Hiya. 360 here. Spoilers below, as per the forum.

I started a new character with intention of getting some specific items early in the game, with a general intention of exploring only, and ignoring all questlines. I'm very interested in obtaining http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Ancient_Helmet_of_the_Unburned, and was wondering: Do I have to be in the process of the Staff of Magnus quest to be able to get this helm in Labyrinthian, or can I just go to that location and the helm will be available *without* that quest being active?

I'm unsure if it's somehow locked up in a way that can only be accessed via the quest. I have no interest the college, that quest, or even the Staff of Magus itself. I just want that helmet.

Thanks.

I don't know.... I will probably be finding out on the current toon though, since she's not doing the college etc. In fact.... I'm likely not going to do the Gauldur amulet - because I'm not going to bother consoling into Saarthal this time (don't want the word wall, not being dragonborn any more, and truthfully I can live without the amulet....)

I can't remember what happened in Labrynthian on other toons, sorry!

Yeah, the dragons became an annoying hassle. This time around I'm avoiding that, as well as the quest lines. So far I'm having the most fun yet just exploring and keeping the quest commitments simple!

Yep. It's soooo much fun doing that!

Late in the game, I'm envisioning the dragon landing, flaming you, and when the fire dies down you're just standing there undamaged with an annoyed expression, foot tapping and sword out. The last thing the Dragon thinks is ... wait, are you the Dragonb ...?

They are majestic nuisances.

_{Funny, I just sold mine yesterday.
After the funeral at the Skyforge (won't tell you who's) you'll be able to craft your own Ancient Nord armor there. It will be listed with the Deadric armor. Then you can just enchant it yourself.}

It's in Labyrinthian Tribune, which is unfortunately locked.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Labyrinthian_%28place%29

You can't enchant headgear with elemental resistances. That's what makes the helmet unique.

Thank you!

That's a bummer. It seems like an odd questline to attach that item to. You figure they'd put it somewhere more accessible for....well. Any non-mage-type character, I guess.