1 Shepherd. Driving their flock back from pasture with the help of two dogs. The sheep fill the lane and move at a relaxed amble.
2 Peddler. A traveling merchant with a stock of general and small luxury goods. They also have tools to mend items for a fee.
3 Itinerant Teacher. A traveling scholar who offers classes and letter-writing services. They have a small library in their wagon and will deliver messages if the destination is on their route, but no guarantees.
4 Mercenaries. A small company of soldiers for hire looking for their next job. They'll offer their services as protection until you reach town, or propose to travel together for mutual protection if you don't have the money.
5 Hunters. Locals returning home hauling their kill on a travois. It takes three of them to pull the sled.
6 Lone Horseman. A solitary rider racing along the road at a desperate gallop as if pursued.
7 Postman. Following their route on horseback with a pack mule carrying correspondence and parcels. They're unable to open the mail bags outside of town, it's against regulations.
8 Tax Collector. Momentarily separated from their guards and vulnerable.
9 Bandits. Waiting to ambush a bigger target than you. Politely indicate you should get lost immediately.
10 Lumberjacks. A team of foresters hauling freshly-felled logs back to town on a big-wheel cart.
11 Old Woman. A lone granny walking back from the market with a basket and a big stick. Unafraid and formidable.
12 Mushroom Hunter. Returning from the woods with a basket full of truffles. Won't say where they harvested them but will happily sell some for a good price.
13 Lost Dog. Scruffy and thin with burrs in its matted fur, but happy to see you.
14 Traveling Doctor. A skilled physician making their rounds through the local villages. They might not have official credentials but they do have a stethoscope.
15 Lost Child. Dirty, hungry, cold, and wandering on the side of the road. Wary of adults but won't run unless startled.
16 Ghost. A figure standing in the woods on the edge of the road. Turns and walks through the gate of an overgrown cemetery before vanishing.
17 Folklorists. A group of researchers looking for the local legendary monster. If it's real they're probably scaring it off with all the noise they're making.
18 Family. Three sisters, their spouses, children, and a few stray cousins moving their households to a new town. They have wagons full of furniture and are driving livestock along with them.
19 Old Soldier. A long-retired veteran traveling the world in their old age. Has a plethora of tales of their many and varied exploits.
20 Midwife. Called out in a hurry to attend an early birth. She'll enlist you to help with the emergency if you're foolish enough to look useful.
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