Ars Dimicatoria is a major side quest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 that unlocks the competitive swordfighting scene in 
Kuttenberg. By completing this quest, you gain access to weekly tournaments, a permanent bed in the city, and a master-tier longsword.
Starting the Quest
To begin, look for Menhard von Frankfurt in the Kuttenberg market square, north of the main square (near the armorers). He will be calling out for challengers to a duel in the street.
Accept his challenge, unequip all metal armor and bet 200 Groschen. The fight uses practice longswords and no armor.
Local councilmen and members of the Kuttenberg brotherhood will interrupt, claiming exclusive rights to swordfighting in the city.
To keep the quest active, you must diplomatically defend Menhard. Scholarship check is a good option, followed by the Speech check and saying you insulted his art (first option), then paying 150 Groschen as a fine.
If you lose, Menhard will be exiled and move to the first inn west of Kuttenberg. You will have to visit him here, until you finish the quest and he can relocate to the guild hall.
Step 1: Steal the Guild Sword
Meet Menhard at the Emperor Charles Tavern (or an inn outside the city if he was banished). He plans to provoke a formal tournament by stealing the Kuttenberg Brotherhood's Guild Sword and hanging it on the Town Hall as a challenge.
While talking to Menhard, you can listen to the whole story or pass several skill checks to gain a lot of reputation.
You need to infiltrate the guild hall. The hall is in the southwest corner of the city, near the city bathhouse.
At Night, most doors are Hard or Very Hard locked. You can enter the yard to the right and climb over stacked logs to reach the back.
During the Day, the first floor is open to the public, making it easier to sneak in, but there are more patrols.
The easiest option is to use Saviour Schnapps before entering and then yolo-ing your way until successful.
Start at the main street where the screenshot above was taken, then enter through the wooden gate to the right of the guild hall. Go around the back of the building to find an unlocked door, then enter the guild hall from the back.
Cross the first room, open the door and go immediately right to the staircase.
Locate the Sword
Go up one floor, then turn and go through the door on the right. You will immediately see the Guild Longsword hanging on the wall. Grab it and escape.
Travel to the Town Hall and hang the sword on the outer wall (look for the pegs near the entrance).
Return to Menhard to trigger the next phase.
Step 2: Join the Brotherhood
To fight in the tournament, you must be a member of Menhard's brotherhood.
If you beat Menhard in your very first duel, you can join immediately.
If you lost or didn't finish, you must duel his companion Arne (or Menhard again) and win to prove your worth.
Step 3: The Kuttenberg Tournament
Once sworn in, speak to Menhard to begin the tournament against the Kuttenbergers. The tournament is a series of best-of-three duels.
Wait Your Turn: You must watch your teammates fight first. Use this time to use potions and prepare.
You will face several opponents. Emmerich and Emmeram are relatively weak, but Master Nikolas is a highly skilled fighter who uses master strikes and ripostes frequently. Play defensively and wait for master strike opportunities.
After this, you again have to wait. Between the fights, you can visit the bathhouse or blacksmithing tents, which have good resources you can freely pick up and use to heal yourself or repair your gear.
The bathmaid tent has food and healing:
The armor tent has repair kits:
A mid-tournament cutscene will occur, resulting in Arne being injured, forcing you to step up and win the remaining rounds to secure victory for the brotherhood. In a dialogue option, confirm to Fridusch that you want to continue.
Then, you can try to convince Fridusch to drop the enemy Kuttenberg Guild one point down, but it doesn't have a practical effect as it would still be a tie. Win both remaining fights.
Rewards and Conclusion
After winning, you must wait three days for the paperwork to clear. Return to the swordfighting hall to see Menhard once you get the objective.
Rewards:
- Master Menhart's Longsword: A high-quality weapon.
- Oben Abnehmen: A unique longsword combo.
- Owned Bed & Key: Permanent access to the Kuttenberg Guildhall.
- Tournament Access: Unlocks the ability to compete in the weekly Kuttenberg Tournament, governed by its own Kuttenberg Tournament quest.
- Trainers: Both Menhard and Arne become available for advanced combat training.
- Access to a new quest:
Last Will
Ars Dimicatoria FAQ
Where is Menhard at the start?
Market square north of the main Kuttenberg square, close to the armorers.
What bet and gear do you need for the intro duel?
200 Groschen, no metal armor, practice longswords only.
Where does the Guild Longsword go after you steal it?
Hang it on the pegs on the Town Hall exterior wall, then report to Menhard.
Who is the hardest tournament opponent?
Master Nikolas: expect master strikes and ripostes; play defensively.
What unlocks after the three-day wait?
Return to the guild hall for your longsword, bed key, combo, trainers, weekly tournament signup, and Last Will.