Avowed's 'Fires in the Mine': Support or Betray Darle?

In Avowed's "Fires in the Mine" side quest, the decision to support or stop Darle might seem subjective, but the optimal choice offers significant advantages. While both options yield XP, preventing Darle's mine explosion provides superior overall rewards.

Choosing to stop Darle, rather than letting him blow up the mine, proves the most rewarding path in Avowed. This is based on a comparison of XP, gold, loot, and narrative consequences.

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

Stopping Darle yields the best combination of rewards. Although supporting Darle provides XP, preventing his actions offers significantly more XP, gold, loot, and a more positive narrative outcome.

Rewards for Supporting Darle

Supporting Darle and allowing the mine explosion nets 1026 XP upon mission completion. However, you forfeit any gold reward due to the disruption of sulfur mining operations. The Aedyrans and Thirdborn relationship also suffers.

Rewards for Stopping and Killing Darle

Stopping Darle results in 212 XP for the kill, plus 879 XP after debriefing, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than supporting him. Furthermore, you receive 900 gold coins from Seynon and Kada. Looting Darle's corpse yields a Blackwood Branch (a superb upgrade material), Wild Mushroom Stew, and two Beetle Pies.

While maintaining positive relations between the Thirdborn and Aedyrans is narratively beneficial, stopping Darle offers superior gameplay rewards: more XP, gold, and valuable loot.

Having made the optimal choice in "Fires in the Mine," consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations for exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up, learn the maximum level in Avowed to plan your character progression.