Current RuneHQ Time: Saturday November 7, 2009, 7:46 am CST
Server: www1.gghq.net
Official RuneHQ Hallowe'en Event
Thursday, Oct 30, 2008
News ID: 00899
Night of the Slayers!
October is coming to an end, and the Events Team has one last event for this month that'll give you all a chance to make the creatures of RuneScape cower in fear! As you all should know, Halloween is considered one of the scariest nights of the year. So why not spend it in some of the scariest places in RuneScape?
We'll start out easy for our F2P friends and take them for a journey down into the Stronghold of Security to eat, drink, and destroy. There are many levels of the stronghold so you can test just how tough you are by venturing down as far as you can. As the night progresses, we'll start our P2P event in none other than Canifis. From there, we'll grab our gear and head to the Slayer Tower to begin the event. We'll start out killing all the monsters so we can make our way up the tower, but as everyone starts to arrive, our higher levels will begin to hold off the more dangerous beasts so that our weaker friends may progress up the top where we'll have our party.
While there you could chat with your friends, try your skill against some of the most dangerous monsters Canifis has to offer, or impress others with your scariest costume. Click here to discuss this event on the forums.
F2P Event Information:
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 6:00 PM CST (11:00 PM GMT)
World: 57
Location: Varrock Square
Clan Chat: Blade Rs3390
Requirements: None!
Recommended Items: Combat equipment, food, and a teleport.
P2P Event Information:
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 9:00 PM CST (2:00 AM GMT)
World: 60
Location: Canifis
Clan Chat: Blade Rs3390
Requirements: A Runescape membership and completion of the quest Priest in Peril.
Recommended Items: Combat equipment, slayer equipment, food, and a teleport.
If you are not registered on our Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
Maggie, a travelling witch, has come to southern Asgarnia for the holiday festivities, but she's in a bit of a spot. She needs an enchanted broom to finish her potion but her ox has a cold and can't be left alone. In Swept Away, you'll need to visit several nearby witches on Maggie's behalf – and solve a few puzzles along the way.
While you're in the neighbourhood, why not try out the Holiday Event: a bit of trick-or-treating in Draynor, Rimmington and Port Sarim. The towns are decked out in holiday décor and the villagers have treats to distribute to those wearing a suitable costume. If you're interested in some holiday garb, have a chat with Maggie: she's on the look-out for someone who can do a bit of trick-or-treating on her behalf.
Swept Away can be started by talking to Maggie, who is located south of Falador and east of the Crafting Guild. The quest will be available to all players for two weeks; after this time, it will only be available to members. The Hallowe'en decorations and trick-or-treating will only be available during the same holiday period. Any treats remaining in your bank or inventory after this time will disappear after Hallowe'en.
Mod Ingrid
RuneScape Content Developer
Summary
Where to start the Hallowe'en Event or Swept Away:
Speak to Maggie, south of Falador
Requirements:
None
In other news...
A large number of sound effects and changes to sound effects have been added, especially to capes and the skillcape emotes.
Human animations have been extensively modified to stop players appearing to glide around. You should also notice less 'clipping' with items like capes and armour when performing various actions or using emotes.
When you're dismissing a familiar, you can now right-click on the 'Dismiss' button. This will let you skip the confirmation screen, making it easier to dismiss the familiar during combat.
Fairy rings now have a larger clickable area. Previously, it was quite small and potentially difficult to click on, so we've enlarged it to make your journeys quicker.
Adding items to fill up compost bins should now be considerably easier. When you've used one item on the bin, your character will automatically attempt to put any further items of that type into the bin, saving you a bit of clicking.
Metarialus and Blandebir (the brewing chaps in Port Phasmatys and Keldagrim) will now offer to fill all your pots with yeast at once rather than making you go through their conversation for each pot. Using one beer glass on a barrel of freshly brewed beer will also make your character attempt to fill all their beer glasses without any additional clicking, and there's a newly installed water source in the brewery at Port Phasmatys.
Bounty Hunter Combat levels have been updated to reflect recent Combat level changes. The crater entrance requirements are now: 3-55, 50-100 and 95+ (all without Summoning).
Dragon dagger p++ should now be easier to find on the Grand Exchange. We've also taken the opportunity to change some adamant items to use "addy" at the start. This is only for the super poisoned items, namely arrows, daggers and spears.
QuickChat has now been given a predictive search feature to allow you to find the phrases you want more effectively.
A distant rumble has recently been heard just north of Baxtorian Waterfall...
Time again for another Ventrilo Karaoke Event. Join us Saturday for two fun filled sessions of krazy krooning from our talented RuneHQ Community. We will begin at 3pm and 7pm CDT (8pm and 12am GMT). To sign up, please visit the Ventrilo Karaoke thread on the forums to get a preferred spot on the singing list! Come share you voice talents or just listen in. For additional information, please check out the Ventrilo Karaoke thread.
Don't have Vent?
Even if you don't have a microphone, you can log in and just sit back to enjoy the show. Check out the RuneHQ Ventrilo Guide for more information on how to login. You will also need to Register on our Forums and Request a Ventrilo Account. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
We hope to see everyone there on Saturday!
PvP worlds have arrived! Are you ready to pit your combat skills against other players in the halls of the White Knights’ Castle? Are you prepared to fight to the death in the fields of Lumbridge? Well, now is your chance.
To get started, load up the game like normal (click here to read about the changes to the log-in system we've also released today), and then choose 'World Select' on the title screen. Then pick a world which has a tick in the 'skull' column to choose a PvP world. To avoid nasty accidents, if you let the game choose a world for you automatically it will never select a PvP world. Also note that you require a Combat level of at least 20 (not including Summoning) to get into a PvP world.
Before you are logged in, you will be warned that you are entering a PvP world which is a dangerous place: you will lose your items on death and you will not get a gravestone. Upon entering the world for the first time, you’ll be teleported to Lumbridge and given a manual to explain the finer points of PvP worlds.
Here’s a quick run-down of the features:
Fight players (within your level range) anywhere on the map, except in a few safe areas.
Safe areas include banks, respawn points and some guilds.
Level ranges are 10% of your Combat level, plus 5 levels. If you are fighting inside the Wilderness, the Wilderness level is added to this total. Your current attack range is shown on your screen at all times. (The 10% is measured from the higher of the two combatants’ levels.)
Skulling is back – same rules apply. If you initiate combat, you are skulled and on death you will lose all items, with the Protect Item prayer saving one item as normal.
Teleport Block is back in the normal spellbook.
Some minigames are available to play, others are not – please see the Game Guide for more details.
Death drops are back – new rules apply. Drops will be a mixture of items from the defeated opponent’s inventory and items from drop tables specific to PvP worlds. See below for details.
The quality of the drops you get when you PK someone depends on several different factors:
To get a reward from a kill, you also have to risk some items yourself!
To accumulate a possible reward, you have to risk a minimum of 75k of items on a members’ world, or a minimum of 25k of items on a free world.
Note that your three most valuable items won’t count as being risked unless you’ve been skulled, as you wouldn’t lose them.
The longer you spend on a PvP world (outside a safe area) with the required amount of items at risk, the better your possible rewards might become, to reward you for your risk.
The possible reward increases even faster and goes to a higher maximum if you go into a ‘hot zone’.
Note, however, that risking more than the minimum won’t improve your rewards faster, so it’s a good idea to take relatively cheap and useful items that won’t cost you too much to replace if you die.
When you get a successful kill, the exact reward you can claim depends on a number of other factors, including the level difference between you and the value of the items items lost by the dying player. Any unclaimed loot is saved for the next kills, so you don't have to worry about it being lost if you kill a low level player.
Don't despair if you are dying a lot and losing a lot of items. The game will detect this and improve your chance of getting decent rewards when you do eventually get a good kill.
The above is a simplified description of how it all works. To prevent cheating there are various other factors taken into account. We've calculated the rewards and rates very carefully, so that a successful PKer should be able to get a good income, and PKers who get lucky might find themselves with a good drop. Higher level players may also get higher rewards to reflect their increased earning ability when not PKing, such that PKing is still worthwhile for them. The aim is to make PKing a fun alternative (albeit very high risk) way of earning money in the game.
Included in the PvP-specific drop tables is a wide range of new combat equipment and XP-boosting gloves. Members will get access to level 78 items for all three corners of the combat triangle, including armour as well as weapons, and a new set of Ancient Magick spells. Non-members will get access to corrupt dragon equipment. To find out more about these items, please visit the Game Guide.
Have fun PKing!
Mod Benny
RuneScape Content Developer
In other news...
We've changed the way your Combat level is calculated, so that PKers aren't discouraged from levelling Summoning. It seemed a bit unfair that Summoning increased your Combat level everywhere but couldn't actually be used everywhere. Therefore, your Summoning is now only counted into your Combat level if you have recently summoned a creature or held a Summoning pouch. When you log in, you will see that your Combat level has been split into two numbers (e.g. '75+6'). The first number is your base Combat level, and the second is the potential extra available from Summoning. If you're holding a Summoning pouch or have a familiar, this potential will be added on taking you to your full level.
For example, if you are level 55, this might be shown as follows:
Without a familiar, a Summoning pouch, or having dropped a pouch recently: level 50+5
With a familiar, a Summoning pouch, or having dropped a pouch recently: level 55
Players in the same clan chat channel will now appear as purple dots on the minimap. This is the second highest priority after friends (green) and before other players wearing the same team capes (blue). Note: Being in the same clan won't remove the default attack option in the same fashion as a team cape!
Bogrog has expanded his enterprises even further and will now convert your spare Summoning spell scrolls to shards in a similar way to his already popular pouches to shards service.
The beacons scattered throughout the wilderness will now remember how many logs you've stored at each even after an emergency has arisen (quite literally).
The reward gloves from Fist of Guthix can now be used to pick nettles without injury. Also the Fishing gloves will now give the bonus experience for swordfish in Piscatoris.
Don't get your feathered headdresses all ruffled. You can now craft these useful bits of headwear using the Assist System in addition to the traditional way.
The Corporeal beast has become wise to your tricks and has gained a stomp attack that hurts players standing underneath him. Watch out!
15 October 2008 - Improvements to the game log-in process
Today we’ve streamlined the way you get into the game. The aim is to help you get playing more quickly with fewer pages to go through every time. To start the game, simply click one of the two new buttons on the front page (depending on whether you’re a free player or a member). You will then be taken straight into the game. Once the game has loaded, you will be able to (optionally) choose both your world and detail level directly from the title screen.
More details on the changes made:
World selection has now been moved entirely in game, so there is one less page to go through to start the game and you can get playing faster.
We’ve had a world switcher in-game for a while, but since it is now the main way of choosing your world, it was time for an upgrade. The in-game world switcher now shows lots of extra information, including suggested activities for various worlds.
This is the new-look log-in screen with World Select and Detail Select highlighted.
Automatic world selection. Just press 'Log in' on the title screen, and the game will automatically choose a suitable world for you. If you want to play on a specific world, just choose it from the world switcher first, and then press 'Log in'.
Favourite worlds. The in-game world switcher now lets you select up to 2 worlds as your favourites. For example, you could set one favourite as your non-PvP homeworld and one as your PvP battle world. Once you have set up your favourite worlds from the world switcher, you will see extra buttons for them directly on the title screen, you can then click on those buttons to go straight to your favourite world.
Members see less adverts. Because of the above changes, we’ve been able to remove adverts for members playing on free worlds – we hope you enjoy the change!
