The old problem still existed. The curse was taking out more and more familiars every day. It was even starting to stretch into other regions of the nexus. Bugsy knew it was only a matter of time before every region was lost to the curse. It had all started here. It was somehow centered in Chult. Port Nyanzaru is the last point of civilization before the real danger started. If they failed, the entire Nexus was domed. Bugsy had read and heard a lot about this region. If it started here, Tiamat must be the reason.
His group gathered on the docks meeting up with Tinkle when they arrived. He was from Nyanzaru and their guide within the city. He and his family had been in the Nexus for generations. No one even remembered the actual estranged familiar that started their line. Hooman and Artichokes met on the ship. Bugsy remembered the old “real” world but loved the infinite variety that this world brought. He watched as a dog, owl, raccoon, and toad gathered to save the world.
The excitement of the city and the lack of traveling coin struck all of them. Even questionable deals with their allure of quick money were on the table. Bugsy was surprised to see the group take on a job to shake down a dead beat named Taban. He owed money for some gambling debts. K’lahu was a hippo booky and she wanted her money back. Artichoke wanted to enter the race, and this would secure the coins to make it happen. Bugsy could see the plans within plans to build up the money to find the center of the curse. Bugsy knew this was a bad idea but was outvoted as they headed to the docks.
Taban worked down on the docks. The group found him working alone. He was an alligator or crocodile. Bugsy could never tell the difference. He tried to remember some difference in nose structures but could not bring the rule to his mind. Artichoke tried to get him to give up the money through guile, but Bugsy ruined the plan. He was not used to working with tactics from the darker parts of the streets. He had lived within the temple to long and it was ruining the plans of his companions, and he hoped future friends.
Taban agreed to trial by combat. He was strong and fast. He was better than any of them. He might be better than all of them.