In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents players with a pivotal decision: to stop or support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine. This choice significantly impacts the rewards you can earn, both in terms of gameplay benefits and narrative outcomes.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
If you're aiming for the most rewarding outcome in your *Avowed* playthrough, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the optimal choice. While supporting Darle does yield a decent amount of XP, the total package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative progression you receive for thwarting his plan far outweighs the alternative.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
By supporting Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' and allowing him to execute his explosive plan, you will earn 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. However, this choice comes at the cost of financial rewards, as the mining initiative for sulfur, a defense against the Dreamthralls, will be compromised, nullifying any monetary gains. Additionally, attempting to deceive others about your involvement in the explosion will not alter the strained relations between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
Choosing to stop Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' side quest rewards you with 212 XP for defeating him, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than supporting him. Moreover, you will receive 900 coins from Seyon and Kada for preventing the explosion. Upon defeating Darle, you can also loot the following items from his 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 resource for weapon and armor upgrades, enhancing the already substantial rewards of coins and additional XP. Furthermore, maintaining a positive relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans adds a meaningful narrative layer to your decision, making stopping Darle the best choice from both a gameplay and story perspective.
Now that you know the best decision to make at the end of 'Fires in the Mine' in *Avowed*, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to secure exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up your godlike, check out the maximum level in *Avowed* to understand the potential strength of your character.