In Avowed, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents players with a significant decision regarding Darle's plan to blow up the mine. This choice can be viewed as morally complex within the game's context, yet the outcomes of either supporting or stopping Darle carry distinct rewards in terms of XP, money, loot, and narrative impact.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed ‘Fires in the Mine’ Quest?

For the optimal rewards in your Avowed playthrough at the end of Fires in the Mine, the best choice is to stop Darle from blowing up the mine. Although supporting Darle still provides a good amount of XP, the total rewards for thwarting his plan—ranging from XP and money to extra loot and narrative benefits—make it the superior decision.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
If you choose to support Darle and allow him to execute his explosive plan in Avowed's Fires in the Mine, you will receive 1026 XP upon mission completion after speaking with Kada and Seyon. Normally, you would also receive a monetary reward, but by supporting Darle, you undermine the mining initiative against the Dreamthralls, which removes this financial benefit.
Attempting to deceive about your involvement in the explosion won't change the outcome; the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn will be further strained regardless.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
By choosing to stop Darle in Avowed's Fires in the Mine side quest, you will earn 212 XP for defeating him and an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP, which is 65 more than supporting him.
Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for stopping Darle. Additionally, you can loot the following items from Darle's corpse:
- 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 upgrade material for your weapons and armor, enhancing the already superior rewards of stopping Darle.
From a gameplay perspective, stopping Darle is the best choice, not only for the tangible benefits but also for maintaining the relationship between the Thirdborn and the Aedyrans, which adds a positive narrative element to the world of Avowed.
Now that you know the optimal choice to make at the end of Fires in the Mine in Avowed, you can also explore all 12 Treasure Map locations to discover exclusive gear. Additionally, if you're focused on leveling up your character, learn about the max level in Avowed to understand how powerful your godlike can become.
