“ Your Pillow> This magic pillow is "+2" comfort and remains cool despite the temperature. It also shrinks to the size of a cigarette box for easy transportation. These are WILDLY popular wth those who have to travel(especially adventurers) . They command a huge price far outside it's true value , sometimes selling for thousands of gold pieces in a world where stating fighters are often equiped w +2 Swords. The method of creation is lost but sevral enterprising mages are trying to recreate this, with no success.”
“ There exists a prestigious academy with a history going back hundreds of years. Graduates are highly skilled and very much sought after for employment. For purely traditional reasons, the academy requires its students to become proficient in a skill or area of knowledge that has no use in the modern world. This could be Ancient Egyptian, an antiquated form of writing such as shorthand, knowledge of building or repairing antique steam engines, programming COBOL, etc. PCs who graduated from this academy must be sure to have this skill in their repertoire.”
“ A rather large armed group slowly walks the road. Unless you get to see what they transport, you could think it is a caravan with expensive goods, or the soldiers escort someone important. But this is a prisoner transport, on the way to mines, criminals on their way for punishment.
The soldiers may be willing to talk, the captain will have a few questions on you and the road, but they will keep distance, and part soon.”