In *Avowed*, the side quest 'Fires in the Mine' presents players with a pivotal decision: to stop or support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine. Each choice carries its own set of rewards, impacting your gameplay and the narrative. Let's delve into the outcomes of both decisions to help you make the best choice for your playthrough.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?
If you're aiming for the most rewarding outcome in *Avowed* at the end of the 'Fires in the Mine' quest, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the optimal choice. While supporting Darle does yield a significant amount of XP, the total package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative benefits you receive for thwarting his plan makes it the superior decision.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
By choosing to support Darle and allowing him to execute his explosive plan in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine', you will earn 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. Normally, you would also receive a monetary reward, but by jeopardizing their sulfur mining initiative, which is crucial for defense against the Dreamthralls, you forfeit this payment.
You might attempt to deceive others about the circumstances leading to the mine's destruction, but the end result remains unchanged. This decision will further strain the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
Opting to stop Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' side quest yields immediate rewards. You'll earn 212 XP for defeating Darle, followed by 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 stopping Darle. Before leaving the mine, you can also loot Darle's corpse to obtain:
- Blackwood Branch (Superb Upgrade Material)
- Wild Mushroom Stew (Prepared Food)
- Beetle Pie (Prepared Food) x2
While the food items are not particularly significant, the Blackwood Branch is a valuable addition for weapon and armor upgrades, enhancing the already superior rewards of coins and higher XP.
From a narrative standpoint, stopping Darle helps maintain the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, adding depth to the world of *Avowed*. However, from a gameplay perspective, stopping Darle is unequivocally the best choice due to the enhanced rewards.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to make the optimal decision at the end of 'Fires in the Mine' in *Avowed*, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to uncover exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up your godlike, learn about the max level in *Avowed* to understand their full potential.