
In the opening chapters of *Avowed*, the Envoy becomes the victim of a shocking assassination. As you delve into the mystery of your own murder during the Untimely End main quest, you'll uncover that Ygwulf, a member of the Paradisan Rebels, is your killer. These rebels fiercely oppose Aedyr's influence in the region, making the Envoy a prime target. After tracking Ygwulf to his underground hideout, you'll face a choice: to grant him mercy or seek vengeance. Here's a detailed look at whether you should kill Ygwulf in *Avowed*.
With the help of Kai and Marius in Paradis, your detective work leads you to Ygwulf. Navigating through his hideout, which is filled with enemies and requires some platforming, you'll need to come prepared with ample Health Potions and top-tier gear. Throughout the dungeon, you might stumble upon documents that shed light on Ygwulf's true intentions and his remorse. Initially driven by a misguided belief that the Gods demanded the Envoy's death, Ygwulf's perspective shifts as he grapples with his actions. Even without these documents, he'll express his regret and willingness to face justice when you confront him at the quest's end.
Opting for Ygwulf to turn himself in to the Inquisitor of the Steel Garrote is the least favorable choice. He would face the brutal Inquisitor Lödwyn, leading to a painful demise without yielding significant rewards. Conversely, sparing Ygwulf directly results in him offering you 625 Copper Skeyt and some Adra as a token of gratitude. While these resources are helpful, they're not game-changing. Unfortunately, sparing him doesn't alter his ultimate fate, as he meets his end later in the story regardless.
Given that Ygwulf's fate is sealed, choosing to attack him in dialogue is the most beneficial option. This decision triggers a boss fight, providing valuable combat experience for future encounters in *Avowed*. Moreover, defeating Ygwulf grants you the best loot among the choices. You can claim currency, Adra, and his unique Blackwing armor set from his body. Not only does the Blackwing armor look impressive, but it also offers significant stealth advantages, including a +30% damage boost when attacking from stealth and a 25% movement speed increase when crouching, enhancing your ability to navigate and surprise enemies.
Despite being an early-game encounter, Ygwulf's fate subtly influences the ending of *Avowed*. After the final gameplay section, the game's conclusion, depicted through art and narration, reflects the impact of your decisions on Eora's Living Lands. Regardless of your efforts to unify and pacify the region, Ygwulf's death will always occur, fueling the radicalization of the Paradisan Rebellion and ensuring their continued violent resistance against your efforts post-credits.