The detail selection option has also been moved into the game. Again, this means there is one less page to go through to start the game, and gets you playing faster. This also means that you can now switch modes more easily without having to reload the game. The game will remember your last selection, so you no longer have to keep making the same choice over and over again.
The 'safe mode' feature is now automatic. If your game fails to load for any reason, it will detect the failure the next time you load it, and automatically activate safe mode. If you want to force safe mode, then you can still do so by pressing the 's' key on your keyboard while the game is loading. Safe mode has also now been adjusted to only make the minimum changes needed to get the title screen to load: if you want to change any other options you should do so yourself from the 'Graphics Options' menu on the title screen before logging in. Your choices will then be remembered for next time.
Unsigned mode is automatic. We’ve removed the ‘unsigned’ option from the Java options menu. Don’t worry, you can still access the unsigned applet if you need to. We’ve made the selection process for it automatic. If the game cannot load in signed mode (either because you didn’t grant it permission, or your security settings do not allow you to grant it permission) it will fall back to the unsigned version, you don’t need to do anything for this to happen.
We have just launched a new RuneScape subscription pre-pay card in Target stores throughout the US. The card features exclusive art on the front and comes in two versions: 30 days' subscription and 90 days' subscription.
Once purchased, you can then use the PIN number on the back of these cards to subscribe to RuneScape. You can do this by clicking on ‘Account’ in the website’s navigation, choosing ‘Start/Extend Subscription’, logging in, selecting ‘Subscribe by RuneScape Card’ as your payment method and then accepting the terms and conditions.
Welcome all danger enthusiasts! This month the Events Team is working extra hard to bring you one of the best month of events... Ever! We have come up with something so amazing that your mouths will drop before you even know what it is. The main feature of this month is that we have planned multiple events each weekend, so there is something for everyone. Just when you thought that was good enough, we also made each weekend a different event, so it will always be as fresh as fruit. Check out this forum topic for more information and discussion.
Mini-Games Day
For the third event, we will visiting two mini-games - Trouble Brewing and Pest Control! Not only do you get to dress up as a pirate, but you can also help out the Void Knights and gain some experience along the way. We'll start the day with Trouble Brewing and alternate it with Pest Control. If you want to prepare ahead of time, take a look at the Trouble Brewing Guide and the Pest Control Guide.
Date: Saturday, Oct 25th
Start Times: We will visit each mini-game twice.
7:00 AM CST (12:00 PM GMT) - Trouble Brewing
11:00 AM CST (4:00 PM GMT) - Pest Control
3:00 PM CST (8:00 PM GMT) - Trouble Brewing
7:00 PM CST (12:00 AM GMT) - Pest Control
World: 60
Starting Location: Mos Le'Harmless Bank (Trouble Brewing) and the Void Knight Outpost (Pest Control)
Required Items: 40 Cooking and completion of Cabin Fever Quest for Trouble Brewing; 40 Combat minimum for Pest Control
If you are not registered on our Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
October is traditionally a month of scary surprises and toothache. This month will be no different when it comes to our Hallowe’en content, with a quest AND holiday event both to be available on the free servers. For scary surprises: how about entire worlds where you can PK and hunt other players to your heart’s content? That’s right, PvP worlds are coming! But first, a few words about how we’re going to update RuneScape in the future.
During the last six months we’ve been reading through the forums, talking to you in-game and running polls on the sorts of updates you really want. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that it’s the bigger, chunkier updates that really get you excited, those like the God Wars Dungeon or a new skill. These are the sorts of updates we found that you wanted to play. Updates that you want to go back to time and time again.
So, starting from this month, we’re changing the way we release content. From now on you’ll see one massive “headline update” (such as a Recipe for Disaster or a Castle Wars) every month. On top of that, there will still be a secondary release, much more like the size of update you’re used to right now. We’re also still committed to making sure that no two weeks pass without something new.
Basically, from now on our releases will be like this:
Four week months will have two updates: one big headline release and a secondary one.
Five week months will have three updates: one big headline release and two secondary ones.
So, on to this month’s updates...
PvP Worlds
Ever found yourself wanting to say, “Look, it’s my tree. If you don’t stop chopping it...I’ll chop you!” Sounds cool, right? Yeah, but where could you do it? And when? The answers are PvP worlds and October!
From log-in, those that are interested in PvP content will be able to join in on special PvP worlds. The danger on these worlds will be very clear from the first messages you see, ensuring that players never log onto these worlds by mistake. After all, we don’t want players accidentally getting involved with PKing (player killing) if they don’t want to. Normal, non-PvP worlds will still act just as they do now, so don’t worry if bashing others isn’t really your thing.
Those that want to get involved will find a number of differences to the usual set-up on PvP worlds. Firstly, you’ll be able to fight people pretty much anywhere, so long as their Combat level is similar to yours (within a certain range of levels). This means that almost everywhere is dangerous. Some places, like banks and respawn points, will be deemed “safe” and no combat will be able to occur there, and some of the minigames will be disabled (you won’t be able to PK team mates while playing Castle Wars, for example) but many will still be active. Other places, like Falador, Varrock and the entirety of the Wilderness, will be considered “hot spots” where the danger will be even greater and a higher concentration of opponents.
Now, onto the money side of things. Many of you will be aware of the RWT (real-world trading of RuneScape gold for money) reasons we changed the old Wilderness. We certainly can’t just bring that threat back to RuneScape, so we have devised a system that rewards players based on a variety of factors. This means that things such as risk, level of foe and location will help to calculate rewards. Drops will be determined by a combination of drop tables and some of the gear that your opponent drops. We will go into more depth about this on the day of release.
Hallowe'en
As well as changing things around with the headline updates, we also decided to change the way we do things with our holiday events. We wanted to make the most of the little bits of fun we have every year, and give the free-to-play game a taste of the content we release in the members’ world. This year, we will be releasing a Hallowe’en-themed quest as well as the traditional holiday event. This quest will be available to our free players for the two weeks around Hallowe’en, along with the holiday event itself, and members will be able to play the quest at any time (the normal holiday event will disappear after two weeks as usual). What’s it about? Well, you’ll have to wait and see, but expect some funky decorations to start appearing.
Spooky player letters and artwork will also await those strong of stomach...so be prepared.
Updates being released after October
In case that little lot isn’t enough for you, let’s take a few moments to talk about the headline content we’re releasing in the months after October:
Stealing Creation
Not long to wait now for this crazy combination for skillers and PKers. Can you and your team work together capturing resources and equipping your warriors? Will you avoid the multitude of threats bearing down on your safe haven? Will you try to make your own way to the higher level gear, or will you just PK and destroy your opponents’ hard work? Will you be able to keep the enemy at bay while stealing creation?
Mobilising Armies
Ever fancied assaulting a castle with your very own army? You will be able to hire a mercenary force to battle against three other players, complete set objectives and earn rewards. Mobilising Armies will be a fast paced tactical minigame allowing you to control your very own RuneScape army with troops made up of humans and other races. There will also be some special effects including dive bombing gnomes and giant catapults. Will you be up to the challenge?
From today we have doubled (in some cases tripled) the flexibility of the player trade system. All players will notice an increase in the amount they can trade with other players.
This means accounts with fewer than 10 quest points will be able to earn or lose up to 5,000 coins in wealth every 15 minutes from trading, free players will be able to earn a maximum of 10,000 coins every 15 minutes by completing the free quests and members will have access to a maximum of 60,000 coins per 15 minutes if they have 270 quest points. Your trade margin will increase with each quest point after 10 - for example, at 100 quest points you'll have a margin of 24,038 coins, and at 200 quest points you'll have a margin of 45,192 coins.
This was added to the game because we wanted to offer our players more flexibility when trading or helping friends out, without increasing the threat of real-world trading.
Mod Mark
Lead Designer - RuneScape
Note: Currently there are only 269 quest points available in the game, so no player will be able to reach the 60,000 coin margin until our next quest update, scheduled for a few weeks' time. The trade margin does scale up to that, though, so players a few quest points short of 270 will have a trade margin only slightly below it.
In other news...
We'd like to remind players that dangerous Clan Wars matches (including the dangerous free-for-all arena) now allow you to pick up some of your opponents' items to replenish your supplies - food, potions, runes and other ammunition - and that there are now NO gravestones in these arenas. This means that you will be unable to recover any items you drop, so only take items you don't mind risking.
Once more Evil Dave has left his mark on the Postbag, and has even sent us his favourite PORTRAIT OF TERRIFYING ARTISTRY.
If you've ever wondered about where he plots and schemes, wait no longer! In addition, he brings you a poem from a banker, a message from the KGP and several illuminating explanations from Juna.
Click here to witness Evil Dave's LETTERS OF EXTRAORDINARY WICKEDNESS.
Some of our members and staff have completed the newest quest, and can call themselves the true Defender of Varrock. We are proud to present you the newest addition to our range of quest guides, the Defender of Varrock quest guide.
Our thanks go out to Senug5 and everyone else who helped to defend the city of Varrock.
Captain Rovin is eager to recruit a bold adventurer for a scouting mission to the Wilderness. There's talk among the Varrock Guard of suspicious zombie behaviour and sightings of well-armoured zombies standing in organised formations. This isn't normal behaviour for zombies - they're much more likely to wander around aimlessly when left to their own devices. Could someone be controlling them?
There are tales of evil beings leading zombie armies in the past, and when they have, the city of Varrock has come under great peril, only standing firm through the brave resolve of the people and heroes of the city. This could become much more than a simple scouting mission.
"It’s a long time since I’ve written a quest and I’ve been working on this for a while now, so I’m excited about this update.
"I’ve created lots of back-story about RuneScape over the years so it’s good to have the opportunity to reveal more of it through my own quests. You may have noticed that the Legend of Arrav has some loose ends and I felt it was time to address those. I’ve tried hard to create a quest with some interesting puzzles and an exciting storyline. I hope you enjoy it."
Reading the Legend of Arrav in the Lores and Histories will give you a better appreciation of the storyline of the quest.
In Other News:
We’ve made some changes to dangerous Clan Wars fights. In such matches, you may be able to collect some of your defeated foes' items - food, potions, runes and other ammunition - assuming you can use them in the current battle (so you can't pick up food if the use of food has been disabled, for instance). Any such drops will affect both your and your victim's trade limit.
We’ve expanded the range of items that you can lend to other players. These include a small amount of newer Treasure Trail items as well as some old ones, dragon spears and most rune and granite armor and weapons. To see if the item you want is lendable, check the Game Guide for more information.
The bone grinder on the top floor of the Ectofuntus temple now works in a similar fashion to the ‘Grind-x’ mechanic. Making bonemeal should now be a little easier and stop you grinding your fingers to the bone!
The bracelet of regeneration has been given some combat stats to make it more attractive to use as an item. While this makes it more expensive, the bonuses should now make this a rather good choice for some types of combat.
The dwarves of Keldagrim don't only study bricks and mortar; they have been known to study combat too. This week's wallpaper shows an early attempt to understand the combat triangle.
Click here to access this great wallpaper and save it to your desktop.
The Players' Gallery returns and Postie Pete's in an eclectic mood. This time he's gone for a mix of different styles: from hand-drawn portraits to cubist landscapes.
Don't forget: with Hallowe'en coming up, we're looking for spooky pictures, so get them in soon if you want them included in the next Players' Gallery.
Are you having troubles with defeating this monstrous Beast? Our members and staff have succeeded in taking care of this beast an would like to help you out. We are delighted to present to you our Summer's End quest guide.
We would like to thank JoeC and Alfawarlord for writing this guide. Our thanks also go out to everyone else who helped with this guide.
