If you're an avid player of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you might have heard of or perhaps already embarked on the Shield of Arrav quest. One of the original quests that has withstood the test of time, it offers a mix of historical value, team collaboration, and in-game rewards. This guide will delve into the intricacies of the quest, providing you with all the information you need to uncover the secrets and complete the Shield of Arrav quest efficiently.
Introduction to the Shield of Arrav Quest
Launched back in 2001, the Shield of Arrav quest has become a staple for many RuneScape veterans due to its unique team requirement. It introduces players to the concept of teamwork in an otherwise solo gameplay setting. In this adventure, you'll join forces with either Phoenix Gang or Black Arm Gang to retrieve the legendary shield once owned by Arrav, a figure from Varrock's history.
Quest Prerequisites:
Before you dive into the quest, make sure you meet these requirements:
- Quests: None required.
- Skills: A low Thieving level can help, but isn't mandatory.
- Items: 20 Bronze arrows, 10 coins, a suitable weapon, and armor (recommended).
Getting Started
Talking to Reldo
Begin your journey by speaking to Reldo in Varrock Castle's library. He'll provide you with the quest's backstory and give you your first task.
**Reldo’s Dialogue**:
- *Reldo*: "Ah, you've come for knowledge. Well, there's a tale of a legendary shield, the Shield of Arrav. Have you heard of it?"
- *You*: "Tell me more, Reldo."
- *Reldo*: "It was stolen by a gang leader named **Curry** during the Battle of Ardougne, and it's rumored to be split into two parts. You might be able to help retrieve it."
Choosing a Gang
Upon talking to Reldo, you'll need to choose a gang:
- Phoenix Gang: Offers a quicker but riskier method of completing the quest.
- Black Arm Gang: Involves less risk but requires patience in coordination.
Phoenix Gang Quest Walkthrough
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Joining Phoenix Gang:
- Head to Varrock Square and talk to Charlie near the Blue Moon Inn. He'll ask you to kill the headless bear in level 11 Wilderness. This is your initiation.
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Finding the Half of the Shield:
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After joining, enter the Phoenix Gang hideout in Varrock and talk to Straven for further instructions. He will send you to Jonny the Beard's house to eavesdrop or steal the shield half.
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Eavesdrop or Steal the shield half from Jonny the Beard. Be cautious as Jonny might detect you, leading to potential combat.
<p class="pro-note">🎮 Pro Tip: To avoid detection, wait for Jonny the Beard to leave his house, then pickpocket him outside to reduce the chance of getting caught.</p>
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Completing the Quest with Phoenix Gang:
- Return the half to Straven, who will reward you with a share of the Phoenix's loot.
Black Arm Gang Quest Walkthrough
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Joining Black Arm Gang:
- Find Katrine at the Black Arm Gang hideout, southeast of Varrock. She will test your loyalty by sending you to steal from the fur trader.
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Finding the Half of the Shield:
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Once inside the gang, Katrine sends you to the rival gang's hideout. You must find a way in by distracting the Phoenix Gang guards:
- You could wear their gang uniform or use a distraction.
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Once inside, locate the shield half without getting caught.
<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: To prevent any confrontations, either sneak in through the back door or use the Phoenix Gang uniform disguise to blend in.</p>
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Completing the Quest with Black Arm Gang:
- Deliver the half back to Katrine. She'll reward you for your efforts.
Combining the Shield Halves
Meeting Your Partner
To complete the quest, you need both halves of the shield. Here's how to proceed:
- If you joined the Phoenix Gang, you'll need to trade your half with someone from the Black Arm Gang, and vice versa.
Exchanging Halves
Coordinating the Exchange:
- Join relevant forums, use in-game chat, or collaborate with friends to find a partner with the other half.
**In-Game Chat Example**:
- *You*: "Anyone completed the Shield of Arrav quest and want to swap halves?"
- *Player*: "I have the Black Arm Gang half, let's meet at Varrock Square for trade."
Final Steps
- Return to Reldo: Once both halves are united, return to Reldo to receive your quest rewards:
- 1 Quest Point
- 600 coins
- 450 Thieving experience
Tips for Completing the Quest
Choosing Your Gang
- Consider your play style when choosing a gang. Phoenix offers a faster completion but with more risk, while Black Arm is slower but requires less direct confrontation.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Teamwork is key. Ensure you communicate effectively with your partner or fellow gang members.
- Stay alert. Even in the most peaceful gang, you're not completely safe from being caught or attacked by rival gang members.
<p class="pro-note">🚨 Pro Tip: Keep your gear well-optimized before entering the Wilderness or gang hideouts to avoid losing valuable items.</p>
Troubleshooting
- If you're stuck, double-check you've completed all the steps, or ask for help in forums or chat.
- If your partner disappears or you can't coordinate, remember that multiple attempts are sometimes necessary for such quests.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
The Shield of Arrav quest not only introduces players to the deeper lore of OSRS but also emphasizes the importance of cooperation, something not often highlighted in other quests. Here's a recap of what we've covered:
- Choosing your gang based on your playstyle and risk tolerance.
- Strategizing and executing the retrieval of the shield halves.
- Coordinating with others to trade shield halves and complete the quest.
- Reaping the rewards and understanding the quest's value in the grander scheme of your OSRS journey.
Don't let the adventure end here. Continue exploring Varrock, perhaps delve into more Varrock-based quests, or see what else the gangs have to offer in your adventures. The world of OSRS is vast, and there are always more secrets to uncover.
<p class="pro-note">🏆 Pro Tip: After finishing this quest, consider looking into the other Varrock-themed quests to deepen your understanding of the city's lore and increase your skills.</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I complete the Shield of Arrav quest solo?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While it's technically possible to complete the quest alone by trading with someone on a different account, it's not designed to be done this way. It's meant to be a teamwork exercise.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I forget the shield half?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If you lose or forget the shield half, you'll need to re-obtain it through pickpocketing or retrieving it from the gang hideout.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do I need to choose a specific gang for any in-game advantages?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, there are no long-term advantages tied to which gang you choose. The choice is based on how you prefer to complete the quest.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>