Outpost Town

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 with Hope: Learn about two events, at least one of which is relevant to the character’s background. - Success with Fear: 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.

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

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

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

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 2 Hexer or Sniper.