The quest Parley with Sir Erhart in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a pivotal moment in the game’s intricate storyline, blending diplomacy, loyalty, and political intrigue into one gripping encounter. Unlike most quests that focus on combat or stealth, this particular mission emphasizes dialogue, character judgment, and the art of persuasion. Players find themselves walking a fine line between honor and survival, making choices that could ripple through the rest of their playthrough. To successfully navigate this quest, understanding the motivations of Sir Erhart and the broader context of the war-torn Bohemian kingdom is essential.
Background of the Parley
The War for Bohemia
Set in the early 15th century, Kingdom Come: Deliverance immerses players in the chaos that followed the death of Emperor Charles IV. With the crown contested and factions clashing, nobles like Sir Erhart play crucial roles in the political web. By the time players reach the quest Parley with Sir Erhart, tensions are already high between loyalists and those siding with rival claims. Sir Erhart’s involvement adds complexity to an already volatile situation, offering players a rare chance to influence events through negotiation rather than violence.
Who is Sir Erhart?
Sir Erhart is a noble knight caught in the crosscurrents of duty, ambition, and personal code. Known for his tactical acumen and calm demeanor, Erhart is not easily swayed. He respects strength, logic, and honor, making any discussion with him a test of the player’s diplomatic skills. By the time the parley occurs, he holds considerable sway over troops and territory, and the choices you make in this meeting will affect not only your relationship with him but also the standing of your allies.
Starting the Quest
Reaching the Negotiation
To initiate the quest Parley with Sir Erhart, players typically receive a directive from one of the central characters such as Sir Radzig or Divish. The meeting point is often at a neutral location, such as a ruined castle or a secluded glade, where both parties agree to come unarmed. This atmosphere of truce sets the tone for a tense, word-driven confrontation. Players are advised to equip themselves not with swords or bows, but with knowledge, charisma, and preparation.
Preparation Tips
- Improve your Speech skill: Leveling this up beforehand can unlock dialogue options that may turn the tide of the conversation.
- Study Sir Erhart’s motivations: Reading codex entries, speaking to NPCs who know him, and observing his past actions can give insight into what arguments may persuade him.
- Dress for diplomacy: Clothing affects charisma in the game, so wearing noble attire may improve your chances of influencing Sir Erhart.
The Conversation with Sir Erhart
Dialogue Trees and Outcomes
During the parley, players are presented with a series of dialogue choices that impact the flow and outcome of the discussion. These options typically reflect three core approaches: logical reasoning, appeals to honor, or threats. The effectiveness of each path depends on your relationship with Sir Erhart, your skills, and your knowledge of current events in Bohemia.
- Appealing to Honor: If you choose to focus on shared knightly values and the greater good of the kingdom, Erhart may show signs of internal conflict.
- Strategic Reasoning: Pointing out the futility of prolonged conflict, losses on both sides, or potential alliances can make him reconsider his current position.
- Coercion or Threats: This is riskier and may backfire unless you’ve previously demonstrated overwhelming strength or leverage.
The game uses a hidden scoring system based on your speech, reputation, and prior decisions. Reaching a favorable agreement with Sir Erhart can lead to peaceful solutions or even his eventual support in upcoming battles. Failing the negotiation, however, might lead to increased hostility and a more difficult campaign later on.
Possible Endings to the Parley
There are several ways the parley can end, depending on your choices:
- Mutual Understanding: Sir Erhart agrees to a truce or delayed confrontation, opening new quest lines and avoiding immediate bloodshed.
- Conditional Alliance: He may offer limited support or intelligence if persuaded but without committing to full allegiance.
- Failure and Fallout: If you antagonize him or fail to present a convincing argument, the parley ends in discontent, and you may face stronger resistance later.
Each outcome branches into different consequences in the story, affecting other characters’ reactions and the availability of future quests.
Rewards and Consequences
What You Gain
While the quest may not always yield material rewards like gold or armor, the benefits of a successful parley are far-reaching. Gaining Sir Erhart’s favor could mean:
- Access to additional resources or troops in a later siege.
- Reduced enemy patrols in hostile regions.
- Bonus reputation with neutral or undecided factions.
Furthermore, this diplomatic approach reinforces the game’s commitment to realism, showing that swords are not the only tools for shaping the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
Long-Term Narrative Impact
One of the strongest aspects of the quest is its ripple effect. Future story developments may reference your dealings with Sir Erhart, and characters may either praise your diplomacy or criticize your failure. Allies like Sir Radzig may react differently based on how you handled the negotiation. The game subtly weaves these interactions into its world, enriching immersion and player agency.
Tips for Role-Playing and Immersion
Staying in Character
Parley with Sir Erhart is an excellent opportunity to deepen your role-playing experience. Consider what kind of Henry you are playing:
- The Noble Knight: Lead with honor and idealism, promoting peace and unity.
- The Pragmatic Soldier: Use logic and strategy to convince Erhart that resistance is futile.
- The Ruthless Enforcer: Intimidate and pressure your way to compliance.
Your choices should reflect your interpretation of the protagonist and how you want to shape the kingdom’s future.
Saving Strategically
Before entering the parley, use a Savior Schnapps or manual save if available. This allows you to explore different conversation outcomes and ensures that a single misstep doesn’t derail your intended narrative path.
The quest Parley with Sir Erhart is a standout moment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, showcasing the game’s dedication to realistic storytelling and complex character interaction. It challenges players to think beyond combat, encouraging a diplomatic approach that relies on preparation, empathy, and sharp dialogue choices. Whether you walk away with a new ally or a deepened rivalry, this mission leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates that, sometimes, the pen or in this case, the word can be mightier than the sword.