing into another.
"I should say that to you lad." Goddard said. " You pissed of a merchants son."
" I'll be fine, I have friends." he pointed back, a hulking wolf like creature and much thinner elfen lad looking though the still open door.
With that, the wizard turned about and headed back into the tavern. Returning to his companions and their conversation like this little tiff had never happened.
"Adventures..." Goddard muttered shaking his head, walking into the bustling streets, soaking up the rare sunshine and full streets.
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