I was reading through the notes for Nualia after my PCs discovered her journals and notes in Thistletop's lowest level. I wanted to let them in on the details but then I came across the part where it is mentioned she met up with a Norgorber-worshiping cult in Magnimar and was given the strange star-shaped medallion (Sihedron medallion). Then the next paragraph actually calls them by name, the Skinsaw cult, and it is suggested that the PCs learn all of this information from Nualia's notes. It was just a minor detail that I had overlooked until it came time to let the cat out of the bag about all of Nualia's plans and I almost choked when I saw mention of it in her journals.
I was hesitant to name the cult so I left it out for now (just detailed that they're a bunch of weirdo Norgorber worshippers), worried that I might give too much away. Then again, Norgorber IS known as "Father Skinsaw" to some of his followers, and I suppose I could allow a knowledge(religion) check for a PC to know this. Of course, there's still no direct connection or mention of Xanesha and her plans, so maybe foreshadowing a bit is in order?
Then again, as soon as I mentioned the cult, one of my PCs (the most clever of them) said, "Looks like we're going to hunt down this cult." Had I given the name they would have pretty much considered that carte blanche to go start looking for the so-called "Skinsaw Cult."
Anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it would be harmful to reveal the cult this early? The players haven't even learned about the first murders yet.
I think allowing for a Religion check is a good idea. I typically wait until a Player asks for a check or if they seem like they are indicating they are trying for information before I have them roll (unless the DC is low enough to indicate common knowledge then I just have them roll without them asking).
My group is just about to enter book 2 ourselves and I managed to edit the notes from Nualia indicating that there is a "cult" but not who they worship or their name. I also left in the hint of the leader giving Nualia the Amulet. As of yet I don't know if any of my group noticed the information (I did not say it out loud but had them read information). So we shall see how that goes down.
I too would be curious what other GMs have encountered about too much knowledge on the cult ahead of time. I suppose pulling in the murders before the PCs truck off to Magnimar will help slow them down.