How do you complete the "The Mercies of Knowledge" side mission without killing anyone?

The ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' side mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a unique encounter that allows players to complete it without resorting to violence. This mission involves interacting with a group of researchers in the Grizzlies East region, specifically near the Wapiti Indian Reservation. The goal is to retrieve a stolen artifact for them without killing anyone, which requires careful planning and execution.\n\nTo begin the mission, head to the marked location near the Wapiti Indian Reservation. You will encounter two researchers, Professor Andrew Bell III and his assistant, who explain that their artifact was stolen by a group of thieves. The thieves are located in a nearby camp, and your task is to retrieve the artifact without causing harm. This mission emphasizes stealth and non-lethal tactics, making it a unique challenge.\n\nBefore approaching the thieves'' camp, prepare by equipping non-lethal weapons such as the Bow with Small Game Arrows or the Lasso. These tools allow you to incapacitate enemies without killing them. Additionally, wear clothing that blends with the environment, such as the Winter Shotgun Coat or other cold-weather gear, to avoid detection. The camp is located in a snowy area, so staying warm is crucial.\n\nApproach the camp cautiously, using the terrain to your advantage. Crouch to stay hidden and move slowly to avoid alerting the thieves. Use Eagle Eye to track enemy movements and plan your approach. The camp has multiple guards, so timing is key. Wait for the right moment to isolate and incapacitate each guard using your Lasso or non-lethal arrows. Be patient, as rushing can lead to detection and failure.\n\nOnce all guards are subdued, search the camp for the artifact. It is usually located in a tent or near the campfire. Pick it up and return it to the researchers to complete the mission. If you accidentally kill a thief, the mission will fail, so save your game before attempting this mission to avoid setbacks.\n\nCommon challenges include being spotted by guards or accidentally killing them. To avoid detection, use distractions like throwing rocks to lure guards away from their posts. If you are spotted, quickly use the Lasso to subdue the guard before they alert others. Practice using non-lethal weapons in other encounters to improve your accuracy and timing.\n\nIn summary, completing ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' without killing anyone requires stealth, patience, and the right tools. Equip non-lethal weapons, use the environment to your advantage, and approach the camp methodically. By following these steps, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and complete the mission peacefully.\n\nPractical tips: Save your game before starting the mission to avoid restarting if things go wrong. Use Eagle Eye frequently to track enemy movements and plan your approach. Practice using the Lasso and Bow in other encounters to build confidence. Finally, wear appropriate clothing to stay warm and hidden in the snowy environment.