Those who have completed Spirit of Summer will know that their work is half done. The Spirit Beast has begun to tear through the fabric of reality and threatens to lay waste to RuneScape. Summer and her family can't stop it alone, so you're needed to confront this powerful enemy.
Brave warriors who are courageous (or foolhardy) enough to take on such a challenge will be required to venture once more into the Wilderness, crossing into the Spirit Beast's realm. Here, you'll be the main thrust of a devastating attack on the beast. If you hope to survive, you'll need the Amulet of Ghostspeak, help from the spirit family, and plenty of food and run energy...
Level 23 Summoning
Level 23 Woodcutting
Level 35 Hunter
Level 45 Mining
Level 47 Firemaking
Level 55 Prayer Spirit of Summer
The ability to evade the blows of a level 700+ beast
A fairly high Hitpoints level and a higher Woodcutting level are an advantage
Access to:
Some interesting new equipment
In Other News:
The skillcape issue (where they appeared slightly off-white) took a little longer than usual to fix, as we found clipping and stretching issues in the QA testing process. Your skillcapes should now be cleaned and back to their original colours.
There is now a button below the World Map key that helps you to organise the key and how it is ordered. You can now toggle between the following options:
Traditional: this is the current, unsorted list of key icons.
Alphabetical: A-Z for finding what you're after easily.
Categorised: splits the key up into the following subcategories
'Game Features' such as quest icons or minigames.
'Shops/Trading' where you can buy or sell goods.
'Facilities' useful to help you with your adventures or training.
'Resources' such as tree locations or mining sites.
It's not often that we bring you news about FunOrb, but we think a number of games really warrant your attention. Each of these are free to play and only a few clicks away.
The first game we'd like to tell you about was only released a few days ago: Pool. Like many of the recent FunOrb releases, Pool's focus is on the multiplayer and, even though it's only three days old, it's already attracted a large community of pool players. A number of game types are available, including nine-ball and eight-ball variants, all played out on a wide selection of outlandish pool tables. There's also a single-player Time Attack mode for those that want to practise their skills.
Our second game is proving to be the most popular FunOrb title since Arcanists, so we reckon fantasy-loving RuneScapers will really enjoy it. Dungeon Assault casts you in the role of a dragon with two simple aims: to protect your hoard by constructing an elaborate dungeon, and to send raiders out to steal from other dragons. You can fill your dungeon with legions of beasts, hidden traps and guardians, making it incredibly difficult for your opponents to get to your gold. Once your stash is safe, recruit some raiders and take on players' dungeons to steal their gold.
Fans of tower defence-style games may also be impressed by Orb Defence. This takes the basics of the genre and turns the dial up to 11, bringing wave after wave of relentless enemies, a kaleidoscopic neon look, and hours of addictive gameplay.
Similarly pretty is Pixelate. It has a brand of gameplay that we have never encountered before, so we can only encourage you to get to grips with its reaction-testing puzzles and psychedelic style.
We couldn't part without mentioning the addition of global highscores to FunOrb, so your gaming feats can be recognised by the entire community. If you can get to the top on any FunOrb game, then you're a better gamer than any of us!
We plan to update you about FunOrb games in the future, but only if we think you'll really appreciate them. Indeed, a FunOrb game is planned that is based on the RuneScape universe, which might be right up your alley. Keep your eyes and ears peeled...
The popular Wilderness minigame, Clan Wars, has received a colossal update this week.
When you next challenge a player to a clan war, you'll notice a range of new options that better suits your battling tastes; for example, you can choose whether players are able to return to the fray after dying, how long the battle may last, how many kills are required for a victory, and even what combat styles are permitted during the fight.
You might wish to force an end to a battle if either team is reduced to five survivors. This avoids chasing down over-energetic die-hards who just won't stand still. Oh, and if you prefer real penalties for failure, you can choose to make players lose all of their items on death.
Beyond that, there's a selection of arenas featuring a variety of different landscapes, so you'll have more choice about where you'd like to fight. Do you prefer obstacles that block Magic/Ranged attacks or obstacles that don't? Do you like empty spaces without any obstacles at all? The original Clan Wars arena will naturally remain available, although some areas of it have become single-way combat zones.
For the more adventurous fighter, Clan Wars offers a pair of vast, free-for-all arenas. Just wander in, alone or with friends, and prepare to fight against anyone you meet. There are no combat restrictions in those arenas, so you'll have free rein to make your own entertainment!
Calladin, the Clan Wars custodian, has something new to offer as well. He'll let you set a friend (or enemy!) as your caller. When you're in a Clan Wars arena, any chat you receive from that player will be copied to your head-up display, so it'll be easier to spot their messages in the chaos of a battle.
So, set your favourite options and prepare to fight, warrior!
In Other News:
Herblorists may be pleased to hear that Bob Barter, the expert on herb prices who stands by the Grand Exchange, is now offering a new service. If you ask him nicely, he'll look through your inventory and try to combine your 3-dose, 2-dose and 1-dose potions into vials containing 4 doses. He even knows how to handle barbarian potions and calquat kegs.
If you use a chisel on a large block of granite, you'll now be able to cut it into smaller blocks for use as Summoning ingredients.
A convenient right-click option has been added to the ghost disciples around the Ectofuntus, to help players collect their tokens even when they don't have the Amulet of Ghostspeak.
One of the skeletal wyverns was appearing as level 158 rather than level 140, even though it was really no tougher than the other level 140 wyverns. It's had its level adjusted to match the rest; this will not affect its difficulty in combat.
Eniola, the banker at the Ourania Altar, will henceforth expect payment from players wishing to use his services to collect purchased items from the Grand Exchange.
Our Graphics team has been busily fixing yet more bugs, including the following:
The battle hood, obtained as a reward from Fist of Guthix, was appearing as green rather than purple in players' inventories. Its proper colour has now been restored.
Following this year's graphical update, players were finding that their computers had trouble rendering certain map areas, resulting in low frame-rates. We've made some cosmetic changes to various bits of scenery to reduce this problem.
When a female character wore Verac's helm, their head was appearing out of proportion to the rest of their body.
The bug lantern, used for killing harpie bug swarms, tended to render badly alongside certain leggings.
When combined with a highwayman mask, the cavalier hat was often appearing too high above the head of its wearer.
Players wearing the new ringmaster hat were finding their chat bouncing strangely above their heads.
The helmet obtained from the Drill Demon random event was causing players to lose their hair when they took it off.
Crab shell gauntlets were causing players' wrists to change colour!
If a player chose to wield an undead chicken during the Animal Magnetism quest - and who wouldn't wield such an item? - they'd sometimes find that the chicken appeared some distance from their actual hand.
The Zamorak banner, made in the workshops of players' houses, was stretching into people's heads.
The Bandos tassets were hanging down too much at the front, leading to graphical glitches.
The Amulet of Catspeak was incorrectly positioned on female characters.
Snakeskin vambraces were causing players' arms to move in unexpected ways.
The Saradomin, Zamorak and Guthix coifs, obtained as Treasure Trail rewards, were suffering from a problem that frequently caused players' heads to become transparent
RuneHQ Event, Tri-media Bowl, and Top 50 Clans list
Monday, Sep 08, 2008
News ID: 00885
September Official Event: The Chase
From the far corners of Runescape come the Events Team. Who are they? Where are they? If you accept this mission, then it will be up to you to find out. Are you brave enough to track them? Find them all and you will be rewarded. Join us this month for an exciting Chase of the RuneHQ Events Team Members. For more details or to discuss this event, visit the Official September Event Topic.
Members (P2P)
Non-members (F2P)
Date: Sunday, September 14th Time: 4:00 CDT (9:00 GMT) World: 60 Starting point: Entrance to Draynor Manor (not inside)
Date: Saturday, September 20th Time: 5:00pm CDT (10:00pm GMT) World: 55 Starting point: Lumbridge, sheep pen (north of castle)
Items required: None, though teleport runes/tablets/jewelry may help.
Objective: Solve clues, collect items from the ET members at each location, and take those items to the final destination.
Reward: For the first three players to show all the required items at the endpoint, forum gold and your name prominently displayed in the RuneHQ front page
If you are not registered on our Forums, just click here to go to the registration page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
~ RuneHQ Events Team ~
Vote in the Tri-media Bowl
The Tri-Media Bowl is in it's final voting period. Visit the Media Forums and vote for the next king or queen of media!
If you are not registered on our Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
~ RuneHQ Media Staff ~
RuneHQ's Top 50 Clan's List
Are you a member of a powerful clan and want to show off? Want to prove to the world that your clan is the strongest? If you answered 'yes' to either of those questions, check out RuneHQ's Top 50 Clans List.
This list ranks clans by how well they do in wars with other clans. Once you sign up, the rules are simple. Win a clan war and take that clan's place; lose and you will drop down a position. This list will be updated by the RuneHQ Staff.
There are a limited number of spaces left, so sign up soon.
~ RuneHQ Clans Staff ~
A Variety of New Guides and Updated Jagex Store
Friday, Sep 05, 2008
News ID: 00884
For the past few weeks our members and Site Editors have been working hard on writing guides. Below you will find a list of our newly published guides.
New Guides:
Learning the ropes: Having a hard time getting used to the world of RuneScape. This tutorial will tell you all about the basic of the game. Submitted by DarkBlitz. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
The Great Orb project: Submitted by diamondi3ack, Job is God, and Alfawarlord. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
Runecrafting Guild: Submitted by diamondi3ack, MysticEchos, and Job is God. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
Beacon Network: Submitted by Belgariad04, Alfawarlord, and Maonzhi. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
Bounty Hunter: Submitted by diamondi3ack. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
Gnomecopters: Submitted by Komnodragon1 and Bladerman970. Thanks to all the others for corrections.
If you would like to help with writing new guides or updating existing guides/items/person/monsters, then hop over to the Submissions Area on our Community Forums.
If you are not registered on our Community Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
Two weeks ago, we introduced USB wireless mice, hoodies, t-shirts and other goodies to the Jagex Store. This week, we can add to their number with four items for use at school, work or home:
USB flash drive
Backpack
Drawstring bag
Pencil case
Visit the Jagex Store to start filling up your shopping basket! Also, keep your feedback and suggestions coming on the Jagex Store Feedback forum, as we plan to keep creating merchandise according to your ideas.
When levelling skills or trekking around RuneScape, you might want to keep an eye out for some unusual goings on. This is because the Distractions and Diversions (a new type of game feature in RuneScape) are cropping up randomly, offering you some interesting experiences. We think you'll enjoy being distracted by these new ways to train, as they can be fun and useful...
Balthazar Beauregard's Big Top Bonanza:
The circus offers more than entertainment: it gives you the chance to be a star. Perform on the tightrope and show off your Agility, test your aim at the Ranged event, or blow things up in the Magic performance! Every week you'll get the chance to show your stuff and earn great rewards in the process.
What's black, white and covered in leaves? A penguin pretending to be a bush! It may sound crazy, but it's true. Ten penguins have gone incognito and infiltrated the lands of RuneScape. Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and who wouldn't?), is to track down these mischievous birds and report them to Larry in the Ardougne Zoo. He'll reward you handsomely with XP or gold coins; so, the more penguins you find, the greater your reward.
You'll need to keep your eyes peeled - the ten penguins will change location every seven days and have a tendency to wander about the place. Keep finding them to collect your reward.
Stars are falling from the sky, ripe with rewards! Mine the meteorite and you'll get up to 200 pieces of stardust. Manage to get to the middle of the star and you'll meet the star sprite, who will reward you according to the amount of stardust you have mined.
