In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents a moral and strategic dilemma: should you support Darle in his plan to blow up the mine, or should you stop him? Each choice comes with its own set of rewards, impacting both your gameplay and the narrative.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?
If you're aiming for the optimal rewards in your *Avowed* playthrough, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the superior choice. Although supporting Darle's plan can still earn you a respectable amount of XP, the total rewards—XP, money, additional loot, and narrative impact—are significantly better when you thwart his scheme.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
By supporting Darle and allowing him to carry out his explosive plan in *Avowed's* Fires in the Mine quest, you'll receive 1026 XP upon completing the mission after conversing with Kada and Seyon. However, this choice will cost you potential financial gains, as it jeopardizes their sulfur mining initiative against the Dreamthralls, thus nullifying their monetary obligation to you.
You might attempt to deceive them about the circumstances surrounding the mine's destruction, but the outcome remains unchanged. This decision will further strain the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
Choosing to stop Darle in the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest yields immediate benefits. You'll earn 212 XP for defeating him, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than supporting Darle.
Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for stopping Darle. 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 are minor, the Blackwood Branch is a valuable addition for weapon and armor upgrades, enhancing the already superior rewards of stopping Darle.
From a narrative perspective, maintaining the relationship between Thirdborn and the Aedyrans adds depth to the world of *Avowed*. However, from a gameplay standpoint, stopping Darle's plan is the most rewarding choice overall.
Now that you're equipped with the best decision for the end of Fires in the Mine in *Avowed*, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to secure exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up your godlike character, learn about the max level in *Avowed* to understand their potential strength.
