How to save Fior mes Ivèrno in Avowed

Fior mes Ivèrno plays a key role in the main story of Avowed. Not only is it the seat of the Emerald Stair region, but it’s also home to Giatta, one of your companions. If you’re reading this guide, you likely know what happens to Fior mes Ivèrno, but nevertheless, just in case…

[Ed. note: This guide contains spoilers for Avowed.]

At the end of the Emerald Stair arc, the Steel Garrote burns Fior mes Ivèrno to the ground, wiping it from the map and preventing you from visiting it for the rest of your playthrough. But this outcome isn’t necessarily a forgone conclusion.

In this Avowed guide, we’ll explain how to save Fior mes Ivèrno, the steps you’ll need to complete to do so, and what happens if you do.

Can you save Fior mes Ivèrno in Avowed?

Yes, it is possible to save Fior mes Ivèrno from burning, although it will still be attacked if you take the steps to do so. Basically, the city guard will be able to fight off the Steel Garrote attackers, since you’ll be weakening them before they make their move. 

How to save Fior me Ivèrno in Avowed

When you get the main quest “Ancient Soil,” don’t follow it right away. Instead, head to the Waterfall Cave, which you can find near the bridge just to the west of the city.

Inside the Waterfall Cave you’ll first speak to two Steel Garrote veterans. Depending on how you navigate this speech tree, and whether you have high enough attribute points, you might be able to get more information on what they’re doing here — but be insistent on getting answers, because if you say you’ll leave them alone, you won’t be able to attack later.

In the next area, there are a handful more enemies as well as a lockbox containing some Exceptional crafting materials. As you continue you’ll see a shaft to the right which has two more enemies in as well as a rucksack with a Fine Wand. You’ll also find several missives from Lödwyn hinting at what was going on as you move through here.

Back on the main path, go around the barred door to find a lockbox with several pieces of Exceptional crafting materials and then drop down to reach the final fight. There are around seven enemies here to defeat, after which you can find two more missives from Lödwyn confirming that the Steel Garrote would have burned Fior mes Ivèrno if you had not intervened.

Open the final chest here for some more Fine and Exceptional items and you’ll be ready to progress with the rest of the “Ancient Soil” main quest.

What happens if you save Fior mes Ivèrno?

If you clear out the Waterfall Cave before completing the “Ancient Soil” quest, Fior mes Invèrno will still be attacked, but won’t be burned. You’ll be able to decide the fate of the Lieutenant who carried out the attack, and then speak to Quilucci, Governor Vidarro, and Yatzli.

Just like if the city burns, you’ll have to advise them on whether to travel to Thirdborn or Paradis, which will have the same knock-on effects.

Unlike the other outcome, however, you’ll still have access to the city, including all merchants selling their usual wares, side quests you may not have completed (or picked up yet), and bounties. 

That makes heading to the Waterfall Cave early pretty worthwhile — not to mention effective in preventing a war crime. Not a bad detour!

For more Avowed guides, make sure to pick up all the Totem of Defiance pieces before you leave Emerald Stair, and check out our walkthrough for the “Memory of Deep” side quest.