A Porcine of Interest OSRS Quest Guide and Insights
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of quests that immerse players in its rich world, and A Porcine of Interest is a standout for those eager to dive into the Slayer skill. Released in September 2020, this novice-level quest introduces players to a new Slayer Master, Spria, and a unique monster, the Sourhog. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer looking to complete every quest, this guide will walk you through the steps, rewards, and strategies to conquer A Porcine of Interest while optimizing your experience. Let’s explore this pig-themed adventure and why it’s a must-do in OSRS.
A Porcine of Interest is designed to make the Slayer skill accessible to new players, offering a low-barrier entry into one of OSRS’s most engaging mechanics. Set in the peaceful Falador Farm, the quest revolves around Sarah, a farmer plagued by a mysterious creature wreaking havoc on her crops and livestock. The quest’s name is a clever nod to “person of interest,” with “porcine” hinting at its piggish antagonist. With no skill requirements, it’s perfect for beginners, yet its rewards make it appealing for all players.
Why This Quest Matters
The quest introduces players to Slayer, a skill that combines combat with unique rewards. By completing A Porcine of Interest, you unlock access to Spria, a Draynor Village Slayer Master tailored for low-level players, and the Sourhog, a new Slayer monster. Its short length and engaging story also make it a fun addition to your quest log.
Quest Prerequisites
- Membership: OSRS membership is required to start the quest.
- Skills: No skill requirements, making it accessible to all.
- Items: Rope, knife or slash weapon (obtainable during the quest).
How to Start A Porcine of Interest
Getting started is straightforward, and the quest’s linear path ensures you won’t get lost. Follow these steps to kick off your adventure and help Sarah solve her farm’s troubles.
Step 1: Read the Notice Board
Head to Draynor Village and locate the notice board behind Fortunato’s Wine Shop. Reading it reveals Sarah’s plea for help with a “troublesome monster” at Falador Farm. This triggers the quest start.
Step 2: Speak to Sarah
Travel to Falador Farm, north of Port Sarim. Speak to Sarah, who describes a hulking creature attacking her cart near the crossroads north of Draynor Village. She suspects it’s hiding in a nearby cave and needs your help to track it down.
Step 3: Investigate the Cave
Grab a rope (available at the farm if you don’t have one) and head to the cave entrance north of Draynor Village, near the crossroads. Use the rope to enter the Sourhog Cave, where you’ll face the quest’s main challenge.
Defeating the Sourhog
The Sourhog, a level 37 monster, is the quest’s climactic foe. While not overly difficult, it has a unique mechanic that requires preparation. Here’s how to take it down efficiently.
Preparing for the Fight
Before entering the cave, ensure you have:
- Weapon: A knife or any slash weapon (except abyssal whip, tentacle, or dragon claws). A knife can be found in the farm’s shed.
- Armor: Basic armor like iron or steel for low-level players.
- Food: A few pieces of food (e.g., trout or salmon) for safety, though not strictly necessary.
Sourhog Combat Mechanics
The Sourhog uses a ranged attack that sprays gunk, requiring you to wear reinforced goggles (provided during the quest) to avoid accuracy penalties. Its combat level makes it manageable for most players, but its attacks can hit consistently if you’re unprepared.
Tips for Victory
- Stay Mobile: Move to avoid the gunk spray if you’re not wearing goggles.
- Use Protect from Missiles: If you have 43 Prayer, this prayer nullifies the Sourhog’s ranged attacks.
- Bring a Slash Weapon: The quest requires a slash weapon to finish the Sourhog, so don’t rely on other styles.
Once defeated, the Sourhog drops a key item to progress the quest. If you kill it with a katana, your character quips, “Nothing personal, pig,” a fun nod to internet memes.
Quest Rewards and Benefits
Completing A Porcine of Interest offers rewards that punch above its novice status, especially for players new to Slayer. Here’s what you’ll gain:
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Slayer XP | 1,000 Slayer XP to kickstart your training. |
| Coins | 5,000 GP for early-game purchases. |
| Slayer Points | 30 bonus Slayer points for use with Spria or Turael. |
| Sourhog Access | Unlocks Sourhogs as a Slayer task (15-50 per assignment). |
| Spria Access | New Slayer Master in Draynor Village for low-level tasks. |
Why These Rewards Shine
The Slayer XP and points are a huge boost for beginners, letting you skip early grinding. Access to Spria means you can start Slayer tasks without trekking to Burthorpe for Turael. Sourhogs are also a decent low-level task, offering moderate XP and loot like bones and hides.
Post-Quest Opportunities
After the quest, visit Spria in Draynor Village to wrap up the story and unlock her as a Slayer Master. She shares Turael’s task pool but can’t reset tasks, directing you to her father instead. This setup makes Draynor a convenient hub for early Slayer training.
Tips and Easter Eggs for A Porcine of Interest
Beyond the main questline, A Porcine of Interest is packed with charm and hidden details that enhance the experience. Here are some tips and fun facts to enrich your playthrough.
Maximizing Efficiency
- Teleport Options: Use an Amulet of Glory to Draynor Village or Explorer’s Ring 2+ for Falador Farm to save time.
- Stamina Potion: Bring one to reduce run energy depletion while traveling.
- Bank Nearby: Draynor’s bank is close for quick item grabs if needed.
Fun References and Lore
The quest is littered with pop culture nods:
- Simpsons Reference: Wearing gnome goggles during the Sourhog fight triggers the line, “My eyes! The goggles do nothing!”—a classic from The Simpsons.
- Wordplay: The quest’s title plays on “person of interest,” with “porcine” meaning pig-like, tying into the Sourhog’s identity.
- Examine Text: Checking the Sourhog’s corpse yields, “The pigger they are…,” a twist on “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
Lore-wise, the quest ties into OSRS’s Misthalin region, fleshing out Draynor Village and Falador Farm with new characters and threats. Spria’s addition also hints at future Slayer expansions for low-level players.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Weapon: Don’t bring an abyssal whip or similar; only slash weapons work for the final blow.
- Forgetting Goggles: Without reinforced goggles, the Sourhog’s gunk will lower your accuracy, prolonging the fight.
- Overpreparing: The quest is short, so don’t waste time gathering excessive gear or food.
A Porcine of Interest is a delightful blend of accessibility, humor, and utility, making it one of OSRS’s best novice quests. Its introduction to Slayer, generous rewards, and quick completion time ensure it’s worth your while, whether you’re chasing quest cape progress or just exploring Gielinor. Head to Draynor Village, read that notice board, and take down the Sourhog to claim your rewards. Happy adventuring!