Fior mes Ivèrno stands on the brink of annihilation in Avowed, its fate sealed by a hidden threat most players never see coming. But what if you could rewrite that destiny? Discover the secret steps, overlooked by many, that let you storm a concealed cave and save this pivotal city-changing not just the map, but the entire course of your adventure.
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, you can save Fior mes Ivèrno in Avowed, but only if you act before completing the main quest “Ancient Soil.” To do this, you must first start the “Steel Resolve” side quest, which is triggered by freeing Ranger Verano in the Emerald Stair region. During this questline, you’ll uncover the Steel Garrote’s plot to destroy Fior mes Ivèrno and learn about their hidden camp in a waterfall cave west of the city. You must locate and clear out this Steel Garrote camp before advancing the main story. If you eliminate the threat in the cave, Fior mes Ivèrno will survive the assault, though the city will still suffer some losses during the ensuing battle. If you delay and finish “Ancient Soil” first, the city will be burned and lost for the rest of your playthrough, making this side quest a crucial step for those who want to save Fior mes Ivèrno and unlock the related achievement.
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
To save Fior mes Ivèrno in Avowed, you must act before completing the “Ancient Soil” main quest. The key is to locate and clear out the hidden Steel Garrote camp inside a waterfall cave west of Fior mes Ivèrno. This cave can be found near the Wildwoods Outskirts party camp. You can discover the location by following hints from the “Steel Resolve” side quest, but you do not need an explicit quest marker to proceed-simply head to the cave, defeat the Garrote soldiers inside, and ensure you eliminate their leader, Captain Weyth. If you handle this threat before advancing the main story, the city will survive the attack, though it will still face some losses. Failing to intervene in time will result in Fior mes Ivèrno being burned and lost for the rest of your playthrough.

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 successfully save Fior mes Ivèrno in Avowed, the town avoids being burned to the ground by the Steel Garrote, preserving it as a key location for the rest of your playthrough. While Fior mes Ivèrno will still come under attack, your intervention weakens the Steel Garrote forces enough that the city’s defenders can repel them, preventing its destruction. This outcome not only keeps the town accessible for future quests and exploration but also unlocks the secret “Fior Extinguisher” achievement, marking a significant alteration to the main narrative and providing long-term benefits to your journey in the Emerald Stair region.

If you clear out the Waterfall Cavebefore 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.
What secret strategies can I use to prevent Fior mes Ivèrno from burning
Secret Strategies to Prevent Fior mes Ivèrno from Burning in Avowed
Start the Steel Resolve Side Quest Early
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Begin by freeing Ranger Verano, which triggers the Steel Resolve side quest. This questline is essential and must be started before progressing too far in the main story, especially before the “Ancient Soil” quest.
Locate the Steel Garrote Hideout
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Through the quest, you’ll be directed to Ranger Captain Acierno at the Ranger Tower, and then to Rangers Casagrada (by the docks) and Dorso (at the city entrance). While Casagrada is a red herring, Dorso will eventually point you toward the Ogre’s Cave in the far northwest, near the Grim Wetlands.
Attack the Waterfall Cave Before Ancient Soil
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The Steel Garrote’s secret camp is hidden in a waterfall cave west of Fior mes Ivèrno. Enter this cave and eliminate every member of the Steel Garrote before you start or complete the “Ancient Soil” main quest. If you wait until after this quest or see the city already burning, it is too late to save Fior mes Ivèrno.
Reject Bribes and Spare No One
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During the confrontation, the Steel Garrote may attempt to bribe you. Reject any offers and ensure you kill every member in the camp, as leaving even one alive will result in the city burning later.
Report Back to Complete the Quest
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After clearing the camp, return to Ranger Captain Acierno and finish the side quest. This will secure Fior mes Ivèrno’s safety and unlock the secret “Fior Extinguisher” achievement.
Key Tips for Success
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Do not delay: Completing the side quest and clearing the camp must be done before progressing with the main storyline.
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Check the city after exiting Naku Tedek: If the tallest tower still glows purple and there are no large fires, you’ve succeeded.
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Skipping any steps or sparing Steel Garrote members will doom the city to destruction.
By following these secret strategies, you can prevent Fior mes Ivèrno from burning and dramatically alter the course of your adventure.
What hidden tactics can I use to stop the fire from starting in Fior mes Iverno
Hidden Tactics to Stop the Fire from Starting in Fior mes Iverno
1. Begin the Steel Resolve Side Quest Immediately
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Trigger the Steel Resolve side quest by freeing Ranger Verano or by visiting Ranger Captain Acierno at the Ranger Tower as soon as you reach Emerald Stair.
2. Prioritize the Waterfall Cave Assault
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The most critical tactic is to locate and clear out the Steel Garrote camp hidden in a waterfall cave east (some sources say west) of Fior mes Iverno. This must be done before you complete the “Ancient Soil” main story quest.
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To find the cave, follow the river upstream northeast from the Rootbound Godless Ruins until you discover the passage to the Steel Garrote hideout.
3. Eliminate Every Steel Garrote Member
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Upon entering the cave, kill all Steel Garrote members. Do not accept bribes or leave anyone alive, as even one survivor will doom the city to burn later.
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Clearing the camp will minimize the attack and prevent the city from being completely destroyed. While some damage may still occur, Fior mes Iverno will survive, and you’ll retain access to its merchants and unlock the secret “Fior Extinguisher” achievement.
4. Ignore Red Herrings
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When investigating, you can skip talking to Ranger Casagrada by the docks, as she is not involved. Focus on Ranger Dorso at the city entrance for the correct lead to the cave.
5. Complete the Quest Before Advancing the Main Story
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Ensure you finish the Steel Resolve quest and clear the cave before progressing with the Ancient Soil quest. If you see the city already burning, it is too late to intervene.
Summary Table
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Start Steel Resolve | Free Ranger Verano or visit Ranger Tower |
| Find Waterfall Cave | Follow Dorso’s lead, head northeast/upstream |
| Clear Out Steel Garrote | Kill all members before Ancient Soil quest |
| Ignore Casagrada | She is not part of the plot |
| Finish Before Ancient Soil | Do not delay main quest progression |
By following these hidden tactics, you can prevent the fire from ever starting in Fior mes Iverno and secure a better fate for the city.
