“ City, group, religion; every time a significant event happens to the city/person a new name will be given to signify the event. Could add the names to previous ones like a list of titles or could just be completely changed every time.”
“ The Chinese, when attacking a castle or fort, flew kites over the city wall and used the length of string it took to get it there as a measurement to know how far they had to dig a tunnel to get under the wall.”
“ The PCs are sent with a diplomat to another country to protect him and do his bidding. There may be some espionage, rescuing, downright bullying, etc. Could make a nice medieval, special operations background.”