I have gotten the Crux, visited the mage in the tower and have 2 of the goblin keys. Most of the quests I have left are in the southern part of the map but I cannot find any way into it??? The massive gate is barred and Darkford is closed to me....
Have you been into Darkford, revjwh? if not, there's a quest you can do that will get you in - but once only. While there, you'll have the opportunity to filch something that will open the gate to Crakamir.
If you've been in there and not got the item, you can't get in again and won't be able to open the gate. You'll have to find other ways in...
The quest for entering the darkford can be obtained by speaking to the priest in aridell.Once you finish that one,you will get a letter that will help you get in the fortress,as well as open another way to the goblin lands.Or,you can try going through the tangletree ossuary,which also leads to goblin lands.
I think he is stuck at another gate in the Ossuary. You can see a switch that might affect the closed gate, right? Is there any way you could trip it from where you are?
Incidentally, reading the note from the sick man gives you another way into the south, if you do not pick up the correct item during your sole visit to Darkford.
I found the walking speed to be alright as long as I was progressing. When I had to backtrack, it did seem awful slow.
there is also the option of using the priests teleporter in the house located on the same map as border town. Though that still requires helping that sickly guy to get that letter with the right alchemy items.
The Quickest way to a man's heart is thru his back.