I'm currently doing a pacifist/speed run-through of QFG1 (EGA) as a thief, having already done my completionist run as a fighter with magic, pick locks, and stealth skills. I've freed Bernard, had my encounter with Baba Yaga, and prepared the dispel potion. I've overheard the password and am getting ready to use the back door, but for the life of me I can't get the password to work. I've tried every possible sequence of when to say it; before picking the lock, after picking the lock but before opening the door, after opening the door, even saying it between every step. No matter what, Fred's always there to greet me when I walk inside.

Have I missed a step? Is there some event that needs to happen first before HIDEN GOSEKE will work correctly? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm not sure this makes a difference, but I *think* you have to use the key to open the door, not pick the lock. Maybe Fred just assumes that anyone without a key is up to no good, password or not. Also, I'm pretty sure you say the password after you open the door, but before going in.

It's a possibility, though I don't think it's the case. I've double-checked several walkthroughs before posting this query here, and they all indicate that the thief and magic user can just leave after overhearing the password.

Perhaps not. I don't think I've ever played through without getting the key (I think I just like killing Bruno - he is kind of a jerk.). I know I've picked the lock and used "open" in the past to get in, but I always had the key on me.

In any case, if you think it's just a timing issue that's the problem, then search the rock for the crack. Open the door and then type Hiden Goseke. You should see a message about someone moving away from the door and then you can enter.

Thanks for your help; I played around with it a bit, and eventually discovered I just had to stand a bit closer to the cave entrance when I said it. Of course, that wasn't before I started an entirely new character and rerunning the game. On the plus-side, I cleared the rest of the game even faster; it's only midday day 2 this time around.


EDIT: game cleared (351 points) mid-afternoon day 2 with no blood on my hands. Game crashed during the ending sequence, though.

That's a great time! I've never tried a speed run. I may have to try that on my next play through.

It's a cheap trick, but for some reason I think you have to have actually overheard the bandits saying hiden goseke each time you play. In other words, the game thinks you're getting too far ahead by not following the proper order of things, and dings you for it. That's what I thought a long time ago, at least. I might test that out.