In *Avowed*, the side quest 'Fires in the Mine' presents a pivotal decision: should you stop or support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine? Each choice carries its own set of rewards and consequences, both in terms of gameplay and narrative. Let's delve into the outcomes of each decision to help you make the best choice for your playthrough.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed ‘Fires in the Mine’ Quest?
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
For the most rewarding experience in *Avowed* at the end of the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest, choosing to stop Darle from blowing up the mine is the optimal decision. While supporting Darle still provides a significant amount of XP, the total package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative impact you receive for thwarting his plan is far superior.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
If you decide to support Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' and allow him to execute his explosive plan, you'll earn 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. Normally, you would also receive a sum of money, but by jeopardizing their sulfur mining initiative—a 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 outcome remains unchanged, further straining the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
Choosing to stop Darle in *Avowed's* 'Fires in the Mine' side quest 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 you would get for supporting him. Moreover, Seynon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for stopping Darle. Before leaving the mine, you can 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 may not be particularly noteworthy, the Blackwood Branch is a superb upgrade material for your weapons and armor, enhancing the already substantial rewards of coins and XP. Additionally, by stopping Darle, you maintain the positive relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, which is beneficial if you value the world-affecting narrative elements of *Avowed*. From a gameplay standpoint, stopping Darle is unequivocally the best choice.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to make the right choice at the end of 'Fires in the Mine' in *Avowed*, why not explore all 12 Treasure Map locations to find exclusive gear? If you've been diligently grinding XP for your godlike, you might also be interested in knowing the max level in *Avowed* to understand just how powerful your character can become.
