Icthlarins Little Helper OSRS Quest Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive guide for Icthlarin’s Little Helper, a captivating quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) set in the mysterious Kharidian Desert. This intermediate-level quest is the second in the Desert quest series, introducing players to the Menaphite demigod Icthlarin and the city of Sophanem, known as the City of the Dead. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through every step to complete the quest efficiently, with tips to avoid common pitfalls and maximize rewards. Packed with puzzles, combat, and a unique storyline, this quest is a must-do for unlocking Sophanem and earning valuable rewards like the Catspeak Amulet.
Icthlarin’s Little Helper immerses you in a tale of deception, divine struggles, and desert intrigue. You’ll infiltrate Sophanem, navigate a trap-filled pyramid, and uncover the schemes of Amascut, the Devourer. Before diving in, ensure you meet the prerequisites and gather the necessary items.
Quest Prerequisites
- Completed Quest: Gertrude’s Cat
- Combat Readiness: Ability to defeat a level 91 monster (Possessed Priest) and one random level 75–81 guardian
Recommended Skills and Stats
- Agility (35+): Helps with navigating pyramid traps
- Combat Level (50+): Eases boss fights
- Thieving and Woodcutting: Useful for minor tasks, though not mandatory
Required Items
Stock up on these items to avoid interruptions during the quest. Most are obtainable in-game or from the Grand Exchange.
| Item | How to Obtain |
|---|---|
| Cat (kitten, regular, overgrown, or hellcat) | From Gertrude’s Cat quest or inventory |
| Tinderbox | General stores or Grand Exchange |
| Willow log | Chop willow trees or Grand Exchange |
| Bag of salt | Slayer Masters, Grand Exchange, or Sophanem |
| Bucket of sap | Use a knife on an evergreen/regular tree with a bucket |
| Full waterskin | Shantay Pass (30 coins) or Grand Exchange |
| Linen | Raetul in Sophanem (30 coins) or Grand Exchange |
| Desert gear | Protects against desert heat |
Tip: Bring combat gear (melee recommended), food, and antipoisons for traps and enemies like scarabs and mummies.
Starting the Quest
The adventure begins in the scorching sands of the Kharidian Desert, near the Agility Pyramid. Follow these steps to kick things off.
Locating the Wanderer
Travel south of Pollnivneach or use the magic carpet system to reach the camp west of the Agility Pyramid. Look for the Wanderer near her tent, but make sure your cat is with you—she’ll react strongly to it.
- Speak to the Wanderer: Ask, “Why? What’s your problem with it?” when she fre3 freaks out about your cat. This dialogue option progresses the quest.
- Trade Supplies: Give her a full waterskin and a tinderbox. She’ll hypnotize you, transporting you to Sophanem.
Note: If you need to leave Sophanem later, use the hole in the eastern wall near locusts to exit and re-enter via rocks by the Wanderer’s tent.
Navigating the Pyramid
Once hypnotized, you awaken in Sophanem’s pyramid, a maze of traps and puzzles. This section is the quest’s core challenge, requiring focus and preparation.
Pyramid Traps and Obstacles
The pyramid is laden with dangers. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Wall Crushers: Move diagonally to avoid being squashed.
- Invisible Pits: Watch for subtle floor differences or use run energy (20% minimum) to jump pits safely. Falling deals 5 damage.
- Scarabs and Mummies: These enemies (levels 84–92) can poison you. Bring antipoisons and fight or run past them.
Solving the Tile Puzzle
At the west door of the burial chamber, you’ll face a 4×4 tile puzzle. Clicking a tile flips it and adjacent tiles. Your goal is to form the correct image (check nearby walls for clues).
- Strategy: Work systematically, starting from one corner. Trial and error may be needed.
- Reward: Solving it opens the door to progress.
Pro Tip: If you fail traps repeatedly, you’ll respawn at the pyramid’s start with minor damage. Use this to retry without dying.
Combat Challenges
The quest includes two mandatory fights. Gear up with melee armor, a strong weapon, and food to survive.
Fighting the Possessed Priest (Level 91)
This boss uses melee and has no special mechanics, making it straightforward.
- Tactic: Activate Protect from Melee, attack, and eat as needed. Low combat levels can use hit-and-run methods.
- Gear: Rune armor, a dragon scimitar, or similar works well.
Random Guardian Fight (Level 75–81)
You’ll face one of four guardians: Apmeken, Crondis, Scabaras (level 75, Magic or Melee), or Het (level 81, Melee).
- Apmeken/Crondis: Use Protect from Magic and melee them.
- Scabaras/Het: Protect from Melee is key.
- Tip: Safe-spot Het behind pillars if needed.
Note: Guardians hit harder since recent updates, so don’t underestimate them.
Completing the Quest
After battles and puzzles, you’re nearing the end. The final steps involve divine intervention and tying up loose ends.
Returning the Canopic Jar
You’ll find yourself with a Canopic Jar, stolen under Amascut’s hypnosis. Return it to the priests, but expect complications.
- Speak to the Sphinx: With your cat, converse to gain clarity on Klenter’s soul and your actions.
- Embalmer Tasks: Gather linen, salt, and sap for the ceremony. Buy linen from Raetul and salt from Slayer Masters if needed.
- Icthlarin’s Intervention: A cutscene shows Icthlarin, god of the dead, freeing you from Amascut’s spell.
Final Dialogue and Rewards
Exit the pyramid and speak to the High Priest to wrap up. Equip your Catspeak Amulet and talk to your cat for extra lore about Amascut and Icthlarin.
Rewards:
- Experience: 4,500 Thieving XP, 4,000 Agility XP, 4,000 Woodcutting XP
- Items: Catspeak Amulet (lets you talk to cats)
- Access: Sophanem city and magic carpet rides to Pollnivneach/Menaphos
- Quest Points: 2
Post-Quest Tip: Use the Catspeak Amulet to chat with Bob the Jagex Cat for a fun nod to Zaros.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Maximize efficiency and avoid frustration with these pointers.
Preparation Hacks
- Bank in Nardah: Restock via magic carpet if you run low on supplies.
- Energy Potions: Boost run energy for pit-jumping.
- Teleport Options: Nardah scrolls or fairy rings (code DLQ) speed up travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Your Cat: You can’t start without it, and it must stay in your inventory or follow you.
- Ignoring Poison: Scarabs and mummies hit hard—antipoison is a lifesaver.
- Dropping the Jar Early: Hold onto the Canopic Jar until instructed to return it.
Post-Quest Opportunities
Completing Icthlarin’s Little Helper unlocks:
- Pyramid Plunder: A Thieving minigame in Sophanem for great XP.
- Desert Quest Series: Progress to quests like Contact! and Smoking Kills.
- Sophanem Shops: Access to Raetul’s cloth and other resources.
Fun Fact: The quest’s story ties into the larger Menaphite pantheon, hinting at Amascut’s schemes in later quests.
Icthlarin’s Little Helper is a gem in OSRS’s quest catalog, blending lore, combat, and puzzles in the haunting sands of Sophanem. With this guide, you’re equipped to conquer the pyramid, outwit Amascut, and claim your rewards. Ready to become Icthlarin’s champion? Grab your cat and dive into the desert adventure today!