While running around out in the woods, I found a good-sized building that was called the headquarters of something called "Knights of the Thorn" (IIRC). There was one non-hostile person inside who objected to my trespassing and poking around in the building but didn't attack provided I didn't try to steal anything. I was wondering if this is another faction you can join, a rival faction to the Knights of the White Stallion or just something that's just sort of there. Can anyone tell me?

Continuing with the main quest would explain it all. It's a tiny little minor spoiler but, here goes:

Okay, I see. Thanks for the info. I suppose [big sigh] I'll have to do the MQ one of these days, but there's so many holes to explore and ruins to loot! :celebration:

It's not like the game ends after finishing MQ. You can always do the exploring after finishing MQ. You're missing out on plenty of cool things. Plus, not to mention the spoilers you might get from hanging out here, and someone slipping out a few names and details.. Really, there's no downside to doing the MQ. If you feel it'll mess with RP, make a new character for it. It's worth it.

Knights of the Thorn are a pain in the behind. Farwil is a little pompous weasel, at least he's not a wee bit corrupt like his father, but his father at least acknowledges his sons shortcomings.

Well, my reluctance to do the MQ has mainly to do with the damn Gates. bliviongate: Having to go through them is entirely too much like work after awhile. Now that I know that all I really have to do is the first and the Bruma gate, I'll get around to it one of these days. I suppose also doing it early cuts down on ridiculously tough opponents - I still want to have Chameleon and Invisibility before I try. About the former - I was pleased when I got the Ring of Kajjit and found out that its Chameleon effect stacks with any spells. Having Chameleon at 86% made sneaking around in my DB missions a lot easier, I can tell you.