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

In the *Avowed* side quest "Fires in the Mine," the decision to either support or stop Darle can be viewed as justified within the game's narrative, each yielding distinct rewards. Whether you choose to let Darle detonate the mine or prevent his plan, the outcomes vary significantly in terms of XP, money, loot, and narrative impact.

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

Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist

For the most rewarding outcome in your *Avowed* playthrough, stopping Darle from blowing up the mine is the optimal choice. Although you receive a substantial amount of XP for supporting Darle's plan, the total rewards for thwarting him—including XP, money, extra loot, and narrative benefits—make it a superior decision.

What You Get for Supporting Darle

Choosing to support Darle in *Avowed's* Fires in the Mine and allowing him to execute his explosive plan grants you 1026 XP upon mission completion after speaking with Kada and Seyon. Typically, you would receive money as well, but by undermining their sulfur mining initiative, which serves as a defense against the Dreamthralls, you forfeit this financial reward. Attempting to deceive about the circumstances leading to the mine's destruction doesn't alter the outcome; the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn becomes further strained.

Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle

Opting to stop Darle in *Avowed's* Fires in the Mine side quest initially rewards you with 212 XP for his defeat, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 more than supporting him. Additionally, Seyon and Kada award you 900 coins for your efforts. Before departing 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 significant, the Blackwood Branch is an excellent bonus for weapon and armor upgrades, complementing the higher XP and coin rewards. Moreover, maintaining the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans adds a positive narrative element to your *Avowed* experience. From a gameplay perspective, stopping Darle's plan is the best choice overall.

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 godlike, learn about the max level in *Avowed* to understand their potential strength.