In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the main quest "A Path to the Garden" presents a significant choice that impacts your gameplay experience. If you've witnessed Aelfyr's role in the devastating events at Fior Mes Inverno, her callous attitude towards the tragedy might push you towards seeking retribution. Moreover, your choice here directly affects your ability to acquire exclusive loot.
Should You Attack or Spare Captain Aelfyr in Avowed?
When faced with the choice, opting to attack Captain Aelfyr is the recommended action in Avowed. This decision not only aligns with the desire for justice but also grants you access to valuable loot that you wouldn't obtain otherwise. The highlight of this loot is the unique Death Knight Gloves, which are particularly beneficial for players focusing on defense and elemental combat.
Death Knight Gloves & Other Rewards for Attacking Aelfyr
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves provide a substantial advantage with a -10% stamina cost while blocking and a 15% increase in frost damage, making them a must-have for certain builds. Upon defeating Aelfyr, you can also collect the following items:
- Garnet (Gem)
- Silver Fenning coins x26
- Exceptional Scale Armor (+0/3)
- Exceptional Great Sword (+0/3)
These items offer a great opportunity to upgrade your gear, especially if you've been neglecting upgrades during your playthrough. Additionally, you'll have the chance to loot the bodies of the fallen Steel Garrote soldiers, further enhancing your inventory.
What If You Spare Aelfyr?
Choosing to spare Aelfyr means forgoing any immediate rewards. The primary benefit of this choice is avoiding a challenging battle against Aelfyr and her Steel Garrote allies, which can be particularly tough on normal difficulty due to the mix of aggressive melee fighters and supportive healing mages. If your character is under-leveled, you might consider temporarily lowering the game's difficulty to manage the fight better.
Your decision to kill or spare Aelfyr will also slightly influence Giata's mood, with her being happier if Aelfyr is spared and more anxious if she's killed. However, these changes are minimal and don't significantly alter the storyline beyond a few conversations.
In summary, for those seeking the best loot and a sense of justice, attacking and killing Captain Aelfyr in Avowed is the optimal choice. For more strategic decisions in the game, consider whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart during the "Heart of Valor" side quest, and explore the full list of Avowed's main and side missions to plan your adventure ahead.