1

The settlement is well-governed, orderly, and prosperous

2

The settlement is preparing for war

3

The ruler has mysteriously vanished (or is being held hostage)

4

There is strife between factions or sects, with likely support from outside forces

5

A revolt is brewing among the lower orders of the settlement (with likely support from above)

6

The ruler and his/her supporting clique are fools, weaklings, or religious fanatics

7

An isolated clique wields power with little internal support

8

The settlement is recovering from a recent calamity (invasion, attack, famine, plague, economic 99.

9

A particular neighborhood is unsanitary/has been taken over by unsavory characters

10

A charismatic stranger has recently arrived with wondrous objects or new ideas

11

The settlement is overcrowded with refugees from a nearby disaster

12

The settlement is beset by an inexplicable sense of foreboding and dread