Avowed: To Attack or Spare Captain Aelfyr?

Author : Jonathan May 06,2025

In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the mainline quest "A Path to the Garden" presents a pivotal moment that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. If Captain Aelfyr was involved in the burning of Fior Mes Inverno earlier in the game, her gloating over the massacre might make the choice to seek revenge quite appealing. Moreover, your decision here can unlock exclusive loot, adding another layer to your strategic considerations.

Should You Attack or Spare Captain Aelfyr in Avowed?

When faced with the choice, attacking Captain Aelfyr is the recommended course of action in Avowed. This decision grants you access to unique loot that you wouldn't obtain otherwise, including the highly valuable Death Knight Gloves.

Death Knight Gloves & Other Rewards for Attacking Aelfyr

The Death Knight Gloves & other rewards you get in Avowed for correctly killing Captain Aelfyr in Avowed during Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist

In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are particularly beneficial for defenders and elemental fighters, providing a -10% Stamina cost while Blocking and a 15% boost to Frost Damage. Upon defeating Captain Aelfyr, you can loot her corpse to acquire the following items:

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

If you haven't focused much on gear upgrades throughout your playthrough, seizing an Exceptional Quality piece of armor and weaponry can significantly enhance your arsenal. Additionally, the battlefield will be littered with the bodies of Steel Garrote soldiers, each offering their own valuable loot.

What If You Spare Aelfyr?

Choosing to spare Captain Aelfyr yields no tangible rewards. The primary benefit of sparing her is avoiding a challenging fight against her and her Steel Garrote troops, which can be particularly tough on normal difficulty due to the presence of aggressive melee fighters and healing mages. If your character is under-leveled, you can adjust the game's difficulty to ease the battle.

The decision to kill or spare Aelfyr will slightly affect Giata's mood, making her happier if you kill Aelfyr and more anxious if you spare her. However, the impact on the storyline remains minimal beyond a few minor conversations.

By understanding the benefits of attacking and killing Captain Aelfyr in Avowed, you can make a more informed decision. As you continue your journey, consider whether you should give Keipo the Leviathan Heart during the "Heart of Valor" side quest, which offers significant additional loot. Also, explore the complete list of Avowed's main and side missions to get a full picture of what lies ahead in your adventure.