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.
The Burning ForgeOne of the smaller forges in town catches fire. The smith is livid, and takes his frustrations out on an apprentice. Nobody seems convinced that the apprentice is to blame.
A Clandestine ExchangeA clandestine exchange occurs in a dark alley.
A ReprimandThe blowhard thug talks with a travelling merchant. Something the merchant says turns the thug pale.
Vanished ThievesThe Thieves Guild is fortifying their turf because they've lost crew. Nobody lost had pulled any large jobs and all went missing near the darkest parts of olde town.
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.