Crafting the Plague Mask in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

In the expansive world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's "Mysteria Ecclesiae" DLC, a critical task awaits players: the construction of a plague mask. This essential item is crucial for navigating the perilous Sedletz crypt during the "Prevention" quest, offering a layer of protection against the lurking contagion. The process involves several key stages, from gathering specific herbs to concocting an aromatic oil and finally assembling the mask. Despite the monastery's lockdown and the abbot's strict orders, players must discreetly gather the necessary components, making careful movements and strategic saves paramount to avoid detection by vigilant guards. Successfully completing this endeavor not only equips the protagonist with a vital piece of gear but also advances the overarching narrative of investigating the mysterious plague.

The journey to create the plague mask is multifaceted, requiring players to explore different areas, acquire specific ingredients, and master alchemical techniques. From the Woodland Garden to the monastery's library and building site, each location holds a piece of the puzzle. Understanding the precise quantities of herbs needed for the essential oil, discerning the location of the aromatic oil recipe, and knowing where to find raw materials like rope and leather are all integral to this crafting quest. The ultimate goal is to combine these elements to forge a functional plague mask, enabling the protagonist to delve into the heart of the plague-stricken crypt and uncover its secrets, all while maintaining strict adherence to the quest's implicit guidelines of stealth and caution.

Gathering Essential Ingredients for Your Protective Gear

The first step in assembling the crucial protective face covering involves foraging for specific botanicals. Players must venture to the Woodland Garden, situated to the southeast of the game's map, adjacent to Herbalist Joachim's dwelling. While Joachim's services aren't available for purchases, individuals are tasked with personally collecting these plants directly from the garden. The required items include eight units of mint, three units of chamomile, a single unit of sage, and one unit of valerian. Although the primary objective explicitly calls for mint, collecting the other listed herbs—chamomile, sage, and valerian—at this juncture is highly recommended. These additional botanicals are indispensable for later stages of the quest, specifically for concocting the Essential Oil, thus preventing the need for a return trip.

Acquiring the necessary herbs is a foundational step in preparing for the challenging mission ahead. The Woodland Garden provides a convenient, albeit hands-on, resource for these ingredients. Players must meticulously search the area to ensure all required quantities of mint, chamomile, sage, and valerian are collected. The forward-thinking approach of gathering all the aromatic oil components alongside the mint will streamline the subsequent alchemy process. This initial phase underscores the importance of resourcefulness and planning within the game's environment. Furthermore, locating the aromatic oil recipe, typically found within the monastery library, will guide players in synthesizing the oil. This recipe, discovered by examining a book on a lectern in the southwest section of the library, becomes automatically accessible upon reading, eliminating the need for further interaction with characters like Crispin, the librarian, who might otherwise question the protagonist's movements. Once these botanical and textual resources are secured, the next steps involve sourcing additional crafting materials like rope and leather, preparing for the final assembly of the protective mask.

Assembling the Plague Mask: Alchemy and Craftsmanship

Following the collection of botanical ingredients and the discovery of the essential oil recipe, the subsequent phase focuses on preparing the aromatic oil and acquiring the remaining structural components for the mask. Players need to locate flax rope and pig skin, both of which can typically be found at the construction site situated south of the main entrance to the monastery chapel, on the western side of the map. Caution is advised during this search, as guards patrol the area, making stealth and quick movements vital to avoid detection and potential repercussions. With all the necessary materials gathered, the protagonist can proceed to brew the essential oil, a process that can be efficiently carried out at one of the available alchemy stations. The most convenient location for this is often found in the back room of the infirmary, or alternatively, near Herbalist Joachim's hut.

The crafting of the essential oil involves a precise alchemical sequence: chamomile is added to a cauldron and boiled for three turns, followed by grinding sage and incorporating it into the mixture. This combination is then boiled for one additional turn. Subsequently, valerian is ground and added, after which the concoction is poured. This detailed process ensures the aromatic oil is correctly prepared according to the acquired recipe. Once the essential oil is complete, the final step is the assembly of the plague mask itself. This is done by interacting with a designated table in the same infirmary backroom where the alchemy station is located. With the mask successfully crafted, the "Prevention" quest is fulfilled, equipping the protagonist with the necessary gear to safely explore the plague-ridden crypt of Sedletz and advance the critical investigation into the mysterious epidemic. This final stage highlights the culmination of meticulous gathering, strategic navigation, and careful craftsmanship, all integral to the game's immersive experience.