How do you trigger the "The American Inferno, Burnt Out" stranger encounter?
The ''The American Inferno, Burnt Out'' stranger encounter is one of the many unique interactions you can experience in Red Dead Redemption 2. This encounter involves meeting a man named Francis Sinclair, who is investigating mysterious rock carvings scattered across the map. To trigger this encounter, you must first complete the prerequisite mission ''The Noblest of Men, and a Woman,'' which introduces you to the concept of tracking down strangers and completing their requests.\n\nTo begin ''The American Inferno, Burnt Out,'' you need to travel to the area near Strawberry in West Elizabeth. Specifically, head to the small cabin located northeast of Owanjila Lake, close to the border of Big Valley. The cabin is marked by a unique red door and is situated in a secluded area surrounded by trees. When you approach the cabin, you will hear a man yelling for help. This is Francis Sinclair, and he will invite you inside to discuss his research.\n\nOnce inside, Francis will explain that he is searching for 10 ancient rock carvings scattered across the map. These carvings are tied to a larger mystery involving time travel and cryptic messages. He will provide you with a map that marks the general locations of the carvings. Your task is to find and inspect all 10 carvings, which are spread across various regions, including New Hanover, West Elizabeth, and Ambarino.\n\nFinding the rock carvings requires careful exploration and attention to detail. Each carving is etched into a rock face and can be inspected by holding the interact button. Some carvings are easy to spot, while others are hidden in remote or hard-to-reach areas. For example, one carving is located near Window Rock in Ambarino, while another can be found near the Elysian Pool in New Hanover. Use your in-game map and the clues provided by Francis to narrow down the search areas.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating the carvings in dense or mountainous terrain. To make this easier, use your binoculars or Eagle Eye ability to highlight points of interest. Additionally, some carvings are near landmarks or unique geographical features, so keep an eye out for these as you explore. If you''re struggling to find a specific carving, consider consulting online guides or maps for precise locations.\n\nAfter finding all 10 carvings, return to Francis Sinclair''s cabin to complete the encounter. He will reward you with a unique item and provide further insight into the mystery of the carvings. This encounter is not only rewarding in terms of gameplay but also adds depth to the game''s lore and world-building.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to note that this encounter is entirely optional and can be completed at any point during the game. However, it is recommended to tackle it during the mid-to-late stages of the story, as some carvings are located in areas that may be difficult to access early on. Experienced players can use this encounter as an opportunity to explore lesser-known parts of the map and uncover hidden secrets.\n\nPractical tips for completing ''The American Inferno, Burnt Out'' include keeping a journal or checklist to track which carvings you''ve found, using fast travel to save time when moving between regions, and ensuring you have enough supplies for long journeys. Additionally, take your time to enjoy the scenery and immerse yourself in the game''s rich storytelling as you search for the carvings.