Watch out, though: there's a two hour gap between shooting stars, so you should take advantage of the stars when you see them. Get a better idea of when (and where) they'll fall by using your player-owned house telescope, but they'll still be hard to find. The stars are big and slow to mine through, so they're best mined by several people at once. Call on your friends to make your way to the middle with slightly more ease...
Members only
Different layers require different Mining level requirements.
Outer layers are tougher to mine. Stars will start off at a random size.
Access to:
Rewards from the star sprite include runes, coins, gold ore and a
temporary bonus to your Mining, which will give you more ore from the
rocks that you mine.
Bonus Mining XP for the first person to discover a star.
You can be rewarded by a sprite up to once each day.
In other news...
Many items that are frequently purchased on the Grand Exchange have had their purchase limits increased so you can buy more of them at once. These include bows, poisoned darts, several dragonhide items, poh teleport tablets, pyre logs, bones, fruit and more!
Certain searches in the in-game world map, like "fishing guild", wouldn't yield any results. I'm sure you're all angling to hear that the Fishing Guild is still in the same plaice, so you should sea that this problem has been e-ray-sed!
Two worlds (60 and 61) have been designated as suggested 'Great Orb Project' worlds. While we've noticed a fair amount of activity on worlds such as 1, 2, 6 and 9, these are the main trading worlds and are often near capacity or full. Therefore, we have selected 60 and 61 so that you'll be able to log in straight away and join others who're playing this minigame.
When you decide to train a skill, you may have one area in mind: a favourite patch of trees, perhaps, or a specific altar to craft your runes. Well, this month's first update, Distractions and Diversions, will threaten to turn that way of thinking on its head. You see, Distractions and Diversions will offer new ways of training your skills, but you'll rarely know when (or where) they'll turn up next...
Take Penguin Hide and Seek, for example. You may be walking around RuneScape, summoning yaks and thieving paladins, when something catches your eye. Is that a flash of beak in that nearby bush? Does that toadstool have flippers? You won't be going loopy - the penguins of the north are spying on us humans, and Larry will want you to spot them first. He'll be willing to pay well for a penguin sighting and will even cash in your Penguin Points for experience in any skill.
It would be hard to get more bizarre than penguins in mushroom costumes, but Distractions and Diversions has an ace up its sleeve. That ace will be Balthazar Beauregard's Big Top Bonanza, a travelling circus that encourages the audience to get up and join the action. Wow the crowds with a magic trick, acrobatic feat and a well-placed throwing knife and you'll gain experience or even an outfit to clown about in.
The last Distraction and Diversion will come in the form of a Shooting Star. Instead of making a wish, you'll need to rush to the crash site and mine its thick outer layers. Break through them on your own or with others and you'll uncover a curious-looking star sprite, the magical inhabitant of shooting stars. As a reward, it might even help you out with some gold, objects and the ability to temporarily mine quicker.
Not all of our updates arrive and depart as unpredictably as Distractions and Diversions; the following release, the Clan Wars Update, is a far more predictable (but welcome) addition to this Behind the Scenes. It'll bring a swathe of new options for creating a clan war that suits you. What options will be available? Time for a list!
Free-for-all battles
The optional ability to run back into battle after death
Combat style
New obstacle choices
Single-way areas
Time limits
Kills required for a victory
Keep/Lose items on death (without the ability for other players to pick them up)
New arenas
The option we're most stoked about is free-for-all battles, where anyone will be able to run in and start battling immediately. It won't matter if you're in a clan or not; you'll be teleported to a vast PvP area where you can have a large scrap with anyone else you meet in there.
'A large scrap' is exactly what will be offered in Summer's End. In this dramatic conclusion to Spirit of Summer, you'll be confronted by the beast who has been sapping the family's souls. Unfortunately, yours is particularly tasty, so you'll need swift feet, hard skin and help from some spirited friends if you're going to survive. The quest will be particularly taxing for those who are not prepared, but you'd expect that from a skill-based battle with one of RuneScape's hardest-hitting monsters, right? Don't worry: the rewards and the family's heartwarming smiles will definitely be worth it.
There will be few smiles in our last thriller update, Defender of Varrock. Deep in the Wilderness, braindead hordes will form into ranks, in a manner that the evil dead rarely do. Such an occurrence will need to be investigated, of course, and the identities of those behind it will have to be revealed. The question is, can you turn the zombie tide before Varrock becomes a shambling land of the dead? Reading the Legend of Arrav lores and histories may well help you out in this particular quest...
It's not all war, zombies and soul-eating this month: there are laughs to be had in the Postbag from the Hedge, with some pictures that are far more handsome than a zombie's ugly mug in our Players' Gallery and wallpaper release.
In this month's postbag we've got some wise words from the Poll Orks, Mr Mordaut explaining planar theory and the latest edition of Evil Dave's Conspiracy Theories. So, if you want to know some harsh truths about RuneScape, head over to the latest installment of the POSTBAG FROM THE HEDGE OF EVIL.
The official RuneHQ September Newsletter is here. Take some time, sit back, and enjoy yourself with the new information and happenings coming your way.
All Fired Up Quest and Guide
Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008
News ID: 00880
All Fired Up Quest Guide
For those who are looking for an interesting and fun way to train their Firemaking, the reward of this quest offers the access to a new Firemaking mini-game.
Our thanks go out to Razkumar and everyone else who helped to get this guide up so quickly!
Increasingly concerned by Morytania mischief makers and invaders from the Wilderness, King Roald has a burning desire to increase homeland security. This has taken the form of a beacon network that will warn Varrock of invasion. The beacons have been built and firetenders have been assigned to look after them; the only problem is that they are yet to be tested – and that's where King Roald could use your pyromania...
After you learn the basics of lighting and maintaining the beacons in a sizzlingly short quest, you are free to use the beacons as you please. Why not challenge yourself and see how many beacons you can keep simultaneously alight? Rewards are in store for those who succeed, not to mention some Firemaking experience for flashy firetenders.
A new way to train Firemaking
Some flaming-brilliant Firemaking rewards
In other news...
The level 86 Plank Make spell now has the option to skip the warning message when converting logs to planks. At this level, we feel that most players are aware that it costs money; so, after one cast, you can opt to turn the message off.
Various dyes have had their Grand Exchange price ranges adjusted to allow for a built-in 'delivery' cost. This compensates those players who have taken the time to gather dyes in larger quantities.
A new option has been added to allow the collection of Grand Exchange purchases in note form. Don't worry: you can still choose to take the objects directly, but for larger quantities this option should be cert-ifiably handy!
Stumped? Need help right away!? Try RuneHQ Live Help.
Have you ever been working on a quest and you were stumped on the next step? Or maybe you are working on your 99 skill goal and just want to get some other opinions? You want to get some quick answers, but your usual band of friends are not online at the time, so what can you do?
Here are RuneHQ, we want to help you out. We will be providing weekly sessions on IRC and Ventrilo, so that you can ask our staff volunteers those burning questions! Please click on the graphic to the right or here to get more information or discuss this new feature.
If you are not registered on our Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
22 August 2008 - RuneScape in Guinness World Records!
RuneScape has entered the record books this week. The game has been recognised as the most popular free MMORPG in the world for the second year in a row, with a certificate awarded by Guinness World Records. That's one record that Usain Bolt didn't manage to get!
The presentation took place at the Leipzig Games Convention in Germany, where RuneScape has been showcasing RuneScape HD.
The Jagex Store has expanded to include a range of official RuneScape merchandise. If you visit it today, you'll find that it includes the following items:
T-shirts
Hoodies
Mousemats
A wireless optical mouse
Mugs
None of these items are available anywhere else - they are exclusives to the Jagex Store. The official RuneScape novel, Betrayal at Falador, is also available from the store.
We have more merchandise planned for the near future, so keep an eye on the RuneScape front page for more announcements. We've even got some items in the pipeline that are based on your feedback!
Anyway, enough from us - get to the Jagex Store and check out the official accessories and apparel for yourself!
For players who create a new subscription, the monthly cost of RuneScape membership has increased 30p in the UK, $0.95 in the US and by similar amounts in other currencies. These are examples of credit card prices - all other payment types have been increased by a similar margin.
For a list of the new prices, please view the Billing Options page.
If you have an existing subscription, set up before the 18th August, then this price change will not affect you. You will continue to pay the lower price for as long as you keep your membership valid. As long as you do not allow your membership to lapse for more than two weeks (after the 18th of August), you will continue to pay at this lower RuneScape price.
We are also offering a 'loyalty' rate, for those of you who have paid at the slightly increased price for a long period. If you pay at the higher rate for 12 months (without a gap of more than 14 days) you will be offered the lower, $5 (£3.20) rate at the end of the year.
For those of you who pay by Surfpin or PaybyCash, there are some points to note due to the way your payments are made:
If you make a payment at the lower price, but have an account that is charged at the higher price, then you will receive fewer days of credit.
If you make a payment at the higher price, but have an account that is charged at the lower price, then you will receive more days of credit.
We recently introduced a method of making direct payments using Wallie Cards for RuneScape. With the recent price increase, existing Wallie Card subscribers will be pleased to find out that they are able to keep paying a lower price. Wallie cards are available in lots of stores in the EU and Switzerland, and can be used for longer, multiple-month subscriptions.
Official RuneHQ August Event Olympic Games Celebration!
Citius -Altius - Fortius! No those aren't words to some new spell, they are actually the words that compose the Olympic motto, which in English translates to: Faster - Higher - Stronger!
Well, in this month's event we will be celebrating the Olympic games, and you will have an opportunity to experience each part of the motto in its own way.
Stronger: Nothing toughens you up like a good game of Gnomeball! This first event will not only make you stronger, but also get into the true spirit of the games by showing a team mentality!
Faster: Nothing truly makes you faster like a good ol' session of agility training. After our Gnomeball scores are settled, we'll all head over for some agility training at the Gnome Stronghold course!
Higher: We'll all be a little higher as we climb up a few levels in the Grand Tree and have a seat at the local bars. Grab a beer or two, reminisce about the games (real and RuneScape alike), and most importantly, have good times with friends.
Important Information:
Event: Olympic Games Celebration! (Gnomeball, Agility Training, and After-Party).
When: Saturday, August 23rd.
Time: 2pm CST, 8pm GMT+0
Where: World 60 (Members)
Meeting Place: The Gnomeball mini game inside the Tree Gnome Village.
What to bring: Money for beer and a good attitude.
Visit the Official Events Forum on our Community Forum for additional information and comments.
If you are not registered on our Community Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
The most frequent request we have received over the last few months has been to put more PvP back into the game. We want to let you know that this request hasn't gone unheard, and that we've put a lot of research into how we can introduce new PvP mechanisms. The aim is for PvP content that better replaces the old Wilderness, but without reintroducing RWT.
Hopefully, you’re already aware of the imminent Clan Wars release (see the September Behind the Scenes in a couple of weeks for more information), but there are also plans afoot for the most exciting and "old school" PvP update we have ever considered – unique PvP worlds.
As many of our long term players know, in the old RuneScape Classic days you could actually fight players just outside the gates of Lumbridge, before the days of duelling and even before the days of the old Wilderness itself. Players could hunt each other down, chasing them away from favourite resource points and generally "owning" large areas of the map.
So, in 2008, we will be bringing you special 'PvP worlds', where you can fight other players almost anywhere! In addition to all the usual content you might expect to find in RuneScape, they will also include:
Optional sign-up – choose between PvP danger or stick to ordinary play by simply switching worlds.
