In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents players with a significant choice: to either stop or support Darle's plan to blow up the mine. Both paths offer unique rewards, but one stands out as the optimal decision when considering XP, money, loot, and narrative impact.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed ‘Fires in the Mine’ Quest?
If you're aiming to maximize your rewards in *Avowed* at the end of the 'Fires in the Mine' quest, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the superior choice. While supporting Darle still provides a substantial amount of XP, the overall package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative benefits makes stopping him the better option by a significant margin.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
By choosing to support Darle and allowing him to execute his plan in *Avowed’s* 'Fires in the Mine', you will receive 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. Normally, you would also receive a monetary reward, but since this choice jeopardizes their sulfur mining initiative against the Dreamthralls, you forfeit that payment. Additionally, you can attempt to lie about the circumstances of the mine's destruction, but the outcome remains unchanged, further straining 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 — which is 65 XP more than supporting him. Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for your efforts. Before leaving the mine, you can also loot Darle's corpse, which includes:
- 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 upgrade material for your weapons and armor. The choice to stop Darle not only provides more XP and money but also preserves the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, adding depth to the game's narrative.
In conclusion, stopping Darle in *Avowed* offers the best overall rewards from a gameplay perspective, while also contributing positively to the game's story. Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations for exclusive gear, and learn about the max level in *Avowed* to optimize your character's strength.
