thanks so much! i figure everyone's got the option to not read it in that voice if the information is clear enough, so why not? i'm personally unsure if that's a random settler talking or if the rumors are exclusively things the bored dockmaster will say just to keep you hanging around a little longer.
as for the counselor, my brain accidentally made a connection to the old, old, old saying "spectacles, testicles, wallet, watch." i'm so sorry. a little sorry. obviously not sorry enough to change it, though. i figure "tentacles" either gives a micromanager feel or else a taboo secret feel, and the game master (or the players) can make the decision on their own. i nearly added the counselor to the "chaos" recommendations list, but held just so it wouldn't seem like an answered question. i kinda like it up in the air, up for interpretation.