It's a fantasy role-playing game.

DM: You are Fjord, a half-orc warlock . You are the member of the famous group of adventurers. Previously,  However, upon noticing that some of the buildings on the eastern side of town began to light up with what appeared to be flame, you began to approach rather rapidly, seeing members of the city's citizens fleeing, screaming, and apparently there seemed to be some sort of attack. Upon going into the town, you realized that a number of these buildings were being set fire by an incursion of Gnolls.
DM: You can't tell if the sour smell is intentional flavor or just time taking its toll. It'll be tart one way or the other.
Player: Do we see any crownsguard around? In the street.
DM: Over time you will. They're scattered a bit thin and a lot of them are currently focused on either perimeter watch, in case they come back, or helping out those that need help inside the city.
Player: I'd just like to find one, if I could.
DM: Within ten minutes of wandering through the city as you guys have gathered yourselves and begun heading towards the eastern side, you see a crownsguard who is currently walking by with some washrags under one arm and a little streak of dried blood down the side of their face. Looks to be a young man probably in his mid-20s or so. Longish hair that's been heavily braided on the sides and then pinned to the back in a tuft of a ponytail.
Player: Howdy!
DM: "Yes?"
Player: Sorry to bother, but we've been commissioned by Bryce to make a little expedition to go after those gnolls and we're going to need an extra steed if the Crownsguard has one.
DM: "We're not allowed to give out any Crownsguard supplies. If you're looking for a steed, you'd probably have to go to the On the Wind Stables. They're going to be your best bet."
Player: Where would those be?
DM: "Right--" and points over towards the northern side of the town. It's one of the buildings that's taken a little bit of fire damage.
Player: Are you concerned about the people that live in this town? Clock's ticking on their lives and you want me to go get a steed from another stable instead of saving their lives?
DM: "It's not--"
Player: I sure would hate to have to report this to Bryce. I think they'd be pretty upset about it.
DM: Make a deception check.
Player: 13.
DM: "Look, I mean no offense whatsoever and if-- I can go find Bryce and see if we-- the Watchmaster would be much more suited to--"
Player: Your name?
DM: "Reggie."
