Darle's Dilemma: Mine or Solitude in Avowed

In Avowed's "Fires in the Mine" side quest, the decision to stop or support Darle significantly impacts rewards. This analysis compares the outcomes, considering XP, gold, loot, and narrative consequences, to determine the optimal choice.

Supporting Darle: Choosing to let Darle destroy the mine yields 1026 XP. However, you forfeit any monetary reward from the miners, and the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn deteriorates. Lying about your actions doesn't alter this outcome.

Stopping Darle: Preventing Darle's plan offers superior rewards. You receive 212 XP for killing Darle, plus 879 XP after speaking with the mining officials (a total of 1091 XP – 65 more than supporting him). Additionally, you gain 900 gold coins from Seynon and Kada. Looting Darle's corpse provides a Blackwood Branch (a valuable upgrade material), Wild Mushroom Stew, and two Beetle Pies. While the food items are minor, the Blackwood Branch is a significant bonus. Furthermore, this choice maintains a positive relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.

Conclusion: From a gameplay perspective, stopping and killing Darle in "Fires in the Mine" is the better choice, providing more XP, gold, and valuable loot. While supporting Darle offers a slightly different narrative outcome, the gameplay advantages of stopping him significantly outweigh this.