In Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD), players face many morally and socially complex decisions that reflect the deeply historical nature of the game. One such dilemma discussed often on Reddit is whether to side with the burghers town-dwelling, often wealthier citizens or the so-called savages, typically referring to more rural or outlawed groups. This debate has sparked a wave of perspectives, with players sharing roleplaying choices, gameplay implications, and thoughts on historical authenticity. Understanding the nuances between these factions can offer a deeper appreciation for the game’s layered narrative and its choices.
Understanding the Burghers in KCD
Who Are the Burghers?
Burghers in Kingdom Come: Deliverance represent the established order within towns like Rattay or Sasau. They are typically merchants, traders, artisans, and others who have economic or political power within their communities. The term burgher comes from the medieval Germanic tradition and denotes a class of citizens who benefited from privileges granted by town charters.
Life in the Towns
Living under the protection of city walls, burghers enjoyed relative security and access to services such as trade guilds, churches, and legal systems. Their wealth allowed them to live more comfortably than peasants or outlaws, and they often maintained good relations with nobility due to taxes and services.
- Burghers are seen as lawful and respectable.
- They have structured roles in commerce, law, and religion.
- They reflect order and civilization in the game’s world.
The Savage Element in KCD
What Does Savage Mean in Context?
On Reddit, players often refer to savages when discussing bandits, poachers, or rural folk who reject or live outside established systems. These characters might be desperate peasants, rogue mercenaries, or even sympathetic rebels. While savage is a term loaded with bias, in the context of KCD, it highlights those marginalized or excluded from mainstream society.
Life on the Outskirts
People labeled as savages in the game often face constant danger whether from starvation, war, or law enforcement. Yet, they also represent freedom from feudal control. They live by their own rules, which appeals to players who prefer a less structured, more morally gray path.
- Often lack protection or formal rights.
- Portrayed as outlaws or rebels, but not always villainous.
- May offer more radical choices and unpredictable outcomes.
Reddit’s Take on Burgher vs Savage
Roleplaying and Identity
One of the most popular threads on the r/kingdomcome subreddit explores how players identify their Henry protagonist of the game. Some users embrace the burgher path, choosing education, diplomacy, and religious alignment. Others go the savage route, favoring a gritty lifestyle of hunting, stealing, or joining shady characters like Sir Erik.
Players often use their background choices whether Henry becomes a courtier or an outlaw as part of their personal story. Reddit discussions often highlight how rewarding it is to create a consistent character arc, even if that arc leads to morally questionable decisions.
Game Mechanics and Consequences
From a gameplay perspective, siding with the burghers often grants more structured missions and rewards. Town relationships can lead to better armor, more gold, and access to guild benefits. Conversely, aligning with savage elements can mean fast money through looting and poaching, but at the cost of reputation and legal trouble.
- Burgher Path: Stable, reputation-friendly, access to clean gear and shops.
- Savage Path: High risk, high reward; favors stealth, bow skills, and intimidation.
Ethical Reflections and Realism
Redditors often praise Kingdom Come: Deliverance for its realism, particularly in presenting moral choices without clear right or wrong outcomes. The burgher vs savage dynamic is one of many examples where players must choose between security and freedom, honor and survival. The way the game doesn’t punish either choice overtly but lets consequences unfold naturally is seen as a strength of its narrative design.
Historical Accuracy in the Debate
Socioeconomic Layers of Medieval Bohemia
KCD is set in 15th-century Bohemia, a region historically divided by class, religion, and geography. Burghers were a rising class during this period, especially in towns under royal or noble patronage. Meanwhile, rural populations many of whom were tied to the land or lived on the edge of survival faced challenges such as taxation, war, and disease.
The game reflects these tensions well. Burghers, while more refined, can be corrupt and elitist. On the other hand, the so-called savages may commit crimes but often act out of desperation rather than malice.
Religion, Class, and Power
Religion plays a role in this divide, too. Towns typically center around churches and monasteries, reinforcing order and piety. By contrast, characters who live outside these structures are more likely to be skeptical of organized faith or exploit it for gain. Reddit discussions often mention the significance of Henry’s evolving faith as players explore both lifestyles.
Character Builds and Strategy
Burgher-Aligned Henry
Players who roleplay a burgher-style Henry tend to invest in skills like Speech, Reading, and Alchemy. These abilities open doors in towns and monasteries and support a non-lethal, persuasive playthrough. Armor tends to be clean, noble, and expensive.
- Focus: Reputation, diplomacy, legal income
- Strengths: Long-term progression, better town interactions
- Weaknesses: Slower income, restricted by law and expectations
Savage-Aligned Henry
A savage-style build focuses on Strength, Stealth, and Hunting. This Henry may poach game, rob travelers, or work for morally gray factions. The build allows for faster resource acquisition but can lead to notoriety and prison if not managed well.
- Focus: Fast cash, independence, rule-bending
- Strengths: Dynamic combat, rogue tools, stealth options
- Weaknesses: Bad reputation, risk of arrest, limited town access
There’s No Wrong Way
The debate over burgher or savage paths in Kingdom Come: Deliverance continues to engage the community, especially on Reddit. Each option offers a different lens through which to experience the richly historical world. Whether you prefer the structured life of a town citizen or the dangerous freedom of an outlaw, both choices offer compelling narratives, deep immersion, and rewarding gameplay mechanics.
Ultimately, KCD does not judge the player’s choices, but rather presents them within a context shaped by class, religion, and survival. Whether you find yourself dining in a noble hall or lurking in the woods with a bow in hand, every decision contributes to Henry’s unique story. And that is what keeps players coming back and discussing this medieval masterpiece.