Portrait in Red represents the fourth quest in the Brushes with Death DLC of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. This quest unfolds after players successfully retrieve the Basilisk egg for Voyta. A significant feature of this quest is a critical decision that players must confront: to confront Burkhard, either by killing him or sparing his life. This choice not only alters the quest’s outcome but also influences the potential to unlock a missable trophy/achievement. This comprehensive guide details the quest’s walkthrough while exploring both possible outcomes to help you choose your course of action.
Portrait in Red Quest Walkthrough
How to Initiate the Portrait in Red Quest
To begin the quest, after completing the Chiaroscuro quest, wait until the following morning. Then, approach Voyta inside Trosky Castle. He will explain that the time has come for his final mission, which involves confronting and potentially killing Burkhard. Successfully completing a brief Skill Check will grant you deeper insights into Voyta’s motives. Once your discussion concludes, your objective will be clear: you must travel northeast from the castle towards the northern territory of Apollonia.
The Dilemma: Kill or Spare Burkhard?
Upon arriving at the designated area, navigate to the location directly beneath the “A”marker on your map, where you will encounter a camp inhabited by Burkhard and his fellow gang members. You have several tactics at your disposal:
- Stealth Approach: Opt to wait until nightfall and infiltrate the camp while most enemies are asleep. Quietly approach Burkhard and execute a stealth kill using your dagger.
- Confrontation: Alternatively, you can engage Burkhard directly. Choose to duel rather than fight his gang members collectively by negotiating with him and succeeding in the Skill Check.
Both options will advance the quest but will negate the possibility of earning the “Vengeance Solves Nothing”trophy/achievement. To obtain the trophy, you must spare Burkhard’s life. Therefore, take the stealthy route: wait for nightfall and sneak into the camp, avoiding detection from those on watch. Attempt to lock-pick the chest located within, where you will find the coveted Killer’s Helmet that you need to complete the quest.
Once you have secured the helmet, return to Voyta to discuss your findings. He will inquire whether you killed Burkhard. To successfully progress, you can attempt a Speech Check, allowing you to lie about your actions. This will conclude the quest, and you will receive the trophy for sparing Burkhard, as well as the Murderer’s Painted Helmet and additional symbols to enhance your shield.
Keep in mind that the Speech Check requires a high Speech level; it’s advisable to save your game before approaching Voyta. If the check fails, focus on improving your Speech skill before trying again.