hi everyone- so this is going to sound like a rrrreally basic and simple question, but i am new to this so bare with me. i just started playing this week and I have been enjoying exploring and getting to know all the different stories and tasks. i just found out that i need to go to talk to the graybeards about being dragonbord waaay up top on this mountain. as i began walking there i realized it's really far away, and there are all kinds of cool dungeons and forts and places to explore along the way. some right off of the trails, others a little more off the beaten path. pretty much anything that comes up in the compass i'll go and check out.

my question is, when i have an action to complete (like go talk to the graybeards), am i supposed just to go straight there and do that? it seems like an awful long walk with nothing to do if i don't check out the stuff along the way, but if i stop at every single thing along the way it takes a long time, and i also get killed really fast sometimes, meaning that i either really stink at the game, or i haven't quite developed the skills to be in that place yet and maybe i'm not suppposed to?

i know you can explore and do just about anything that you want, but some general guidance for a new player would be much appreciated.

thanks!

I save before I enter caves if I know they will be challenging. At least discover your location and be on your way. There is a harder challenge on the way to High Hrothgar...

Nope, you can do what you want to, the Greybeards will wait until you turn up. If you get lost in quests you can always check your journal to remind you of what you are supposed to be doing, but there are no time limit.

Always save before entering a cave or dugeon. I usually will do other easier side quests before heading to see the Greybreads. So no, you don't have to head straight there when you first get the quest.

great, thanks all for the promt replies. off to explore (and try not to get killed too often).