Zbyshek: Istvan’s Secret Weapon? A Theory on Deception and Betrayal

[Darth Vader]

Hey everyone!

With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 just around the corner, I’ve been revisiting the events of the first game, and I’ve got a theory about Zbyshek that I think could really shake things up in the sequel. Hear me out—what if Zbyshek’s “help” in Vranik wasn’t an act of redemption, but part of a much larger scheme orchestrated by none other than Istvan Toth? Could Zbyshek have been playing both sides all along? Let’s dive into it, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

So, let’s start with that moment when Henry escapes Vranik with Zbyshek’s help. If you’re like me, you probably thought: “Okay, this guy’s finally seeing the error of his ways.” He helps Henry, saying he’s being bullied by the bandits and wants to get out. If you reward him, you even gain some reputation points. But... does that really seem like the full story? I’m starting to think Zbyshek’s so-called redemption is a bit too convenient. What if he’s just playing a role?

Here’s where it gets interesting. We all know Istvan is no fool. The guy’s been pulling strings since day one. So, what if this whole “helping Henry escape” thing was all part of his master plan? Think about it—when Henry breaks free, where’s he going next? Talmberg, right? What does that mean for Istvan? Well, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to make his move on Talmberg.

What if Istvan knew that Henry would escape, and used Zbyshek to make it happen? Zbyshek’s motivations have always been selfish. He’s a survivor, always looking out for number one. What if Istvan offered him a deal? Help Henry escape, get a little money, and play the part of a hero... while secretly keeping tabs on Henry and Talmberg for Istvan? Zbyshek’s always been willing to sell out anyone for the right price. So, could he have been playing both sides, helping Istvan and Henry at the same time?

Now, imagine Zbyshek showing up in KCD 2, trusted by both Henry’s camp and possibly even some of the villains. If Istvan (or new threats) are pulling the strings from behind the scenes, Zbyshek could be the perfect mole. Will he sabotage Henry’s plans from the inside? Will he play both sides again, knowing he’s got the ultimate advantage?

Here’s where things get even more interesting. After the events at Vranik, players had the choice to throw Zbyshek into Ratty Jail. Sure, he’s locked up, but he wasn’t really punished for his actions. Many players have thrown him in there, and rightly so, given how he not only betrayed Henry but also pushed Theresa toward the Cumans during the Skalitz raid to save his own skin. He called the bandits on Henry, and his cowardice was on full display. Zbyshek’s selfish nature couldn’t have been clearer, and he’s become one of the least-liked characters in the game because of it.

But here’s the catch—Zbyshek wasn’t truly punished. He was thrown in jail, sure, but he wasn’t executed or seriously dealt with for his actions. This means that his story isn’t over. Zbyshek has survived, and the chances of him returning to exact revenge on Henry are higher than ever. This mirrors what happened with Hanekin Hare, the former Gamekeeper of Talmberg. Hare wasn’t allowed to live in the first place—he ran out of jail and disappeared, with no one knowing what happened to him until he reappeared with a vendetta. Could Zbyshek do the same in KCD 2? It’s definitely something to consider.

So, what do you guys think? Am I completely off the mark with this theory? Could Zbyshek have been playing a long con, and did Istvan use him to further his own goals? Or do you think Zbyshek was just a victim of circumstance trying to survive? Let’s talk about it! I’m really curious to hear what you all think, especially as we get closer to the release of KCD 2.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts and theories! Let’s see what kind of trouble Zbyshek might cause in the sequel.

[Chemical Games]

He threw Theresa to the Cumans so he could get away, tried to rob Mutt's dead owner, steal your sword and almost had you killed by the bandits.

I ended up telling Radzig and Hanush he was a traitor and having him thrown into the dungeon, to later be hanged. (I don't know if you wait enough, if it will happen or not).
I later picked the lock to his cell and proceeded to beat him to death with my hammer.

[Darth Vader]

That's too nice of you to ensure his death with your own hammer. but as game don't show us him been hanged, there is a possibility of him being survived. As per Hermann in 'Money for Old Rope', if the rope breaks during executions, the accused may sometimes be let go. Thus this theory.

[Raywhisper]

He is not any kind of secret weapon. Istvan does not consider Henry a threat to the level of such intrigues. For him he is a peasant.

What Istvan percieves as main problem are actual feudal lords. Meaning Radzig, Divish and Hanush.

Also he would not have picked a village idiot like Zbyshek for any kind of ellaborate intrigues , at most as an unwilling pawn.

[Actalo]

If you send Zbyshek to jail, he shows his true colors and allegiance, saying something along the lines of "my lord will crush you", etc. So it's been a fan theory for as long as I can remember that Toth instructed Zbyshek to release Henry, knowing they'd attack and draw their forces from Toth's real target, Talmberg.

Toth's whole plan, originally, I think, was to kill the stud farms and cripple the local lord's warhorse supply, then sack Talmberg with Havel of Medek. Then sack Rattay. When Henry messed up their original plans, they improvised and drew out Talmberg's garrison, sacked it, and waited for Medek's reinforcements.

[Niliu]

Originally posted by Darth Vader:

That's too nice of you to ensure his death with your own hammer. but as game don't show us him been hanged, there is a possibility of him being survived. As per Hermann in 'Money for Old Rope', if the rope breaks during executions, the accused may sometimes be let go. Thus this theory.

Pretty sure him being executed with a hammer by your character personally negates any chance of a revival...

[Darth Vader]

Originally posted by Raywhisper:

He is not any kind of secret weapon. Istvan does not consider Henry a threat to the level of such intrigues. For him he is a peasant.

What Istvan percieves as main problem are actual feudal lords. Meaning Radzig, Divish and Hanush.

Also he would not have picked a village idiot like Zbyshek for any kind of ellaborate intrigues , at most as an unwilling pawn.

Of course he does not consider Henry as a threat, he just saw an opportunity either to sell Henry off to his real father for some 'real' groschens, or to use Henry's stupidity in anger (to draw all the force of Talmberg out leaving it vulnerable enough to win easily.