How do you get information to the PCs?

[SamuraiY]

I have an interesting idea for a campaign, but it revolves around getting certain pieces of information to the PCs. Things like the death of major NPCs, unusual natural phenomena, etc. My first thought was some sort of newspaper, but thaqt wouldn't be practicle under the world's technology level. I know that this sort of stuff would be on everybodys tongues, but it'll be unrealistic and uninteresting if I tell them they just overhear a bunch of conversations.

 

[Cedric]

Town cryers.

Sitting on the street corners shouting out the newest information.

Cedric

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Since my players have a habit of taking everything I say as either a lie or something to throw them off track...I just tell them the simple, straightforward truth...*evil grin*...through the guy trying to kill them.

 

[d12]

Bards!

Traveling bards stop through the town the PCs are in every once in a while, right? Well, they make a point of recounting news from far and near before they sing the ballads of old....

If the PCs go to buy a new sword, horse, food, etc...then the sotre owner can say, "You know what I heard from the last trade caravan that came through?"

Gossip. Good old fashioned grapevine....

 

[MarauderX]

Yeah, d12 stole my answer. If the party has a bard, give him the hint to go gather knowledge or go hang out at a local tavern to pick up some info. If no party bard, have them get acquainted with one that just happens to be traveling in the same direction.

Info can pass pretty quickly and be exagerated or incorrect, so perhaps there are conflicting rumors running around town about a certain NPC and let the PCs know which one is true if they put any effort into finding out. I would make common knowledge of events common so that anyone the PCs interact (smithy, jeweler, etc.) with may ask them "Didja hear 'bout da lord's caravan?" before socialably telling them all they know.

Within the adventure, I like to use captives that surrender to spill the beans on an evil plot. Cowardly goblin toadies are great for that; after all the BBEG needs someone to gloat too, right?