The year is 1403 in Bohemia. This medieval world is one without magic. However, the land is filled with shifting politics, war, and survival. The kingdom was once a safe place under the rule of King Charles IV, but upon his death and the carelessness of the next king, the kingdom was plunged into turmoil.
The Conflict
King Wenceslas IV- The rightful king, but cares nothing for being what a king should.
Sigismund- The half-brother of King Wenceslas IV. He kidnaps the king and then raids the land in the king’s absence.
Nobles- Conflicted. Some are loyal to the rightful king, and some are not. Likewise, some are opportunistic about the fate of the land, and those who feel the rightful king deserved what he has gotten. Regardless of how they feel, they are all caught up in the struggle.
The absence of the king creates a power vacuum, which leads to the destruction of Henry’s home.
Key Locations
Skalitz- Henry’s hometown and the starting point of this journey, is mainly known for its silver mines. Attacked by Sigismund’s commander, Markvart Von Aulitz, for the silver in the mines, to fund his effort to conquer the country.
Rattay- Political refuge for those of Skalitz and home of the resistance against Sigismund. A place for Henry to begin his journey to becoming a knight, find love with someone who also survived the raid on Skalitz, and retrieve that which was taken from him.
Talmberg- A strategic stronghold. A place of protection, loyalists, and in some stories, forbidden fruit.
Sasau- The religious center of the region. The dominating religion is Christianity. The church holds a strong position over the land.
Major Factions
Radzig Kobyla & Loyalist Nobles- These represent the resistance against Sigismund. Radzig is the commander of the forces under King Wenceslas IV. Radzig also has a secret which would explain his concern for Henry and why he would give him, a commoner, a chance to embark on his quest despite disobeying orders.
Cumans & Bandits- These are the hired muscle for Sigismund in the land. The bandits represent the muscle of a conspiracy to counterfeit money for the war effort.
The Church- Influential for all in the land but divided in the proper course of affairs.
Henry’s Place
Son of a blacksmith who found his way, unwillingly, thrust into a war. The attack on Skalitz gave Henry a quest for revenge, which becomes tied to an effort to restore order in Bohemia. He tackles his quest at the ground level, having to learn the skills needed to engage in this conflict.
He truly begins his journey in Rattay, not only beginning his quest for revenge but also searching for himself. To prove himself and take back the sword his father made, he uncovers a truth that changes his life and his place in society.
Themes of the Game
- Political turmoil
- Fighting for survival in a lawless world
- Realism instead of fantasy, finding out that the hero’s life is not as it seemed.
- Social hierarchy, faith, and morality.
Closing
Kingdom Come Deliverance (THQ Nordic) allows the player, through Henry, to experience a grounded story free of magic, and yet still compelling. The everyday citizens of the country are afflicted by the historical conflict of royalty.
What was your experience like in this world? Is there a specific piece of lore I should dive into next?
Stay tuned for Star Wars: Knight Errant- The Daimanate (Friday) and Elden Ring: The Search for Lost Grace (Sunday).
Happy Thanksgiving!
God be with you!
Digital Archiver signing off.
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