In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the mainline quest "A Path to the Garden" presents a pivotal choice with significant consequences. This decision becomes particularly poignant if Captain Aelfyr was involved in the devastating fire at Fior Mes Inverno earlier in the game, fueling a desire for revenge due to her gloating and Giata's evident distress.
When faced with the choice, opting to attack Captain Aelfyr is highly recommended. This choice not only satisfies any lingering desire for retribution but also unlocks exclusive loot that you would otherwise miss out on. The highlight of this loot is the unique Death Knight Gloves.
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are a crucial asset for players focusing on defense or elemental combat, offering a -10% Stamina cost while Blocking and a 15% increase to Frost Damage. Upon defeating Captain Aelfyr, you can loot her body to acquire the following items, enhancing your arsenal:
If you've been neglecting gear upgrades throughout your Avowed journey, this is an excellent chance to bolster your equipment with these high-quality items. Additionally, the surrounding area will be littered with fallen Steel Garrote soldiers, each offering their own valuable loot.
Related: All Avowed Achievements & How To Get Them
Choosing to spare Captain Aelfyr yields no tangible rewards. The primary benefit of this choice is avoiding a potentially difficult battle against her and her Steel Garrote allies, which includes formidable melee fighters and supportive healing mages. This can be particularly appealing if your character is under-leveled, though you can always adjust the game's difficulty to make the fight more manageable.
The decision to kill or spare Aelfyr also slightly affects Giata's mood, making her happier if Aelfyr is killed and more anxious if spared. However, these changes are minor and do not significantly alter the storyline beyond a few brief conversations.
Now that you understand the benefits of attacking and killing Captain Aelfyr in Avowed, consider your next move in the game. For instance, decide whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart during the "Heart of Valor" side quest, which offers substantial additional loot. Also, take a moment to review the full list of Avowed's main and side missions to plan your remaining gameplay.
Related: How To Get Hylea’s Talon in Avowed