life stuff and scribbles

Yes

I can classify this whole scene as having five phases:

Phase 1 - before accepting the sacks job from Betty

Phase 2 - during the carrying of the first sack

Phase 3 - during the carrying of the second sack

Phase 4 - during the carrying of the third sack

Phase 5 - the fight

Let’s not forget. Hans has just lost his entire retinue including a good man and friend he knew for a long time. He has lost everything, been on the brink of death, saw Henry there too, had no one believe that he is who he says he is, and had shit thrown on him. I’m not saying Hans is perfect, and I love his frankly pompous attitude in the early game because it allows for an amazing development of his character throughout the story. It takes two to fight - both with words and fists. He has some blame about the situation, but I think he deserves a lot more credit than the games and others might give him. 

He’s still pretty sheltered and immature. He doesn’t exactly have a lot of real-life experience to navigate everything he’s been through calmly and rationally. Given who he is and the life that he was born into, insults to one’s character and disrespect are incredibly important and upsetting. A simple farmer hearing an insult hurled at him about their character has a far different reaction than a noble would. 

Here are some of the main things that can happen in each Phase. This includes a detailed dialogue breakdown. 

Phase 1 - Pre-sacks

While I’m speaking to Katherine and then later to Betty, both Hans and Svatya remain silent. Hans is not bothering Svatya or talking to him. He’s not even mumbling under his breath how much he hates where he is. He just sits and eats.

While talking to Betty, even she admits that “[Svatya] can be a bit of a pain.” And oh boy, a pain he will be. The locals know him as being a lil ass.

You can also talk to Svatya during this phase. When I introduce myself to him, he is immediately annoyed that I want to squeeze some coin out of him. He challenges you to a game of dice. Although Henry informs him that he does not have any coin to wager for the game, Svatya still agrees that if Henry wins, he will invite Henry to the wedding. 

I win the game of Farkle. 

Svatya immediately goes back on his word and admits he can’t just invite random people. Not a man of his word. Svatya sits with two of his friends the whole time. If he simply wanted to play a game of dice, he could have done it with them. He lies to Henry knowing how much he wants to get into that wedding? It’s small and doesn’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things, but back in this time period, your word and promises were very important. There was no reason to get Henry’s hopes up with an outlandish promise like that that he knew he would never fulfill. There are other ways to get Henry to play with him. It was a manipulation tactic. 

I digress. 

During this phase, Svatya also makes an annoyed comment that “service is a bit slow today…”

Jumping forward a bit, Svatya also steals Olda’s sword at the wedding without considering how it might come back to permanently damage Radvan’s reputation.

As you can see, he’s not exactly a saint. He too is immature and rash. Annoying. Entitled.

This is when you talk to Hans and he explains the Three States of Man idea. Everyone knows how this conversation goes and how much you can choose to push Hans. 

Phase 2 - the first sack

As I pick up the first sack, Svatya makes the first comment. 

[Svatya] I ask you who goes to a tavern stinking like that. A beggar, that’s who.

Hans coughs and ignores his comments. 

[Svatya] He must fancy himself a lord if he cannot get off his ass and work. (Well…)

[Svatya’s friend] Maybe he’s got a bad back (Sarcastic? It sounded a bit genuine. Giving Hans the benefit of the doubt? Nicer?)

[Svatya] He’s lazy, that’s all.”

Once again, Hans coughs and ignores his comments. 

[Svatya] One man works while another sits on his ass.

For a third time, Hans coughs and ignores the comments.

Despite Hans trying to be the bigger person, ignore the pointed comments, and refuse to give Svatya a reaction, Svatya continued to instigate, finally getting Hans to respond. 

[Svatya] God knows what hole they crawled out of. They remind me of those nomad riff-raff. (Interestingly enough, this is the first time that Svatya’s comments have looped Henry in with his disparaging opinion towards Hans, making them a unit. It is at this point that Hans talks back.)

[Hans] Who are you calling riff-raff, you dirt-muncher? (I find this insult really funny. Why did you say this, Hans? His insult was in response to Svatya’s insult.)

[Svatya] Did you say something? (Passive aggressive. He 100% heard.)

[Hans] No, nothing. (Sarcastic. But still a de-escalation. He did not repeat it.)

[Svatya] I should hope not. Sit and drink your swill. (Swill in these times most likely refers to “kitchen refuse—such as table scraps and sour milk—mixed with water and fed to pigs.” He’s calling Hans a pig.)

