The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion features numerous side quests that test a player's detective skills and moral judgment, with Two Sides of the Coin standing out as a memorable storyline in Bruma. The quest begins when you learn about Jorundr, a jailed Nord accused of stealing a massive stash of gold, and Arnora, his wife who wants to recover the stolen wealth. Navigating this web of deceit requires careful dialogue choices and deciding whom to trust in the snow-covered city.
Starting the Quest in Bruma
To initiate the quest, speak with townsfolk in Bruma about recent rumors until they mention Jorundr's arrest. Head to the Bruma Castle Dungeon to locate Jorundr, who will initially refuse to speak with you unless you share a cell with him. Getting arrested for a minor crime like pickpocketing allows you to gain his trust while serving your brief sentence.
Once inside the dungeon, Jorundr reveals that he believes Arnora betrayed him to keep the stolen gold for herself. He requests that you kill Arnora as revenge before he will disclose the location of the hidden stash. Keeping up with daily gaming news can provide retro RPG enthusiasts with additional tips for managing complex quest lines in classic titles like Oblivion.
Confronting Arnora and Making Your Choice
After speaking with Jorundr, return to Arnora's house to present his demands and hear her side of the story. Arnora proposes a peaceful alternative where you fake her death using her amulet as proof to trick Jorundr. Taking this route allows players to resolve the quest without committing murder, though double-crossing either party remains an option.
If you choose to help Arnora, she will hand over her amulet so you can present it to Jorundr in prison. However, if you prefer a darker approach, you can attack Arnora directly and take the amulet from her corpse. Your choice impacts how the final encounter unfolds outside the city walls.
Locating the Stolen Treasure and Final Encounter
Bringing Arnora's amulet back to Jorundr satisfies his desire for revenge, prompting him to reveal the location of the hidden chest outside Bruma's gates. Travel to the designated spot near the city walls to dig up the stolen gold and valuable jewelry. Be prepared for an unexpected confrontation, as Tyrellius, a corrupt guard commander, will ambushing you near the chest.
Defeating Tyrellius resolves the final threat, allowing you to claim the chest contents without further interruption. If you spared Arnora, returning her share of the gold completes the quest honorably, though keeping the entire stash is also possible. The quest offers solid gold rewards, skill training opportunities, and a classic example of Oblivion's branching narrative design.
