Darle's Fate in Avowed: Stop or Support?

In *Avowed*, the side quest 'Fires in the Mine' presents players with a pivotal decision: whether to stop or support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine. This choice, like many in the game, can seem justified from different perspectives, but the rewards and narrative implications vary significantly between the two paths.

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 detonating the mine is the superior choice. Although supporting Darle grants a decent amount of XP, the total package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative benefits you receive by thwarting his plan is significantly more valuable.

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. However, this decision comes at the cost of the mining initiative, which was crucial for defending against the Dreamthralls, thus forfeiting any monetary reward. Additionally, attempting to deceive others about the explosion's cause 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 *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 more than if you had supported 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 to find:

• 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 asset for upgrading your weapons and armor. Additionally, stopping Darle preserves the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, enhancing the narrative experience. From a gameplay perspective, stopping Darle is the optimal choice due to the higher XP, monetary rewards, and valuable loot.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to make the best decision at the end of Fires in the Mine in *Avowed*, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to discover exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up your character, you might also want to learn about the max level in *Avowed* to understand the full potential of your godlike.