strangederby: So I'm trying to get master firearms training and in order to do that I have to rescue a hostage from a barn. Trouble is no matter what I do the hostage is always shot before I reach the building and target the hostage takers. I've managed to avoid this by throwing dynamite at the window to kill the main killer but this results in the hostage turning hostile. Is this quest impossible unless you have very high sneak skills?
Hmm... I think they aren't supposed to attack the hostage until you actually get there. But I haven't played that quest in a while. From what I remember there are two ways in to the barn, a more direct entrance, and a side door thing. The side door puts you closer to the hostage and hopefully allows you to save her.
If they really are attacking her before you even get there I would suggest trying to load a save game from before you talked to William Thorndop and trying again.
I do remember the fight being pretty difficult if you weren't high enough level though, so maybe you just aren't able to kill the bandits fast enough? Good luck!