yarow12: I'm trying to complete Gladys' quest in Dernholm, but every time I speak with Archibald I get two conversation options that end with him attacking me. After knocking him unconscious, I speak with his son and then Gladys again, but he immediately tries to attack me everytime he sees me.
This is preventing me from completing the quest "the hard way".
Is there any way to prevent his hostility or end it while preserving his life?
First, do you have a point in Persuasion? This is absolutely essential for completing the quest without attacking him.
Spoilers follow. .
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Second, after he rebuffs you the first time, tell him you're leaving. Talk only to his son; then go back and tell him what Bernard said, and that you suspect Gladys of liking him all along. Don't be aggressive or sarcastic, and offer to return the ring on his behalf. (Don't demand any money either, unless you have at least two or three points in Persuasion.)
Whether this would still work
after he's fought with you, I don't know; my suspicion is that it may already be too late, and you'll have to revert to a save (or a new game) from before your first unsuccessful interaction.
Or (and this just occurred to me; I haven't checked it out for myself yet) have you tried pickpocketing the ring from him, either before you speak to him the first time or possibly while he's unconscious? Knowing how the game likes to give multiple solutions to problems, I suspect that something like this might have a chance at succeeding as well.
In any case, best of luck.
