How do you trigger the "The Mercies of Knowledge" stranger mission in Armadillo?

The ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a unique encounter that takes place in Armadillo, a town in the New Austin region. This mission becomes available in the game''s Epilogue, after the main story has concluded. To trigger this mission, you must first ensure that you have completed the main storyline and have access to the Epilogue. Once you are in the Epilogue, head to Armadillo, which is located in the southeastern part of the map, near the border with Mexico.\n\nWhen you arrive in Armadillo, you will notice that the town is suffering from a cholera outbreak. This is a key detail, as the mission revolves around helping the townsfolk deal with the disease. To start the mission, you need to locate a man named Professor Andrew Bell III, who can be found near the town''s saloon. He is usually standing outside, wearing a distinctive suit and hat. Approach him and engage in conversation to initiate the mission.\n\nDuring the conversation, Professor Bell will explain that he is conducting research on the cholera outbreak and needs your help to gather samples from infected individuals. He will provide you with a list of specific tasks, which include collecting blood samples from three infected townspeople. These individuals are scattered around Armadillo, and you will need to locate them based on the descriptions provided by Professor Bell.\n\nOne of the infected individuals is a woman named Mary-Beth, who can be found near the general store. Another is a man named Thomas, who is usually sitting on a bench near the town''s church. The third individual is a boy named Jimmy, who is often wandering near the outskirts of town. Approach each of these characters and interact with them to collect the blood samples. Be cautious, as some of them may be hostile or uncooperative due to their illness.\n\nOnce you have collected all three blood samples, return to Professor Bell to complete the mission. He will reward you with a unique item, the ''Antique Watch,'' which can be sold for a decent amount of money or kept as a collectible. Additionally, completing this mission will contribute to your overall completion percentage and provide some insight into the lore of the game.\n\nA common challenge players face during this mission is locating the infected individuals, as they may not always be in the exact spots described. If you are having trouble finding them, try using your Eagle Eye ability to highlight interactive objects and NPCs. This can help you spot the infected townspeople more easily. Additionally, make sure to save your game before starting the mission, as this will allow you to reload if you encounter any issues.\n\nAnother tip is to approach the infected individuals carefully, as they may react unpredictably due to their illness. If they become hostile, you can use non-lethal methods to subdue them, such as using your lasso or fists. This will prevent you from accidentally killing them and failing the mission. Finally, be sure to stock up on health items before starting the mission, as the cholera outbreak can cause your health to deteriorate if you spend too much time in the town.\n\nIn summary, ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' is a thought-provoking mission that sheds light on the struggles of Armadillo during the cholera outbreak. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully complete the mission and earn a valuable reward. Remember to use your Eagle Eye ability, save your game frequently, and approach the infected individuals with caution to ensure a smooth experience.