In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the mainline quest "A Path to the Garden" is a pivotal moment that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. If you've witnessed Captain Aelfyr's role in the devastating fire at Fior Mes Inverno and her subsequent gloating, the urge for vengeance might be strong. This choice not only affects the narrative but also determines access to exclusive loot.

Should You Attack or Spare Captain Aelfyr in Avowed?

When faced with the choice, attacking Captain Aelfyr is highly recommended. This decision allows you to acquire a significant amount of unique loot, including the coveted Death Knight Gloves, which are not available if you choose to spare her.

Death Knight Gloves & Other Rewards for Attacking Aelfyr

Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist

In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are an essential piece of equipment for players focusing on defense and elemental combat. These gloves provide a -10% Stamina cost reduction while Blocking and a 15% increase to Frost Damage.

Upon defeating Captain Aelfyr, you can loot her corpse to obtain the following items, in addition to the Death Knight Gloves:

• Garnet (Gem)
• Silver Fenning coins x26
• Exceptional Scale Armor (+0/3)
• Exceptional Great Sword (+0/3)

If you've been neglecting gear upgrades throughout your Avowed journey, acquiring these Exceptional Quality items presents a perfect chance to bolster your arsenal. Moreover, you'll find additional loot from the defeated Steel Garrote soldiers.

What If You Spare Aelfyr?

Choosing to spare Captain Aelfyr does not yield any tangible rewards. The primary benefit of this decision is avoiding a challenging battle against her and the Steel Garrote soldiers, which can be particularly tough on normal difficulty due to their aggressive melee attacks and the presence of healing mages. If you find the fight too demanding, consider temporarily reducing the game's difficulty to ease the encounter.

Your choice will also subtly affect Giata's mood, making her slightly happier if you kill Aelfyr and more anxious if you spare her, though the impact is minimal and mostly limited to a few brief dialogues.

Given the valuable loot and the narrative satisfaction of avenging Fior Mes Inverno, attacking Captain Aelfyr in Avowed is the recommended course of action. As you progress, consider the implications of your choices in other quests, such as whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart in "Heart of Valor," to maximize your rewards and enhance your gameplay experience. For a comprehensive overview of what lies ahead, check out the full list of Avowed's main and side missions.