6 Random Beats from All Plots

The Bloody MerchantA shopkeeper is found badly beaten behind his shop. He blames himself for taking out the trash so late and will not press charges.
An Offal TrailA trail of offal leads to a underground lab that is defended by ghoulish cult guards.
Temporarily DetainedA guard catches a young thief in the marketplace. They go into an alley where the guard takes something from the thief and lets him escape. They seem familiar with each other.
Unwanted VisitorsApparitions rising from the sewers cause witnesses to lose their wits.
Chain of CommandA guard captain and the travelling merchant have a pleasant lunch. Their talk seems to be all business, and somewhat less than legal.
Thug LifeA bard is warned about paying his fair share of "insurance" by a blowhard band of thugs.