I don't like QTE because it tends to be tedious and annoying. Don't also suggest something like this (Arx Fatalis Spell casting) just look at how failed the spell casting system @ 1:22 (it is due to real time though). Again, it will be tedious.

Journal

I don't know if it was suggested already, but it's better to have a journal that is organized not on a first come first serve basis. It's hard to navigate when there's a lot of info in a journal that is disorganized. I suggest something like from a summary perspective -> details (own notes of the adventurer *pre made notes by the writers for convenience*)-> dialogue of the key NPC. A sample below:

  • Four statues
    [-]Statue on the west side of the beach
    [--]Old man said: "It can be found on the west side of the beach"


It can also create an opportunity to confuse (IE troll) if there are inconsistent quest points (IE one said it's on the west. The other said it's on the east), but those inconsistencies will likely trigger the player to explore the other side of the coin even if it is for naught just for curiousity sake.

I do hope the notes on map will still be implemented.

"There is no such thing as absolute freedom because we are still prisoners of society"