```col-mdflexGrow=2.5===# Outline## Players Information Almost anyone entering [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] (halfling or non-halfling) is likely to learn that the area has been terrorized of late by a band of 10-18 young toughs from [[settlement/the-commons|The Commons]] section of the city. This information may be conveyed either by - Sherriff [[person/pauli-bracegirdle|Pauli Bracegirdle]] or his deputies, when they question suspicious-looking groups containing non-halflings,- by overhearing the problem discussed by the clerks and shoppers in almost any of the shops along Merchant's Row or [[landmark/the-green|The Green]], or- by witnessing an actual attack made by the toughs on a shopkeeper or a traveler passing through the Del' (an attack is much more likely to occur if the players are present in [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] at dusk or during the early evening hours).If one inquires further about the nature of these incidents, they will learn that the toughs have been demanding "protection" money, and vandalizing those who refuse to pay - total damage from these attacks his already cost [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] merchants more than 800gp. They will also learn that any halfling who wishes to help rid [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] of this menace will be temporarily deputized and assigned to a peacekeeping patrol. Non-halflings, while their concern is appreciated, are discouraged from getting involved in the struggle. The only time they are likely to enter into this situation is if they come upon the toughs in the act of threatening or vandalizing someone. The mayor of [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] has declared that any halfling who volunteers for the peacekeeping force will be entitled to free food and lodging at [[landmark/the-bandersnatch-inn|The Bandersnatch Inn]] for the duration of the crisis.## GM's Notes The group of toughs is about 70% human, and 30% half-orc or dragonborn. For the most part, the group members are simply urban poor trying to make a buck off the weakness and meekness of their neighbors. The two leaders of the toughs, however, are hopeful that this operation will impress the recruiters of [[organization/the-black-hand|The Black Hand]] criminal organization and earn them a place in that group's council (and a share of its spoils). Any group of toughs entering [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] at any given time will be from 6 to 18 in number [roll:3d5+3]. The toughs will seek easy prey, avoiding any situation that might present relatively even odds to both sides (and will try to run for it if they are ever outnumbered).Mayor Pennywhistle and Sherriff [[person/pauli-bracegirdle|Pauli Bracegirdle]] agree that the halflings themselves must eliminate this menace from their streets. In addition to Pauli and his four regular deputies, five other halflings have already signed on for temporary patrol duty as [[person/sherriffs-deputies|Sherriff's Deputies]]. Patrols last 6 hours, and each patrol contains one regular deputy. Pauli himself is working 2 and 3 shifts a day during this crisis period and, if not on duty when the mayor takes his evening walk on [[landmark/the-green|The Green]], he follows along in disguise about 60-120 feet behind the Mayor to act as a [[landmark/guardian|Guardian]] angel. Under normal circumstances, Sherriff's men are outfitted with blunt weapons (essentially thick wooden truncheons) and slings and are sworn not to take a life except in self-defence. The current situation allows for some variation from these rules, but not their blatant disregard.There is a - 45% chance that the toughs will appear in [[settlement/the-dell|The Dell]] during the 2PM - 8PM patrol shift- 30% chance of an incident between 8PM - 2AM- 5% chance of confrontation on the two remaining patrol shiftsAs previously noted, these toughs are basically bullies, and are likely to turn and run in the face of stern resistance. Their basic Morale rating is 55% (roll d100), with -10% for each seriously wounded member of their party, and +20% if one or both of the group's leaders are present (this bonus is lost if that leader himself becomes seriously wounded). They are tactically very unsophisticated, picking a target and walking straight up to it. If the Sheriff's men are not present, the target halfling's reaction to the threats of the toughs is likely to be as follows [roll:d100]: - 01-40, acquiescence, and payment of the protection money demanded- 41-60, verbal argument, hoping to stall the toughs until help arrives (60% chance the halfling will give in after 10 melee round if no help has come, otherwise the toughs will start breaking things 3d6 3d6 melee round after the stalling begins);- 61-90, scream or run for help- 91-00, fightIf money is paid out, there is a 75% chance (unless they have been defeated), that the toughs will "hit" the same shop or person 7-10 (d6+4) days later.``````col-md**Locations/Start** - [[settlement/the-dell]] **Key Participants** - [[person/leader-of-the-toughs|Leader of the Toughs]]- [[person/tough-type-1|Tough Type 1]]- [[person/tough-type-2|Tough Type 2]]- [[person/pauli-bracegirdle|Pauli Bracegirdle]]- [[person/sherriffs-deputies|Sherriff's Deputies]]---### World Anvil Metadata**Id:** ce274557-7a3a-4089-a323-e9320e0c3224<br>**Entity Type:** Article / plot<br>**Category:** Haven Encounters and Scenarios<br>**Tags:** FCoH-plot```