In Avowed, the "Fires in the Mine" side quest presents a choice: support or stop Darle. This guide analyzes the rewards for each choice to determine the optimal outcome.

For maximizing rewards (XP, gold, loot, and narrative impact), stopping Darle is superior.
Supporting Darle: Results in 1026 XP. However, you forfeit any gold reward and further strain relations between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn. Lying about your actions doesn't alter the outcome.
Stopping Darle: Yields a total of 1091 XP (212 XP for the kill + 879 XP for debriefing), exceeding the reward for supporting him. Additionally, you receive 900 gold coins from Seynon and Kada. Looting Darle's corpse provides a Blackwood Branch (a superb upgrade material), Wild Mushroom Stew, and two Beetle Pies.
While maintaining positive relations between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn is narratively beneficial, the superior gameplay rewards from stopping and killing Darle make it the better choice overall. This decision provides significantly more XP, gold, and a valuable upgrade material.