High danger with items dropped on death.
High rewards for kills. To avoid any RWT issues the reward for a successful PK will be generated by the game, similar to when you kill a monster at the moment. We're creating generous drop tables based on factors like your levels and the impressiveness of the kill.
These drop tables will include "PvP world specific" items like XP-modifying gear, lvl 70+ equipment and new, glorious, short-term but hard hitting gear. These will once again make PKing a viable source of income.
PvP across 99% of the world, including the old Wilderness.
Attack any player within a certain level of your own. Level range depends on the area, similar to the old Wilderness levels.
...And all sorts of other twists on interesting content... Just think of the possibilities when you can PK anywhere!
Naturally, we also have other PvP-orientated content, like Stealing Creation (a resource control game where skillers and PKers work together, creating equipment and beating up the opposition) and Mobilising Armies (a real-time strategy game where you use your hard made bows, swords, etc. to equip your own armies in 4-player battles).
Add all this to a healthy schedule of quests (featuring Arrav and the sequel to Spirit of Summer), holiday events and some unique puzzle content... and the rest of '08 has something for almost everyone.
Finally, we'd like to let you in on a little secret – we're currently working on our highest level, longest, most exciting quest ever. Not necessarily for launch in '08 (it's not something we want to rush, after all), it’s already had more development time than the entirety of "Recipe for Disaster"... but you’ll have to wait to find out more. We're adding secret hints and references all the time about this one, so if you need to know more, just look around! Leave no stone unturned....
14 August 2008 - Players' Gallery - Barrows Brothers
There's been a bit of a Barrows Brothers theme recently, with our wallpaper being followed by a Players' Gallery. If you like your warriors purple and ghostly, go here to see some ghoulish pictures.
12 August 2008 - Runecrafting Guild and Game - For All Player
Ever since a brave adventurer rediscovered Runecrafting, mages from the Wizards' Tower have been working hard to figure out its intricacies. In fact, so many have been drawn to Runecrafting's secrets that a guild has formed.
Not everything is rosy and happy in the guild. An argument has raged over the magical reaction that creates rune stones: are green or yellow orbs more important in the process? Agree to resolve their conflict and you'll find yourself in our newest minigame, The Great Orb Project!
The purpose of this team-based minigame is very simple: collect more coloured orbs than the opposing team. Watch out, though, as they will be pushing your orbs out of the way to stop you winning. This frenetic minigame offers few rules and a great alternative to conventional Runecrafting - all with a range of rewards, of course. Expect rune essence, Runecrafting XP and new magical equipment if you wipe the floor with your opponents.
The Runecrafting Guild also offers a number of features that are not tied to the minigame. The rune altar map helpfully shows the location of all altars; one mad wizard has learned how to repair abyssal pouches; and the head of the guild is working on a marvellous omni-talisman that combines the powers of all existing talismans into one.
Note that the guild is available to both free players and members - the Runecrafters want all the help they can get!
Summary
Where to find the Runecrafting Guild:
The guild can be accessed through a portal, upstairs in the Wizards' Tower.
Requirements to access the Runecrafting Guild and minigame:
Level 50 Runecrafting Rune Mysteries
The guild is available on F2P, but some individual features are for members only
Access to:
A new guild
A fast-paced, team-vs-team Runecrafting minigame - The Great Orb Project
Various new items for runecrafters, including a new outfit
In other news...
Beyond the Runecrafting Guild, this update brings you a few small things that should make your lives easier...
Kazgar, Mistag and Dartog have been given right-click options so you can quickly ask them to guide you through the Lumbridge Swamp Caves. Elkoy, the guide from the Tree Gnome Village maze, has been given a similar option.
When you previously right-clicked on a chat message from another player, you were always offered the option to 'Add friend' and 'Add ignore'. If that player was already on your Friends list, those options weren't very useful, so we've replaced them with a new 'Message' option. This is identical to what would happen if you clicked on your friend in your Friends List. (This is not available on Quick Chat-only worlds.)
Tai Bwo Wannai village welcomes its newest arrival, Imiago. If you've completed Jungle Potion, he'll be willing to protect your calquat trees from disease in exchange for eight poison ivy berries.
The gardeners who protect bush patches have always demanded payment to look after poison ivy bushes. It's been pointed out on the Forums that poison ivy bushes never get diseased anyway, so the gardeners no longer offer to look after them.
We've also fixed the following bugs:
Treasure Trail sliding puzzle boxes were getting stuck, making them impossible to complete.
The roof of the Grand Exchange was failing to disappear correctly when you stood underneath it. Similar bugs were affecting the front of Varrock Palace and bits of the Warriors Guild.
The Amulet of Catspeak was incorrectly positioned on female characters.
The Amulet of Fury was not rendering correctly with the Bandos chestplate on male characters.
If you wore a blue snelm, your chathead was appearing yellow.
The 3D models for skillcapes were using too many polygons, resulting in bizarre graphical glitches. They have now been remodelled to resolve this problem; their appearance is largely unchanged, but you may notice some slight changes.
Mud pies were positioned incorrectly when you wielded them.
Flared trousers were rendering incorrectly with most boots.
The 'fine shirt' base kit had a glitch affecting the neck area on male characters.
The mind tiara was missing part of its model.
Baba Yaga's hair was clipping through her hat.
The progress hats from the Mage Training Arena were not rendering correctly with players' hair.
Radimus Erkle, master of the Legends' Guild, had a rendering problem with his cape.
The obsidian cape was rendering incorrectly with certain tops.
Bogrog was checking for the wrong Summoning level when players tried to exchange praying mantis pouches for shards.
Trimmed chaps and Wilderness capes were rendering incorrectly on female characters.
The mime mask and zombie mask items were displaying incorrectly during dialogue.
Players could walk through a rope barrier in the Varrock Museum.
This week, we have released a new method of making Wallie payments. You can now make payments directly to Wallie instead of using PayByCash. This means that we can offer a faster and easier payment process when paying for RuneScape using Wallie.
You can still make Wallie payments using the PayByCash payment option; however, you may find that your subscription works out cheaper if you pay directly to Wallie, especially on longer subscriptions. In the future, we hope to offer an even lower price with Wallie Card.
Wallie direct payments are available in Mexico and most of Europe.
Wallie cards can be purchased from local stores or from the Wallie website. They can then be redeemed on www.runescape.com by selecting 'Upgrade Your Account' on the RuneScape front page (under the 'Account' drop-down menu) and following the prompts for using the Wallie Card payment method.
Recently, we launched 22 new worlds to cater for player growth in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands and New Zealand. The 22 new worlds also host many of our popular activities, such as Barbarian Assault, Castle Wars, Clan Wars, Fist of Guthix, LootShare, Pest Control, F2P trade, TzHaar Fight Pits and Vinesweeper.
More worlds will be added as we expand into more countries. Please visit the Themed World page for information on themes of these new worlds.
This quest will teleport you right into the living history of RuneScape. For any member that loves reading the history and lores RuneScape, this quest is for you! Help Jorral investigate his new discovery, which may lead you to more treasure hunting fun.
Thanks to diamondi3ack and everyone else who helped to get this guide up so quickly!
~ Maonzhi ~
Due to recent server problems, we have lost some user data for our Ventrilo server. Anyone who had access to our Ventrilo servers but did not have a RuneHQ Forum account will need to make another request to access our Ventrilo Servers. To request access to the RuneHQ Ventrilo server, please go here to register on the RuneHQ forums. From there, you will be able to request access to Ventrilo. If you have any questions, please browse through our RuneHQ Ventrilo Guide for information and how to login. In order to use Ventrilo, you will need to down the the program at Ventrilo.com
Having helped Jorral in Making History, it's time to pay him another visit in Meeting History. He's been busy digging around old and dusty manuscripts and has come across a set of interesting notes about the Enchanted Key; so, with the 'hot and cold' key in hand, get ready to discover another of its bizarre abilities! You can guarantee that it'll give you a greater insight into the past of RuneScape.
Many questions will be answered as part of this sequel to Making History.
The roof in the Burgh de Rott shop wasn't disappearing, even if your Graphics Options said it should.
We've also adjusted Commander Zilyana's behaviour in the God Wars Dungeon, so she's less inclined to wander aimlessly in the middle of the room while people shoot her from the edges.
We have introduced a new and optional way of viewing RuneScape HD: a resizable game window. This feature is available to both free players and members.
The new feature will adjust your RuneScape HD game window to fit the size of your browser. So, if you expand or maximise your browser, your game window will expand too, filling all of the available space. If you reduce the size of your browser, your game window will reduce with it.
This feature is completely optional. You may activate or deactivate it via the Graphics Options, either on the login screen or in-game (accessed via the spanner icon).
The resizable game window is only available for RuneScape HD. It is not available for the RuneScape version of the game.
How does this differ from fullscreen?
The main difference is that fullscreen will completely fill your screen. It will do so if your browser is minimised, maximised or anywhere inbetween. The resizable feature allows you to view the RuneScape game at whatever size you want - just reduce or increase the size of your browser and the game window will follow.
When playing RuneScape HD using the resizable game window, your interfaces will be arranged in the manner as fullscreen mode. This means that your tabs will be arranged across the bottom of the game screen.
Unlike fullscreen, the resizable game window is available to both free players and members.
Note: If you have a slow computer and you make the resizable window very large, you may find the game slows down a bit. If this happens, just make the window a bit smaller or, if you prefer, turn it off using the Graphics Options menu.
It's pretty hard to imagine the first days of RuneScape. For a start, there were no monsters, no Zamorak and no god wars, which would imply that RuneScape was a breeze. Surely you could just wake up, have a cup of tea with Guthix and settle down for some farming. Easy peasy, right?
Erm, no. The first quest of this month, Meeting History, will reveal the struggles that the first settlers faced on RuneScape. This sequel to Making History will encourage you to get more hands-on in your research of the past, giving you insights into the world's quiet beginnings and its harsh realities. It will even divulge the beginnings of magic and strange objects called 'runes'.
Man's knowledge of magic and runes has come on leaps and bounds from the time of Meeting History. Just take a peek at the next release: the Runecrafting Guild!
In the guild, wizards will be bent over books, trying desperately to unlock the secrets of Runecrafting. How is a rune made? Why are yellow and green orbs released when the reaction occurs? For Runecrafting scholars, these questions pale in comparison with the following: which is more significant - green orbs or yellow orbs? For years arguments have raged on, and two wizards will be creating something that'll end the debate once and for all: the Great Orb Project!
The Great Orb Project will be a fun minigame for two opposing teams who have been given one simple task: collect more orbs than the other team. Only problem is, your opponents will do all they can to stop you winning - including pushing your orbs away before you can get to them! This fast-paced and manic minigame will offer you a great alternative for training your Runecrafting, with minimal fuss, tutorials or complex rules.
Not content with updating one skill this month, we've decided to reignite Firemaking too. In Varrock, King Roald has become increasingly wary of the evil eyes casting greedy looks at his city, so he'll be taking precautions: fourteen warning beacons, running from the River Salve to the western end of the Wilderness. The problem is, no one will be available to test them out, so - surprise, surprise - you'll become the most suitable candidate.
So begins All Fired Up, a sizzling new quest that acts as a simple and very short tutorial for beacon lighting. What can you do with large cauldrons full of sticks, you may ask? Well, your task, if you should choose to accept it, will be to light as many as possible at one time, offering you an entertaining and alternative method for training your Firemaking - oh, and the rewards will make you the toast of firemakers everywhere...
