Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 outshines its predecessor with beautiful and comedic writing combined with impressively cinematic cutscenes that make Henry’s journey ever more exciting. The writing itself, in particular, has definitely improved, and some lines can leave lasting impressions you won’t soon forget.
Even from side characters you can miss or cutscenes that you might otherwise skip, there is effort put into every quest and story throughout Trosky and Kuttenberg, which makes turning over every stone an adventure. Although there are hundreds of iconic lines from the game, some are more memorable than others.
9
Audentes Fortuna Iuvat!
The self-described motto of the motley crew that makes up our Henry and Sir Hans, “fortune favors the brave” is repeated throughout the game, usually as a tool to gather courage or a reminder of their duty. This Latin phrase also serves as a moral center to the main story, reminding the player that despite the overwhelming force of the enemy, you must remain bold.
It also has some nice characterization for Hans, as in the cutscene before Henry learns it for the first time, we see a scene from the near future where Hans goes from mocking the phrase to boldly announcing it. Sometimes, we all need to just yell audentes fortuna iuvat to get through the day.
8
Arne Does Not Yield!
Coming from a somewhat minor character in a sidequest featuring a pair of German swordmasters, Arne joins Menhard and Henry in a tournament to uphold Wenceslas’ decision on who should run the sword fighting guild in Kuttenberg. During the tourney, Arne is nearly killed and yet persists despite the danger.
After suffering a serious head wound, Arne does not let this deter him, putting everything on the line to prove his skill and determination. The shot of him staring down the camera and yelling “Arne does not yield!” is a powerful moment that we haven’t yet seen from the humble swordmaster.
7
That Was Just A Warning Shot!
In perhaps one of the most comedic moments of the whole game, Henry joins Kubyenka and Zizka in a raid against Hungarian forces that have captured the Dry Devil. After obtaining some advanced firepower in the form of handgonnes, the ragtag party fires upon the armed company.
After the smoke clears, it is revealed almost every shot completely missed, aside from a poor horse and the Dry Devil himself as collateral, the latter taking a bolt to the bum. Hilariously, Henry tries to make the best of the situation and claims their failed attack was only a warning, which falls on deaf ears.
6
… But Deliver Us From Evil…
Despite an encamped and reinforced army outside the gates of Nebakov, Henry and his band of mercenaries hold out at the top of the tower, hoping to wait out the forces. This is when the Finger of God that was foreshadowed in an earlier quest is revealed, and the massive cannon is aimed and lit.
While the group retreats in fear, Father Godwin recites the Lord’s prayer in Latin, which is punctuated in English just as the Finger of God obliterates the tower. This is a powerfully written and directed scene that displays the power Sigismund’s forces have and the dire straits of our heroes while characterizing Godwin as always a man of faith despite his suffering.
With the Fundamentals of Theology Scholarship perk, you can recite the Lord’s prayer at shrines to receive a healing buff.
5
The Stronger Dog…
The crude, final words of Istvan Toth as Henry drives a blade into him, this line perfectly characterizes Istvan as an opportunistic villain who is using this war for his own gain. Even after defeating the man who stole your father’s sword and reconnecting with Martin’s legacy, the words make the victory feel sour.
This is also complimented by the following dreams Henry has of Martin, who asks him whether his journey of revenge is truly worth it, and if it is truly bringing honor to Henry. The scene where Henry kills Istvan is a perfect way to display this feeling of despair and hate, showing you the dark face of wanton cruelty.
4
Get Him!
Perhaps one of the first sidequests you are likely to attempt since splitting from Hans Capon after spending a night in the stockade, finding Mutt is no easy task. After tracking down a handful of leads and traveling all over Trosky, you eventually find Mutt joining a pack of wild wolves.
In a heartfelt display of loyalty from the loveable beast, Mutt turns on his new companions as soon as they start displaying aggression against Henry. Ending a tense cutscene straight into combat, Henry gives a command to Mutt, and they join forces once again.
Don’t worry, Mutt cannot be killed, and will always return to Henry after a few hours after taking too much damage.
3
Fight To The Bitter End, With All The Strength You Can Muster!
After falling from a height that would kill the average 15th century peasant, Henry is pulled into a dreamy limbo where he speaks to his adoptive father, Martin. Here, Henry muses on his own death and Martin gives him comforting words as they sit in the peace of the glade.
Before Henry wakes up to Hans shaking him, Martin gives Henry a final piece of advice that lights a fire under him to keep going no matter what. This line, followed by the face of Sir Hans, mirrors their adventure together and even implies a familial relationship between the two that displays their intense bond.
2
I Am Sir Hans Capon Of Pirkstein!
In one of the climaxes of the first act of the game, Sir Hans’ poaching has finally caught up to him and is getting ready to be hanged by Chamberlain Ulrich in front of all of Trosky Castle. Fervent claims of his nobility and important message are consistently ignored by the infuriating chamberlain, even after Henry appears with a witness.
Seeing Ulrich ignore his claims for the final time, it really seems as if Hans might be hanged for good, and this moment of powerlessness humbles Hans for a long time after. This moment also foreshadows the events of the rest of the game, as words alone are a poor tool against Sigismund.
1
And Are You Sure You Didn’t Kill Someone’s Father? Or Mother?
In the final meeting between Henry and Markvart von Aulitz, Markvart plainly speaks to his involvement in the war and his feelings towards his duty and deeds in the service of Sigismund. Markvart’s surprisingly humble approach in the face of death expertly humanizes him and can even lead to Henry somewhat sympathizing with him.
Surprising Henry, Markvart claims, and proves, to remember every life he has taken. Turning Henry’s judgement back at him, he asks if Henry remembers every life he has taken, and Henry’s expression betrays an almost horrifying realization that forces him to confront his personal quest for revenge.
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