That didn’t go well

Okay, so who else has been there? You're deep into an Elder Scrolls Oblivion quest, feeling like a true hero, and then BAM! An escort mission. And not just any escort mission, but one where you have to keep a specific NPC alive. For me, it was this super intense situation trying to protect what I've come to call 'Dark Wanderer's mom.' You know, that mysterious figure whose safety was paramount to the quest's success. My heart was pounding the entire time because, let's be real, Oblivion NPCs aren't always the sharpest tools in the shed when it comes to self-preservation. I thought I had it all figured out. Potions, healing spells, keeping my distance to draw aggro away from her. But then, one stray bandit, one poorly timed spell from my end, or maybe she just decided to charge headfirst into a group of Daedra – and suddenly, the whole plan falls apart. It’s that moment of pure panic where you just yell at the screen, 'No, don't go there! Stay behind me!' And then, the dreaded quest failed notification. Or worse, you finish, and you're left wondering, 'Welp... he's ok right?' That's exactly how I felt. Was my failure in protecting her going to have unforeseen consequences for the actual 'Dark Wanderer'? The ambiguity was killing me! Escort quests in Oblivion are notorious for a reason. Sometimes it feels like the game is actively trying to make your charge commit suicide. My biggest learning curve? Always save before these missions, and I mean *always*. Also, try to clear the path ahead as much as possible. Don't rely on the NPC to follow perfectly or avoid danger. Lead them slowly, check every corner. If you can, use commands to make them wait in a safe spot while you handle threats. For example, if you find yourself needing to protect a seemingly fragile NPC, like 'Dark Wanderer's mom,' through a particularly dangerous dungeon, consider using stealth to scout ahead. Clear out any immediate threats, then return for your charge. Sometimes, even having certain disposition points with them can make them slightly more amenable to following your lead, though this is often just wishful thinking with Oblivion's sometimes quirky AI. Another trick I've picked up is to leverage terrain. Funnel enemies into chokepoints where you can control the fight, keeping your vulnerable NPC out of the direct line of fire. Don't be afraid to utilize summons or companions if you have them; they can draw enemy attention, giving you more breathing room to protect your primary target. I even tried using paralysis poisons on enemies to temporarily incapacitate them, giving me precious seconds to reposition 'Dark Wanderer's mom' away from danger. Every little bit helps when the stakes are high and the quest giver is breathing down your neck, figuratively speaking! And if all else fails, sometimes you just have to accept that some quest outcomes aren't what you hoped for, even if you put in your best effort. There's a certain charm in Oblivion's unpredictability, even when it leads to frustrating failures. It makes those successful escort missions feel even sweeter. What strategies do you all use for those maddening 'keep alive' quests? Have you ever had a similar nightmare trying to protect a key character, maybe even 'Dark Wanderer's mom' too, and totally botched it? Share your Oblivion war stories and let me know I’m not alone in these epic fails!