It wasn't a large village, and wouldn't have shown up on a map of the mountains. It barely showed up on a map… — Terry Pratchett

One reason for the bustle was that over large parts of the continent other people preferred to make money without working at all, and since the Disc had yet to develop a music recording industry they were forced to fall back on older, more traditional forms of banditry.

It is well known that a vital ingredient of success is not knowing that what you're attempting can't be done.

"Hmm. Granpone the White. He's going to be Granpone the Grey if he doesn't take better care of his laundry. Aye tell you, girl, a white magician is just a black magician with a good housekeeper."