This guide will help you understand both choices—lighting the pyre or saving the prisoner—in the Crimson Cave side quest from Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
While playing the Crimson Cave side quest, you’ll meet a character called Mehrunes’ Harbinger. When you talk to him, he will ask you to burn the Imperial prisoner in the cage by lighting the fire underneath.
You have two choices: No matter which option you choose, you’ll get the same outcome and rewards.
- Light the fire and burn the Imperial.
- Fight and defeat all the Mythic Dawn members instead.
Light Pyre
After you follow her command, she says you’ve pleased her lord. You will act as a herald of his coming and wear his attire. If you ever need more, just call her to make it—because it’s too powerful for regular people to craft.
You can then summon her via the magic menu. When she appears, talk to her to get your special DLC rewards. You’ll be able to choose powerful gear, like the Cataclysm Armor and Weapon.
Save Prisoner
Even if you choose to save the prisoner by defeating all the Mythic Dawn members, the ending will stay the same.
Mehrunes’ Harbinger will tell that she enjoyed watching you bring disaster to those too weak to follow Lord Dagon or protect themselves from you,” she says. “You may think you’re fighting against him, but he is eternal and will always win. The Prince of Destruction now rewards you with powerful gear, made for someone as fierce as you. This gear is too strong for normal people to create, so if you ever need more, you must summon me again.