Behind the Scenes of the Behind the Scenes:
In the coming months, we'll be making some changes to the Behind the Scenes, offering you a more attractive look and a better idea of upcoming content. So, if you'd like a tour of what we've got in store, please read on...
The first change is screenshots. Instead of just telling you about our updates, we'll be bringing you images of them in glorious technicolour - and in RuneScape HD, of course.
We've also got plans to hint about future content, outside of the month's releases. The 'glimpse of the future' section will include handpicked updates that excite us, and that you'll be excited about too. So, what better way of getting you used to this new feature than producing one for this Behind the Scenes?
Glimpse of the Future (Updates in development and planned for later than August)
One update that just missed this month's Behind the Scenes was the Clan Wars update. This is a priority for us, and we'll be releasing it as soon as we feel it is ready, featuring bucketloads of new arenas and game options, plus two 'free-for-all' PVP battlegrounds where you can fight in any way you please. Check out the preview of the Clan Wars setup screen below...
The minigame additions don't just end with Clan Wars: PvP fans will be pleased to know that there are three PvP minigames planned, all coming in the last few months of the year! If you're more interested in single-player content, however, you can expect a range of updates to keep you busy. One we can mention now: the concluding part of the Spirit of Summer series will be released at the end of the Summer, and it'll be throwing some pretty daunting obstacles in your way.
There's room in the Behind the Scenes for your ideas too, so please feel free to suggest features, articles and additions on the Forums. If your ideas are good enough, you may see them in the larger and improved Behind the Scenes, coming soon!
The Barrows Brothers, six of the most feared undead creatures on RuneScape, were not always the incarnations of evil that they are now. Once, they were the mightiest of Saradomin's warriors, their fall orchestrated by a mysterious stranger who visited them in the night, bestowing on them powerful gifts that began to corrupt their pure souls.
Even as the darkness within them grew, they fought on into the heart of Morytania. Our latest wallpaper shows them on the eve of their final battle with the darkness of the east - a battle that took their souls...
It’s time for the Poll Orks to take a well-earned rest. They’ve been working overtime to make sure that your votes are counted in time. Thank you to everyone that voted in the Guaranteed Content – Christmas 2008 poll. The options were a combination of our own wintery ideas and some excellent suggestions from you, with every event idea having plenty of supporters. These are the winning options that will be making it into December's event:
Christmas Event - Winner:
Jack Frost has an evil plan. Can you get to him before he covers the whole of RuneScape with ice? – You will need a cool head to foil Jack Frost’s sub-zero plans for Gielinor this Christmas.
Christmas Format - Winner:
A quest is the most popular format for the holiday event this Christmas, so, expect to do some adventuring!
Christmas Rewards - Winner:
It’s been a close race for the top three reward options. The winner is a Santa suit so, if you successfully complete the Christmas quest, you will be rewarded with a cosy costume to warm you up.
Christmas Emote - Winner:
It’s been an even closer race between the top two emote options! What’s clear is that the vast majority of you want to see your character become more than a little bit frosty. The winning option is 'turning into snow and melting'!
The Poll Orks don’t have a very long break, as we have a brand new poll for you to vote in. There’s an opportunity for you to imagine how different life could be in this week's Living in RuneScape poll.
The official RuneHQ August Newsletter is here. Take some time, sit back, and enjoy yourself with the new information and happenings coming your way.
Spirit Summer Quest Guide, New Map, and Item Lending Update!
Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008
News ID: 00868
Spirit of Summer Quest Guide
We are proud to present you our guide on the newly released Spirit of Summer quest.
This guide was written by Job is God, and Alfawarlord. Thanks to everyone for corrections and updates.
In addition to this we would like you to thank DarkBlitz for a new Lumbridge map. Special thanks goes out to Alfawarlord, Halk, Realruth and Thehi for corrections.
Stuck on a different plane, parallel to the Wilderness, itself a long walk from any RuneScape city or town, one family has gone a long time without even seeing a human being. That doesn't mean they don't need your help, however, as the time has come to leave the homestead and move to pastures new.
This magical story calls for you to befriend a loving family, find some essentials for their journey and reunite the daughter with some misplaced possessions. You'll be able to explore a previously unexplored realm and even take a glimpse into the imagination of a little girl.
Needless to say, some hurdles will need overcoming if you and the family are to reach the destination and claim your reward. Some family members are less than communicative with outsiders and their only neighbour is understandably unhappy about them leaving. It shouldn't be a problem for an adventurer with your experience...right?
Over the last couple of weeks, many players have been using the Item Lending system to lend out items for profit. That's not really what we designed the system to achieve; it was intended to be a simple way for players to once again share objects with their friends. Since some players seem so keen to rent out their valuable items, though, we've adjusted the system to let them do it safely.
Instead of 'using' your items on the borrowing player, you should send them a trade request. This will open the trade screen, where you can right-click on an item and choose to 'Lend' it.
Once you've offered the item for loan, it will be visible to both players in the trade offer screen, within the 'Loan' box. A button will appear underneath the item, allowing you to choose the duration of the loan. Your trade-partner can then offer to pay you or lend you another item in return. Of course, you can still offer to lend an item without receiving anything in return.
Item Lending does not affect your trade limits if you are lending or receiving an item for nothing in return. Your trade limits will be affected, however, if something is offered in return for the lent item.
Do remember: If you borrow an item 'until logout', its owner might log out or take it back at ANY time, so you should be cautious about paying for this kind of service.
In other news...
We've been busy again, fixing a number of graphical or minor bugs that you may have spotted. Read on for a few of the more noticeable changes included in this update.
There have been a few additions and modifications to the bank this week; most notably, we have added the 'Withdraw All-But-1' option, so you can leave placeholder items with ease. The bank's scrollbar speed has also been increased, so you can get to your items faster.
On a slightly different note, you can now retrieve your lent items from the wandering bankers that are typically found outside minigames like Fist of Guthix or Bounty Hunter.
Players can now take the Summoning skillcape into Bounty Hunter. It seems this latest skillcape wasn't permitted, so Bounty Hunter has been adjusted to bring it in line.
When playing in HD fullscreen mode, you now have the option to hide the chatbox. The tabs below it will still flash when you've been sent a message by a friend or someone requests to trade with you etc, so you shouldn't miss anything!
The IRC RuneScape Help is now closed. We hope this event has helped both our members and staff. We had a pretty good turn-out yesterday, and as mentioned earlier, we will be having scheduled times for this project in the future. Please be sure to keep an eye out for announcements and updates!
RuneHQ Staff
New Maps
Sunday, Jul 27, 2008
News ID: 00864
We are proud to present some updates to the mapping area of the site. The Edgeville Dungeon Map.
These updates were provided by Thedarkblitz, Skeletonmat, Djw24. Thanks to everyone for corrections and updates.
RuneHQ would also like to introduce the new Meiyerditch Dungeon Map.
This map was provided by Brenden. Special thanks goes out to Belgarath, Fireball0236, and Microcuts for corrections and updates.
With all of the new changes to the landscape of Rune, we strive to bring to you the latest information. The Barbarian Village Map has been given a new facelift. This map was provided by Darkblitz. Special thanks goes out to Skeletonmat, Maonzhi for corrections and updates.
The Varrock Map has updated. This map was provided by Darkblitz. Special thanks goes out to Skeletonmat, Maonzhi and Thehi.
-=DRAVAN=-
Postbag from the Hedge, RuneScape Novel!, IRC Runescape Help
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008
News ID: 00863
Today (July 26th) - IRC RuneScape Help
Hello fellow RuneScapers! We would like to announce the launch of our latest project, an IRC channel devoted entirely to RuneScape help! Today (July 26th) at 8pm Central US time (GMT-6), there will be a channel open in our IRC full of mentors ready and willing to answer and help with any RS related queries. To access this channel, simply go to chat, wait until you get the white screen with green text, type in /join #rshelp , and we will be at your RS beck and call! Come with any questions you may have, whether it be a simple "Where do I catch that fish?" to a more complicated "What is the best way to raise my combat level?" This channel will be open for approximately two hours. If successful, we will be adding more dates and expanding our time coverage in the future.
If you are not registered on our Community Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
The RuneScape novel - Betrayal at Falador - has been officially released and is available for you all to purchase! Go to the Jagex Store to grab your own piece of RuneScape history. If you took the opportunity to pre-order the novel from our brand new Jagex Store, you can expect to curl up on the sofa with it very soon.
We have also drawn the Betrayal at Falador prize winners. Ten lucky people have been notified that they have won a RuneScape novel signed by TS Church, Andrew Gower, Paul Gower, Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison and the cover artist.
This competition was open to anyone who pre-ordered Betrayal at Falador from the Jagex Store.
This month in Postbag from the Hedge, you'll be able to find out why Evil Bob kidnaps people, what Tarn Razorlor thinks of tea and the Chaos Elemental's opinion of RuneScape HD.
There is even a kebbit risotto recipe, for those wanting to improve their real-life Cooking level.
22 July 2008 - Two More Weeks of RuneScape at Lower Price!
When RuneScape HD launched early this month, we released a newspost about the planned price change for new subscribers. We would like to remind you of that price change.
For new subscribers becoming members on or after the 18th August, the monthly cost of RuneScape membership will increase by 30p in the UK, $0.95 in the US and by similar amounts in other currencies. These examples are of increases on credit card prices - all other payment types will increase by a similar margin.
If you have an existing subscription (or you set up a subscription before the 18th August) this price change will not affect you. You will continue to pay the lower price for as long as you keep your membership valid.
If you are an existing member and you allow your membership to lapse for more than two weeks (after the 18th of August), you will be charged the new rate when you re-subscribe.
You may have noticed that the date of the price increase has changed from the 4th to the 18th of August. We have delayed the date to allow new and free players more time to take advantage of our lower membership cost. So, if you're a free player who is considering signing up to the larger, regularly-updated and fullscreen members' game, then click here to find out how to subscribe at this lower rate.
17 July 2008 - Improvements to Non-UK European Servers
We are moving our non-UK European servers to new facilities, bringing better service and reduced slowdown to all players that use them. While this change is ongoing, you may have difficulty accessing worlds located on non-UK European servers, including all German-language worlds.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you cannot access a world because of these changes, please try again later or select one from outside of Europe (or select a world from the United Kingdom).
The Gallery is back with another selection of fine images received by Postie Pete.
This month he's decided to bring you a wide selection of styles, from pencils to pastels, charcoal to chainmail. There's even an impressive world map for those who get lost on the roads of RuneScape.
You will not want to miss a chance to attend the first RuneHQ Idol Event this Saturday, July 19th, at 2p - 4p CDT! We will be showcasing the best singers voted by a small panel of judges from the last karaoke event and the intermediate auditions. We thank everyone for participating and we hope you have had as much fun as we have. Following the link here or at the image above to get more details on our RuneHQ Forums. Who knew RuneHQ members had so much hidden vocal talent! So, please join us to vote in the first ever RUNEHQ IDOL WINNER!
Contestants
In no particular order, here is a list of the Contestants who will be competing:
lufmyknuf
terr002
purrrr
teslatanker
moonfire248
boomhauer
turkeyistasty
Rubyducky
TomAtkins
NuclearMan
~ Ventrilo Staff ~
Item Lending, Bank changes, Lumbridge Update, and HD Full Release
To help you with some belated Spring cleaning, we have introduced a few changes to your bank. Tabs and search functions are here to help clear the mess!
