Taxes for the Thunder God
A small shrine demands back taxes in the form of noise—citizens must shout oaths or pay coin that turns to ash. Merchants are hoarse; monks are furious. Audit the shrine's books, discover which spirit moved in during the last storm, and renegotiate worship as a public service.
Suggested NPCs
Rosalind Ironwill
Human Female Adult
Motivation: Building wealth and reputation
Personality: Hopeful and resilient
Background: Merchant dealing in rare goods
Quirk: Draws doodles during serious talks
Speaking style: Rapid-fire questions
Private fear: The smile of someone they betrayed
Edmund Thornfield
Human Other Adult
Motivation: Building wealth and reputation
Personality: Warm host who treats everyone as family
Background: Merchant dealing in rare goods
Quirk: Collects interesting pebbles
Speaking style: Talks to themselves softly
Private fear: Small locked rooms
Edmund Brightblade
Human Female Adult
Motivation: Building wealth and reputation
Personality: Brave and fearless
Background: Merchant dealing in rare goods
Quirk: Knows everyone's birthday but pretends not to
Speaking style: Speaks in formal third person
Private fear: Losing their hands