Having to finish sidequests before The Die is Cast feels bad

[NewbieOne]

As per title. Subjectively, it feels to me like the main quest line has only just begun. I've played many hours (this being my first run) but only barely set into the game. This doesn't seem like the appropriate time to go and do whatever's to be done on the map as opposed to chasing the leads from the main quest, which does carry a certain sense of urgency and does a good job of prompting a natural fast-paced progression.

Worse still, there's a list of quests that fail automatically, including the Hare Hunt/Cherchez la Femme line. Moreover, you won't be able to call your horse, according to Wikia.

And there was I thinking that perhaps some of those quests could be played after discovering a certain truth written in Henry's DNA. ;)

It feels like the game at no point encourages you to just free-roam and freelance around the map. You're always on specific orders, which always have a sense of urgency to them. So if you act as prompted, much of the game's contents/experience will be foreclosed to you. This doesn't feel reasonable.

[DargonBlak]

i agree with you, the game missions feel very rushed once they are started.

So i have constructed my own free roam, alternate reality for Henry, and free roam near the beginning.

I start with exploring side missions in Rattay, and then delivering the ring and exploring other options. One side mission from Rattay encourages Henry to return to Skalitz, so this is an invitation to roam wide, if you choose.

Also, after talking with the Bailiff, but before talking to Nightingale is another good opportunity to free roam. You can also Train with Bernard during this time - for days and days if you choose. Just consider it a teenager running away to goof off for a while.

SPOILERS - My role basis for free roam at the beginning starts in Rattay

When Henry first touches down at the Mill in Rattay, his saviour is Theresa and Peschek, a Miller and a Thief. This is Henry's first time away from Skalitz on his own, and he has to find his path. While part of him wants to honor his father by seeking out Sir Radzig, he doesn't expect anything to come of it other than "Sorry i lost ur sword - and you are dismissed".

Thus, three factors are at war in Henry's mind - 1. a massive amount of grief, sadness, and depression, 2. a complete loss of any of his possibly planned futures, 3. an offer for work and money from someone that actually runs a business (albeit illicit).

Henry's friends from Skalitz were definitely trouble makers, so illicit behavior isn't too far fetched. Henry never really wanted for anything as the son of a blacksmith (i.e. grew up a bit spoiled), so he has a certain expectation for quality of life. The Miller and Theresa are effectively his new family.

After seeing the squalor where the Skalitz refugees are living, and not wanting to join them in the dirt, making money becomes Henry's greatest concern - and while making money he stumbles into some skirmishes and now needs to learn to fight - now his only chance is to convince Sir Radizg to help him train.