6 Random Beats from All Plots

Thug LifeA bard is warned about paying his fair share of "insurance" by a blowhard band of thugs.
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.
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.
A ReprimandThe blowhard thug talks with a travelling merchant. Something the merchant says turns the thug pale.
The Good LifeThe Guard Captain wears subtle but extremely expensive adornment. Investigation reveals a lower-class upbringing and a moderate town salary.