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Toughs

Toughs

Tough​

  • Size: Medium or Small
  • Type: Humanoid
  • Alignment: Neutral
  • AC: 12
  • Initiative: +1 (11)
  • HP: 32 (5d8 + 10)
  • Speed: 30 ft.
ATTRVALMODSAVE
STR15+2+2
DEX12+1+1
CON14+2+2
INT10+0+0
WIS10+0+0
CHA11+0+0
  • Skills: None listed
  • Gear: Heavy Crossbow, Leather Armor, Mace
  • Senses: Passive Perception 10
  • Languages: Common
  • CR: 1/2 (XP 100; PB +2)

Traits​

Pack Tactics. The tough has Advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the tough's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally doesn't have the Incapacitated condition.

Actions​

Mace. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) Bludgeoning damage.

Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Attack Roll: +3, range 100/400 ft. Hit: 6 (1d10 + 1) Piercing damage.

Tough Boss​

  • Size: Medium or Small
  • Type: Humanoid
  • Alignment: Neutral
  • AC: 16
  • Initiative: +2 (12)
  • HP: 82 (11d8 + 33)
  • Speed: 30 ft.
ATTRVALMODSAVE
STR17+3+5
DEX14+2+2
CON16+3+3
INT11+0+0
WIS10+0+0
CHA11+0+0
  • Skills: None listed
  • Gear: Chain Mail, Heavy Crossbow, Warhammer
  • Senses: Passive Perception 10
  • Languages: Common plus one other language
  • CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2)

Traits​

Pack Tactics. The tough has Advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the tough's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally doesn't have the Incapacitated condition.

Actions​

Multiattack. The tough makes two attacks, using Warhammer or Heavy Crossbow in any combination.

Warhammer. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) Bludgeoning damage.

Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Attack Roll: +4, range 100/400 ft. Hit: 13 (2d10 + 2) Piercing damage.

Lore & Background​

Toughs are hardened individuals who have survived the dangerous underbelly of urban society through strength, cunning, and an absolute refusal to back down from confrontation. These street-smart fighters serve as enforcers for criminal organizations, bodyguards for wealthy patrons, or independent operators who make their living through intimidation and violence. Their experience in countless brawls and dangerous situations has made them formidable opponents despite lacking formal military training.

Most toughs develop their skills through necessity, growing up in rough neighborhoods where physical prowess means survival. They learn to read situations quickly, identify threats, and respond with overwhelming force when diplomacy fails. Their reputation for toughness often precedes them, making their mere presence enough to resolve conflicts without violence, though they're always prepared to escalate when necessary.

Combat Tactics​

Toughs are practical fighters who use whatever weapons and tactics are available to win confrontations quickly and decisively. They prefer intimidation and overwhelming force to prolonged combat, using their reputation and aggressive demeanor to demoralize opponents. When forced to fight, they rely on dirty tactics, improvised weapons, and teamwork to overcome more skilled opponents.

In group encounters, toughs coordinate their attacks to flank enemies and create numerical advantages. They use their knowledge of urban environments to control battlefield positioning, forcing enemies into disadvantageous terrain while maintaining escape routes. Their combat style prioritizes effectiveness over honor, making them unpredictable and dangerous opponents.

Encounter Ideas​

1. The Protection Racket Toughs working for a criminal organization demand payment from local businesses in exchange for 'protection.' The party becomes involved when they witness shakedowns or when someone asks for help dealing with the escalating demands.

2. The Recruitment Drive A criminal boss sends toughs to recruit new members for their organization, targeting desperate individuals who might be willing to join for money or protection. The party encounters these recruiters and must decide how to respond to their activities.

3. The Turf War Different groups of toughs clash over territory, creating dangerous conditions for innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. The party must navigate this conflict while protecting civilians and potentially mediating between rival factions.

4. The Bodyguard Detail Toughs serve as protection for an important NPC who becomes a target for assassination or kidnapping. The party must work with or around these guards while investigating the threats against their employer.

Environmental Effects​

  • Intimidation Atmosphere: The presence of toughs creates an atmosphere of fear and tension in urban areas
  • Criminal Networks: Toughs often serve as connections to larger criminal organizations and underground activities
  • Street Intelligence: These individuals possess valuable knowledge about local crime, politics, and hidden activities
  • Economic Impact: Protection rackets and criminal activities affect local business and community prosperity

Treasure​

  • Street Weapons (25-100 gp): Improvised or easily concealed weapons favored by urban fighters
  • Criminal Contacts (varies): Information about criminal networks, safe houses, and illegal activities
  • Protection Money (50-500 gp): Coins and valuables collected through intimidation and extortion
  • Urban Gear (varies): Equipment useful for navigating and surviving in dangerous city environments
  • Territory Maps (100-400 gp): Detailed knowledge of criminal territories, safe passage routes, and dangerous areas

Plot Hooks​

1. The Reformed Tough A former tough seeks to leave their criminal past behind but faces pressure from old associates who won't let them go. The party becomes involved in protecting this individual while helping them start a new life.

2. The Undercover Operation The party needs to infiltrate a criminal organization and must either recruit toughs as allies or pose as criminals themselves. Success depends on understanding the culture and expectations of street-level crime.

3. The Witness Protection A tough has witnessed a major crime and agrees to testify in exchange for protection from retaliation. The party must keep the witness safe while ensuring they make it to trial alive.

4. The Gang War Escalating conflicts between rival criminal organizations threaten to spill over into open warfare in the streets. The party must find ways to prevent this violence while protecting innocent civilians caught in the middle.