Unlocking Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting “In the Shadow of Distance” in Hogwarts Legacy
To trigger the “In the Shadow of Distance” quest in Hogwarts Legacy, you must first successfully complete the “In the Shadow of Time” side quest. This quest line is deeply interwoven with the character of Sebastian Sallow, and progressing through his narrative is key to unlocking further content related to dark arts and his personal journey.
Prerequisites and Unlocking the Quest
The road to “In the Shadow of Distance” isn’t a straight shot. It requires a bit of legwork and understanding of the quest dependencies. Here’s a breakdown:
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Complete “In the Shadow of Time”: This is the direct precursor. No “Distance” without “Time” first.
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“In the Shadow of Time” Requirements: To even access “In the Shadow of Time,” you need to have progressed through earlier parts of Sebastian’s questline. Specifically, you need to have advanced through several main quests and other side quests related to him.
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Check your Owl Post: After finishing “In the Shadow of Time,” keep an eye on your Owl Post. While the trigger isn’t immediately available upon completion, it’s common for an in-game message from Sebastian to arrive relatively soon. This message will hint at his desire to meet and will often provide a location.
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Listen for Sebastian’s Call: The quest line is largely focused on Sebastian. Stay attentive to the story and you will meet him again.
Initiating the Quest: Finding Sebastian
Once the prerequisite quests are completed, and you’ve received some indication (either through Owl Post or simply by progressing further in the main story), the next step is to locate Sebastian. The game is designed to nudge you toward his location, but here’s how to ensure you don’t miss it:
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Check the Map: Look for quest markers on your map, particularly in areas associated with Sebastian. These are often in or around Feldcroft or within Hogwarts itself.
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Sebastian’s Common Hangouts: Sebastian often frequents areas within Hogwarts, such as the Slytherin common room or nearby corridors. Checking these locations can sometimes trigger the quest if the prerequisites are met.
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Follow the Story: As you progress through the main story quests, the narrative will naturally lead you back to Sebastian. If you’ve completed the necessary side quests, simply continuing the main story may be enough to trigger the “In the Shadow of Distance” quest.
Once you find Sebastian, initiating a conversation with him will formally begin the quest. Be prepared for a potentially dark and emotionally charged narrative, as this quest delves deeper into the consequences of Sebastian’s actions and his family’s troubled history.
Understanding the Consequences of Your Choices
One of the compelling aspects of Sebastian’s questline is the weight of your decisions. While not all choices drastically alter the overall narrative arc, they can significantly impact your relationship with Sebastian and the specific events that unfold.
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Moral Dilemmas: Be prepared to face moral dilemmas regarding the use of dark arts and the justifications Sebastian provides. These choices can influence your character’s alignment and the overall tone of the story.
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Relationship Impact: Your dialogue choices and actions during the quest can affect your relationship with Sebastian. This can lead to different dialogue options, interactions, and potentially even the ending you experience with him.
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Unforgivable Curses: Completing quests in Sebastian’s quest line allows you to learn unforgivable curses. The game does not affect the final ending of the game whether or not you learn or use unforgivable curses. It is up to the player to use these curses.
Exploring the Dark Arts and Family Secrets
“In the Shadow of Distance” and the quests leading up to it are all about exploring the allure and danger of the dark arts and the complicated history of Sebastian’s family. By undertaking these quests, you will:
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Uncover Secrets: Delve into the secrets surrounding Sebastian’s family and the reasons behind their connection to dark magic.
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Learn Powerful Spells: Gain access to powerful spells, including those that are considered forbidden, and understand the consequences of wielding such magic.
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Confront Difficult Truths: Face difficult truths about the nature of good and evil and the choices individuals make when faced with challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What quests do I need to complete before “In the Shadow of Distance”?
You absolutely must complete the “In the Shadow of Time” quest first. Prior to that, you’ll need to have progressed through earlier parts of Sebastian’s questline. This includes the main quest and other side quests related to him. The “In The Shadow of The Bloodline Quest” also needs to be completed.
2. How do I know if I’m ready to start “In the Shadow of Distance”?
After completing “In the Shadow of Time,” check your Owl Post for a message from Sebastian. Also, look for quest markers on your map near his usual locations.
3. Where can I find Sebastian to start the quest?
Look for him in areas around Feldcroft or within Hogwarts, specifically near the Slytherin common room. Check your map for quest markers.
4. Can I skip any of Sebastian’s quests and still get to “In the Shadow of Distance”?
No, you cannot skip any of the required quests. The quest line is linear, and you must complete each quest in order to progress to the next.
5. Does my House choice affect my ability to start “In the Shadow of Distance”?
No, your House choice does not affect your ability to start this quest. Sebastian’s questline is available regardless of which House you belong to.
6. What happens if I fail a quest in Sebastian’s questline?
You cannot “fail” most quests in the traditional sense. If you encounter difficulty, you can typically retry the quest or revisit earlier objectives.
7. Will my choices in “In the Shadow of Distance” affect the main story ending?
While your choices can impact your relationship with Sebastian and the immediate events of the quest, they do not significantly alter the overall main story ending of Hogwarts Legacy.
8. Can I learn the Unforgivable Curses even if I don’t do Sebastian’s quests?
No, the primary way to learn the Unforgivable Curses is through Sebastian’s questline.
9. Is it possible to save Sebastian’s uncle?
Unfortunately, no. Regardless of your choices, there is no way to save Sebastian’s uncle. His death is a fixed point in the narrative.
10. Should I turn Sebastian in after he kills his uncle?
This is a personal choice with significant consequences. Turning Sebastian in will lead to his expulsion from Hogwarts, and you will no longer be able to interact with him. Not turning him in allows you to continue your relationship, but it may carry a moral cost. This does not affect the final ending.
11. Does telling Sebastian the truth or lying to him affect the outcome of the quest?
While your dialogue choices can affect your relationship with Sebastian, they do not drastically alter the overall outcome of the questline.
12. What are the benefits of completing Sebastian’s questline?
Completing Sebastian’s questline allows you to learn powerful spells, including the Unforgivable Curses, and explore the dark arts. It also provides a deeper understanding of Sebastian’s character and his family’s history.
13. Can I still complete Sebastian’s questline if I’ve already finished the main story?
Yes, you can complete Sebastian’s questline even after finishing the main story, as long as you haven’t turned him in.
14. Are there any missable items or spells in Sebastian’s questline?
Aside from the Unforgivable Curses, there are no missable items or spells.
15. Is Sebastian Sallow evil?
Whether Sebastian is ultimately “evil” is a matter of perspective and interpretation. He is a complex character driven by a desire to protect his sister and understand dark magic, but his methods are often questionable and lead to tragic consequences. Players can explore the intersection of gaming and education by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on the “In the Shadow of Distance” quest and delve into the intricate and morally ambiguous world of Sebastian Sallow. Good luck, and may your choices lead to an ending you can live with!