<strong>Happenings--</strong><br/><br/>Flint, it is difficult to detect anything from the tower, since there is such a hubbub outside of the tower.  Nearly everyone is there, and nearly all of them are in the midst of raucous conversation.  Nothing ever happens in Belhaim after all.<br/><br/>As to your question:<br/><br/>"It is very rare to see kobolds in these parts of the country," Arnholde, the Baroness's son, answered.   "But not unheard of.  It has been decades, has it not, mother?"<br/><br/>"That it has," the baroness stated.   "Since before you were even a thought on my mind."<br/><br/>"Forgive your graces, but that is simply not true," answered one of the furriers.   "The kobolds have always been trouble, but they're worse lately.  I think they're preparing for war!"<br/><br/>There was a sudden clamor of discussion amongst the townspeople.<br/><br/>But since we are here, you have an opportunity to hear some bits of rumor!<br/><br/>"I hope this doesn't have to do with our druid an' 'is wife," one of the men said to another.   "They were due back by here more than two months ago, but no one's seen them.  I think they took a wrong turn or came upon some nasty trouble.  This has the stink of that blasted wizard.  I always said 'e was no good."<br/><br/>"That wizard Hunclay always spooked me," responded another.   "I heard he worships devils and collects evil books."<br/><br/>Another person added to Flint:<br/><br/>"Careful if you go wandering into those hills yonder, beyond the tower.  There's old mine shafts and caves all over the place out there from an old flood quarry.  A lot of them are infested with the ghosts of miners, I hear!"<br/><br/>Be mindful: rumors are not always true.<br/><br/><strong>QUEST MARKERS:</strong><br/><br/>1. The Collapsed Tower: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest: Investigate the cause of the Witch Tower's collapse. Reward: 1,200 XP, plus 500/per head gp awarded by the baroness.<br/><br/>2. Finding Hunclay: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest: Find out whether Balthus Hunclay had anything to do with the Witch Tower's collapse. Reward: 800 XP.<br/><br/>3. Making Friends or Enemies*: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest: Make at least one of the families of Belhaim helpful or hostile toward the party. Reward: 400 XP.<br/><br/>4. Hero or Villain*: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest: Make everyone in one of Belhaim's factions either friendly or better, or unfriendly or worse, toward the PCs. Reward: 1,6oo XP.<br/><br/>5. Best Friend or Worst Nightmare*: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest: Make everyone in Belhaim either friendly or better, or unfriendly or worse. Reward: 3,200 XP.<br/><br/>6. Belhaim Historian*: Acquired: Adventure's start. Quest:  Learn a great deal of Belhaim's history. Reward: 800 XP.