Louie "Bagels" Benito

### Relatives

"The Big Tuna" (brother), The Pretzel Prince (cousin), The Scone Sultan (friend), The Pastry Pirate (buissness partner)

## Appearances

### Appears in

The Last Drop

Louie "Bagels" Benito is a renowned figure in the halfling community with a history deeply entwined with organized crime, a secretive enigmatic project known as the T.O.A.D, and a pivotal individual in the campaign known as "The Last Drop."

## Early Life

Louie "Bagels" Benito was born into a criminal family in a bustling city, known for its underworld activities. From his early years, Bagels was exposed to a life of crime, and his older brother, referred to as "The Big Tuna," held a prominent position within their family's criminal organization. Louie aspired to emulate his brother's success. He earned this nickname due to his penchant for leaving his weapon of choice as an enigmatic calling card at the scenes of his crimes; a brown paper bag (hence, "Bagel" meaning masculine bag).

## Career with the Bakers Dozen

Bagels's criminal career took a significant turn when he became involved with the "Bakers Dozen," a powerful network comprising twelve bakery families. This alliance was established with the dual purpose of maintaining order and preventing inter-family conflicts while simultaneously amassing substantial influence within the local government. The Bakers Dozen realized that their strength lay in their unity and their ability to suppress competition. He had an unrivalled eye for detail which proved useful for creating the finest baked goods, making him quickly rise the ranks.

However, rising tensions between the families threatened to undermine the alliance. The specifics of these tensions are not well-documented, but it is clear that conflicts within the Bakers Dozen began to escalate.

## Departure from the Bakers Dozen

Louie "Bagels" Benito left the Bakers Dozen under mysterious circumstances, marking a critical juncture in his life. The exact reasons behind his departure remain obscured, but it is widely believed that internal strife within the criminal network played a significant role. Some speculate that Bagels's personal code of ethics clashed with the increasingly cutthroat and ruthless nature of the organization, while others believe he uncovered a dark secret that led him to disassociate himself from the Bakers Dozen.

## The Last Drop Campaign

The Last Drop campaign holds a pivotal place in Bagels's life story. He, along with a group of fellow adventurers, embarked on this quest shortly after leaving the Bakers Dozen. The campaign was initiated when a contract was discovered in Baldur's Gate, posted by a half-elven woman named Lola Fernsby.

The contract involved the rescue of a missing woman, Lola's sister Charlotte. They had corresponded for four years until the letters stopped ten weeks ago. Charlotte was residing in Wealdstone, a town east of Baldur's Gate, along the Chointhar River. A mysterious contact was arranged in Wealdstone at the "Oldboy well," to discuss any findings related to Charlotte's disappearance each night at midnight.

Louie "Bagels" Benito and his companions set forth on this quest, their destinies bound together by a shared mission to uncover the secrets surrounding Charlotte's disappearance and, ultimately, to bring her back to safety.

Bagel's courage and resourcefulness came to the fore when the group face a grave threat in the form of a monstrous insect hive. The group teetered on the edge of defeat until Bagel took decisive action, destroying the eggs of the insect queen and preventing a catastrophic infestation that would have engulfed the region.

## The Big Tuna's Passing and Rise to Baron of Bagels

During this time, a tragic event befell Bagels as his beloved brother, "The Big Tuna," passed away in an unfortunate incident. "The Big Tuna" had been given a donut that he was told was sugar-free, unaware that it contained sugar. Tragically, he was a diabetic, and this led to his untimely demise. The donut was provided by none other than the enigmatic "Don of Donuts."

Bagels, equipped with his gift of perception and a burning desire for justice, began to investigate the circumstances surrounding his brother's death. This investigation led him to the heart of the Donut District, a place fraught with intrigue and deception. Over time, Bagel's relentless pursuit of the truth and his dedication to his family's legacy paid off. His detective work uncovered a web of deceit and dark secrets tied to the Don of Donuts.

In a climactic confrontation, Bagels took his revenge on the shadowy figure responsible for his brother's death. With justice served, Bagel seized the opportunity to fill the power vacuum of the don. He did not want history to repeat itself after the death of his brother and created a new culinary alternative—the bagel. He introduced a wide array of fun and wacky flavors such as dreamleaf seed, gravedust, and even a flavor known as "everything."

As a result of his culinary innovations, Bagels became known as the "Baron of Bagels." He used this newfound title to not only safeguard his family's legacy but to establish a thriving business in the culinary world. As word spread people came from far and wide to try the new delectable sensation, famous for their unique flavors, quickly gained popularity and left an indelible mark on the world.

## The T.O.A.D Foundation and Project

The T.O.A.D foundation was created in honor of Bagels's late brother "The big tuna" and offered a means of undoing the damage caused to those who have/are suffering from diseases such as diabetes. It also served as a means of creating tax free money

Bagels's involvement in the T.O.A.D project itself remains shrouded in secrecy and mystery. It is rumored this enigmatic endeavor, stands for Temporal Operation and Alterations Devices and is closely associated with the mystical "Time Toad" although this hasn't been proven. Bagels's precise role within the project is a closely guarded secret, and the nature and purpose of the T.O.A.D project remain hidden from the public eye, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his already complex life.

## Trivia

Bagels once orchestrated a daring heist in which he and his crew stole a priceless gem known as the "Crimson Jewel." To add a playful twist, he replaced the jewel with a bagel of identical size and shape, leaving the authorities baffled.

Despite his notorious reputation, Bagels had a softer side. He was known for secretly helping struggling bakers and donating to orphanages, earning him the nickname "The Benevolent Baron" among some circles.

Bagels' culinary innovations were not limited to just traditional bagels. He was famous for hosting extravagant dinner parties where he created eccentric dishes, like the "Triple Cheesebagel Surprise," which became the talk of the town.

Bagels formed a secret society known as the "Bagel Brotherhood." Its members included chefs, artists, and even a few former rivals. This organization worked on various charitable projects and culinary experiments that would change the food world forever.

A legend has it that Bagels once baked a bagel that, when consumed, allowed people to temporarily relive past moments from their lives. Though considered mere folklore, the story added an aura of mystique to Bagel's culinary legacy.

Bagels had a peculiar rivalry with a fellow pastry enthusiast known as "Croissant Charlie." They once engaged in a good-natured baking duel that captivated the entire city. The two masters of their craft displayed their skills in an unforgettable battle of bread and pastry.

## Notable Quotes

"In the criminal underworld, you either knead the dough or get baked. I chose to rise." - Bagels

"The mysteries of life are like a bagel's nooks and crannies—endless and full of surprises." - Bagels

"Every bagel tells a story, just as every crime leaves its mark." - Bagels

"I may have left the Bakers Dozen, but my legacy is still rising." - Bagels

"In the dough of life, sometimes we need to add a twist to create something extraordinary." - Bagels

"Justice is a dish best served with a side of sesame seed bagels." - Bagels

"The T.O.A.D project? Ah, the mysteries of diabetes are like an ever-expanding batch of dough, and I'm just here to knead it." - Bagels

"Bagels are my canvas, and flavors are my palette. I paint with taste." - Bagels

"For every secret ingredient, there's an equal measure of curiosity." - Bagels

"The past, much like a bagel, can be sliced and savored, but it's never truly gone." - Bagels

"Watch out, Bagel. The Muffin Man is rising, and his muffins may prove the icing on your troubles." - The Scone Sultan