In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, the side quest "Bad Blood" offers a deep dive into the lives of the game's characters, providing a rich narrative experience. Here's a detailed guide on how to start and complete this engaging quest.

How to Start Bad Blood in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

To initiate the "Bad Blood" quest, you must first progress through the main storyline until you're tasked with finding Mutt. During this quest, you'll visit a clearing near Bozhena's hut, where Henry suggests checking if Bozhena has seen anything. Approach Bozhena and inquire about Mutt, and she'll reveal that her daughter Pavlena is missing. Agree to help her, and the "Bad Blood" quest will be added to your journal.

Gather Information

Begin by heading to Troskowitz and speaking with Bailiff Thrush, followed by a conversation with Innkeeper Betty at the tavern. These interactions will provide crucial background on Bozhena and Pavlena, explaining their ostracism from the village. Next, proceed to the designated area to talk to the woodcutters. Find Woodcutter Dushko, who will direct you to Roman's house. Remember to save your game before attempting to lockpick the door to Roman's house.

Inside, examine Pavlena's basket and then speak with Dushko again for further details. He'll guide you to a clearing near Roman's house, a favorite spot for the couple.

Search the Scene

From Roman's house, follow the objective marker downhill towards the stream, then turn left at the two large boulders to reach the spot. You'll discover a trail of blood leading to Roman's body. Continue uphill to speak with Hogherd Hugo, then return to the farm in Troskowitz and converse with Hired Hand Straw. Successfully passing a dialogue check with Straw will reveal information about Jakesh and the true events involving Roman and Pavlena.

Afterward, you can also discuss with Thrush what to do with Straw. Once finished, head to the rocks just south of Zhelejov to continue your investigation.

Confront Ota

Navigate to the objective area and find a path behind a large boulder. Climb the ladder to encounter Ota and Pavlena. To persuade Ota to release Pavlena, you'll need high Charisma and should choose the following dialogue options:

• “What’s your name?”
• “Let her go and I’ll let you go.”
• “I’ll put in a good word for you with His Lordship.”

Once Ota releases Pavlena, she will kill him. After speaking with Pavlena, return to Bozhena together. Bozhena will then request that you deal with Jakesh.

Kill Jakesh or Make Peace

For the final part of the quest, you have the option to either kill Jakesh or broker peace between him and Bozhena. Find Jakesh at his child’s grave. You can choose to end his life or engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. Alternatively, you can kill Bozhena instead, though this will alter the quest's outcome.

In my playthrough, I chose to kill Jakesh and reported back to Bozhena, receiving a reward for my actions.

Should You Kill Jakesh?

Killing Jakesh will lower your reputation in Troskowitz but significantly boost it with Bozhena and Pavlena. You'll also unlock new dialogue options with Pavlena and receive a necklace that was a gift from Roman.

If you opt to spare Jakesh and facilitate peace, he will offer you 100 groschen. When reporting back to Bozhena, you can either keep the money or share it with her. This choice will allow Bozhena and Pavlena to return to the settlement.

Completing the "Bad Blood" quest in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* not only enriches your understanding of the game's world but also impacts your relationships with its inhabitants. For more tips and information on the game, including how to find the Hermit's sword and Ventza's treasure, be sure to check out The Escapist.