In the richly detailed and historically inspired world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, players encounter a wide array of quests that test not only their combat and survival skills but also their ability to navigate moral choices and complex human challenges. One of the most intense and emotionally charged missions is the ‘Pestilence’ quest. This side quest plunges players into a gripping scenario involving disease, medical knowledge, time pressure, and the fate of innocent villagers. Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Bohemia, the quest offers a unique blend of realism, urgency, and role-playing depth that defines the immersive nature of the game.
Introduction to the Pestilence Quest
Where and How It Begins
The Pestilence quest begins after progressing through the main storyline, particularly following the events in Merhojed. After a skirmish between the protagonist, Henry, and bandits connected to a larger conspiracy, players discover that the village of Merhojed is stricken with a deadly disease. Henry is tasked with investigating the illness and providing help to the sick villagers. This marks the beginning of one of the game’s most unique side missions.
Unlike many action-packed quests in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Pestilence stands out by focusing on investigation, deduction, and healing. Instead of swords, players must rely on herbs, alchemy, dialogue, and a strong sense of timing. The goal is not to kill enemies, but to save lives making it a memorable and emotionally resonant experience.
Investigating the Illness
Understanding the Symptoms
Upon arriving in Merhojed, Henry meets villagers who are gravely ill, suffering from symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and weakness. The first step in the Pestilence quest is to gather information. Players must speak with various individuals in the village, including the affected family members and the local bailiff, to piece together the nature of the disease.
These conversations are more than mere flavor text they contain critical clues. Players learn about recent events in the village, the source of the water supply, and dietary changes, all of which may contribute to the outbreak. This detective-like approach adds an engaging layer to the quest, rewarding players who pay attention to detail.
Seeking Medical Expertise
To cure the disease, Henry must consult with Brother Nicodemus, a monk with knowledge of medieval medicine. Players can find him in the monastery at Sasau. However, Brother Nicodemus does not hand over a solution immediately; instead, he provides guidance and expects Henry to take an active role in diagnosing and treating the illness. This introduces players to a system of medieval alchemy and decision-making based on observation and research.
Alchemy and the Cure
Analyzing the Ingredients
The medical system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is grounded in the historical methods of the time. To create a cure, Henry must use an alchemy bench and prepare a potion using specific ingredients. The recipe, however, is not provided directly. Players must deduce the correct components based on the symptoms observed and Nicodemus’s input.
- Charcoal to absorb toxins
- Thistle to reduce fever
- Valerian to calm the patient and reduce pain
These ingredients form the base of what’s known as the Remedy for Merhojed. Crafting the potion requires precise timing, heat control, and step-by-step brewing, making the alchemy mini-game a test of both patience and attention to detail. Failure can mean wasting valuable resources or delivering an ineffective medicine.
Administering the Cure
After successfully brewing the remedy, Henry must return to Merhojed and administer it to the sick villagers. Here, players face another layer of pressure: the quest is timed. Delay too long, and some of the villagers may die. This urgency adds weight to every decision, and players must act swiftly yet carefully to achieve the best outcome.
If players treat the villagers in time, most can recover. However, not everyone can be saved, regardless of performance. This sense of realism and consequence reinforces the tone of Kingdom Come: Deliverance as a game deeply rooted in historical accuracy and moral ambiguity.
Consequences and Outcomes
The Fate of the Villagers
The outcome of the Pestilence quest can significantly affect Henry’s reputation in Merhojed and surrounding areas. Saving the villagers improves your standing and can lead to rewards or future assistance. Failing to help them in time, however, may result in the deaths of key NPCs and a drop in reputation.
Moreover, the quest influences the main story. One of the bandits Henry needs to interrogate for information is among the sick. If this man dies before being questioned, it could complicate your progress in later quests. This intertwining of side and main quests demonstrates how Kingdom Come rewards careful planning and attention to narrative detail.
Moral and Emotional Weight
Unlike typical fantasy RPGs, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers no magical healing or divine intervention. The Pestilence quest emphasizes that healing is slow, imprecise, and often heartbreaking. For many players, this quest is a turning point an emotional test of empathy, intelligence, and urgency.
Watching villagers suffer and possibly die brings a sobering depth to the role-playing experience. It challenges players to engage with historical reality, where plagues and disease were common, and medical care was rudimentary at best. The decisions made during Pestilence echo long after the quest is completed.
Tips for Successfully Completing Pestilence
- Start early: Time matters. Begin the quest as soon as it’s available to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Gather clues carefully: Talk to every NPC in Merhojed, including Melichar and Brother Nicodemus, for vital hints.
- Practice alchemy: If you’re unfamiliar with potion-making, practice on simpler recipes before attempting the cure.
- Stock ingredients: Make sure you have enough thistle, charcoal, and valerian in your inventory before starting the potion.
- Check on the bandit: Don’t forget to administer the cure to the captive bandit. His survival affects your progress.
The Pestilence quest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a standout moment in the game, blending emotional storytelling with realistic mechanics and historical context. It exemplifies how the game deviates from traditional RPG tropes and challenges players to engage in meaningful, morally complex tasks. Whether you save the villagers or face hard consequences, the experience leaves a lasting impression. For players seeking immersion, depth, and emotional engagement, Pestilence offers one of the most rewarding and sobering quests in the entire game.