Bill Sikes, the Ruthless Ruffian

“Meet Bill Sikes: The Ruthless Criminal Who Will Stop at Nothing!”

• Alias: None known
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Criminal, Thief, Enforcer
• Religion: Irreligious
• Allies: Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Fagin, Other Criminals
• Enemies: Law Enforcement, Society at Large
• Abode/Base of Operations: Squalid Tenement in London’s Slums
• Nationality: English
• Languages: English, Thieves’ Cant
• Alignment: Chaotic Evil
• Affiliation(s): Criminal Underworld
• Significant Others: Nancy, his lover, and Bull’s-eye, his loyal dog

Bill Sikes is a man of darkness, a shadowy figure in the criminal underworld. He’s the embodiment of fear and ruthlessness, a person who stops at nothing to achieve his sinister goals. Sikes is driven by a deep-seated desire for power and control, but it’s not wealth or prestige he seeks – it’s the sheer thrill of dominance and the fear he instills in others that keeps him going.

With a hulking frame and a face marred by scars and a permanent scowl, Sikes strikes terror into the hearts of those who cross his path. He walks the grimy streets of London like a malevolent force, instilling fear and commanding obedience from all who dare to defy him. His piercing eyes seem to see through the very souls of those unfortunate enough to meet his gaze.

Sikes is a man who thrives on chaos and violence. He’s not bound by any moral code or conscience. His brutality knows no bounds, and he’s infamous for his capacity for cruelty. What drives him is the fear he can inspire and the sense of power it gives him over others. He’s feared and reviled by society, but he revels in his notoriety, viewing it as a badge of honor.

In the seedy underbelly of London, Sikes has carved out a niche for himself as a ruthless criminal, a mastermind of theft and violence. He surrounds himself with a motley crew of like-minded individuals, united by their willingness to do whatever it takes to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. Loyalty to Sikes is born out of fear rather than affection, and he knows how to use that to his advantage.

What Sikes fears most is losing control, being seen as weak, or becoming a victim of the very brutality he inflicts upon others. He loathes authority figures and despises anyone who tries to stand in his way. His goal is simple: to maintain his dominance in the criminal underworld, to strike fear into the hearts of all who oppose him, and to ensure that he remains the one who instills terror in the night.

Bill Sikes

Medium humanoid (human), Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 15 (studded leather) Hit Points 110 (20d8 + 20) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +7 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages English, Thieves’ Cant Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Criminal Specialization. Bill Sikes is a seasoned criminal with expertise in stealth, deception, and dirty fighting tactics.

Actions

Multiattack. Bill Sikes makes three melee attacks: one with his cudgel and two with his dagger.

• Cudgel. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
• Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.

• Dirty Trick. Bill Sikes can use an object or his surroundings to gain an advantage. He has a variety of dirty tricks he can employ to gain an edge in combat. Once per turn, as a bonus action, he can choose one of the following effects:
  • Throw Sand. Bill Sikes throws sand or dirt into the eyes of a creature within 5 feet, blinding them until the end of their next turn.
  • Low Blow. Bill Sikes targets a creature’s vulnerable areas, forcing them to make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
  • Cheap Shot. Bill Sikes strikes a creature’s throat, causing them to be silenced for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

• Savage Strike. When Bill Sikes hits a creature with his cudgel, he can choose to make a Savage Strike. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.
• Grappling Expertise. Bill Sikes is skilled at grappling. He can use his bonus action to attempt to grapple a creature he can see within 5 feet of him. If he succeeds, the target is restrained until the grapple ends.

Reactions Evasion. When subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, Bill Sikes instead takes no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.

Equipment

• Studded leather armor
• Cudgel
• Dagger
• Thieves’ tools
• Grappling hook
• 25 gp in assorted coins

Roleplaying Bill Sikes: Bill Sikes is a ruthless criminal and enforcer, feared by both his allies and enemies. He is known for his brutal temper and propensity for violence. Sikes is often seen lurking in the shadows of grimy back alleys and operates out of hidden hideouts in the heart of the city’s criminal underworld. He has a sinister reputation for his involvement in various criminal activities, including burglary, assault, and robbery.

Sikes is not a man of many words; his actions speak louder than any threats he might make. He is motivated by his own survival and the pursuit of wealth and power. He has no qualms about betraying his allies or using force to get what he wants. Bill Sikes is a master of intimidation and uses his imposing presence to instill fear in those who cross his path.

Bill Sikes could serve as a formidable adversary or a quest-giver in a seedy part of a city. His criminal connections and ruthless nature make him a challenging foe for any group of adventurers.

Bull’s-eye

Medium Beast, Neutral

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)

Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	3 (-4)	12 (+1)	6 (-2)

Skills Perception +3, Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13, Languages understands English but can’t speak

Challenge Rating (CR) 1/2

Keen Smell. Bull’s-eye has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Pack Tactics. Bull’s-eye has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of Bull’s-eye’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Snarling Intimidation. Bull’s-eye can use its action to unleash a terrifying snarl. Each creature of Bull’s-eye’s choice within 30 feet of it that can hear it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Bull’s-eye’s Snarling Intimidation for the next 24 hours.

Evasion. If Bull’s-eye is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.

Reactions

Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker that Bull’s-eye can see hits it with an attack, Bull’s-eye can use its reaction to halve the attack’s damage against it.

Bull’s-eye is a medium-sized bull-terrier dog with a muscular and compact build. Its short coat is predominantly white, with a few patches of dark brown or black fur scattered across its body. Bull’s-eye has a distinctive black patch over one of its eyes, which adds to its menacing appearance.

The dog moves with a swift and agile gait, showcasing its athletic prowess. Its sharp, alert eyes and pricked ears give it an intense and watchful expression. Bull’s-eye’s teeth are strong and sharp, particularly its canine teeth, which are visible when it snarls.

Overall, Bull’s-eye’s physical appearance exudes an aura of strength, loyalty, and intimidation, making it a fitting companion for the ruthless Bill Sikes.

Currently in the World

Bill Sikes is a burly and menacing figure, standing around 6 feet tall with a hulking, muscular build. His unkempt, jet-black hair falls untidily over his low forehead, casting shadows over his sunken, cold eyes. These eyes, dark and devoid of empathy, reveal a malevolence that chills the hearts of those who meet his gaze. His face bears the scars of numerous brawls, with a prominent, crooked nose and a permanent scowl etched onto his features.

He dresses in a ragged and tattered set of dark clothing, including a threadbare black coat that seems as grim and foreboding as his demeanor. His pants are frayed at the edges, and his boots, once sturdy, have seen better days. A red bandana is tied tightly around his neck, a stark contrast to the overall dark hues of his attire.

Currently, Bill Sikes lurks in the grimy back alleys of Victorian London, his surroundings a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and dimly lit, decaying buildings. He clutches a heavy wooden cudgel in his calloused hand, a weapon he wields with deadly proficiency. His mood is one of simmering anger and mistrust, always on edge and ready to resort to violence at the slightest provocation.