Global Variables and expediting Stronghold quests

[Don23]

I want to go through the NPC strongholds but I want to keep my party small and just go through the quests as quickly as possible rather than waiting for weeks while poor Imoen is being held and tortured by Irenicus. I sort of assume that there is a sort of timer variable that counts down to the moment the next quest is available. Anyone knows what these are? Most importantly for the Bard Playhouse quest since I don't really want Haer Dalis for the ride (he seemed sulky after I threw him out and I had to beg him to come back, I suppose there's a limit as to how often he'll rejoin) and there are at least 7 steps before you even start to make gains and he already spent 10 000 on it.

 

Side question: do you need to have Keldorn in your party when you first speak to Firkraag in the Copper Coronet?

 

 

[Kish]

There is no limit. You can ask him to come back as many times as necessary.

 

You do not need to have Keldorn in your party when you speak to Firkraag, only when you turn in the quest to rescue Garren Windspear's child.