There is a pause in the conversation. Svatya pipes up again. 

[Svatya] If you can’t pay, stay away. To cap it all you’re a stranger so you should mind your manners. (So should you Svatya. He’s being the rude instigator right now. And anyway, Henry worked out his debt with Betty personally. It’s not your responsibility to assume who is allowed to be a patron at the tavern just because they look poor. But he comes from a rich family, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of sensitivity to the plight of the impoverished at this time. Betty lets us be here, so we’re here.)

There is no response from Hans. 

It should be noted that this entire phase happens while Hans is not even facing Svatya. Svatya is literally talking behind Hans’ back. He starts throwing his comments at a man that is not talking to him, not talking to anyone, and not even looking at him. 

All dialogue has been exhausted and I deliver the first sack.

Phase 3 - the second sack

No dialogue triggers while I am holding it (the interactions above in Phase 2 would continue if I hadn’t taken so long the first time around). As soon as I deliver the sack, I hear Svatya talking and I sprint out of the pantry.

Now they are standing up and facing each other. Ooooh we’ve escalated. 

[Svatya] I heard about the attack on the pond. It was a massacre and none of the strangers survived.

Svatya has now shifted from insults specifically targeting Hans (& Henry), to now speaking about the horrifying situation of all their company dying - something that Hans deeply regrets. This is different.

[Hans] That was our company but the two of us managed to get away. It was the same bandits that attacked Lord von Bergow’s men. Why the fuck doesn’t anyone believe us? (Hans actually sounds informative here. He doesn’t say it rudely, and at the end he’s understandably frustrated. He’s telling Svatya who they are, again)

[Svatya] Maybe because you’ve got no way of proving it.

[Hans] We lost everything. How hard is that to understand? (Hans keeps questioning Svatya’s reluctance in believing them)

[Svatya] What if you’re one of those bandits and you’re up to no good? We should kick both of you out. Just to be on the safe side. 

A pause.

[Svatya] What’s your name again? (He knows damn well, Hans has probably said it a million times. He just wants to start shit no matter what Hans’ response is. This is not a question asked in good faith.)

[Hans] Hans Capon of Pirkstein. (pookie)

[Svatya] You just made that up.

[Hans] I certainly did not. (Offended.)

[Svatya] Yes, you did. I never heard of any Pirkstein in all my years. (Damn Svatya. Admitting at your wise elder age that you’re still this immature.)

[Hans] I’m not surprised. You’re just a village yokel. (Yokel will be used several times. It means “a derogatory or humorous term for a naive, unsophisticated, or uneducated person who lives in a rural area or small town.” Let me come back to this.)

[Svatya] How dare you! I’m the son of the Bailiff. (Very offended. How dare Hans? That’s kinda rich coming from you Svatya at this point. Wow… it’s almost like you both come from important families and take pride in your status and identity resulting in understandable offence when that is questioned and belittled. Actually you two should kiss and make up.)

[Hans] Ugh.

[Svatya] You aint got no proof to back up what you say. (Back to the proof thing? Give it a rest. No matter what Hans says, Svatya won’t believe him. Once again, this comment is not made in good faith but just to rile Hans up. If you think about this, in some ways this fight has veered into the territory of honour.)

[Hans] Proof? You want proof? (Absolutely incredulous. So am I, Hans)

[Svatya] Aye. (This is a lie.)

[Hans] Right. Listen to this. [Recites Latin]. (Once again Hans is actually answering Svatya’s questions and requests. He might not be 100% good girl polite about his tone, but he’s doing it nonetheless.)

[Svatya] Is that supposed to be Latin?

[Hans] Clever you. So you know what it means? (Hans has had it. He’s really sarcastic here.)

[Svatya] No. And I doubt you do either. (Dig at intelligence.)

[Hans] The burden of proof is on the one who declares, not the one who denies. So you see, I speak Latin. I’ve just proven to you that I’m a nobleman. 

[Svatya] You’ve proved fuck all. Remembering some words you heard in church doesn’t make you a nobleman.

Dialogue between the two of them ends here. You can actually go up to Hans and have a quiet (intended to be secret) conversation with him now. You can do this at any point during Phase 3.

