Darle's Fate in Avowed: Stop or Support in 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?

In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents players with a pivotal decision: to stop or support Darle in his plot to blow up the mine. This choice, much like other side quests in the game, can feel justified from different perspectives. However, the rewards for each decision vary significantly, impacting your gameplay experience in terms of XP, money, loot, and the narrative.

Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?

Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist

If you're aiming to maximize your rewards in *Avowed* during the 'Fires in the Mine' quest, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine emerges as the superior choice. While supporting Darle does provide a notable amount of XP, the overall package of XP, money, additional loot, and the narrative implications make stopping him the more rewarding decision.

What You Get for Supporting Darle

By choosing to support Darle and allowing him to execute his plan, you'll earn 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. However, this choice comes at the cost of the mining initiative, as it jeopardizes their efforts to mine sulfur as a defense against the Dreamthralls, resulting in no monetary reward. You might attempt to deceive others about the circumstances of the explosion, but the outcome remains the same, 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 receive 212 XP for defeating Darle, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than supporting him. Additionally, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for thwarting Darle's plan. Before exiting the mine, you can also loot Darle's corpse, securing the following items:

• 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 significant bonus, perfect for upgrading your weapons and armor. From a gameplay perspective, stopping Darle not only offers more XP and money but also valuable loot. Moreover, maintaining the relationship between Thirdborn and the Aedyrans adds a positive narrative layer for those invested in *Avowed*'s world-affecting story elements.

In conclusion, stopping Darle in the 'Fires in the Mine' quest is the optimal choice for players seeking the best rewards and narrative outcomes. Once you've made your decision, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to find exclusive gear, and if you're focused on leveling up, check out the max level in *Avowed* to see just how powerful your character can become.