6 Random Beats from All Plots

A ReprimandThe blowhard thug talks with a travelling merchant. Something the merchant says turns the thug pale.
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.
A Clandestine ExchangeA clandestine exchange occurs in a dark alley.
Quenched SorrowsThe Smith gets drunk, and lets some things slip. It's obvious he needs help, but he's very proud of his capabilities.
Thug LifeA bard is warned about paying his fair share of "insurance" by a blowhard band of thugs.
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.