Experience for Campaign Knowledge?

[dreaded_beast]

I'm toying with the idea of giving minor experience to my PCs for knowing details of the campaign, such as the name of the local lord, important temples in town, etc.

The PCs don't know much about the campaign area, and I think this might be a good way of getting them started learning about the world.

I was thinking about 10xp points times the PCs level. For example, at level 9, the PC would get 90 xp points. I was thinking that I would have a small quiz at the beginning or end of the session.

Thoughts?

 

[Michael Morris]

I had a group with a deep love of MtG so I just made up a setting based expansion and taught them about the world through the cards. Giving out XP for it might work too though.

 

[Khorod]

Sounds good. This might be a case where the stick works better than the carrot though.

Put them through an adventure and fairly plan out several ways it could be easier with world knowledge. After the game tell the players what they could have done... and make sure they almost die for their lack of study.

 

[Starglim]

It's legitimate, I feel, to give XP for the player doing things that enhance the game experience, and for the character demonstrating his knowledge.

Old-style riddling (based on knowledge rather than humour/trickery) could be inserted into the game as a way to overcome obstacles, gain special favours or prove the character's worth to enter the higher ranks of his profession.
edit: A prestige class requirement such as "Must name six current members of the class" might fit.

An automatic shift in attitude by NPCs addressed by the wrong name, or wrong city/tribe/deity name, would be realistic.

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

Great idea. I reward players when they mention the name of gods, campaign specific things, or little details that makes the world a little more real.