Meet Diddle - they've just escaped The Marching Poems and there's a search party hot on their tail.
In Noble Fates - you decide their fate and the world reacts.
Alignment, Opinions, and Relationships all factor into people's reactions. One of your people doesn't like Diddle because of something Diddle said and another because they just don't like Orcs. Someone else doesn't like the Marching Poems because they kicked a friend out 10 years ago. Each person weighs these factors when deciding their reaction.
Maybe you decide to protect Diddle. Your people have mixed reactions and it costs you Goose. Diddle has good skills - so you think it was a decent trade - maybe even an upgrade. After a bit, the Marching Poems show up and you're presented with a chance to hand Diddle over. Some of the same people who weren't keen on you taking Diddle in want you to stand up for them now that you have. You decide to hold strong and war breaks out with the Marching Poems. There are still those who think that none of this was worth it, and they have a hard time letting it go.
Perhaps you decide to capture Diddle instead. It turns out that Diddle is happy to have protection, even if they find themselves in chains. Similarly, when the Marching Poems arrive - you decide whether to hand them over or fight. This time some people in your kingdom react differently because you chose to capture Diddle first.
Of course - you could just execute Diddle, which the people (including the Marching Poems) will react to. The Marching Poems could thank you for doing their dirty work, and it could improve your relations.
Finally, you could do nothing - Diddle will go on their way without your help. Maybe the Marching Poems catch up to them somewhere else out there in the sim - but If they don't - Diddle will remember that you wronged them - and they'll do what they can to make sure you pay for it.
