Crime in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a significant gameplay mechanic, drastically altering how the game world interacts with you. Actions like theft, trespassing, or even assaulting a peasant can lead to severe repercussions. This guide details the intricacies of the crime and punishment system.
Defining Criminal Acts:
Any action disrupting the game's order constitutes a crime. The sequel's improved AI makes NPCs more perceptive to criminal activity. Consequences range from immediate apprehension to later investigation. Crimes include:
- Murder: Killing innocent NPCs.
- Theft: Stealing from homes, shops, or unconscious individuals.
- Lockpicking: Illegally accessing buildings or chests.
- Pickpocketing: Directly stealing from people.
- Assault: Attacking civilians or guards.
- Animal Cruelty: Harming domestic animals.
- Trespassing: Unauthorized entry into private areas.
- Disrupting Order: Causing disturbances in towns.
Consequences of Apprehension:
Being caught, whether by guards or witnesses, triggers several potential outcomes:
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Paying a Fine: The simplest solution, though the cost varies greatly depending on the crime's severity.
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Negotiation: High Speech or Charisma skills can sometimes persuade guards to overlook minor offenses. Serious crimes are much harder to talk your way out of.
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Escape: A risky option, leading to a temporary "wanted" status. Changing clothes or bribing officials might help evade recognition upon returning to town.
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Accepting Punishment: If escape and bribery fail, you'll face the consequences.
The Spectrum of Punishment:
Punishments escalate in severity:
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Pillory (Public Humiliation): A short sentence for minor offenses like trespassing, resulting in reputational damage.
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Caning (Physical Punishment): Public beating for mid-level crimes like assault or theft, impacting health and stamina.
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Branding (Permanent Criminal Status): A permanent mark for repeat offenders or serious crimes, affecting NPC interactions and trade opportunities.
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Execution (Game Over): The ultimate penalty for extreme crimes, such as multiple murders.
Reputation Management:
Reputation is crucial, impacting how NPCs treat you. Each town and faction maintains separate reputation trackers. Improving reputation requires community service, donations, and paying fines.
Evading Capture:
While the crime system is a core game element, careful planning can minimize your chances of getting caught:
- Minimize Witnesses: Always survey your surroundings before committing a crime.
- Disguise: Changing clothes or using disguises can help you evade identification.
- Nighttime Operations: The cover of darkness makes you harder to spot.
- Strategic Sales: Sell stolen goods to fences or black market dealers, away from the crime scene.
This comprehensive overview provides a solid understanding of the crime and punishment system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
