I was hoping that this was a gameplay issue, but as I stack up quests that will not update I'm getting concerned that my game is severely bugged.

Among the quests that I have completed and that have not updated are the deliver six fire resistance potions to the southernmost huts in the desert, and killing all the ogres in the valley and ogre fort (or is it Orcs? Can't keep up), and clearing out the wasps nest. When I return for my reward the dialogue never updates and I never get the reward. I definitely delivered all six of the potions - it took me ages to find the two missing ones elsewhere and bring them back. And I have spent many, many hours looking for more ogres in the fort and valley around Alvar, and I can see none. As for the wasps, there might be one or two up on top of the mountain, where I cannot go just yet, but the nest is empty.

As far as the ogres, there are more on the ridge above the fort. Can't help you with the rest, sorry.
Also, I'm pretty sure you will need to get the wasps on to of the mountain as well. It should be possible to get up there near where you see the obelisk. Just walk.

In the end the Ogres updated and I have no idea why, but I'll happily take it!

Turned out I had not finished all the wasps - hadn't realized there was more to the cave.