[Henry] Ignore those people. We don't need any more problems. Don't let them provoke you, alright?” (Henry confirming that it’s the other people that are the problem in this situation and that Hans is being purposefully provoked. This isn’t just an even argument. Rather than telling Hans to stop, he tells Hans to ignore them. Svatya will make these comments regardless.)

[Hans] I’m perfectly calm. Some local wretches can’t unsettle me. Keep working and take no notice of me. (He does sound pretty bored and uninterested. Not agitated, riled up, or angry.)

[Henry] Don't say another word. Those village yokels aren't worth it.” (I don’t want to hear anything about Hans using yokel as an insult as some sort of character flaw or reason that the situation got so out of control. This isn’t the case of a rude, uncarring noble looking down on the townfolks. Even our sweet, nobody Henry also thinks and says they are yokels. If both a noble and a blacksmith call someone a yokel, it’s probably not due to being a pompous lord, but a yokel being a yokel.)

[Hans] Henry stop lecturing me like I’m some little brat and get on with your work.

I deliver the second sack.

Phase 4 - the third sack

As soon as I pick up the third sack, I hear them again. 

[Hans] I expect you to be more sympathetic towards people who have been ambushed when you’ve got so many bandits and other rabble here. (What has Hans been asking for this whole time? To be believed? To not be insulted? To have empathy towards him?)

[Svatya] We are sympathetic, but you’re no nobleman, just an ordinary big mouth. (This is a lie. Svatya isn’t sympathetic in the least. He doesn’t believe Hans is a noble, doesn’t believe he was ambushed. If he truly was sympathetic to travellers who got ambushed, he might be more willing to believe stories about people who lost everything in said ambush. This lack of sympathy is demonstrated below.)

[Hans] How can you say that, you numbskull? I keep telling you we lost everything. (At this point, I would like to emphasize that I think Hans has actually shown incredible restraint and patience so far. His patience will continue.)

[Svatya] Would a sensible nobleman set up camp in such a stupid place? Somewhere by a pond? Out in the open?

[Hans] What do you know about it… (I know that one really hurt Hans because it’s exactly what his own head is telling himself to beat himself up over and over again, but this is all he replies with. A more defeated response.)

[Svatya] More than you judging by the shit you talk.

[Hans] Damned insolence! (Moreso under his breath in incredulity)

[Svatya] You know what? I’ve had enough of your bollocks. Sit down and shut your mouth. Or I’ll shut it for you. (First threat of physical violence. Svatya started the insults. Svatya started the argument. Svatya started the talk about physically fighting.)

[Hans] Just try it you worm, just try it.

[Svatya] I might just do that.

[Hans] You’re just an idiot. A stupid, ignorant village yokel. (Hans is really ramping up the insults here.)

[Svatya] Hey, your insults are starting to fucking annoy me.

[Hans] Oh yeah? Well you’ve been annoying me the whole time.

[Svatya] He comes here from God knows where, talks out of his ass, and is then rude to boot.

[Hans] I’ll have you all horse-whipped for this one day you cur! (Angriest Hans has been so far.)

[Svatya] You should be careful you don't get a beating first. (Doesn’t take it seriously)

Both of them keep saying how much they will beat each other’s asses, but neither do anything about it. They’re all talk right now, puffing out their chest and strutting around like a peacock. 

Once I deliver the third sack and leave the tavern, it fades to an in-game cutscene where we start-

Phase 5 - the fight

[Hans] What did you say? Say it again! (Hans is no longer frustrated and incredulous. He’s angry)

[Svatya] It was their own fault! (Once again, back to blaming the victims for the massacre at the pond)

[Hans] What do you mean? They attacked themselves? Or what the fuck are you trying to say?

[Svatya] Everyone knows it’s dangerous around Trosky. Making camp in such an unprotected place is suicide. (I mean… not everyone. People not from the region, travellers passing through, foreigners. It’s not this inherent knowledge all people in Bohemia are graced with having. FFS Bozhena didn’t even know Wenceslas was kidnapped. AND Captain Thomas didn’t exactly stress the severe danger of the bandits when they met)

[Hans] Where else were they supposed to make camp smart-arse?

[Svatya] Somewhere in the rocks maybe? Not out in the open by the pond. Only a fool would do that. (I have no argument for this)

At this point, we get Henry dialogue options.

Option 1: [Henry] (Silence)

[Hans] I’ve had enough of your insults! Our men were slaughtered there!

Option 2: [Henry] Calm down! Both of you!

