Another one? - Oh, sorry, you’re new in town… Farfex Plotz’s the name, what can I get you?
Huh? Is it that obvious we’re strangers?
Hard to say. As tavernkeeper, I know just about everybody in town, you see, so I see immediately if someone isn’t from around here.
Well met! Anything I can help you with?
So, what’s of interest around here then?
There’s a dwarven mine near here, a bit to the east of town. There’s rumors going around that the dwarves aren’t digging for ore at all, but are looking for some artifact. - The mine has a decent yield at that.
Any news about the orcs?
The surrounding tribes are low on warriors. It’s said they’re amassing somewhere in the vicinity for a full-scale assault!
What do you think about the Holberkians?
They’re in league with those blasted orcs for sure! They should be driven out now, at least then we won’t need to look over our shoulders when the orcs attack!
What’s to know about the sewers?
Well, the town may be cleaner since the sewers were expanded, but your life isn’t safe! There are creeping monstrosities down there, as well as murdering thugs who use the tunnels to hide in. That rat-catcher is constantly wandering below ground - I wouldn’t want to know what sort of demons are protecting him from all the murderous scum down there.
Have you ever actually seen any of the creatures haunting the sewers?
Me?! Gods forbid! I wouldn’t go down there. There’s more than enough who barely got away with their lives. There’s even said to be a vampire at large down there!
How come the rat-catcher can wander through the sewers unharmed if it’s that dangerous?
Huh! Why, he’s one of them! There’s been a blood-curdling howl from his cabin on nights when the moon is full. That fellows a werewolf at least, if not worse.
Can you tell us something about the pirates?
At least that’s a danger you can fight - what with all these eerie goings-on in town. I just don’t understand why the city hasn’t used the guard commandos yet!
Any news about the trademaster?
A cut-throat if ever there was one. He had to come clean when they’d finally caught up with him. - No-one could have built an organization as large as the guild from nothing. He must have been the leader of those murdering thugs from the start!
What do you know about the guild, then?
Why, the guild has more power and influence than the city government. If something doesn’t happen soon, we’ll need fear the guild even more than the orcs!
Could you tell us something about a fellow named Tarik?
The man’s okay, he’s doing the right thing! Supports the guards, wherever he can, and uncovers criminal goings-on wherever he finds them. Who can blame him for making money from it - he’s got to make a living somehow! If there were more people like him in this town, there’d be a lot less problems!
What do you know about Jarnug, the judge?
Good man! He’s stopped mollycoddling criminals years ago. Now everybody screams he’s corrupt - idiots. That’s the only way to drive the scum from our fair city, he’s been lenient far too long!
If there weren’t some righteous citizens left - like that Tarik, who keeps the judge informed and gets kicked in the shins for it - the town would have long since gone to hell or been sold to the blackpelts!
The tavernkeeper shrugs apologetically. Another customer calls for service. Looks like you’ll have to go elsewhere for more information.