This Hidden Avowed Choice Has Major Story Implications You Don't Want To Skip

There are many secrets in Avowed, and one somewhat hidden interaction with the Steel Garrote occurs in Emerald Stair. What happens here has major implications for the future of Fior mes Ivèrno. As you make your way through the various Emerald Stair side quests in Avowed, you might pick up some clues about the presence of the Steel Garrote, which is alarming as they belong in Paradis and aren't welcome by the locals out this way. One quest in particular, the "Steel Resolve" Ranger quest, will unveil their exact location - if you know what to say.

[Warning: Spoilers for Avowed.]

Once you track down some loose ends, you'll find that Ranger Dorso has betrayed her people with the intention of helping the Steel Garrote take over the entire area at the Inquisitor's behest. If you ask Ranger Dorso whether she has run her plans by the Inquisitor or the Ambassador, she'll reveal that she's only been in contact with Captain Aelfyr, the Steel Garrote's fanatical second-in-command behind Lödwyn. Upon further questioning, she will reveal that the Steel Garrote are holed up behind a nearby waterfall, and what you decide to do with that information has some major implications for Fior mes Ivèrno.

Where To Find The Steel Garrote In Avowed's Emerald Stair

Look For A Not-So-Secret Waterfall Hideout

While you don't necessarily need a clue to figure out where the Steel Garrote are holed up in Emerald Stair, it doesn't hurt. During the "Steel Resolve"quest in Avowed, you will eventually pin down the traitorous Ranger, Dorso, who you can choose to exile, help, or kill. However, before you make a decision, you can press her for information, and she will reveal that not only is the Steel Garrote present in the area, she has been helping them hide and plan for a hostile takeover of the region. If you ask the right questions, you'll learn that they are hiding behind the nearby waterfall.

You can receive the main "Steel Resolve" quest reward, the unique One Last Trickarquebus, whether you kill, spare, or help Ranger Dorso.

If you don't want to go through all of that, the waterfall in question is located just north of the River Fork Beacon, located southwest of Fior mes Ivèrno proper. Facing the waterfall, you'll see a small opening on the right-hand side covered by some hanging ivy. Through this is a cave entrance that will lead to the Steel Garrote's hiding place. Depending on your plans for the rest of the game, you'll have to make a tough decision about what to do here - so be prepared for a fight if you want to save Fior mes Ivèrno from certain destruction.

What Happens In Avowed If You Ignore The Steel Garrote In Emerald Stair

Avowed Steel Garrote Captains In Emerald Stair

Once you enter the cave, you'll have the opportunity to speak with two Steel Garrote Veterans guarding the entrance. They will attempt to convince you to turn around and pretend like you never saw them, keeping things peaceful. They'll explain to you that they are here under Inquisitor Lödwyn's orders, and are trying to be discreet. After prying a bit (but not too much), you can get them to offer you a bribe. In this case, they'll make you choose between copper or iron, meaning you can either take a cash bribe and turn a blind eye, or fight them with iron.

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If you take the copper, you'll be locked out from fighting the Steel Garrote and have essentially damned Fior mes Ivèrno to complete annihilation. The Steel Garrote's presence in Emerald Stair is in preparation for a complete assault on the city of Fior, and now that you have decided that money is more important, they will raze the city to the ground while you are busy exploring the Naku Tedek ruins with Giatta. After this happens, you will no longer have access to the merchants and/or incomplete bounties inside the city walls for the remainder of the game. There will, however, be an additional quest available with some minor unique loot - "A Debt of Blood."

What Happens In Avowed If You Kill The Steel Garrote In Emerald Stair

You're In For A Tough Fight, But Fior Will Be Grateful

If you decide to do the "right" thing and kill the Steel Garrote in their hideout, you'll have your work cut out for you. The Steel Garrote are tough enemies, and you won't want to go in unprepared or under-leveled. This is also a clearly more beneficial option though - not only do you get some pretty decent loot from inside the cave, including some ofAvowed's unique armor and clothing, you'll also be able to maintain access to Fior mes Ivèrno and all the vendors and quests within the city walls. However, this will more or less pit you against the Inquisitor for the remainder of the journey.

The Death Knight Armor and Death Knight Sabatons are located inside the Waterfall Cave as well, so be sure to dive into the water in the first chamber and explore the area thoroughly.

If you do take them out, be sure to loot all the bodies in the cave for some extra supplies, and there will be many more slain soldiers to loot on your way into the city following your Naku Tedek excursion. If you don't kill the Steel Garrote, they will still end up attacking you as hostiles around Emerald Stair, so any goodwill you think it may get you to help the Inquisitor is shortsighted. The much more beneficial choice is to take the Steel Garrote out while you can in the waterfall, and deal with the Inquisitor later on - an inevitability unless you plan to willingly die by her hand. This choice also locks you out of the "Debt of Blood" quest in Avowed.