[Svatya] I’m perfectly calm. It’s your chum here who’s ranting and raving.

[Svatya] What dead companions? You think I’m going to fall for that cock-and-bull story?

Option 3: [Henry] Stop insulting our dead companions!

Option 4: [Henry] You’re the fool here!

[Hans] Pack it in, Henry. There’s no point in arguing with this yokel who fancies himself a military strategist. 

[Svatya] You’re going to start as well?

Fight continues.

[Svatya] I don't believe a word you’re saying. A weed like you surviving a fight against bandits that even von Bergow himself has trouble with?

[Hans] Believe what you like, but I'm telling the truth. And in fact, I’m willing to overlook all your insults if you apologize right now… and invite me to that wedding. (Hans is willing to accept insults to his honour as long as he can complete the mission Hanush gave him)

[Svatya] You want to come to the wedding, do you? I’ll give you the same advice I gave your little chum. If you can make yourself useful to the blacksmith or the miller, you’ll get into the wedding. You’ll see the glorious occasion, at least from a distance, and you can stop spouting your pathetic lies.

[Hans] I am Sir Hans Capon, Lord of Pirkstein. And I demand your immediate apology! (How long has this been going on for???)

[Svatya] I am Sir Hans Capon, Lord of Pirkstein… I am Sir Hans Capon, Lord of Pirkstein… (Mocking). You’re starting to bore me, you and your silly made up name. (Yeah? Well Svatopluk is even sillier! Take that!)

[Hans] No apology then? It looks like I’m going to have to teach you a lesson. (Still just talk)

[Svatya] Oh, I’m so scared. (Sarcastic)

At this point, we get Henry dialogue options.

Option 1: [Henry] (Silence)

[Svatya] Hey you! Get your sweetheart and fuck off out of our village. Both of you! (Oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god, what a WILD thing to say about two men back then. He knew… he sensed the Hansry 😆But interesting to note, the word “sweetheart” is used in place for an insult as is seen in the similar responses in Option 2 and Option 3)

Option 2: [Henry] That’s enough! Cut it out! Both of you!

[Svatya] Mind your own business. Take your ragamuffin friend and get the fuck out of our village!

Option 3: [Henry] Didn’t you hear? Apologize to him!

[Svatya] Oh no, reinforcements! I’m so scared! (Sarcastic). Take your numbskull friend and get out of our village! Right now!

Option 4: [Henry] There’s no point in this. Let’s leave. 

[Hans] I give you a chance to apologize and you keep insulting me? Get ready to pick up your broken teeth with broken fingers!

[Svatya] I’d do what your pal says, if I were you. Get lost before something happens to you.

The fight continues.

[Svatya] Ohoho, I’d like to see that. Come on then.

[Hans] You scum!

Svatya proceeds to initiate the fighting, not Hans. He pushes Hans first. Hans pushes back. Svatya pushes a second time. Hans throws a punch. 

The rest is history. 

Now a bit of a discussion. 

Was Hans perfect and without blame? No. But I think given the circumstances (Given the circumstances? WHAT circumstances???), his status, his experiences, and who he is, I think he acted with a lot more patience and calmness than people give him credit for. Svatya is a little shit. In every instance, it was him who initiated. He instigated and instigated and instigated just to get a rise out of Hans. Hans isn’t acting entirely irrationally after being insulted, pestered, and harassed for so long. 

This is the tavern closest to the biggest and most important castle in the region. I’m sure they get strangers on the daily - knights, nomads, cumans, lords, merchants, messengers, travellers, scholars, etc. And you won’t like everyone you meet. Svatya should be familiar with new faces showing up in the village. He is the Bailiff’s son, and he’s going around picking fights with strangers like this? Surely this is not the first time someone has wandered up to the tavern telling what are perceived to be fanciful stories. Men lie about their prowess with women, merchants lie about their goods, craftsmen lie about their skill, musicians lie about their journeys, scholars lie about their intelligence. Does he fight them all?

Hans is acting like a bit of a prat, but being annoying isn’t a crime (If so, lock me up baby). He hasn’t actually wronged anyone in the village yet.

Despite Svatya constantly instigating the fight trying to purposefully get a rise out of Hans, Hans is surprisingly patient through it all. It takes a while for it to truly turn into a fight. If someone was purposefully getting under your skin, insulting you, insulting your pride, insulting your recently dead friends after going through one of the worst experiences in your life, how long would you have lasted?