Stealing horses in Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD) currently lacks significant consequences and a proper stolen horse registration system. This loophole diminishes the realism and challenge, as players face minimal risk for theft. A “stolen horse registry” would be a logical addition, enhancing gameplay immersion.
Successfully stealing a horse allows the player to keep it. However, if identified by the stable owner, stable workers, or notable figures like Sir Bernard/Sir Robard and bailiffs aware of the theft, severe consequences should follow. Reputation within the town would plummet, the bailiff would report to the Lord, and news of the crime would spread across his domain, potentially leading to imprisonment.
A questline could be implemented where players utilize speech or charisma to avoid hanging by Sir Divish/Sir Hanush. Bribery or intimidation could force the stable owner to falsely claim the horse as the player’s.
The game could create a false sense of security before delivering consequences. For instance, weeks after stealing Jenda’s warhorse, the player returns to Rattay for the Robber Baron quest. Sir Bernard immediately recognizes the stolen 4000 groschen steed.
An automatic dialogue would trigger, accusing the player of theft. Depending on reputation and stats, the player could lie, confess and beg for leniency, or flee and be pursued. Resolving the situation would require diverse approaches, both direct and indirect.
A high-stat, well-liked character might have the stable owner punished for false accusations. A sneaky character could plant the horse’s value in the stable’s coffers and frame the owner for fraud. A learned character could forge ownership documents after pickpocketing the owner’s signet ring. Or, the player could simply beg for mercy, facing a hefty fine or hard labor at the very stud farm they robbed instead of hanging.
Compared to this potential, the current system offers a single, underwhelming horse theft side quest with minimal reward and risk. This discourages theft, as players never truly own stolen horses. A “stolen horse registry” would address these shortcomings, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.
