In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the main quest "A Path to the Garden" is a pivotal moment that can influence your gameplay significantly. If Captain Aelfyr was involved in the burning of Fior Mes Inverno and you're seeking vengeance for the town's destruction and Giata's distress, the choice becomes even more compelling.
When faced with the choice, attacking Captain Aelfyr is highly recommended. This decision not only allows you to exact revenge but also provides you with access to exclusive loot that you wouldn't obtain otherwise, including the coveted Death Knight Gloves.
In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are particularly beneficial for defenders and elemental fighters, offering a -10% Stamina cost while Blocking and a 15% increase to Frost Damage. By looting Aelfyr's corpse after defeating her, you can also acquire:
If you've been neglecting gear upgrades throughout your journey, these items present a prime opportunity to bolster your equipment. Additionally, you'll find ample loot from the fallen Steel Garrote soldiers.
Choosing to spare Aelfyr yields no tangible rewards. The primary benefit of this choice is avoiding a challenging battle against her and her Steel Garrote allies, which includes formidable melee fighters and healing mages. If your character is under-leveled, you might consider temporarily reducing the game's difficulty to manage the encounter more easily.
Your decision to kill or spare Aelfyr will slightly affect Giata's mood, making her happier or more anxious, respectively. However, these changes have minimal impact beyond a few minor dialogues.
Given the substantial rewards and the opportunity for vengeance, attacking Captain Aelfyr is the optimal choice in Avowed. After making your decision, consider exploring other key quests like "Heart of Valor," where you can decide whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart for additional loot. Don't forget to check out the full list of Avowed's main and side missions to ensure you don't miss out on any part of the rich gameplay experience.