In the sprawling world of Avowed, decisions carry weighty consequences that ripple across the Living Lands. When players neglect to eliminate the Steel Garrote faction behind Emerald Stair's waterfall, they unknowingly set in motion a devastating chain of events. The picturesque settlement of Fior is reduced to smoldering ruins upon the player's return from Naku Tedek with companion Giatta, its destruction squarely blamed on the fanatical Steel Garrote forces. Among the ashes at Abandoned Farms, Vemas Rogera emerges with a harrowing tale—his nephew fell victim to Steel Garrote leader Captain Carnet during the assault. Not only did she brutally execute him, but she also stole a precious family heirloom ring, igniting a personal quest for retribution.
The Debt of Blood Quest
This tragedy triggers the "Debt of Blood" side quest, exclusively available if Fior lies in ruins. Players must track Carnet to Ranger Headquarters, where she justifies her atrocities with cold pragmatism. She claims the murdered sentry had killed one of her bannermen, making revenge a "necessary duty" under Aedyran codes. The confrontation presents a morally ambiguous choice: execute Carnet for her crimes or attempt diplomacy, each path carrying distinct repercussions for the player's journey through Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed 2025 RPG.
Consequences of Killing Captain Carnet
Choosing violence leads to a climactic battle against Carnet and her troops. Though she wields powerful heavy attacks and a supporting mage who attempts freezing maneuvers, the combat proves manageable for seasoned adventurers. Victory yields significant rewards:
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🗡️ Carnet's Cutlass: A unique sword dealing +20% bonus damage against Kith enemies, customizable with either:
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Attack speed enhancement
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Health and essence regeneration enchantment
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💰 Substantial Cash Payout: Upon returning the Rogera family ring, Vemas offers generous coin—but only if players remind him, as he "conveniently forgets" without prompting
The ring itself vanishes from inventory post-quest, serving purely as a narrative device.
Outcomes of Sparing Captain Carnet
Attempting diplomacy requires precise dialogue choices. Carnet resists relentlessly, invoking "honor" and claiming the ring as rightful spoils under Aedyran tradition. Only one approach succeeds:
"Woedica knows you won. Or is that not enough for you?"
This appeal to her religious fanaticism forces her to relinquish the ring, though she issues grim warnings about "questioning her faith." Returning to Vemas reveals unsettling truths—he cares little for the heirloom and purely seeks vengeance. Without bloodshed, players gain:
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❌ Zero Rewards: No weapon or compensation
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⚠️ Escalated Risk: Vemas may recklessly attack Steel Garrote forces alone, potentially dying unless persuaded otherwise
Carnet survives to reappear in later story events, possibly complicating future alliances.
Strategic Verdict: Why Execution Prevails
When weighing outcomes, eliminating Carnet delivers overwhelming advantages both narratively and mechanically:
| Choice | Rewards | Narrative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Carnet | Unique sword + Gold | Justice served; Vemas survives satisfied |
| Spare Carnet | None | Vemas bitter; Carnet continues atrocities |
Beyond tangible gains, Carnet demonstrates zero remorse for razing Fior or murdering civilians. Her Cutlass proves invaluable for berserker builds, especially when dual-wielded. While sparing her might theoretically align with Inquisitor loyalties, Avowed's flexible morality system permits future alliances regardless. Vemas' quest for vengeance, while extreme, feels justified given his nephew's gruesome fate—a sentiment echoed by many players since the game's February 2025 launch. Ultimately, unless roleplaying specific zealotry, executing Carnet delivers poetic justice and essential gameplay advantages in one decisive stroke.