Portrait in Red is an intense and emotional quest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, after Chiaroscuro. Regardless of whether you opt for stealth, deception, or open combat, your aim is to get into a confrontation with the bandit Burkhard. This guide illustrates how to complete the quest while opting to let him live.
Starting the Quest: Portrait in Red
Portrait in Red begins after you’ve finished the prior DLC quest, Chiaroscuro. After completing it, wait 24 in-game hours, sleep or simply wait and then speak with Voyta once more. He’ll have much to say about Burkhard, a ruthless bandit chief. No matter how you go about it, your job turns out the same: assist Voyta in getting rid of this villainous fellow.
Finding the Bandit Camp
Burkhard and his team can be found hiding in a forest that is northeast of Trosky Castle. To locate their camp, you’ll just need to go in that direction and listen for the sound of singing voices-they’ll lead you right to their camp.
How to Let Burkhard Live?
If you wish to let Burkhard live and avoid unnecessary blood spill; when you find him and his gang, don’t fight them lethally. Instead, sneak past them, intimidate, or bluff your way through (if dialogue is permitted), or knock Burkhard out rather than kill him.
But remember, it’s also important to present Voyta with the helmet as evidence of the deed to advance. Here, you’ll have to steal or loot the helmet without assassinating Burkhard if you can, or obtain one like it and pretend that he is dead in front of Voyta. This could deceive him and fulfill the quest all the while saving a life.
Report to Voyta
Once done, inform Voyta that you’ve taken care of Burkhard.
- If you lie about having killed him, Voyta considers himself still hollow inside even with revenge and thus sparing his life might not alter the emotional result.
- If you’re truthful about letting him live, Voyta might struggle or crumble, but it might create more dialogue or quest options.
Deciding to Kill Burkhard
If you choose to kill Burkhard, as soon as you’re noticed by the bandits in the forest northeast of Trosky Castle, they will attack you. Therefore, prior to entering their camp, equip yourself with good armor, have your health at max, and save. It can become hectic quickly, particularly when you’re surrounded by them.
Option 1: Going in Loud
If you’re in the mood for a fight, storm the camp and attack Burkhard. He’s easy to spot due to his unique armor and shield. After you defeat him, the other bandits will run away, so you won’t have to fight all of them.
Option 2: Stealth Approach at Night
Take the stealthy path instead? Go in at night. Trade your armor for darker, quieter apparel to avoid detection. Some of the patrolling bandits have torches, and one will be at the fire. You can take them out or silently dispatch them but be careful, Voyta doesn’t care that Burkhard lives, just that he dies, so keep it tidy if possible.
If you’re lucky, Burkhard will be sleeping. With the dagger in your bag, you can do a stealth kill for a quiet and quick death.
Hidden Loot
After you have successfully killed Burkhard, search his body for a key that will open a nearby chest that’s filled with treasures, including the murderer’s helmet. This is part of an optional secret objective. Deliver the helmet to Voyta, and he will paint it and send it back to you as a reward.
