Gossip is the fastest-traveling currency in the realm. A PC can inquire about major events by making a Presence Roll. What they learn depends on the outcome of their roll, based on the following criteria:

• Critical Success: Learn about two major events. The PC can ask one follow-up question about one of the rumors and get a truthful (if not always complete) answer.
• Success withHope: Learn about two events, at least one of which is relevant to the character’s background.
• Success withFear: Learn an alarming rumor related to the character’s background.
• Any Failure: The locals respond poorly to their inquiries. The PC must mark a Stress to learn one relevant rumor.

What news do the PCs have that they could pass along to curious travelers? What do the locals think about these events?

An adventuring society maintains a chapterhouse here, where heroes trade boasts and rumors, drink to their imagined successes, and scheme to undermine their rivals.

What boasts do the adventurers here make, and which do you think are true?

Another adventuring party is here, seeking the same treasure or leads as the PCs.

Which PC has a connection to one of the rival party members? Do they approach the PC first or do they wait for the PC to move?

The PCs witness as agents of a local crime boss shake down a general goods store.

What trouble does it cause if the PCs intervene?

At night, or when the party is alone in a back alley, you can spend a Fear to introduce a group of thieves who try to rob them. The thieves appear at Close range of a chosen PC and include a Jagged Knife Kneebreaker, as many Lackeys as there are PCs, and a Lieutenant. For a larger party, add a Hexer or Sniper.

What details show the party that these people are desperate former adventurers?