Does the quests have to be laid open such that Sauron can see the quest content?

Yep. You need to do the setup for the Quests, so after a few games doesn't matter, you'll know what's what based on which character is or isn't placed. Hand cards and Mission are secret, everything else is open.

Tom_at_home said:

In the rules: page 25, column 2, last paragraph.

TK