The Via Argentum quest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one of the most exciting and intricate missions in the game. Delving into corruption, conspiracy, and betrayal within the silver mines of Kuttenberg, it tests your investigation skills and decision-making. This guide will walk you through each step of the quest, providing valuable tips to help you make key decisions, uncover the truth behind the illicit silver trade, and maximize your rewards. Whether you're stuck on a particular section or looking for detailed advice, this guide ensures that you’ll complete the quest successfully.
Quest Overview: What is Via Argentum?
Via Argentum ("The Silver Road") is a critical part of the game’s main storyline. The quest begins when you meet John of Liechtenstein in the town of Kuttenberg, where he tasks you with investigating rising corruption and a series of shady dealings surrounding the silver mines. Your mission is to uncover the truth about the illicit silver trade, exposing the involvement of high-profile individuals like Ulrich Vavak and the silver merchant Buresh.
Along the way, you will investigate multiple locations, interrogate NPCs, and gather evidence of fraudulent activities. Completing this quest unlocks the next phase of the story, Taking French Leave, and rewards you with valuable items and knowledge, as well as affecting the wider world of the game.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the Via Argentum Quest
Follow these steps to navigate the quest and uncover the hidden secrets of Kuttenberg's silver trade.
Step 1: Meet with Ruthard
- Objective: Meet Kunzlin Ruthard at his estate in Kuttenberg.
Upon arriving at Ruthard’s estate, you'll witness a skirmish between his men and soldiers aligned with Ulrich Vavak. Help Ruthard by defeating the soldiers and then speak with him to receive further instructions.
Tip: Prepare for combat before arriving at the estate. Equip heavy armor, such as the Heavy Plate Armor, and weapons like a Sword or Mace, to handle the soldiers efficiently.
Ruthard will explain that he needs solid evidence of Vavak’s embezzlement of silver before he can assist you further in rescuing Lord Capon.
Step 2: Investigate the Silver Mines
- Objective: Head to the silver mines near Grund and gather information.
Ruthard will direct you to Christian of Pisek, the silver mine manager, who will provide you with a Safe Conduct Letter, granting access to the mines.
Undercover Persona Options:
- A rich nobleman.
- Christian’s nephew.
- An inquisitive scholar.
Tip: Choose your persona wisely, as it impacts your ability to gather information discreetly. The noble persona may grant you smoother access, while the scholar persona might allow you to ask probing questions.
Step 3: Speak with the Foremen
- Objective: Gather information from the three foremen working at the mine.
You’ll need to speak with the following foremen:
- Foreman Samko (near the entrance).
- Foreman Frank (deeper within the mine).
- Foreman Pavel (at the bottom of the mine).
Use dialogue options such as persuasion, bribery, or intimidation to extract valuable information. For example:
- Pavel: Pray with him to gain his trust.
- Samko: Play dice with him to win his favor.
- Frank: Intimidate him if your Strength or Warfare stats are high.
Tip: If you have high Charisma, you can use persuasion to gain information. Otherwise, a bribe or intimidation might be necessary.
Step 4: Confront Ore Merchant Herrmann
- Objective: Confront Ore Merchant Herrmann about discrepancies in the mine’s output.
After gathering intel from the foremen, confront Herrmann. He will point you toward Foreman Fett, who is involved in the mine's illegal activities.
Tip: Herrmann’s reaction may vary based on your approach. Be ready for any outcome.
Step 5: Interrogate Foreman Fett
- Objective: Find and confront Foreman Fett for more details about the corruption.
Fett is often found near the dice table. During your conversation, he will reveal a clue about a "tall, stocky, pockmarked" individual likely to be Little Nary, bringing you one step closer to unraveling the conspiracy.
Tip: If you failed to gather useful intel earlier, this step is crucial in piecing together the full scope of the operation.
Step 6: Visit the Smelting Works
- Objective: Visit Buresh at the Smelting Works and learn about the operations.
To avoid suspicion, dress as a nobleman and ensure your appearance is spotless by visiting the bathhouse and tailoring shop.
Once you’ve prepared yourself, visit Buresh and request a tour of his smelting facility. He will provide you with a Safe Conduct Letter, allowing you to investigate freely.
Step 7: Gather Information from Shima
- Objective: Talk to Shima, a key worker at the Smelting Works.
Shima will lead you to Volkmar, the Head Smelter, who is involved in the secret silver minting operation.
Tip: Listen carefully to Shima’s clues—they are pivotal in discovering the location of the hidden mint.
Step 8: Confront Volkmar
- Objective: Find Volkmar and learn about the secret mint operation.
Volkmar will reveal the location of a hidden mint in the old, mined-out shafts near Old Kutna and provide you with a map.
Step 9: Investigate the Secret Mint
- Objective: Find and explore the secret mint.
Use the map provided by Volkmar to locate the hidden mint. Once inside, confront Buresh and his associates in a battle where you’ll uncover the full extent of the counterfeit operations.
Tip: Keep an eye out for Buresh’s horse, Agro—a subtle nod to Shadow of the Colossus.
Step 10: Report Your Findings to Christian of Pisek
- Objective: Return to Christian and share your discoveries.
With the evidence in hand, return to Christian of Pisek. He will suggest continuing the counterfeiting operation under his management. You will then face a crucial decision: will you cooperate with him or turn him in?
Tip: The choice you make will affect future events in the story. Consider the moral implications and potential rewards for each path.
Rewards for Completing the Via Argentum Quest
Upon completing the quest, you’ll unlock the next part of the story, Taking French Leave. Additionally, you’ll receive valuable rewards, including:
- Recipes for Lead Shot Gunpowder, Scatter Shot Gunpowder, and Saviour Schnapps.
- Insight into silver mining and the ongoing corruption in the kingdom.
- A deeper understanding of the political landscape of Kuttenberg.
Tips for Success
- Charisma is Key: A high Charisma level will help you persuade NPCs and avoid suspicion during your undercover activities.
- Stay Clean: Always maintain a neat appearance when entering noble circles. A trip to the bathhouse and a tailor can save you from unnecessary attention.
- Choose Your Persona Wisely: The persona you adopt affects how NPCs interact with you and whether you can gather information without raising suspicion.
- Dialogue Options Matter: Whether you use persuasion, bribery, or intimidation, be strategic in how you interact with others to extract key information.
- Prepare for Combat: Equip your best gear, especially before confronting Ruthard’s estate or Volkmar.
Conclusion
The Via Argentum quest is one of the most captivating and complex missions in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. By following this guide, you’ll uncover the truth behind the corruption in the silver mines of Kuttenberg while making key decisions that influence the course of your journey. Good luck, and may your investigation bring justice to the kingdom!
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