The Upper Claw is a Zootopia-themed campaign of the Leverage RPG game that uses the Cortex Plus system. Each chapter will be written by myself, Garr8899, Balencia, and Rojoneo. I will be GM'ing and playing along side the other three.

Zootopia belongs to Disney and Leverage belongs to TNT

It's a year or two after the events of the Nighthowler Incident as travel between the mammal, avian, and reptilian continents has gotten more common.

An Osprey named Arthur Drake has received a job offer and a plane ticket to Zootopia with instructions to meet his potential employer inside one of the coffee shops inside the airport. The three foot tall osprey sat on an appropriately-sized chair set up on the table, a warm coffee in his hand from which he sipped as he waited patiently.

It's not long before a portly ram tries to excuse his way through the busy coffee shop, a few files under his arm. When he reaches the table, he offers a hand to the bird at the table, "I'm so glad you chose to fly in Mr. Drake, erm no offense..." he catches himself, "Oh, Richard Bissette, head of the R&D department of CosmosTech. Again, thank you for flying out on short notice."

"None taken. It was no trouble at all, Mr. Bissette." Arthur returns the handshake, setting his drink aside "Now, how may I be of assistance?"

The ram sits down, a bit flustered, trying to smooth out the button-up he's wearing, "It's just that I've never done anything like this before." he looks around nervously before going on, "It's just that also...it's you! I've read about how you recovered those stolen paintings...the Georgia O'Teeths last year and the Van Goats a few months ago!"

"Among others, yes." Arthur nodded, remembering the incidents-two of his more tricky encounters

"I know that your father's museum may take the credit in the recovery, but if you know where to look, it's not hard to connect the dots to figure out you're the one recovering them" for a bit, Richard seems less jittery and more confident, "Painting goes missing for about two weeks...curator's son goes on another 'overseas trip'...son returns and within a few days the museum announces that the painting has been recovered. The pattern always occurs Mr. Drake."

"True enough." Arthur smiled, before clearing his throat "But I'm sure you didn't call me here to compliment me."

Richard nods and returns to his jittery self, "Of course, of course...so, the job i have for you...It's a bit outside youre area, but hear me out!" he puts the files down on the table "You see, my company, CosmosTech, we created designs for an experimental battery for tablets and phones that's able to work for a week off one charge, a-and that's not counting putting into sleep mode and battery saving modes! Nothing on the market compares." he takes a breath and sadly sighs "That is until last week when the designs were stolen from CosmosTech." he looks up to you "Mr. Drake, I have a meeting with shareholders in a few days. I need these designs so we can get the funding to continue with this project. Without it, CosmosTech's stock will crash."

Arthur raised his brow Not really my area of expertise..."

Richard tries to keep Arthur at the table, "Look, I already know where the designs are! I just need you to steal them back! I-I've already hired you a crew and everything!" he pushed the files across the table, containing the names of three criminals: Nico Sly, Oliver Lowe, and Vincent Vulpiano

Arthur recognized Nico's name, and now had a face to attach to the name. If he was honest with himself, the osprey expected a for Vincent, he'd heard a few rumors, but not a lot beyond the fact that he was a very successful grifter. "You are aware that us birds of prey are typically loners, right? Also I don't believe I've heard of this guy Oliver." Arthur tapped the lion's file

Richard's eyes were practically begging "Please Mr. Drake, what I need from you is an honest person to keep them in line. You are the person who can plan further ahead than any of the people I hired. As for Oliver," he taps the lion's profile as well "Wheelman. Used to drive getaway, but now does custom vehicles. He'll provide transportation. Also, I've heard that he's pretty good in a fight."

Arthur Hmm'd for a moment, looking the files over, then back up at Richard's face, "I think I can handle a job with a team for once. Fortunately, ospreys can be social when the need arises. I think we have a deal. As for the terms of payment?"

Richard's eyes lit up, "Oh thank you Mr. Drake! Of course of course, your payment will come when I receive the designs back of course." * he fishes a pen out of his pocket and grabs a napkin from the table and scrawls down a number before sliding it to you* "Of course, your share is a bit bigger for having flown out here and managing the team. If you'd give me the account to which to transfer the money to when the job is completed."

Arthur wrote down his account information before extending his hand again to seal the deal. "Here you are."

Richard smiles and returns the handshake, "It'll be a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Drake. Now, the designs were stolen by CosmosTech's rivals, Fenestellar Co. They have an office in the Meadowlands District."

"Understood." Arthur took note of the information in a notebook

"Is there anything else you need from me?" Richard asks, still a bit nervous, but not as nervous as when he first sat down

"I believe that will be all, Mr. Bissette." Arthur stood, gathering up the files neatly along with his coffee

Richard gets up as well, looking down at the osprey, "Thank you once again Mr. Drake, I'll let you go check in to your hotel while I try to buy some time and see if I can't delay the shareholders meeting"

Arthur nodded as he tucked the files into a suitcase, "You're very welcome and have a nice day!" he smiled kindly before finishing the last of his drink

That's it for the first scene of 'The Payback Job', please review and fave if you liked!