In Path of Exile’s Act 1, one of the side quests you’ll encounter is "A Dirty Job," which tasks you with fully clearing the Fetid Pool. Despite being optional, it’s a rewarding quest that can help you get accustomed to the game’s mechanics. Here’s a detailed guide on how to complete this quest efficiently.
Quest Name: A Dirty Job
Location: The Fetid Pool, near the Mud Flats
Objective: Clear the Fetid Pool of all undead and other monsters, including the boss Kadavrus the Defiler.
Rewards: Skill Book granting two Passive Respec Points
1. Start the Quest To begin "A Dirty Job," talk to Tarkleigh in Lioneye’s Watch after completing the "Mercy Mission" or entering the Fetid Pool. He’ll describe the disturbing situation and send you off to investigate.
Tarkleigh’s Dialogue: "Got a job for you, if you’re willing. There’s a pool near the Mud Flats that needs investigating. You’ll smell it before you see it. Stinks like a carcass in high summer. But that’s not the worst of it. Dead birds walking. Animals don’t rise up again the same as people do here. So if they aren’t raising themselves, what’s doing it for them? The answer’s in that Fetid Pool. Clear the place out and kill whatever’s raising those rhoas. We’ve got enough living dead to contend with already."
2. Travel to the Fetid Pool The Fetid Pool is located near the Mud Flats. Enter this area and start clearing out all the undead. Use the chat command /remaining to check how many monsters are left to kill.
3. Kill the Necromancer and His Minions The main threat in the Fetid Pool is Kadavrus the Defiler, a necromancer responsible for raising the undead. Focus on taking him down first. Be prepared for a challenging fight, especially if your character is not well-geared.
4. Wipe Out the Remaining Monsters After defeating Kadavrus, continue to clear the rest of the undead in the Fetid Pool. Notifications will appear in the chat when there are 5 or fewer monsters remaining.
5. Talk to Tarkleigh for Your Reward Once you’ve cleared the Fetid Pool, return to Lioneye’s Watch and speak to Tarkleigh. He will reward you with a Skill Book that grants two Passive Respec Points.
Tarkleigh’s Completion Dialogue: "A necromancer? Just the one, was it? Guess the bastard got a bit lonely, decided to make himself some pets. Well, good to see you don’t mind getting your hands good and filthy. Here… to mark a dirty job well done."
Completing "A Dirty Job" rewards you with a Skill Book that provides two Passive Respec Points, which can be incredibly valuable for adjusting your build as you progress through the game.