Red Dead Redemption 2 is celebrated for its incredibly detailed open world, where even minor side activities tell compelling stories about the Van der Linde gang members. Among these immersive features are the camp companion requests, which allow Arthur Morgan to build deeper bonds with his allies by tracking down specific items. One of the most memorable early requests comes from Mary-Beth Gaskill, who desires a specific writing instrument to pursue her literary dreams.
Triggering the Errand for Mary-Beth
To begin this specific companion mission, players must pay close attention to the camp dynamics during Chapter 2 at Horseshoe Overlook. You will eventually find Mary-Beth sitting at a table or near her tent, actively writing in a small journal. Engaging her in a friendly conversation will prompt her to admit her aspirations of becoming a professional author, though she laments the lack of a proper pen.
This organic interaction officially adds the task to your log, requiring you to explore the vast map in search of the item. It is important to note that you can technically find the fountain pen beforehand during free-roam exploration, but speaking to her ensures the proper dialogue options appear later. Completing this errand contributes directly to unlocking the Errand Boy achievement, making it highly valuable for completionists.
The Exact Location of the Fountain Pen
Finding the item requires taking a trip to a somewhat tragic location known as Osman Grove, which is situated just east of Emerald Ranch. As you approach this isolated homestead, you will discover a small cabin that tells a grim story through environmental storytelling. Inside the residence, players will immediately notice the unfortunate remains of a family who succumbed to smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Navigate past the dark scene and locate the small writing desk positioned near the corner of the main room. Open the drawer of this desk to discover the coveted fountain pen sitting safely alongside a few other valuable supplies. Be sure to pocket the item immediately before leaving the area, as the location can easily be forgotten once you ride away.
Returning the Gift and Claiming Rewards
Once the item is secured in your inventory, ride back to the current active camp location to deliver the package to your companion. Approach Mary-Beth while she is relaxing in the camp common area and select the prompt to hand over the unique writing tool. She will express immense gratitude for Arthur's unexpected kindness and consideration toward her creative hobbies.
As a direct token of her appreciation, she will present you with a beautiful gold ring that can be sold to a fence for a decent amount of cash. More importantly, this interaction adds a wonderful layer of humanity to the rugged characters, showcasing the deep emotional bonds shared within the outlaw community.