In Avowed's "Fires in the Mine" side quest, the choice of supporting or stopping Darle might seem equally valid depending on your perspective. However, analyzing XP, gold, loot, and narrative consequences reveals a clear optimal path.
Should You Stop or Support Darle?
For maximizing rewards in Avowed's "Fires in the Mine," preventing Darle from destroying the mine is the superior choice. While supporting Darle yields a decent XP amount, stopping him provides significantly more overall benefits in XP, gold, loot, and narrative impact.
Supporting Darle: The Rewards
Supporting Darle and allowing the mine explosion nets 1026 XP upon mission completion after speaking with Kada and Seyon. However, you forfeit the usual monetary reward due to the compromised sulfur mining operation. Regardless of your attempts to justify your actions, the Aedyrans and Thirdborn relationship suffers.
Stopping & Killing Darle: The Rewards
Stopping Darle yields 212 XP for the kill, plus an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials—a total of 1091 XP, exceeding the reward for supporting him. Furthermore, you receive 900 gold from Seynon and Kada. Looting Darle's corpse provides a Blackwood Branch (a superb upgrade material), Wild Mushroom Stew, and two Beetle Pies. While the food items are minor, the Blackwood Branch significantly enhances weapon and armor upgrades.
Maintaining positive relations between the Thirdborn and Aedyrans is a bonus for those invested in the narrative, but from a purely gameplay perspective, thwarting Darle’s plan is the most rewarding option.
Having made the optimal choice in "Fires in the Mine," consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations for unique gear. If you’re focused on leveling up, learn the maximum level in Avowed to understand your character's ultimate potential.
