“ A culture has it forbidden to say their rulers name under penalty of death. Anybody in power must be referred to as their title. Comes from the fact that the rule or position can be taken over by anybody from any level in society. To use the title elevates them or brings them down from whatever level they were originally at before they took the position. Respect and authority comes from the position, not from previous life.”
“ A casual remark by one of the party about something met on a previous adventure leads to a summons to and grilling by the Mages' Guild (or equivalent), probably resulting in an expedition back to that area to recover the things for study by the Guild. The party's presence will be 'requested' for this expedition.”
“ Basq doesn't exist. He occupies a point in space--a single X,Y,Z point in the Cartesian plane, but he's not made of anything. People looking at him see whatever they want to see. Or what he wants you to see. Usually a mix. Just the same, he cannot be hurt swords or arrows. Only things that deal damage to an area (fireballs, gases) can damage him. Or weapons that can cut through an infinitely small point.”