Jakesh's Fate in KCD 2: To Kill or Not?

In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, the side quests offer a rich opportunity to delve deeper into the game's world and characters. One such quest, *Bad Blood*, allows you to explore complex relationships and make impactful decisions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to start and complete this quest.

How to Start Bad Blood in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

To begin the *Bad Blood* quest, you must first progress in the main storyline until you're tasked with finding Mutt. During this quest, you'll visit a clearing near Bozhena’s hut, prompting Henry to suggest checking if Bozhena has seen Mutt. Head to her hut and inquire about Mutt. Bozhena will reveal that her daughter Pavlena has gone missing. Agree to assist her, and the *Bad Blood* quest will be added to your journal.

Gather Information

Start by traveling to Troskowitz and speaking with Bailiff Thrush, followed by Innkeeper Betty at the local tavern. These conversations will shed light on Bozhena and Pavlena's past, explaining their expulsion from the village and the animosity towards them. Next, head to the designated area to meet with the woodcutters. Find Woodcutter Dushko, who will point you towards Roman’s house. Remember to save your game before attempting to lockpick Roman’s door.

Once inside, search for Pavlena’s basket and then return to Dushko for further guidance. He'll direct 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 clearing. Here, you’ll discover a trail of blood leading to Roman’s dead body. Continue uphill and speak with Hogherd Hugo, then head back to the Troskowitz farm to interrogate Hired Hand Straw. Successfully passing a dialogue check with Straw will unveil information about Jakesh and the truth behind Roman and Pavlena's situation.

Afterward, you can revisit Thrush to decide Straw's fate. Then, proceed to the rocks south of Zhelejov to further your investigation.

Confront Ota

In the designated area, navigate around a large boulder to find a path and climb the ladder to encounter Ota and Pavlena. To successfully persuade Ota to release Pavlena, you'll need sufficient 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.”

Despite your persuasion, Pavlena will kill Ota after being freed. Speak with her, then return to Bozhena together. Bozhena will then request that you deal with Jakesh.

Kill Jakesh or Make Peace

For the quest's final decision, you can either kill Jakesh or attempt to broker peace between him and Bozhena. Find Jakesh at his child’s grave in the farm. Here, you have the choice to kill him, negotiate peace, or even kill Bozhena. The quest concludes based on your decision. In my playthrough, I chose to kill Jakesh and informed Bozhena, receiving a reward in return.

Should You Kill Jakesh?

Killing Jakesh will lower your reputation in Troskowitz but significantly boost it with Bozhena and Pavlena. Additionally, you'll unlock new dialogue with Pavlena and receive a necklace that Roman had given her.

Conversely, if you choose 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* involves navigating through intricate character dynamics and making choices that affect your relationships and rewards. 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.