Haven\'t checked out the original thread yet but off the cuff it would seem as if Drilixer has a point. Would it not make more sense to have an overall quest made up of several smaller quests that logically follow each other, even though they may branch off in several directions?
For example if the overall quest is to find the lost city (and there probably has to be a good reason for finding it other than mere curiosity - maybe great wealth, magic, magical weapons, knowledge etc.) Possible sub-quests could be:
Finding several small maps that together form a puzzle of a greater map. (these quests could be undertaken as part of the overall quest or seperately by someone who wants to become wealthy by acquiring and then selling the smaller maps to \"great map\" collectors.
Acuiring a specific animal with specific skills in order to reach the location or even vicinity of the Lost City. (In other words first find the maps, make the puzzle so the big map is formed, find the clues as to the location and the necessary means of transport to reach it, plus get such a means of transport!)
Learn specific lore about the history of a given race (example Enkidukai) (Without this knowledge you will not know that once you\'ve reached the lost city you would require knowledge of a specific strain of magic to be able to enter the area at all.)
Find a willing and able teacher/mage of that strain of magic (in a very specialised field) to teach you the required magical skills. Go through the training of that school of magic, master the basics as well as the specialised skills required.
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Now THAT will take a hell of a lot of time to complete! 8o But it still is a larger quest made up of several smaller quests. Each smaller quest could be undertaken for its own sake or as part of the greater quest.
Hope I\'m making some sense here ?(