Get outside and talk to people, wander around, use gathering skills (once they're rolled out and available, that is.) The tavern is by no means the only congregation spot in town, merely the most obvious. Search around and see what there is to see!As for the second question, you're really going to have to just ask around in game.(You could also ask on the IG boards, but you'll have better results in a face to face conversation.)
Realms of AdventureLive The Magic!