In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents a pivotal choice: whether to stop or support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine. This decision, like many in the game, can be viewed as morally ambiguous, with each path offering its own set of rewards and consequences. Here's a detailed look at what you can expect from each choice, considering XP, money, loot, and narrative impact.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?
For the best overall rewards in your *Avowed* playthrough, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the superior choice. Although supporting Darle can net you a respectable amount of XP, the comprehensive rewards—ranging from XP, money, additional loot, and the narrative benefits—make thwarting his plan the more advantageous decision.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
Choosing to support Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' and allowing him to execute his explosive plan will earn you 1026 XP upon mission completion after discussing with Kada and Seyon. Normally, you would receive some money as well, but by jeopardizing their sulfur mining initiative—a crucial defense against the Dreamthralls—you forfeit that reward. Attempting to deceive others about the circumstances won't change the outcome; it will only 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 of *Avowed* yields immediate rewards. You'll earn 212 XP for defeating him, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 more than supporting him. Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for stopping Darle. Before leaving the mine, you can loot Darle's corpse to find:
- Blackwood Branch (Superb Upgrade Material)
- Wild Mushroom Stew (Prepared Food)
- Beetle Pie (Prepared Food) x2
While the food items may not be significant, the Blackwood Branch is a valuable asset for upgrading weapons and armor. Additionally, stopping Darle preserves the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, enhancing the narrative experience of *Avowed*. From a gameplay standpoint, stopping Darle is the optimal choice due to the higher XP, additional loot, and monetary rewards.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of the best decision in 'Fires in the Mine', why not explore all 12 Treasure Map locations to discover exclusive gear? If you're focused on leveling up your godlike character, find out the max level in *Avowed* to understand their full potential.