when my PC's discarded the Stag Lord's ring for sale (N's hair turned into metal), it ended up in the markets of Restov for sale, and ended up on the hand of a minor (but "up-and-coming") Councilman of Restov. He has now been snared by N after taking a fancy to the ring and buying it, then having dreams. He has a sudden appreciation for Fey (the Gnomes of Restov like that) and a keen interest in keeping the Stolen lands wild and supressing any "adventuring parties". Soon, the Mayor will lose a vote of no confidence (over funding the charter groups instead of more troops) and new rules put into effect "banning adventuring" - the biggest effect of this will be no more selling of loot at Restov (there will be a 90% tax applied). The PC's have been invited to the Grand Ball of Restov in a few months (along with the other Charter Groups). Here they will meet this councilman, and possibly (hopefully) spot the ring on his finger (or perhaps on a chain around his neck). Some playful but serious banter about the charter groups draining the treasury when troops are needed will occur, etc. I fully expect if (when) the PC's spot the ring, they will follow/study this councilman....
What would a newly snared Councilman of Restov do to prepare for such encounters? The Party level will be 6 by then...possibly 7. I made him a Aristocrat8 (my Lord Mayor is lvl 10). He has Leadership, and I gave him a lvl6 Wizard (advisor) and a bunch of Fighter followers (bodyguards). I assume he is fairly wealthy.
He certainly is aware of the PC's (they are a Ranger(guide), Fighter, Cleric, Druid) and is privy to the reports they send each month plus has met them personally twice now (with all the other council members). From him, N knows the PC's are not "adventurer's, but settlers from Restov...so he just hates them because N wants the stolen lands kept unsettled...he does not suspect them (yet). But, any suggestions for things such a person might do to prepare for the "foreshadowed" adventurer's?