Introduction
Ever been caught off guard in the wilderness of Old School RuneScape? Picture this: you’re low on health, frantically trying to eat some food, and BAM! Your opponent slyly offers you what seems like a harmless piece of fish. Little do you know, it’s a cleverly disguised dose of poison, courtesy of…Poisoned Fish Food!
What exactly *is* Poisoned Fish Food in OSRS? It’s a unique and often overlooked item that allows you to inflict poison on unsuspecting players by combining it with various types of fish. While not a common sight in most PvP encounters, it offers a unique tactical advantage for those who are willing to put in the effort to acquire and utilize it. The primary function, of course, is to surprise your opponent and deal extra damage over time, potentially turning the tide of a battle in your favor.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about Poisoned Fish Food in Old School RuneScape, including the quest you need to complete to unlock it, the fish it can be used on, its effects, strategies for its use, and what makes it different from other forms of poison available in Gielinor.
Gaining Access: The Rogue Trader Miniquest
Before you can start slipping poison into unsuspecting players’ lunchtime, you’ll need to prove your worth to a shady merchant. Your journey to becoming a master of Poisoned Fish Food begins with the Rogue Trader miniquest.
This quest isn’t overly difficult, but it requires a minimum combat level, so new players may have to level up a bit before starting. To begin, you’ll need to head to Port Khazard and speak to the Rogue Trader himself. He’ll assign you several tasks, which involve smuggling goods between ports, such as Port Khazard, Port Sarim, and Catherby.
The key element in unlocking Poisoned Fish Food is progressing through the miniquest until you reach a certain point in the storyline where the Rogue Trader begins to offer it in his shop. Completing all his tasks isn’t necessarily required, but progressing far enough into the quest line unlocks the ability to purchase this sneaky food option.
Be prepared to sail the seas, deal with pirates, and navigate the treacherous waters of trade. Careful planning and a keen eye are essential for the miniquest. Remember that, while completing every task may not be necessary for unlocking the item, doing so might give you insights into the Rogue Trader’s shady business and make you a better prepared purveyor of Poisoned Fish Food!
Purchasing from the Rogue Trader
Once you’ve advanced far enough in the Rogue Trader miniquest, you’ll gain access to his hidden stock of goods, and amongst them, you’ll find Poisoned Fish Food. The Rogue Trader is conveniently located in Port Khazard, near the docks, so it’s easy to reach him from several teleport locations.
The cost of Poisoned Fish Food is relatively low, making it an affordable option for most players. The price fluctuates according to the current market prices. He may have a limited stock, so purchasing large quantities might require multiple visits.
Poisoning the Prey: How It Functions
Now for the juicy part: how does this stuff actually work? Poisoned Fish Food can be combined with a variety of fish found throughout RuneScape, turning them into deadly snacks.
The list of fish which may be combined with Poisoned Fish Food include: Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Pike, Salmon, Tuna, Lobster, Swordfish and Monkfish. This selection offers diversity in terms of both availability and healing potential, allowing you to tailor your poisoned treat to your opponent’s expected food choices.
Applying the poison is surprisingly simple. Simply use the Poisoned Fish Food on the desired fish in your inventory. The fish will then be transformed into a poisoned version, ready to be deployed on the battlefield.
When a player consumes a piece of poisoned fish, the effects are immediate. Firstly, the fish heals the expected amount of hitpoints, but upon digestion, the poison sets in.
The poison applied by Poisoned Fish Food is relatively weak. The initial damage will be quite low and will subsequently rise slowly in increments for the duration that the poison remains active. Anti-poison potions and other poison-curing methods will neutralise the effect of the poison.
Tactics and Strategies: A Poisonous Advantage
Where does Poisoned Fish Food truly shine? While it might not be a meta-defining item, it offers unique opportunities for players who think outside the box.
Edgeville PvP is a classic location for ambushes and surprise attacks. Offering an opponent a seemingly harmless piece of food amidst the chaos of battle can catch them completely off guard. Clan Wars provides another opportunity, if you can find a way to slip a poisoned snack to the enemy amidst the intense battles. In general PvP situations, the element of surprise is your greatest weapon.
Consider the following before entering battle. First, you’ll need to consider Inventory management: carrying both regular healing items and poisoned fish requires careful planning. Make sure you have enough of each to sustain yourself without being overburdened. Mastering the art of baiting Techniques is also key. Successfully convincing an opponent to eat the poisoned fish requires timing and deception. Finally, it’s important to recognize good targets: players who are low on health, distracted, or simply not paying attention are the most likely to fall for your trap.
As with any strategy, there are counterstrategies and risks to be aware of. A savvy opponent will likely carry anti-poison potions, neutralizing the poison’s effects. Also, there’s always the risk of wasting valuable inventory slots on an item that may not even be used. The success of Poisoned Fish Food relies heavily on the element of surprise. If your opponent expects it, they’re much less likely to fall for your trick.
Alternatives in the Poisonous Arts
Poisoned Fish Food isn’t the only way to inflict poison in OSRS. A wide range of poison options exist within the game.
Poisoned weapons, such as darts and knives, offer a more direct way to inflict poison in combat. These weapons can be effective, but they also require ammunition and may not be as subtle as a well-placed piece of poisoned fish. Certain spells, such as vulnerability, can apply poison directly to an opponent, but they require magic levels and runes.
So, why choose Poisoned Fish Food over these other options? The element of surprise is a major advantage. It’s a silent and sneaky way to inflict poison without giving your opponent any immediate indication of your plan. More importantly, it can sometimes bypass the Protect from Melee prayer, which is often used in PvP situations. This is because the poisoned fish still heals the target, triggering a food animation, even if they’re protected from melee damage. The poison damage comes as a later surprise.
Concluding Thoughts: A Tasty Trap
Poisoned Fish Food is a niche but potentially effective tool for players seeking a unique advantage in Old School RuneScape PvP. It requires some effort to acquire and master, but the element of surprise and the potential to bypass prayer protection can make it a worthwhile addition to your arsenal.
Remember, the key to success with Poisoned Fish Food lies in deception and timing. Experiment with different strategies, observe your opponents’ behavior, and learn to recognize the right opportunities to strike. Who knows? You might just become known as the most cunning poisoner in all of Gielinor!
Now, go out there, obtain some poisoned fish and see how it helps your gameplay. Please leave comments and share your own experiences on using poisoned food.
*Disclaimer: PvP in OSRS is inherently unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee of success. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential risks involved.*