Up to eight separate tabs can be created to organise your bank. To create a new tab, simply drag and drop an item from the main bank tab (marked with an infinity symbol) to the tab marked with a '+'. Once a new one is created, you can move items into and out of it. For easy identification, each tab has its own icon, which it takes from the item that sits in the first slot of that tab. Of course, the use of tabs is entirely optional; you can choose not to use any and simply leave your items stored in the main bank inventory as normal.
No matter how immaculately organised your bank is, everyone has difficulties finding items from time to time; thankfully, the bank rework has a solution in the form of a search function. Clicking the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the interface, you can type in a word or part of it ('shield' for example) and the bank will list all of those items that include it (for example 'Round shield' or 'Black kiteshield'). This feature will make organising your items into tabs a breeze, since you can drag items into existing or new tabs from the search results view.
We have added a counter in the top-right hand corner of the interface, which allows you to keep track of how much bank space you are currently using. We have also given you the ability to repeatedly withdraw/deposit the number of items you last entered using Deposit-x/Withdraw-x.
Finally, thanks should go to everyone who suggested bank ideas on the Forums - you came up with so many of the ideas that went into this update.
Item Lending:
This week's update also brings you a new way to help your friends. With the Item Lending system, you can lend out a wide range of handy items, including many of RuneScape's best weapons and armour. Once the loan is over, you can retrieve your stuff by speaking to a banker.
How do I lend out an item?
Use the item on a friend who has Accept Aid turned on. You'll be asked how long you're willing to let them keep the item (any number of hours from 1 to 24). Make your choice, and wait while they consider your kind offer.
What can I lend?
Visit the Knowledge Base article here for the full list.
Where does the item go when my friend's finished with it?
Speak to a banker. When you've lent out an item, they'll have a chat option for seeing your Returned Items box. This is where your item will be.
Suppose I borrow armour from my friend, and it goes back to them while I'm wearing it in combat! I might die!
When you borrow an item, you'll be told how long you can keep it. You should make sure you're not depending on the item at the time when the loan is due to expire. Remember, if you agreed that the item would be returned to its owner when one of you logs out, they might log out or claim it back at any time, so be careful.
What happens if I lend someone an item and they drop it, trade it, alch it or die with it?
They won't be allowed to trade it or alch it. If they drop it, you'll still be able to get it back at the end of the loan period by speaking to a banker and asking to see your Returned Items box.
If your friend does die while they've got your stuff, the borrowed item will be protected over anything else they've got, so it'll be one of the three (or four) items they keep on death.
If they do end up losing the item on death, such as because they're skulled, you'll still be able to get it back from a banker in the usual way. They won't be allowed to take the item into Bounty Hunter.
I've borrowed an item for a fixed period, but I want to give it back early. Can I?
Sorry, technical limitations prevent us from returning items early if they've been lent out for a fixed period. You're welcome to discard the item, though. Its owner will get it back at the end of the loan period.
Are there plans to add any more items to Item Lending?
We intend to add more objects to the list of lendable items in the future. Our plan is to read your feedback and highlight those items that you would like to lend to each other.
Since we first released the tutorial, a huge amount has been added to the game. New content, extra skills, new-look interfaces: all of these combine to make the old tutorial seem a little outdated. So, we've gone back to the drawing board and completely reworked it: from the creation of your character right through to your first explorations of RuneScape.
No longer will new players be trapped on an island; instead, they will be introduced to something similar to a quest involving a White Knight whose actions will decide the fate of Lumbridge. It seems that there are more than just goblins in the caves beneath Lumbridge, and a budding adventurer is required to assist the White Knight, learning a few things while they're at it.
All players will receive a Quest Point for completing the tutorial, whether they completed the old tutorial or the new tutorial (and any content with a Quest Point requirement will be raised as a result). Also, all players can collect two experience lamps, worth 200xp each, whether they completed the old or new tutorial. These can be found by chatting to Sir Vant, beneath the house to the north-east of Lumbridge Castle.
Lumbridge Moneymaking:
Following a lengthy seminar about industry and trade, the Skill Tutors and other Lumbridge locals have become much more commercially minded. Having noticed the swathes of inexperienced adventurers who pass through Lumbridge, they've decided to employ them to help supply all manner of items.
This means that, in return for completing their tasks, players can receive a modest, but prompt, payment. So, if you are reasonably low-leveled and your money is running low, the people of Lumbridge will help you to recover your finances - in return for a little hard work.
Lumbridge and Draynor Village Achievement Diary:
Explorer Jack, famed wanderer of RuneScape, has taken a much needed rest in Lumbridge. Instead of putting his feet up, however, he's encouraging a new generation of explorers. Visit him in the house north-east of Lumbridge Castle to begin achieving.
There are Beginner, Easy and Medium tasks in the Lumbridge and Draynor Achievement Diary, but no 'Hard' tasks. Lumbridge is, after all, a beginner's town, so the tasks can be completed by all but the newest of players. The rewards are aimed for everyone to appreciate, though!
In other news...
Every week we receive thousands of abuse reports on the subject of Rule 10: Misuse of Customer Support. Often, these are from players reacting to reports made against them, with only 1% showing any evidence of a broken rule. Since we can identify those who break Rule 10 ourselves, we have decided to remove the option to report players for Rule 10: Misuse of Customer Support. The rule itself will not be removed or changed and we will continue to take the appropriate action against those who break it.
14 July 2008 - RuneScape HD Full Release - Now for Free Players!
If you're a free player, we've got some great news for you - RuneScape HD is available to everyone! The Beta period is over, so both free players and members can access the new-look RuneScape. Not only that, but free players and members can get their hands on some new releases - the bank update, Item Lending and a number of Lumbridge changes - that are mentioned at the bottom of this newspost.
Please be aware that the fullscreen mode of RuneScape HD is NOT currently available to free players - it continues to be a members-only benefit. We are looking at the possibility of a fullscreen mode for free players, with adverts displaying in the fullscreen window; for now, however, RuneScape HD's range of graphical improvements are ready to be explored by everyone.
To find out how to play RuneScape in high detail, please visit the release newspost here.
If you are having issues with running RuneScape HD or would like more technical information about the update, visit the RuneScape HD FAQs here. You can also visit the Technical Support Forum for various threads that may help you.
We would also like to thank you for the wealth of comments, compliments and feedback we have received over the past couple of weeks. It is down to you that many small graphical issues have been resolved, with a number of changes being introduced in the update today.
This does not mean that we will ignore any feedback from now on - far from it, in fact. We welcome any constructive comments, to help us to continually improve RuneScape HD and make it as good as it can be.
This Week's Releases:
On top of the full release of RuneScape HD, we have a bumper lot of updates that will benefit both free players and members:
First up is our bank update, which brings you tabs and a search function, among other changes, to help you organise your bank. Up to eight separate tabs can be created to help clear your banking mess.
Item Lending is next, bringing you a new way to help your friends! You can lend out a wide range of handy items, including many of RuneScape's best weapons and armour.
We've gone back to the drawing board and completely reworked the tutorial: from the creation of your character right through to your first explorations of RuneScape.
In return for completing some tasks, you can receive a modest, but prompt, payment from various people in our Lumbridge Moneymaking update. So, if you're feeling poor, the people of Lumbridge will help you to recover your finances - in return for a little hard work.
Finally, this week brings the free game's first Achievement Diary. Travel to Explorer Jack to start your Lumbridge and Draynor Achievement Diary.
In the coming months, you can expect a lot from the Jagex Store. Plans are afoot to bring you a range of RuneScape merchandise to buy, including many that you voted for in the 'Shop till you Drop' poll.
One of these items is available for pre-order now: the first ever official RuneScape novel, Betrayal at Falador by T.S. Church. This fantasy epic opens with the discovery of a mysterious woman, found close to death within the walls of Falador Castle. Sir Amik and the White Knights are determined to reveal the identity of her attacker, thought to be a monster seen attacking travellers on the outskirts of Asgarnia. The question is: can the monster really be the blacksmith Doric, newly arrived from Keldagrim?
This Limited Edition hardback is available for pre-order now, and will be released on the 21st of July. Visit the Jagex Store to find out more, and keep an eye out for more news on available RuneScape merchandise.
9 July 2008 - Guaranteed Content Poll and Hiscores
Guaranteed Content Poll:
When the sun's out and the Summer's at its peak, there's nothing better than thinking about Wintumber events! It may seem strange, but we do this every year: coming up with a festive event while it's still bright and hot.
There is a slight change this year. We want YOU to come up with our Wintumber holiday event for 2008! Help us out by voting in this week's poll, accessed from the left-hand side of the RuneScape front page, under the heading 'Latest Poll'.
Fancy fighting a giant turkey? Want an elf costume? Or do you have an urge to be decorated like a Wintumber tree? All of these options are available in this week's poll. The winning option in each of the categories will be turned into a holiday event for you to enjoy this year.
We're all hoping that the voting is as close as it was with Hallowe'en 2007, when the witch's broom and Grim Reaper hood fought it out until the very end!
Many thanks to all of you who submitted ideas for this poll in the Suggestions Forum. Keep an eye out for future Suggestions Forum threads where you can put forward ideas that make it into a Guaranteed Content poll.
The results will be unwrapped on the 22nd July, giving us plenty of time to get it ready for December.
Hiscores:
Ever found yourself close, but not close enough, to getting on a Hiscores table? That may change with this week's update, which doubles the number of ranks that can be viewed per skill or minigame. So, instead of viewing the top one million players in each category, you can expect the top two million.
With FunOrb Global Highscores also out today, helping you to view the best scores in the world at any given FunOrb game, there's never been a better time to show off your gaming prowess!
It really is the most impossible of impossible missions: how do you follow the graphical improvement of an entire game? Have a nap for a month or two? Boogie with Party Pete? Go on holiday to Brimhaven? Well, we've taken a different approach, following RuneScape High Detail with some updates that have been anticipated for a very long time...
Take your bank, for example. Many players have called for a better way of managing it, to help sort and organise the mess of herbs, long forgotten quest objects and holiday items. So, this month we will be adding a few features, the most prominent of which will be a new tabbing structure. This will allow you to order your bank according to categories that you define: you could gather your runes together on one tab, for example, and food on another. There will also be a search button and extra options for banking and removal that will aid you when moving quantities of items about.
'Moving items about' leads us neatly to our second anticipated feature: Item Lending. This superb service will allow free players and members to use their own wealth for the benefit of their companions by lending them handy items, powerful weapons, valuable armour and a few fancy hats too. Only one item will be lendable at any time, for a number of hours up to and including 24 hours, or until either of you log out. More information on release!
It's at this point in the month that we look back with rose-tinted glasses and get a little nostalgic. Do you remember your first days in RuneScape: leisurely wandering round Tutorial Island, making bread, catching fish and firing arrows at rats from behind a fence? Good times! A wind of change has been blowing about Tutorial Island, however, and it's brought a whiff of danger with it...
The next update will move the Tutorial from Tutorial Island to a quarantined Lumbridge, where a three-headed dragon will be terrorising people and generally being a nuisance. Luckily for the citizens, a passing White Knight, Sir Vant, will be on hand to hold back the beast. Far from being able to handle the situation on his own, he'll be after a willing adventurer to keep him supplied and do a spot of fighting.
The new Tutorial will be more quest-like and exciting, giving players a reason to create a new character and give it a go. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, any player will be able to collect the new Tutorial's reward - two experience lamps - whether they have completed it or not.
