Your people are past the peak of their prime. Social & economical decay has begun to set in. The government seems to have become self-perpetuating and careless to the people's needs. Previously common civil liberties and services are disappearing.
Well-to-Do: These are the upper end of the middle or merchant class in Barbarian and Civilized cultures. They typically own larger homes, have a household servant (a cook and/or a maid), have private transportation, and sometimes travel abroad.
Hostile encounter. Followers of a god are persecuting unbelievers, you had a direct or indirect interaction with them. (work with your DM to determine details)
You become involved with criminal elements of society, taking to a life of crime and earning a notorious reputation and bounty. (work with your DM to determine details)