In Avowed, the choice to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the mainline quest "A Path to the Garden" presents players with a significant decision. This moment comes after Aelfyr's involvement in the destruction of Fior Mes Inverno, adding a layer of tension and moral complexity to the choice.
When faced with the decision, the optimal choice at this juncture in Avowed is to attack Captain Aelfyr. Opting to engage her in combat allows you to secure exclusive loot that you would otherwise miss out on, including the coveted Death Knight Gloves.
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are particularly beneficial for defenders and elemental fighters, offering a -10% Stamina cost while Blocking and a 15% boost to Frost Damage. Upon defeating Aelfyr, you can also claim additional items from her corpse, enriching your inventory:
These items, especially the Exceptional Quality armor and weaponry, provide a great chance to upgrade your gear if you've been lagging behind in your Avowed playthrough. Additionally, the bodies of the fallen Steel Garrote soldiers around Aelfyr offer further opportunities for looting.
Choosing to spare Aelfyr yields no tangible rewards. The primary benefit of this decision is avoiding a challenging battle against her and her Steel Garrote troops, which includes tough melee fighters and healing mages. If your character is under-leveled, you can adjust the game's difficulty to make the encounter more manageable.
The decision to kill or spare Aelfyr slightly affects Giata's mood, making her happier or more anxious, respectively. However, the impact on the storyline remains minimal, limited to a few minor conversations.
By now, you're equipped with the knowledge that attacking and defeating Captain Aelfyr in Avowed is the most beneficial choice for securing valuable loot. As you continue your journey, consider whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart in the "Heart of Valor" side quest for additional rewards. Also, explore the full list of Avowed's main and side missions to see what lies ahead in your adventure.