* A fire breaks out after a rogue mage carelessly tosses a fireball at some yokel that was rude to him. PCs may need to avoid the fire, the ensuing stampede of panicking townsfolk, be called upon help put out the fire or to rescue innocents. And/or eventually hunt down the mage himself.
* A dangerous band of skilled vagabonds has been murdering members of the city watch when challenged. The PCs may be confused with these individuals, enlisted to help track them down, or just witness one of the murders.
* A plague spreads throughout the city. As well as potential infection of the PCs, civil unrest may arise as casualties or more temporary incapacitation amongst the watch and governing bodies impair their ability to maintain order.
* PCs get caught up in riots that arise in response to some scandal, hated law or tax, execution, point of succession, or excessive public celebration. In addition to the usual hazards (e.g. fire, stampedes, looting, angry mobs bearing pitchforks, angry authorities repressing the rioters) the PCs may have the opportunity to offend or impress large masses of people later on if they do something conspicuous....resulting in many small benefits or annoyances. Or possible conscription into performing some quest or activity for whatever cause is being embraced.
