Amidst the sprawling world of Red Dead Redemption 2, the "Idealism and Pragmatism for Beginners" mission stands out as a morally complex side quest that challenges players' ethics. Set in Saint Denis during Chapter 4, this three-part saga tasks Arthur Morgan with executing shady errands for the corrupt Mayor Lemieux, forcing players to balance honor against tangible rewards. From art forgery to kidnapping, each decision ripples through your honor meter and unlocks vastly different endings. Discover how this 2025 fan-favorite mission masterfully blends narrative depth with gameplay consequences that linger long after completion. 💥🤠

🔍 Mission Trigger Requirements

To start this morally gray journey:

  1. Progress to Chapter 4 and complete the main mission "The Gilded Cage"

  2. Collect the invitation from any post office (arrives 2-3 days after the gala)

  3. Visit the mayor’s mansion after 9 PM - approach the back door

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🎨 Part 1: Intimidating Professor Shiftacre

Follow Jean-Marc’s carriage until you spot the professor. 🗺️

  • Stealth Approach: Maintain 15+ feet distance

  • Confrontation Options:

  • 🤜 Brutal beating (High Honor Loss)

  • 😤 Verbal threats (Neutral Honor)

  • 🤏 Light bruise (Low Honor Loss)

Success rewards $15 and sets the tone for ethical compromises. Does the end justify the means when progress demands deception?

💼 Part 2: Hector Fellowes' Stagecoach Showdown

After 3 in-game days:

  1. Collect second invitation at post office

  2. Intercept Fellowes’ northbound coach at night

  3. Choose approach:

  4. 🐎 Ride-and-jump (Action Style)

  5. ✋️ Politely stop driver (Stealth Style)

Key Mechanic: During intimidation, slightly release his tie twice to trigger surrender. Too much pressure? You’ll face murder charges! ⚖️

⚔️ Part 3: Jean-Marc’s Fate

The climax demands ruthless pragmatism:

  1. Knock out the traitorous butler at his home

  2. Sneak Through Saint Denis:

  3. Avoid lawmen patrols

  4. Use walled gardens for cover 🌿

  5. Northeast exit is safest

Final Choice:

Action Consequence Reward
🔫 Kill Jean-Marc Honor ↓ 10% permanent discount in all shops
✌️ Spare Jean-Marc Honor ↑ Mayor exposed in newspapers

❓ People Also Ask...

  • "Does sparing Jean-Marc affect later gameplay?"

Yes! New NPCs reference the corruption scandal in random encounters.

  • "Can I complete this mission dishonorably but keep high honor overall?"

Absolutely! Honor recovers faster than shop discounts disappear. Feed your horse and greet strangers in Saint Denis. 🐎👋

  • "What happens if I get caught carrying Jean-Marc?"

Instant mission failure with $60 bounty - save beforehand!

💎 The Ultimate Choice

While killing offers tangible benefits, sparing Jean-Marc delivers poetic justice. Mayor Lemieux’s comeuppance through front-page scandal remains one of RDR2’s most satisfying narrative payoffs in 2025. Remember: honor isn’t just a meter—it’s Arthur’s legacy.

📣 Your Call, Outlaws!

Will you embrace idealism’s moral high ground or pragmatism’s cold rewards? Saddle up, make your choice, and share your #RDR2MoralityMoments below! Which ending felt right for YOUR Arthur? 👇✨