Thug

Thugs are ruthless enforcers skilled at intimidation and violence. They work for money and have few scruples. Typically motivated by financial gain, these ruthless enforcers exhibit minimal moral qualms in carrying out their assignments. Known for their proficiency in combat and coercion, thugs serve as hired muscle for various nefarious individuals, criminal organisations, or unscrupulous employers. Their lack of allegiance to a specific cause makes them versatile mercenaries, willing to engage in a wide range of illicit activities for the right price. With a pragmatic approach to morality, thugs navigate the shadows of society with a singular focus on their own interests and the compensation that comes with their particular skill set.
== Description ==
Thugs often present a menacing physical demeanour that aligns with their role as enforcers. They commonly possess a sturdy and robust build, their bodies honed through a combination of physical training and experience in street-level combat. These individuals exude an air of toughness, and their features reflect the harsh realities of their chosen profession.
A typical thug might bear visible scars or tattoos, serving as both markers of their past conflicts and symbols of their allegiance to certain factions or criminal enterprises. Their clothing tends to be utilitarian, favouring dark and nondescript attire that aids in blending into urban environments. Thugs often carry an assortment of weapons, ranging from knuckle-dusters to short blades to battleaxes, underscoring their readiness for confrontations.
== Society ==
Within criminal circles, thugs play a crucial role as the enforcers and muscle behind various illicit enterprises. Employed by crime lords, shady merchants, corrupt officials, or anyone with enough coin, these individuals ensure compliance through a combination of intimidation and force. Thugs often form the backbone of criminal organisations, executing tasks ranging from debt collection to silencing dissent within their ranks. Their loyalty tends to be transactional, driven by financial incentives rather than ideological allegiance, making them valuable but untrustworthy assets in the turbulent landscape of organised crime.
In wider society, thugs are often viewed with a mix of fear and disdain. Their presence in urban areas can instil a sense of unease among the law-abiding citizens, as their reputation for violence and ruthlessness precedes them. Authorities, while wary of their criminal activities, may occasionally exploit thugs as mercenaries in situations where plausible deniability is crucial. However, the broader populace generally regards them as undesirable elements, contributing to the perpetuation of a dangerous and unstable environment. Thugs operate on the fringes of societal norms, embodying the darker aspects that necessitate the presence of vigilant law enforcement.
== Combat ==
A thug's inclination to engage in combat often stems from their role as enforcers and mercenaries within the criminal underworld. Fuelled by financial incentives or loyalty to a particular employer, thugs are compelled to resort to violence when confronted with challenges to their interests. Whether tasked with protecting illicit operations, enforcing the will of a crime lord, or eliminating rivals, thugs find themselves embroiled in combat situations as a means of asserting dominance and securing their livelihoods. Additionally, clashes with law enforcement, rival criminal factions, or meddling adventurers may prompt thugs to resort to their combat prowess to safeguard their illicit enterprises.
Thugs, true to their pragmatic and opportunistic nature, tend to favour group combat tactics. Recognising strength in numbers, they coordinate attacks to overwhelm opponents, particularly those perceived as weaker or isolated. Utilising a combination of melee weapons, such as clubs or short blades, thugs close in on their targets aggressively, relying on sheer force and intimidation to break the resolve of their adversaries. They often prioritise isolating individual foes, exploiting any perceived vulnerabilities, and swiftly incapacitating or eliminating them. While lacking finesse compared to more specialised combatants, thugs compensate with raw aggression and a willingness to exploit every advantage.
=== Loot ===
Thugs are not the wealthiest of criminals, merely being hired muscle. But the bodies of killed or defeated thugs can sometimes possess tangible rewards for those that defeat them.
The most common loot from a thug is typically a modest sum of money, whether it's stolen, extorted, or paid to them by a boss. Their weapons can also be taken and either repurposed or sold - though they often won't fetch any more than the usual rate. Their armour could also theoretically be sold, but after a battle it's usually too damaged to be worth anything.
One thing that a lot of adventurers might not consider, however, is information. Thugs might possess crude maps or information detailing the locations of their criminal activities, offering adventurers a lead to further unravel illicit operations or uncover hidden treasures. Occasionally, discerning adventurers might find small trinkets or tokens with symbolic significance, revealing affiliations with particular criminal organizations or individuals.