I'm trying to power my way through the Thieve's Guild now from my last achievement. I'm currently on the quest where I have to replace the recommendation letter with the forged one from "The Stranger".

I've given him the letter and was told to come back in 24 hours. I wasted some time, completed come other tasks, and waited for 24 hours just for good measure. I went back to him at the Abandoned House in Anvil and asked about the letter. The only response I can get from him is "It isn't done yet. Come back when its finished."

It's been well over the 24 hour period and I have much more than 500 gold. Can someone help me out here? Am I missing something or did the game just screw up? I'd really prefer not to have to start over again

For me on 360, its more like two weeks. I can actually go and do two more quests before it's ready.

I really hope that's the case. Thanks for the response. I made it to the end of the questline before and had the saves corrupt on me. I dont know if I have the patience to do it again

I could be mistaken in this case, but for one instance I was "stuck" when I hadn't fenced enough goods to properly progress, or had lacked sufficient rank in which I was qualified for. Don't be shy about pushing for that promotion, or unloading stolen goods.

Also, make sure you have Oblivion patched to http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11364.

No its not that. I'm not in the "Independent Thievery" quest.

I suggest leaving "The Stranger" alone and stay away from the Anvil area for 3 game days. Let the game reset itself somewhat and then try him again.

From the http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Taking_Care_of_Lex (Spoiler link, goes through the whole quest)



So it may be a timing issue. The advice to leave Anvil for more than three full game days is also good - I have had that work for me for other things.