The early acts of Kingdom Come Deliverance present players with a grounded and historically detailed depiction of medieval life. One of the most pivotal early-game missions is titled The Prey, which transitions Henry from a basic town guard into a trusted companion of the local nobility. This excursion not only tests your mechanical proficiency with hunting tools but also serves as a crucial narrative turning point that introduces unexpected danger.
Preparing for the Noble Hunt
The mission begins at dawn in the Rattay upper castle courtyard, where you must meet the arrogant young Lord Hans Capon. Before setting off, it is highly recommended to visit the local trader to manage your inventory space and gather basic provisions. Having a well-rested character ensures that your stamina parameters remain optimal for the long journey ahead into the deep woodlands.
As you journey alongside Hans Capon to the designated campsite, engaging in conversation reveals critical world-building details and character motivations. The walk allows you to understand the delicate political landscape of Bohemia and the growing tensions between the local rulers. Once you arrive at the forest camp, you will be tasked with retrieving wine and bacon from the camp chest to prepare for the night.
Mastering the Archery Competition
The next morning introduces a formal hunting competition where you must compete against Hans Capon to see who can harvest the most hares. Winning this archery match requires patience, steady crosshair control, and a deep understanding of standard trajectory physics. Successfully outhunting the young noble will earn you a modest financial reward and a substantial boost to your local reputation.
If you prefer to focus on alternative skills, you can explore the surrounding forest landscape to gather unique alchemical herbs instead. However, participating actively in the hunt is the best method to practice your low-level bow skills without wasting your expensive ammunition. Managing your stamina bars effectively between shots prevents shaky hands and guarantees cleaner target acquisitions.
Tracking Hans Capon Into Danger
The lighthearted competition takes a sudden dark turn when Hans aggressively pursues a wild boar deep into unknown territory. You must immediately track his physical direction through the dense foliage to prevent a tragic outcome. Following the natural paths and broken branches will eventually lead you to a hidden Cuman camp hidden deep within the ravine.
Upon discovering the hostile encampment, you will find that the young lord has been tied up and taken hostage by enemy scouts. This critical encounter leaves the operational rescue strategy entirely up to the player's personal playstyle. You can choose to wait until nightfall to utilize stealth mechanics, or confront the guards directly using your current combat equipment.
Resolving the Cuman Confrontation
Approaching the enemy camp quietly allows you to perform structural stealth takedowns or untie Hans Capon without alerting the entire guard force. Alternatively, choosing an aggressive frontline assault requires precise master strikes and careful shield management to survive the multiple attackers. Both choices lead to the same structural narrative conclusion but offer vastly different character progression rewards.
Successfully freeing the young noble from his bonds triggers a long-term friendship that fundamentally shifts how Henry is treated by the high aristocracy. This critical rescue operation transforms an initially hostile rivalry into an enduring brotherhood that impacts the rest of the campaign. Once the camp is cleared, returning safely to the main castle completes the sequence and unlocks advanced military training options.
