Raid the Orchard

Raid the Orchard

Mission Giver: Mary May Fairgrave (The Spread Eagle, Fall's End)

Objective: Reclaim the Spread Eagle's stolen liquor supply from a heavily fortified cult orchard and deliver it back to Fall's End.

This mission, given by the resilient Mary May at the Spread Eagle, is your chance to strike a blow against the cult's morale and resupply the local watering hole. It requires a blend of stealth, tactical combat, and a keen eye for ambushes. Expect a challenging but rewarding experience.

Recommended Loadout & Preparation

• Primary Weapon (Stealth): Suppressed AR-C, AR-CL, or AK-47. Essential for silent takedowns and maintaining stealth.
• Primary Weapon (Combat): M60, M249, or a high-capacity LMG for dealing with multiple cultists during the escape.
• Secondary Weapon: Suppressed 1911 or P226. Good for close-quarters stealth or as a backup.
• Sidearm: Recurve Bow or Compound Bow (with regular and explosive arrows). Excellent for silent long-range kills and disabling vehicles.
• Gadgets:
  • Throwing Knives: Silent, one-shot kills on unarmored enemies.
  • Molotovs/Dynamite: Useful for clearing groups of enemies or destroying vehicles during the escape.
  • Medkits: Always carry a full stock.
• Companions:
  • Jess Black (Specialist - Stealth): Her bow and silent takedowns are invaluable for the infiltration phase.
  • Grace Armstrong (Specialist - Sniper): Can provide excellent overwatch and eliminate distant threats, especially snipers.
  • Boomer (Fangs for Hire): Can tag enemies and retrieve weapons, useful for both stealth and open combat.

Orchard Infiltration: Step-by-Step Guide

The cult-controlled orchard is located a short drive north-east of Fall's End. Approach the area cautiously, as there are often patrolling cult vehicles on the roads leading to it.

1. Initial Reconnaissance & Approach:
   • Park your vehicle a safe distance away (e.g., 200-300m) to the west or south of the orchard. This prevents alerting patrols and gives you a good vantage point.
   • use your binoculars (or Boomer's tagging ability) to mark all enemies, alarms, and environmental hazards. There are typically 8-12 cultists, including at least two snipers and one heavy gunner.
   • Optimal Approach: The western side of the orchard offers good tall grass cover and a slightly elevated position, perfect for initial sniper takedowns.
2. Eliminate Key Threats (Stealth Priority):
   • Snipers First: There will be at least two snipers, usually positioned on elevated platforms or the roof of the main shed. Prioritize these targets with your suppressed sniper rifle or bow. Grace Armstrong is excellent here.
   • Alarms: Locate and disable all alarms. There are usually 2-3 alarms scattered around the perimeter and near the main shed. A single shot from a suppressed weapon will disable them. If an alarm is triggered, reinforcements will arrive quickly.
   • Patrolling Cultists: Use the tall grass and orchard trees for cover. Pick off patrolling cultists silently with headshots from your suppressed weapon or throwing knives. Jess Black is invaluable for these close-quarters stealth takedowns.
   • Heavy Gunner: If present, the heavy gunner should be dealt with carefully. A stealth takedown from behind is ideal, or multiple headshots from a powerful suppressed weapon. Explosive arrows can also be effective if stealth is compromised.
3. Clear the Orchard:
   • Systematically clear the remaining cultists. Work your way inwards, using cover effectively. Listen for enemy chatter and use your minimap to track tagged enemies.
   • Check inside the main shed and any smaller outbuildings for hidden cultists or valuable loot.
   • Common Pitfall: Don't rush. A single missed shot or exposed position can alert the entire camp. Take your time and observe patrol patterns.
4. Load the Liquor Truck:
   • Once the area is secure, locate the designated liquor truck. It's usually a large, flatbed truck parked near the main shed.
   • Interact with the truck to begin loading the liquor crates. This takes a few seconds, so ensure the area is truly clear.
   • Important: The truck is the mission objective vehicle. Do not destroy it!

The Drive Back: Escape & Evasion

The journey back to Fall's End will not be peaceful. The cult will be alerted to your theft and will send multiple waves of reinforcements to intercept you.

1. Prepare for Ambush:
   • Before getting into the truck, ensure your health is full and you have a good combat weapon equipped (LMG recommended).
   • If you have a companion like Hurk Drubman Jr. (with his RPG) or Nick Rye (with his plane), they can be incredibly useful for dealing with pursuing vehicles.
2. Driving Strategy:
   • Stay on the Main Roads: While tempting to go off-road, the mission truck is not designed for heavy off-roading and can get stuck or damaged easily. Stick to the paved roads.
   • Maintain Speed: Drive as fast as safely possible while avoiding obstacles.
   • Use the Truck's Weapons (if available): Some mission trucks have mounted turrets. If yours does, switch to it if you have a companion driving, or let your companion man it if you are driving.
3. Dealing with Cult Reinforcements:
   • Cult Vehicles: Expect ATVs, pickup trucks (some with mounted machine guns), and occasionally armored vans.
     • Strategy: Prioritize the driver or the gunner on mounted turrets. Explosive arrows or Molotovs are highly effective against vehicles. If you have an LMG, aim for the engine block or tires.
     • Common Ambush Points: Watch out for roadblocks set up at chokepoints, bridges, or sharp turns on the road. These often include multiple cultists on foot and a stationary vehicle.
   • Cultists on Foot: Some cultists will try to flank you or jump onto the truck.
     • Strategy: Use your LMG or a rapid-fire assault rifle to suppress them. If they get too close, switch to a shotgun or SMG.
   • Air Support (Rare): Occasionally, a cult helicopter might appear.
     • Strategy: If you have an RPG or explosive arrows, aim for the rotor or pilot. Otherwise, focus on driving and taking cover when possible.
4. Deliver to Fall's End:
   • Continue fighting off the cultists until you reach the Spread Eagle in Fall's End.
   • Park the truck in the designated area to complete the mission.

Mission Rewards

Successfully completing "Raid the Orchard" will earn you the following:

• Resistance Points: +400 (Contributes to liberating Holland Valley)
• Cash: $1,000
• Perk Points: 3
• Story Progression: Advances the main storyline in Holland Valley.
• The Spread Eagle Resupplied: The bar will now have liquor, and Mary May will offer new dialogue.