You can save Fior mes Ivèrno from being razed by the Steel Garrote at the end of the quest Ancient Soil. We’ll tell you how to do it and what the consequences are for your decision.
If you aren’t big on exploration, you might have stepped out of the ruins of Naku Tedek in Emerald Stair to see Fior mes Ivèrno lit up like a bonfire, razed by the Steel Garrote. This terrible fate is avoidable if you find and defeat the Steel Garrote before they attack.
Various NPCs notice and remark about the Steel Garrote’s presence in Emerald Stair. Your biggest clues are the interaction with Captain Aelfyr when you first enter Fior and the Steel Resolve quest where you track down a treacherous killer in the Rangers’ ranks.
Waterfall Cave
The Steel Garrote are holed up in the Waterfall Cave at the fork in the river that flows around Naku Tedek and separates Fior mes Ivèrno from the Wildwoods.
Inside the cave, you can speak with a few guards who will threaten you to go away and forget what you’ve seen. If you follow their instructions, you will not save Fior.
To save Fior mes Ivèrno, you must eradicate the Steel Garrote inside the Waterfall Cave before entering Naku Tedek with Giatta during the main story quest Ancient Soil.
Should you stop the Steel Garrote in Emerald Stair
Saving Fior mes Ivèrno will grant you the Fior Extinguisher achievement, but Inquisitor Lödwyn will be furious if you choose to protect Fior mes Ivèrno.
Saving Fior will prevent you from getting the Tyranny achievement, which basically requires you to RP as a member of the Steel Garrote throughout the entire game.
You may also want to let the Steel Garrote attack Fior if your Envoy shares Aedyran disdain for animancy or you want to do the Debt of Blood side quest and get Carnet’s Cutlass.
That said, you will permanently lose access to the city of necromance and be unable to buy some Unique Weapons and Armor sold in the city, namely Minoletta’s Conduit, the Lodestone, and the Warmage’s Bracers. Just be sure to buy them before entering Naku Tedek with Giatta.
On the other hand, the Death Knight Armor and Boots are located inside the Waterfall Cave as well, and unless you’re stealthy, you’ll need to wait until after the Steel Garrote have attacked to enter the cave with less risk.
Regardless of your decision, after the Steel Garrote have (attempted to) attack, Xaurips will set up shop and you can clear them out without consequence.
