A few hours ago I ran the encounter "Monster in the Closet" from BO with two of my players. It was short and fun for the players as Gresgurt rolled only 1s and 3s.
Before the grim night my inquisitive players went to the sage of town to get to know more about the things they learned from Tsuto's journal (We played the first part of Part Three before the third part of Part Two (confusing, isn't it?)). They asked about the quasit and this Malfeshnekor. So I rolled a 9 for Quink's Knowledge (the Planes)-check assuming this man is interested in Thassilon and for that part the planes of existence where summoned slaves of the mages of that empire came from, at least some of them. He is a 7th lvl expert so the maths goes like: 9 (rolled) + 10 (skill ranks) + 2 (int bonus) = 21. I checked the tactics and tips section on the wizard-boards and told my players what the table says. The second question was a bit more complex, but I rolled a 19 for Quink's Knowledge (history)-check. Assuming he is an expert-expert on Thassilon I gave him the Skill Focus on this knowledge skill and then the maths goes: 19 (rolled) + 10 (skill ranks) + 2 (int bonus) + 3 (feat) = 34. I had no place to check a simple table or such so he recognized the name, but wasn't to put it in the first place.
He began: "Thassilon...", before the player interrupted: "Thassilon? What is this?" Quink looked down at him (he is a halfling) and sighed. "Thassilon", he continued "was a huge realm on the land now called Varisia. It was ruled by the High King or Emperor as they called him. A wizard of quite some skill. He divided his realm into seven provinces. Each ruled by a so called Runelord, a mage of some skill, too." While he was explaining he searched his tomes and books for the name Malfeshnekor. With a triumphant smile he continued: "The empire finally fell and its seven parts waged war on each other. The border of two such provinces was around this place, that's why I came here. Shortly before the end of this war a certain soldier was arrested. A certain soldier named Mal-FESH-NE-kor." The players described the content of the journal and Quink speculated: "Perhaps it is a giant, a dragon or a creature of the lower planes. The wizards of Thassilon used to bind such creatures to their will."
Now I am asking you: Did I reveal to much? Is this what a Knowledge (history) check 34 reveals?
Sounds good to me!
You probably don't want to reveal much more than this that early, though, but letting the PCs know who Malfeshnekor is early is good.
Good to know from the Chief! Thanks Mr. Jacobs.
Hey at least your players take advantage of Sages... I've literally had to twist the proverbial arms of my players to consult an expert in some of my campaigns!!!
I know what you are talking (or writing about) prime. My used to be as yours, but things have changed as it seems. :) *happy*