Darle's Fate in Avowed: Stop or Support in 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?

In *Avowed*, the side quest 'Fires in the Mine' presents players with a critical decision: to stop or support Darle's plan to blow up the mine. Both choices have their merits, but when considering the rewards and narrative impact, the decision becomes clearer. Here's a detailed look at which choice yields the best outcomes in terms of XP, money, loot, and story progression.

Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed ‘Fires in the Mine’ Quest?

Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist

For the best overall rewards in your *Avowed* playthrough, choosing to stop Darle from blowing up the mine is the optimal decision. While supporting Darle does offer a significant amount of XP, stopping him provides a better combination of XP, money, additional loot, and a more favorable narrative outcome.

What You Get for Supporting Darle

If you choose to support Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' and allow him to proceed with his plan, you will receive 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. However, this choice comes at a cost; by jeopardizing their sulfur mining initiative, which is crucial for defense against the Dreamthralls, you forfeit any monetary reward that would have been provided. Additionally, lying about the circumstances won't change the outcome, and it will further strain the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.

Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle

Opting to stop Darle in the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest leads to a more rewarding outcome. You'll earn 212 XP for defeating Darle, and an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than you would get for supporting him. Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for thwarting Darle's plan. Before leaving the mine, you can also loot the following items from Darle's corpse:

• Blackwood Branch (Superb Upgrade Material)
• Wild Mushroom Stew (Prepared Food)
• Beetle Pie (Prepared Food) x2

While the food items are minor, the Blackwood Branch is a valuable addition for upgrading weapons and armor, complementing the higher XP and monetary rewards. From a narrative perspective, stopping Darle helps maintain a positive relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, enhancing the story's depth.

In conclusion, stopping Darle in 'Fires in the Mine' is the best choice from both a gameplay and narrative standpoint in *Avowed*. For those looking to maximize their rewards, this decision is clear. After making your choice, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to find exclusive gear, and if you're focused on leveling up, learn about the max level achievable in *Avowed* to gauge your character's potential strength.