As the title says - I've just started playing and am getting used to the interface, controls and features. Most questions are answered from google and gog searches but many more probably to come.

Ta.

I don't quite understand the question.

The log automatically crosses off completed quests..

There was an instance right at the beginning of the game where someone was cursed and it could only be lifted by killing the mage (I think) that cast it. I went to said NPC and it transpired that his family were killed....

To cut a long story short, I did the mage quest to leave the others cursed....therefore, I have an uncompleted quest in my logbook i.e. the original cursed NPC quest.

Make sense?

I think that instance is supposed to cross off (in red, as failed) the original quest from Bregho. If it didn't then it bugged out a bit on you. Usually if there are multiple ways to complete a quest chain and you have journal entries about multiple ones it will cross off as failed the ones that you didn't do.

But no, there is no way to manually change your journal.

Thank you - rather than start a new thread, would you answer another question please? I feel like such a noobie-novice!

The quest log doesn't show the location that the quest was given...just a name. Do I have to manually note these as I eventually lose track?

Also, how do you find locations that aren't on the map or do they only appear when a new quest is marked?

Yeah, if it doesn't tell you where stuff is then you just have a to remember. I think it usually either gives you a name or a place, and so you get one or the other to remind you where the quest started or told you to go. So yes, you will have to write these down somewhere if you need reminding. A lot of the older RPGs don't have great journals in one way or another: they are either super detailed, but then unsearchable and so really annoying if you are looking for a specific quest (Morrowind), or more like Arcanum where it isn't too horribly cluttered, but there isn't tons and tons of detail. It is very different than the newer systems of Bioware RPGs or the Elder Scrolls where the journal tracks the quest for you.

If a location doesn't show up on your map then your character hasn't heard of it yet. So yeah, only when new quests are marked. But, if you know the exact spot on the map (either just visually, or through the map coordinates that you look up somewhere) you can "force" locations to appear on the map. To find all the dungeons and caves and stuff you often have to walk around the world map a lot in the correct direction, or know where stuff is, or hear the correct rumors in towns (so talk to everyone until the rumors run out).

Anyway, I hope you're enjoying Arcanum! :)

Thank you. It does seem a bit of a pain not knowing where quests originate - especially considering I play in bursts and then may not come back to a game in a few weeks.

It's not without its quirks and I'm spending a lot of time asking questions and googling for answers. However, I admire the games' (and developers) ambitions so I'm sure it's worth perseverance.

I had this same problem (it's my first time through the game, too). For this particular quest, you have to go back and tell the spirit that you lied and he's trapped forever, then the quest crosses out.

Thanks - I did that and it worked like a charm!

The journal also doesn't always record a highly relevant part of a quest such as directions. It's a shame really because otherwise it's a great game.