The Giant Dwarf OSRS How Many Tasks Guide for Players

The Giant Dwarf OSRS How Many Tasks Guide for Players

Embarking on The Giant Dwarf quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) introduces players to the dwarven city of Keldagrim and its intricate Consortium politics. A common question among players is, “How many tasks are there in The Giant Dwarf quest?” This comprehensive guide dives into the task structure, breaks down each phase, and provides tips to streamline your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new player, understanding the task count and mechanics will help you complete this quest efficiently.

The Giant Dwarf is the first quest in the Rise of the Red Axe series, centered around repairing a statue of King Alvis after a boat crash in Keldagrim. The quest blends crafting, thieving, and diplomacy, with tasks assigned by various NPCs, including a pivotal section involving the Consortium companies. It requires skills like 12 Crafting, 16 Firemaking, 33 Magic, and 14 Thieving, making it accessible for mid-level players.

Why Task Count Matters

Knowing the number of tasks helps players prepare resources, manage time, and avoid frustration. The Consortium tasks, in particular, can feel repetitive, so understanding their structure is key to staying efficient.

Breaking Down the Quest Phases

The quest can be divided into distinct phases, each with specific objectives. While not all phases involve “tasks” in the traditional sense, the Consortium section is where players encounter repeatable assignments. Let’s explore each phase to contextualize the task count.

Starting the Quest and Meeting Blasidar

To begin, speak to the Dwarven Boatman east of Rellekka (fairy ring code DKS). A cutscene follows where your boat crashes into the statue, leading to your arrest by Commander Veldaban. He tasks you with helping Blasidar the Sculptor rebuild the statue. This initial phase has no repeatable tasks—just dialogue and travel.

Gathering Items for the Statue

Blasidar needs three items: exquisite clothes, boots, and a dwarven battleaxe. Collecting these involves mini-objectives, but they aren’t counted as Consortium tasks:

  • Exquisite Clothes: Visit Vermundi in east Keldagrim. Find a book on dwarven costumes in the library, repair her spinning machine with logs and coal, and pay 200 coins.
  • Exquisite Boots: Speak to Dromund north of the bank. Steal the left boot when he’s not looking and use Telekinetic Grab (33 Magic) for the right boot through the window.
  • Dwarven Battleaxe: Obtain an axe from Santiri in northwest Keldagrim, add three sapphires, and have Thurgo (south of Port Sarim) repair it with an iron bar. If you haven’t completed The Knight’s Sword, you’ll need a redberry pie and to consult Reldo in Varrock.

These steps are fixed and don’t involve the Consortium’s randomized tasks.

The Consortium Tasks Explained

The core of the “how many tasks” question lies in the Consortium phase, where you work for one of eight mining companies (excluding The Red Axe) to join their ranks and support their director at a meeting. This section involves fetching ores and bars, and the number of tasks varies based on player choices and game mechanics.

Choosing a Company

Head to the marketplace’s upper floor and speak to a secretary from The Blue Opal, Brown Engine, Green Gemstone, Purple Pewter, Silver Cog, White Chisel, or Yellow Fortune. Your character’s gender may limit some choices, so try different secretaries if needed. Pro Tip: Wearing full H.A.M. robes when joining The Purple Pewter grants a 20-point progress boost, potentially reducing tasks.

Secretary Tasks

The secretary assigns you to fetch specific ores (e.g., copper, tin, iron, coal, or mithril) within a time limit. You typically need to complete four tasks to progress to the director, though this can vary:

  • Ore Requirements: Ores must be unnoted. Stockpile five of each ore type in your bank or buy them from Ordan at the Blast Furnace to save time.
  • Task Skipping: If you don’t have the requested ore, click the secretary again before closing the dialogue to get a new task. Refusing too many tasks lowers your hidden progress score, potentially requiring more than four tasks.
  • Efficiency Tip: Fill your inventory with one ore type (e.g., copper) and keep requesting tasks until the secretary asks for it, minimizing trips.

Director Tasks

After completing enough secretary tasks, speak to the company’s director, who assigns bar-fetching tasks (e.g., bronze, iron, steel, or mithril). You typically need two to three tasks, but like with the secretary, refusing tasks can increase the count:

  • Bar Requirements: Bars must be unnoted. Pre-smith or buy bars to avoid delays, as directors don’t allow dialogue resets like secretaries.
  • Progress Check: The director may hint at joining the company after two tasks. If prompted, say you want to join and mention Blasidar sent you.

Total Task Count

On average, players complete:

Phase Typical Task Count Notes
Secretary Tasks 4 Can increase to 5–6 if you refuse tasks frequently.
Director Tasks 2–3 Usually 2, but up to 3 if progress is low.
Total 6–7 Varies based on efficiency and refusals.

Important: Always speak to Blasidar before starting Consortium tasks, or progress may not register, leading to indefinite tasks.

Tips for Completing Tasks Efficiently

The Consortium tasks can be tedious, but these strategies will help you minimize effort and time:

Preparation Is Key

Before heading to the marketplace:

  • Bank Setup: Store 5–10 of each ore (copper, tin, iron, coal, mithril) and bar (bronze, iron, steel, mithril) in Keldagrim’s bank.
  • Teleport Options: Use a Varrock teleport, Amulet of Glory, or fairy ring (DKS) to move quickly between locations.
  • Magic Setup: Bring runes for Telekinetic Grab and Superheat Item if you plan to smelt bars on the go.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Players often stumble in the Consortium phase. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Don’t Refuse Excessively: Each refusal lowers your progress score, potentially adding tasks. Only skip if you lack the exact ore or bar.
  • Check Dialogue: Read what the secretary or director requests to avoid fetching the wrong item.
  • Talk to Blasidar: Failing to do so before tasks can bug your progress, forcing you to restart the phase.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

Maximize efficiency with these tricks:

  • Blast Furnace Shortcut: Buy ores and bars directly from Ordan to avoid mining or smelting.
  • Inventory Trick: Carry noted ores, sell them to the general store downstairs, and buy back unnoted versions as needed.
  • Skip Cutscenes: The final Consortium meeting cutscene (4 minutes) can be skipped by refusing to attend, with notes provided afterward.

Final Steps and Rewards

After completing the Consortium tasks, join the company, tell the director Blasidar sent you, and return to Commander Veldaban (west of the bank). Choose to attend the meeting for a cutscene or skip it for a summary. The quest concludes with the statue rebuilt, its head reflecting your chosen company.

Quest Rewards

Completing The Giant Dwarf grants:

  • Experience: 2,500 Crafting, 2,500 Thieving, 1,500 Magic, 1,500 Firemaking, 1,500 Mining, 1,500 Smithing.
  • Access: Keldagrim’s mine cart system and the ability to work for your chosen company.
  • Items: Exquisite clothes, boots, and a restored dwarven battleaxe.

Impact on Future Quests

This quest unlocks Another Slice of H.A.M. and Forgettable Tale of a Drunken Dwarf in the Red Axe series, making it a gateway to deeper dwarven lore and rewards.

In summary, The Giant Dwarf typically involves 6–7 Consortium tasks (4 secretary, 2–3 director), with additional fixed objectives for gathering statue items. By preparing resources, avoiding refusals, and using shortcuts, you can breeze through Keldagrim’s challenges. Ready to rebuild that statue? Grab your ores and dive into the dwarven capital!