How do you trigger the "The Ties That Bind Us" stranger encounter in Rhodes?
The ''The Ties That Bind Us'' stranger encounter in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a multi-part mission that involves helping a couple, Penelope Braithwaite and Beau Gray, escape their feuding families. This encounter is triggered in Rhodes, a town in the Scarlett Meadows region of Lemoyne. To begin this mission, you must first progress far enough in the main story to unlock Chapter 3, as this is when the encounter becomes available.\n\nTo start the mission, head to Rhodes during the daytime. The encounter is triggered near the train station, where you will overhear a conversation between Penelope and Beau. They are discussing their plans to escape their families'' long-standing feud. Approach them to initiate the mission. If you don''t see them immediately, try waiting nearby or exploring the town for a short while, as they may spawn after some time.\n\nOnce you approach the couple, they will explain their situation and ask for your help. Penelope is a Braithwaite, and Beau is a Gray, two families locked in a bitter rivalry. They want to leave Rhodes together but need assistance to avoid being caught by their families. Your role is to help them escape safely, which involves completing a series of tasks across multiple missions.\n\nThe first task is to deliver a letter from Penelope to Beau. This requires you to travel to Caliga Hall, the Gray family plantation, located southeast of Rhodes. Be cautious when approaching the area, as the Grays are hostile to outsiders. Sneak into the plantation at night to avoid detection, and place the letter in the designated spot near the main house. This stealth mechanic is crucial, as being spotted will result in a shootout and mission failure.\n\nAfter delivering the letter, return to Penelope in Rhodes to continue the mission. She will ask you to help her and Beau escape by train. This involves escorting them to the train station and fending off any pursuers from their families. Be prepared for a shootout, as members of both the Braithwaite and Gray families will attempt to stop you. Use cover effectively and aim for headshots to quickly eliminate threats.\n\nOnce you successfully board the train with Penelope and Beau, the mission will conclude, and you will receive a reward. This encounter is notable for its emotional storytelling and the insight it provides into the Braithwaite-Gray feud. It also offers a unique opportunity to influence the lives of these characters in a meaningful way.\n\nFor players struggling with the stealth portion of the mission, consider using Dead Eye to mark and eliminate guards silently. Additionally, wearing a disguise or using cover scent lotion can help you avoid detection. If you fail the mission, you can retry it by reloading a save or waiting for the encounter to respawn.\n\nPractical tips for completing ''The Ties That Bind Us'' include saving your game before starting the mission, as it allows you to retry if things go wrong. Also, ensure your weapons are cleaned and stocked with ammunition, as the final shootout can be intense. Finally, take your time during the stealth section to avoid unnecessary confrontations.