Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 provides the player a realistic and immersive experience, even in criminal activities. Crimes are nothing like picking a pocket or sneaking into a house; the world reacts to Henry’s actions, and NPCs are perceptive enough to notice even minor inconsistencies. From shoplifting to murder, the decisions that Henry makes result in repercussions – damage to his reputation, relationship with villagers, and even to the mood of the whole region. This guide is on crime in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and details offenses, punishment for such offenses Henry might be meted, and how Henry can restore himself to social standards.
Committing Crimes in Kingdom Come
Committing crimes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is no simple task, as NPCs are highly perceptive and will notice even the slightest inconsistencies. For instance, if Henry leaves a door open after sneaking into a house, villagers may become suspicious and check for missing belongings. If anything is stolen, they will immediately report it to the guards.
When Henry is accused of a crime, he will be confronted by either a victim or a guard, and players will have several options to respond. They can pay a fine, attempt to talk their way out using persuasion or intimidation, resist and fight (which may result in further consequences), or accept punishment, which comes with temporary debuffs depending on the severity of the crime.
However, even if Henry escapes, he may still be identified and confronted when returning to the region. Apart from personal encounters, repeated crimes can cause the entire area to become restless. If Henry commits several offenses, the local population will become more vigilant, and some villagers will carry arms for protection.
Guards will also be increasingly present to prevent easy passage. This way, careless crime will pay in other terms because players will have to strategize to avoid making an area too hostile.
How to Restore Henry’s Reputation
If Henry’s reputation takes a hit due to punishment or offending the locals, several ways exist to restore it. Helping others through small side quests, being polite in conversations, and responding positively to passersby can gradually improve how people see him.
Players can also indulge in Rathaus or churches for an indulgence or make a penitential pilgrimage by speaking with a priest. Besides that, some bonuses enhance Henry’s reputation, but the best strategy is not to commit more crimes or not get caught again.
Punishments in Kingdom Come
If Henry accepts the punishment offered by the Bailiff or has no other choice, he will receive one of four penalties according to the gravity of his crime and previous offenses. The consequences range from mild humiliation to severe physical punishment and even execution if he continues down a criminal path.
Henry may be put in the stocks for minor crimes like trespassing, petty theft, or brawling, provided he hasn’t been punished recently. While this won’t have lasting effects, it will damage his reputation in the local community. People will be less likely to assist him, and merchants may offer worse deals.
His Charisma will temporarily drop by 4 points, and his conspicuousness will increase by 20, making stealth actions like pickpocketing much harder. Additionally, being locked in the stocks takes up time, which can result in failed side quests if events progress without him.
Anytime he is sent to the stocks, and any subsequent minor misbehavior from him, and when he goes berserk, like punching a guard, Henry will receive caning in the back, weakening him as he temporarily drops Strength, Agility, and Vitality by 40% as well as dropping stamina regeneration, meaning he should heal immediately as well as find himself with highly debilitated combat abilities that take a considerable time to heal up.
Murder is a serious crime, and he will be branded with a hot iron for murder. The brand makes him a criminal outcast, shunned by most society except vagabonds. All his reputation gains will be reduced by 50%, and if he commits another serious crime while still branded, he will be executed.
If he is caught again, there is no option but to hang him, after which the player will see a grim cutscene, and game over. The players should consider doing a penitential pilgrimage that reduces the branding effects and not be caught again.
