Yes, how can I help you?
Is there anything special to be seen around here?
Well, there’s the dwarven mine, that’s fairly unusual this close to the sea!
Do you think the Holberkians might be behind the orc uprising?
No, impossible, the Holberkians couldn’t do something like that!
Do you know the rat-catcher?
Not in person, no.
Do you think there’s monsters down in the sewers?
I wouldn’t imagine there’s anything down there but rats. Why don’t you ask the city rat-catcher, he should know.
Could you tell us something about the guild or the tradesmaster?
Well, I keep hearing about them. But I don’t believe the guild really has a base down in the sewers, I think some of them just hide in the tunnels when they’re in danger.
Do you know a fellow named Tarik?
I won’t have anything to do with him!
And what do you think about the judge?
I know him… not! But people talk a lot about Jarnug, he must be a hard man.
Have a nice day now, y’hear!
Excuse me, but there are things for me to do. I hope you’ll find someone who has more time to answer your questions.
A small spyhole opens in the door, two big, frightened eyes stare out at you, and a female voice asks:
Who are you, what do you want from me?
For a while, the woman’s eyes dart between you, then she seems satisfied you’re harmless, and she opens the door.
Is there anything special to tell about this town?
Something special, hah - you’re lucky to stay alive, with murderous criminals prowling the streets at night. There’s hardly a day without victims falling prey to them. And what are the guards doing? No-good, useless bums!
Do you think the Holberkians might be behind the orc uprising?
I don’t care whether the Holberkians agitate the orcs or not. I don’t care if the blackpelts take the entire empire. We’ve got our own problems here at Riva!
Do you know the rat-catcher?
The werewolf? You be careful! He’s in league with the arch-demons!
Do you think there might be monsters down in the sewers?
Might? What do you mean ‘might’? It’s high time the guards do their duty and clean up below the streets! What kind of a city is this, where werewolves and vampires can come climbing out of the sewers at night to murder innocent citizens, and the guards stand by and do nothing?!
Do you know anything about the guild or the tradesmaster you could tell us?
The riff-raff is all over Riva, they’ve got their lair in the sewers. It’s probably the guild’s doing that the streets are full of monstrous creatures at night.
Do you know a man called Tarik?
Tarik is in bed with that judge! Anyone Bosper Jarnug takes a dislike to gets dealt with by Tarik!
So, what do you think of the judge?
You can’t trust the judge anymore since he’s chummed up with that Tarik! Anyone who crosses the judge is eliminated by Tarik - that’s what’s really going on!
Gods, I’ve left the back window open!
With that, the woman shoves you out the door, and before you know what’s happening to you, the door is slammed in your faces. Immediately afterwards, you can hear the shutters being closed in the back yard.