Okay, I just started chapter 2 as an Old Camp member and am in the swamp camp looking for info. I asked Lester to show me around to a couple of places: the blacksmith, tutors. Then I found a free bed and slept till morning. When I got up, I ran into Lester on the path and he won't talk to me. He just stands there looking blank. Note that I did have a crash somewhere around this time that may have had something to do with this - it was fairly serious - the program was trying to write over core apparently.

Anyway, I felt I was done with Lester and continued on my merry way. But now I'm wondering: will Lester be needed to complete the game? I mean, is it important that he be functional? I've played Gothic 2 and know he shows up there, but this is my first playthrough of G1.

Or, if someone knows a way (other than loading an old game) to reactivate him, that would be even better. I have read about empty mines, etc., so maybe...?

Thanks

Okay, after searching through the older posts, it seems like corrupted saves are to blame. Even though I had progressed a level I suppose I will need to reload from a previous save after all. Funny that Lester is the only NPC that won't talk to me though. Everybody else seems just fine.

Probably shouldn't have made that remark about his mother :)

Yeah, I found that it was a good move to save every couple of minutes as things just kept happening.

LOL, or perhaps it was the 'cueball' reference.

Yes, I do save very frequently, but usually use the same save slot for most. Fortunately I had saved when Chapter 2 started, so I just had to replay a couple of hours that I had lost.

Yeah, I usually keep one prior so two slots are used. Comes in handy every once in a while.

Good idea!

Yeah I know, I’m like some type of genius, I surprise myself with all my brain power.

I looked around at some FAQ sites, and apparently the speechless Lester thing is a known bug - it happens if you ask him to show you around and then leave him before he goes back to his usual hang-out at the camp entrance. And also - yes he IS important to finishing the game, if anyone is wondering.

I am now sure to save separately before big encounters and at the beginning of each new day, along with my usual chapter saves and quick saves. Can't have too many!

If you run into this bug, try this:

1. Activate cheat mode by going to the player status screen (s key by default) and typing "marvin" (without quotes). (See here for details.)

2. Press F2 to open the console.

3. Type "insert lester_bugfixbook" (without quotes) and press enter.

4. A book will spawn in front of your character. Pick it up and use it. Lester will walk over to you and start a conversation.

Edit: found this after figuring it out myself. Doh.