Been a while since I played this but still need to work on my stealthy-ness (or however you say it). I've managed after 1-2 deaths and fail stealth skill attempts I manage to kill all armed guards without having to use a gun. (Expect animals cause it's faster than using the sword till we get the bow). I meet people from the golden path who seem alright "for now" still confused on whats going on we just go along with what I'm being told till we find the truth behind both sides of this weird coin.
