Hazeel Cult OSRS: Which Side Should You Choose?

If you’re diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and tackling the Hazeel Cult quest, you’re in for a unique experience. Released on August 15, 2002, this novice-level quest stands out due to its moral ambiguity, offering players a choice between two distinct paths: the “good” side, aiding the Carnillean family, or the “evil” side, supporting the Hazeel Cult. But which side should you pick? In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the Hazeel Cult OSRS quest, break down both sides, analyze their rewards, implications, and lore, and help you decide what aligns best with your playstyle and goals. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a completionist, or just chasing XP, this guide has you covered.

The Hazeel Cult quest introduces players to Hazeel, a Zamorakian Mahjarrat in a state of torpor, and pits you between two opposing factions: the aristocratic Carnillean family and the cultists seeking to revive their dark lord. Set in East Ardougne, this quest is notable for its dual narrative paths, a rarity shared only with the Temple of Ikov quest. Your decision affects not only the quest’s outcome but also has minor ripples in later quests like Secrets of the North. With no strict skill or quest prerequisites, it’s accessible to most players, though siding with Ceril requires defeating a level 13 enemy.

Quest Basics and Starting Point

To begin, head to the Carnillean Mansion, located southwest of East Ardougne Castle. Speak to Sir Ceril Carnillean, who complains about cultists stealing his family’s armor. From there, your journey takes you south to a cave near the clock tower, where you meet Clivet, a cult member who offers an alternative perspective. This is where the pivotal choice comes into play.

Why the Choice Matters

Unlike most OSRS quests with a linear “hero saves the day” storyline, Hazeel Cult forces you to weigh morality, rewards, and future consequences. Your decision shapes your character’s alignment—will you uphold justice with the Carnilleans or embrace chaos with the cult? Let’s dive into each side to see what they offer.

Siding with Ceril Carnillean: The “Good” Path

Choosing to help Ceril Carnillean aligns you with the traditional heroic route. You’re tasked with recovering the stolen Carnillean armor and thwarting the cult’s plan to resurrect Hazeel. This path is shorter and involves combat, making it appealing for players who enjoy a quick resolution with a tangible reward.

Walkthrough of Ceril’s Side

Here’s a step-by-step look at siding with Ceril:

Start the Quest: Speak to Ceril Carnillean and agree to retrieve his armor.
Meet Clivet: Head to the cave south of the clock tower and refuse Clivet’s offer to join the cult.
Turn the Valves: Locate and adjust five sewer valves around Ardougne to access the cult hideout (Valve 1: right, Valve 2: right, Valve 3: left, Valve 4: right, Valve 5: right).
Confront Alomone: Board the raft, enter the hideout, and defeat Alomone (level 13) to reclaim the armor.
Expose the Butler: Return the armor to Ceril, then search Butler Jones’ room for evidence (poison and Hazeel’s mark) to fully complete the quest.

Rewards for Siding with Ceril

Opting for the Carnillean side grants:

1 Quest Point
2,000 Coins (plus an initial 5 coins if you expose the butler)
Carnillean Armor (decent early-game gear with +8 stab and slash defense)
5 Kudos (claimable from Historian Minas at Varrock Museum)

Pros and Cons of Ceril’s Side

Pros:

Faster completion time.
Combat experience from fighting Alomone.
Unique armor reward, useful for low-level players.

Cons:

No Thieving XP, which might disappoint skill-focused players.
Misses out on deeper Zamorakian lore.

Siding with the Hazeel Cult: The “Evil” Path

Joining the cult means aligning with Hazeel’s followers to resurrect the Mahjarrat lord. This path is longer, involves more steps, and leans into a darker narrative, appealing to players who enjoy role-playing a villain or exploring Zamorakian themes.

Walkthrough of the Cult’s Side

Here’s how to side with the cult:

Start the Quest: Speak to Ceril, then head to the cave and agree to help Clivet.
Poison the Dog: Use the poison Clivet provides on the range in the Carnillean basement to kill Scruffy the dog.
Turn the Valves: Adjust the five sewer valves as above to access the hideout.
Retrieve the Scroll: Speak to Alomone, then return to the mansion, search the basement crates for a key, and unlock a chest upstairs for the Hazeel scroll.
Revive Hazeel: Deliver the scroll to Alomone, triggering Hazeel’s resurrection.

Rewards for Siding with the Cult

Choosing the cult yields:

1 Quest Point
2,000 Coins (plus 500 from Hazeel)
1,500 Thieving XP
Hazeel’s Mark (a cosmetic necklace)

Pros and Cons of the Cult’s Side

Pros:

Thieving XP, great for skill training.
Deeper lore connection to the Mahjarrat storyline.
No combat required, ideal for low-level or pacifist players.

Cons:

Longer quest duration.
No armor reward, limiting gear benefits.

Comparing the Two Sides: Which is Better?

Deciding between Ceril and the cult depends on your priorities. Let’s break it down with a comparison table:

Aspect	Ceril’s Side	Cult’s Side
Quest Length	Shorter	Longer
Combat	Required (Alomone, level 13)	None
Rewards	2,000 coins, Carnillean Armor, 5 Kudos	2,000 coins, 1,500 Thieving XP, Hazeel’s Mark
Lore Impact	Minimal	Ties into Mahjarrat storyline
Difficulty	Slightly harder (combat)	Easier (no combat)

For New Players

If you’re new to OSRS, Ceril’s side might be the better pick. The armor provides a decent early-game boost, and the shorter runtime lets you move on to other quests quickly. However, if you’re training Thieving, the cult’s 1,500 XP is a significant early reward.

For Lore Enthusiasts

Lore lovers should lean toward the cult. Reviving Hazeel ties into the broader Mahjarrat narrative, influencing interactions in Secrets of the North and offering a glimpse into Zamorakian history. It’s a chance to embrace the darker side of Gielinor.

For Completionists

Completionists might want to experience both sides on different accounts, as the quest’s rewards (like the armor or mark) are one-time-only per account. The 5 Kudos from Ceril’s side also contribute to Varrock Museum achievements.

Lore Implications and Future Quest Ties

Your choice in Hazeel Cult has a subtle but noticeable impact on Secrets of the North, released in 2023. If you revive Hazeel, he appears in this later quest, offering unique dialogue and a sense of continuity. If you thwart the cult, Hazeel remains absent, altering some interactions. While the core outcome of Secrets of the North remains unchanged, siding with the cult enriches the Mahjarrat storyline, appealing to players invested in OSRS’s evolving narrative.

Moral Dilemma: Who’s Right?

The quest’s ambiguity is its strength. Ceril claims the cult stole his family’s legacy, but Clivet argues the Carnilleans stole their home from Hazeel. Historical context suggests Hazeel was a powerful warlord displaced by Saradominists, yet the Carnilleans’ wealth and arrogance paint them as unsympathetic. There’s no clear “right” side—only your perspective.

Final Verdict: Which Side Should You Choose?

So, Hazeel Cult OSRS: which side is best? It boils down to your goals:

Quick Rewards and Gear: Side with Ceril for the armor and a fast finish.
Thieving XP and Lore: Join the cult for skill gains and story depth.
Role-Playing: Pick based on your character’s alignment—hero or antihero?

Personally, I lean toward the cult for its Thieving XP and Mahjarrat ties, but both paths are worth exploring. Whichever you choose, Hazeel Cult offers a refreshing break from OSRS’s typical quest formula. What’s your pick? Let me know in the comments, and happy questing!