I'm working through adventure design with my two oldest children, aspiring to run PF, and as I'm thinking over adventure hooks (primarily focused on 3-4hour 1-shot design at this point).
One thing I recalled from 1E modules, was they often had a table of rumors the PCs could hear from NPCs during RP encounters. Those lists often had a mix of true and false. In some cases the (F) rumors had a caveat or a twist which made it partly true. The information learned was intended to help the PCs prepare before heading off after the McGuffin.
I really like putting ideas in the players heads with the false rumors since imagination is a key component to RPGing and they will fill in lots of blanks in their own minds even if its not true. It can be a good way to put a little apprehension into the -players- mind, which will hopefully spill over into the actual game play.
In particular rumors about events/things that are either obviously too tough for the party, or things that are feared can be effective. Level drainers, rust-monsters, stone-turners as some examples, even if the adventure doesn't contain them will put them on high alert for these dangers, and perhaps have them jumping at some shadow's as they advance through the adventure and you drop hints that remind them of that rumor.
How do you like to incorporate rumors true/false/misunderstood into your adventures?
