Yopparai

Yopparai had every intention of having just one more drink, which was how he usually ended up with far more than one. On this particular night, his favorite tavern was quiet until a massive stranger swaggered through the door, demanded a beer, and radiated the kind of danger that makes sensible people keep their distance. Yopparai, naturally, did the opposite. After some slurred bravado, the stranger produced a bottle of black liquid labeled "Hiro's Dragonslaying Brew" and offered a toast. It smelled dangerous, looked worse, and tasted like a dare. Yopparai drank it anyway. Moments later, as the room spun and sleep pulled at him, he let out a belch so violent it sent fire blasting from his mouth in every direction. Chaos followed: burning tables, screaming patrons, and one increasingly alarmed stranger trying to steer the flames away from the worst of the damage. When calm finally returned, Yopparai was unconscious. The stranger threw him over his shoulder and decided, apparently, that this disaster might be useful.