Can't find npcs for "an ill conceived venture"

I've been looking to start these quests as soon as I turned 17 and now im 26 and still no npcs in any of the 3 major cities.

any help would be great

Thanks

Just to be sure... have you progressed main story to the point you have hired a retainer? Could be a prereq. for unlocking it. There are a lot of quests where the NPC to start them won't show up or they won't offer specific dialogue until you meet all conditions.

Im on fire in the gloom right now