KCD2: Pavlena's Location & How to Save Her (Bad Blood Quest Walkthrough)

The Bad Blood quest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a tangled web of missing persons, family drama, and difficult choices. Finding and saving Pavlena, the herbalist Bozhena's daughter, is no easy feat. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you navigate the treacherous path to the best possible outcome.

Unlocking the Quest: The Mutt-ering Start

Before you can delve into the Bad Blood quest, you'll need to trigger it by progressing through the "Mutt" quest. During your search for your furry friend, you'll encounter Bozhena, the herbalist. Choosing the dialogue option, "Did my dog come here by any chance?" will lead her to confide in you about Pavlena's disappearance, thus initiating the Bad Blood quest.

Troskovitz: A Town of Whispers and Secrets

Your first stop is Troskovitz. Gathering information from the townsfolk is crucial, but be prepared to sift through gossip and half-truths.

• Bailiff Thrush (Town Hall): He's officially clueless but advises you to ask around, hinting at the town's low opinion of Bozhena and Pavlena.
• Innkeeper Betty (Tavern): She points you towards Jezhek the cooper but dismisses the idea of him being involved.
• Woodcutter Dushko: This is your most valuable lead. With some persuasion (Charisma helps!), he reveals Pavlena's relationship with another woodcutter, Roman, and the fact that she's pregnant. He suggests searching Roman's house.

Roman's House: Unveiling the Truth

Roman's house is locked, but you can either pick the lock (Very Easy difficulty) or climb a ladder and enter through a window. Inside, look for:

• A table with leftover food: Evidence that someone has been there recently.
• Pavlena's basket: Confirmation that she was indeed at Roman's house.

Return to Dushko with your findings. He'll direct you to a clearing south of Troskovitz, a known meeting spot for Pavlena and Roman.

The Clearing: Blood and Broken Hearts

At the clearing, follow the river south. Examine the area carefully. You'll find:

• A stone with blood: A grim sign of what transpired.

• A torn piece of dress: Further evidence of a struggle.

• Blood trails leading into the forest: The path you must follow.

• Dog's Best Friend: If you have your dog with you, this is the perfect opportunity to use him. Give him the scent cloth from the clearing, and he'll lead you directly to Pavlena.

Following the Trail: A Corpse and a Clue

The blood trail will lead you to Roman's body. Nearby, you'll encounter Hogherd Hugo. He'll tell you he saw a man carrying a spade in the forest – Straw, an employee of Jakesh's farm.

Jakesh's Farm: Confrontation and Confession

Head to the farm and confront Straw. With enough Charisma, use the dialogue option, "Calm down. I don't want to hurt you." He'll confess that his brother, Ota, accidentally killed Roman and is now holding Pavlena hostage in a ravine south of Zhelejov. Straw will give you a choice: let him go, turn him in to the bailiff (affecting your reputation), or make him your hired hand.

Ota's Lair: The Final Showdown

Ota's hideout is in a ravine south of Zhelejov. Be prepared for a fight! There's a ladder leading up to his lair, guarded by a dog. Deal with the dog quickly and climb up.

Saving Pavlena: Two Paths Diverge

At the top, you'll find Ota holding Pavlena hostage. This is where your persuasion skills are put to the ultimate test.

• Option 1: Persuasion is Key (The Good Ending):

  1. Start with: "My name is Henry."
  2. Ask: "What is your name?" (High Charisma is crucial here).
  3. If you know Pavlena is pregnant, mention it. This can significantly sway Ota.
  4. When Ota offers to leave, say: "You have my word."

  If successful, Pavlena will break free and kill Ota in a fit of rage. You can then return to Bozhena with Pavlena alive.

• Option 2: Failure and Tragedy (The Bad Ending):

  If your persuasion fails, Ota will kill Pavlena and then attack you. Defeat him and return to Bozhena with the tragic news.

Revenge or Reconciliation: The Final Act

Back at Bozhena's, she'll ask you to deal with Jakesh, the man who drove her out of the village.

• Option 1: Justice Served: Eliminate Jakesh (either wait for him to be alone or use stealth). Bozhena will reward you with 85 Groschen. If Pavlena is alive, she'll also give you Roman's pendant.
• Option 2: A Path to Peace: Talk to Jakesh and propose reconciliation. If Pavlena is alive, mentioning her pregnancy can help. Return to Bozhena with the 100 Groschen Jakesh gives you. This leads to peace and allows Bozhena to resume her trade.

Rewards: More Than Just Groschen

The Bad Blood quest offers various rewards, depending on your choices:

• Experience in Persuasion and Charisma.
• Improved reputation among the locals.
• Knowledge of obstetrics and childbirth.
• Groschen (85 or 100, depending on how you deal with Jakesh).
• Roman's pendant (if Pavlena survives).

The Bad Blood quest is a testament to the complex and morally ambiguous world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Your choices have real consequences, shaping the fates of those around you. Which path will you choose?