In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, the side quest "Bad Blood" provides a deep dive into the lives of the game's characters, making it a must-do for players interested in the narrative. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start and complete this quest.

How to Start Bad Blood in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

To initiate the "Bad Blood" quest, you'll first need to progress through the main storyline until you're tasked with finding Mutt. During this quest, head to a clearing near Bozhena’s hut, where Henry will suggest checking if Bozhena has seen anything. Visit Bozhena, and upon asking about Mutt, she’ll reveal that her daughter Pavlena is missing. Agree to help her, which will officially add "Bad Blood" to your quest journal.

Gather Information

Start by heading to Troskowitz to speak with Bailiff Thrush, followed by a conversation with Innkeeper Betty at the local tavern. These interactions will shed light on Bozhena and Pavlena’s past, explaining why they were ostracized from the village. Next, seek out Woodcutter Dushko in the designated area, who will direct you to Roman’s house. Remember to save your game before attempting to lockpick Roman’s door. Inside, examine Pavlena’s basket and then speak with Dushko again for further guidance to a clearing near Roman’s house, a favored spot of the couple.

Search the Scene

From Roman’s house, follow the objective marker down the hill towards a stream. Turn left at the two large boulders to discover a trail of blood. Follow this trail to find Roman’s body. Continue your search uphill to speak with Hogherd Hugo, then return to the Troskowitz farm and engage in a dialogue with Hired Hand Straw. Successfully passing a dialogue check with Straw will unveil crucial details about Jakesh and the truth behind Roman and Pavlena’s story. You can also revisit Thrush to decide Straw's fate. Proceed to the rocks south of Zhelejov to further your investigation.

Confront Ota

Navigate to the objective area and locate a path around a large boulder, leading you to a ladder. Ascend to find Ota and Pavlena. To convince Ota to release Pavlena, you'll need sufficient Charisma to pass the dialogue checks. Opt for these conversation choices:

• “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 complies, Pavlena 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

Your final decision involves either killing Jakesh or facilitating peace between him and Bozhena. Find Jakesh at his child’s grave. You can either end his life or engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. Alternatively, you could choose to kill Bozhena. The quest concludes based on your choice. In my playthrough, I opted to kill Jakesh and informed Bozhena, earning a reward.

Should You Kill Jakesh?

Choosing to kill Jakesh will lower your reputation in Troskowitz but significantly improve it with Bozhena and Pavlena. You'll unlock new dialogue options with Pavlena and receive a necklace that Roman had given her as a gift.

If you decide to spare Jakesh and broker peace, Jakesh will offer you 100 groschen. Upon returning to Bozhena, you can choose to keep the money or share it with her. This path also allows Bozhena and Pavlena to reintegrate into the community.

This guide should help you navigate the "Bad Blood" quest in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. For more tips and detailed guides on the game, including finding the Hermit’s sword and Ventza’s treasure, keep an eye on The Escapist.