unclejemima on 5/4/2006 at 03:47
Just a question from a newbie of the Elder Scrolls...
Does it really matter if I wait 4 in-game months to complete a task that is described in the text as being "urgent" or something that should be done "immediately"?
Or can I pick up a quest, leave it hanging for half a year, and come back with everything just the way I left it?
NeoPendragon on 5/4/2006 at 03:53
I haven't been through every quest but in my experience you can leave it for as long as you want. Like the guy who wants you to defend his farm with his sons. I left them waiting for days before I did it.
Tuco on 5/4/2006 at 04:37
Some rare quests, when you activate it, the NPCs will move into position and fight other NPCs, and your boys will probably(should) die without your help.
These are rare and blantantly obvious. Other than them, you can grow old and they won't care.
Arondil on 5/4/2006 at 19:41
There is a timed one too.
RarRar on 5/4/2006 at 19:52
Quote Posted by unclejemima
Just a question from a newbie of the Elder Scrolls...
Does it really matter if I wait 4 in-game months to complete a task that is described in the text as being "urgent" or something that should be done "immediately"?
Or can I pick up a quest, leave it hanging for half a year, and come back with everything just the way I left it?
Absolutely you should wait! This was a gripe I had when I first started playing the game. I'd give a specific example (Kvatch) but don't want to introduce a spoiler in the non-spoiler forum. Many quests you will get have this great urgency associated with them. Get there NOW, before it's too late! Kill the monsters before everyone DIES!! Hurry!!! But they lie. You can let a quest sit just as long as you like, go advance in your guild, build up some skills, acquire some equipment, buy a house, whatever. Once I realized this I was able to relax and enjoy the game.
I've only really done a small part of the main quest but so far each iteration seems to have an urgency to it which you can ignore. If you listened to the quest givers the main quest is ALL you'd be doing right up until you finish it. So really, just relax. Check in from time to time if you like, but only do the parts you feel like on your own timetable.
Komag on 5/4/2006 at 22:07
I really appreciated Morrowind on this issue. Caius Cosades would tell you "take a break, go do some other quests, come back when you're stronger and ready to move on".
In Oblivion I technically know that I can wait forever before doing the "urgent" mission, but it breaks my immersion somewhat to do that, and I feel like I'm cheating a game instead of playing in a real world.
RarRar on 5/4/2006 at 22:19
Quote Posted by Komag
but it breaks my immersion somewhat to do that, and I feel like I'm cheating a game instead of playing in a real world.
It does mine too. While I like the main quest in Oblivion MUCH MUCH more than Morrowind (anyone feel like running around gathering up some exquisite clothes for your slave girl turned lady?) I also feel strange about letting some of these urgent matters go, and it does tickle the back of my brain a bit when I'm playing. Very unrealistic that you'd expect some of these people to survive 5 or 6 months in their dire circumstances while you toodle around doing this and that.