The Tutorial is not the only planned improvement to Lumbridge. There will be the Lumbridge Achievement Diary, packed with Beginner, Easy and Medium tasks. High-level players will have no trouble completing these assignments, but there are certainly some interesting rewards to be had. Be prepared to craft, mine, explore and tan your way to success!
You thought Lumbridge was only for learning the ropes, respawning and chefs with cake issues? Well, you'll find that there's more to the running of Lumbridge than meets the eye, as a number of NPCs will be looking to employ hard-working and diligent low/mid-level players with their day-to-day tasks. Deliveries need to be made, goblins killed and resources gathered, all in the name of a decent wage.
Our final update this month will be a first for RuneScape: a Wilderness quest. You'd be forgiven for thinking that means relentless combat, stark landscapes and the odd revenant sending you back to Lumbridge (to complete some Achievement Diary tasks, perhaps?); rather unusually, it centres on a small girl, who will have other ideas.
Beginning in the Wilderness but then moving to a parallel realm, Spirit of Summer will require you to meet the young girl's family and prepare them for their first holiday in decades. There's the small issue of a neighbour who's reluctant to let the family leave, but you've dealt with larger problems before, right? A charming adventure awaits, with a few surprises thrown in.
Less of a surprise will be the website updates. The traditional Players' Gallery and Postbag from the Hedge will be on hand, with a wallpaper that shows some RuneScape favourites in a different light.
So, you thought July was only about the graphical updates? It would seem that RuneScape has other ideas...
So that RuneScape HD can be played by as many players as possible, we have released some FAQs. These are available to help those who are having trouble loading RuneScape HD. Today we have updated them with some of the more commonly asked questions:
You can visit the FAQs to find out the answers to these questions.
You can also visit the Technical Support Forums to receive help from players who have experienced similar issues.
Graphical Improvements:
RuneScape HD is at a Beta stage, so your feedback is important to us. In many cases the feedback will lead to changes; for example, you pointed out that male characters' midriffs look larger than they should when seen through clothing. We plan to do something about this very soon.
We are looking to make a series of changes based on your feedback, so you may expect other differences over the coming weeks. Keep leaving feedback in the Forums!
RuneScape has been reworked and now looks better than ever! If you are a member, you will be able to access this update by following the directions below. If you are a free player, you can expect to be playing RuneScape HD as soon as the Beta period is over. Free players who select RuneScape HD will receive a preview of the new graphics, meaning they can see how it runs on their machines, but will be unable to play in it.
NOTE - this is a live Beta. This means that if you lose or win an item, die or gain experience, it is for real - the effects will remain on your account even after the Beta period is over. Please do not throw away items thinking that you will get them back after the Beta period.
Playing RuneScape HD:
You will notice that the website has been given a fresh lick of paint, but your path to the game remains as simple as before. Click 'Play RuneScape' on the new RuneScape front page to get to the Detail Select page. Then click the right-hand button, 'RuneScape High Detail', to select the new version. Finally, choose your world, and then start playing.
To play RuneScape HD, your computer will need the following system specifications:
1.5 GHz processor or higher
256MB of RAM or more
64MB 3D Graphics card, such as Nvidia(R) GeForce(TM) 3 or above
Sun Java 1.4 or higher
Once the game has loaded, you can use the in-game Graphics Options menu, within your Options tab (the one with the spanner), to further increase or decrease your level of detail. You can also change them on the log in screen. So, if you are experiencing slowdown, try reducing the number of graphical features.
The new fullscreen mode can also be toggled on or off in the in-game Options tab or the log in screen.
When you have set your preferred graphics options, your settings will be remembered as the default every time you log in on that machine. You may change these graphics options at any point.
If you have further questions, or are having trouble playing RuneScape HD, please visit the FAQS, found here
Playing in the old detail modes:
To access the old High or Low Detail modes, click the left-hand 'RuneScape' button on the Detail Select page. This option manages to be both the old detail modes, rolled into one! You will be able to use the in-game Graphics Options menu to choose the exact level of detail you wish to play in. If you turn everything to minimum you get the old Low Detail mode, and if you turn everything to maximum you get the old High Detail mode.
Due to the high volume of traffic and the size of today's update, RuneScape has experienced some technical difficulties. This has led to several worlds going offline and issues with the Grand Exchange. We are aware of these problems and they should be fixed shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience we may have caused you.
If you are struggling to download the client, please choose a world from the USA, as they have more bandwidth available. You can always switch to your favourite world once the client has downloaded.
1 July 2008 - New Website and Much More...
As if launching RuneScape HD wasn't big enough on its own, we have released several other updates at the same time! These include a reworked website, several city improvements and a new world map.
The New Website:
For most people, the first improvement they encounter will be the new RuneScape website. You will notice that the links on the left side of the front page have gone, replaced with tabs across the top of the page that drop-down to reveal their contents. These have been grouped together according to subject, making your chosen section easy to find. The path through to play the game remains the same as before.
In-Game Improvements:
Aside from RuneScape HD, we have made several graphical updates that also affect the old detail modes. A deep breath is needed here: three of the largest cities in RuneScape - Al Kharid, Lumbridge and Ardougne - have been reworked to give them a new, improved look; Castle Wars has been given a fresh lick of paint; your teleport animations and your emotes should now be more impressive; and the fires of RuneScape have an improved, crackling flame.
World Map Integration:
To make RuneScape easier to navigate, we have introduced an in-game world map. At the simple press of the globe icon in the top-right of your screen, next to the minimap, you are able to view your position in the world and see where you want to go, without opening any separate windows.
In Other News:
The Behind the Scenes for July will be released at the start of next week. We have some other great things planned for this month, but we do not wish to distract you from the graphical updates just yet.
A vital change has been made to purple sweets. An issue with their scripting meant that they could keep a player alive forever, which is certainly not what we intended! The purple sweets are now back to normal.
For new subscribers becoming members on or after the 4th August, the monthly cost for a RuneScape subscription will increase 30p in the UK, $0.95 in the US and by similar amounts in other currencies. These are examples of the credit card prices - all other payment types will be increasing by a similar margin. If you are an existing member, or you subscribe before the 4th August, this price change will not affect you, as long as you keep your membership valid.
If you are an existing member and you allow your membership to lapse for more than two weeks (after the 4th of August), you will be charged the new rate when you re-subscribe.
RuneScape subscription costs have not changed since RuneScape memberships started in 2002, over 6 years ago! Inflation and exchange rates mean we are having to adjust our prices slightly.
1 July 2008 - RuneScape HD - Members-Only Beta Launch
RuneScape has been reworked and now looks better than ever! If you are a member, you will be able to access this update by following the directions below. If you are a free player, you can expect to be playing RuneScape HD as soon as the Beta period is over. Free players who select RuneScape HD will receive a preview of the new graphics, meaning they can see how it runs on their machines, but will be unable to play in it.
NOTE - this is a live Beta. This means that if you lose or win an item, die or gain experience, it is for real - the effects will remain on your account even after the Beta period is over. Please do not throw away items thinking that you will get them back after the Beta period.
Playing RuneScape HD:
You will notice that the website has been given a fresh lick of paint, but your path to the game remains as simple as before. Click 'Play RuneScape' on the new RuneScape front page to get to the Detail Select page. Then click the right-hand button, 'RuneScape High Detail', to select the new version. Finally, choose your world, and then start playing.
To play RuneScape HD, your computer will need the following system specifications:
1.5 GHz processor or higher
256MB of RAM or more
64MB 3D Graphics card, such as Nvidia(R) GeForce(TM) 3 or above
Sun Java 1.4 or higher
Once the game has loaded, you can use the in-game Graphics Options menu, within your Options tab (the one with the spanner), to further increase or decrease your level of detail. You can also change them on the log in screen. So, if you are experiencing slowdown, try reducing the number of graphical features.
The new fullscreen mode can also be toggled on or off in the in-game Options tab or the log in screen.
When you have set your preferred graphics options, your settings will be remembered as the default every time you log in on that machine. You may change these graphics options at any point.
If you have further questions, or are having trouble playing RuneScape HD, please visit the FAQS, found here.
Playing in the old detail modes:
To access the old High or Low Detail modes, click the left-hand 'RuneScape' button on the Detail Select page. This option manages to be both the old detail modes, rolled into one! You will be able to use the in-game Graphics Options menu to choose the exact level of detail you wish to play in. If you turn everything to minimum you get the old Low Detail mode, and if you turn everything to maximum you get the old High Detail mode.
July Newsletter fresh off the press and Tri-Media Bowl
Monday, Jun 30, 2008
News ID: 00852
The official RuneHQ July Newsletter is here. Take some time, sit back, and enjoy yourself with the new information and happenings coming your way.
Tri-Media Bowl - Re-born!
Our very own Tri-Media Bowl has made a comeback, after a few months of not running we have decided to bring back the competition! For those of you who are unsure what this awesome competition is, this is a brief description of it:
Show off your media talent in one of the 3 categories:- Buddies, Sgnatures and Avatars, and 'Other' (which can be anything else media related!)
You can win prizes on our forum, and have a place in our hall of fame.
If you win, your entry will be featured in the RuneHQ newsletter for the millions of people who read it each month!
If you want to show off you media talent, or just have a laugh, visit this topic on our forums. If you do not have an account on the forums, this is a great time to make one. After all, it is free!
We hope to see you entering the Tri-Media Bowl! Good luck!
~ The Media Staff
TehNoobWorld Launch!
Saturday, Jun 28, 2008
News ID: 00851
TehNoobWorld Launch!
That's right, TehNoobShow, RuneScape's number one video maker, has launched a brand new website, TehNoobWorld, for RuneScape videos.
For almost two years TehNoobShow has delighted the RuneScape public with his funny videos, and now he is opening up a place where you can see his entire collection, in addition to the videos of other famous RuneScape video makers.
RuneHQ is proud to be an official affiliate of TehNoobWorld, and looks forward to our new partnership. Although still in development, many videos can already be seen on TehNoobWorld, so check it out!
~ [Im4eversmart] ~
Ventrilo Karaoke
Monday, Jun 23, 2008
News ID: 00850
Karaoke time!
Please join us for Ventrilo Karaoke on Saturday, June 28th, 2pm to 4 pm CST and 8pm to 10pm CST. This is your chance to showcase your singing talents to your fellow members. Not only will we have lots of great songs as usual, but this month, we will also be launching the start of our grand event, Ventrilo Idol! The best singer voted from this month's event will win a chance to compete in Ventrilo Idol. We hope to see everyone there!
For a priority spot to participate in karaoke, check out this topic on our forums. You must be a registered user to gain access to our Ventrilo server. If you do not have a RuneHQ Ventrilo Account, then click here. If you are not registered for the forums, click here to go to the Registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
Thanks to Supersims for creating this graphic!
~ Ventrilo Staff ~
RuneHQ Event
Sunday, Jun 22, 2008
News ID: 00849
RuneHQ June Event #2
Few words can describe this event, although one phrase does the job rather well: To the death!
That's right, the second RuneHQ event of June will be at the TzHaar Fight Pits. Come and fight for dominance in a massive free-for-all battle!
TzHaar Fight Pits!
Event: Fight Pits
When: Saturday, June 28th
Time: 2pm PST, 3pm CST; 4pm Est; 9pm GMT +0; 10pm GMT +1; 6 am GMT +9
Where: World 60 (Members)
Meeting Place: TzHaar Fight Pit
What to bring: Combat Equipment, Food, Potions, ...
Visit the Official Events Forum on our Community Forum for additional information and comments.
If you are not registered on our Community Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
~ RuneHQ Events Team ~
RuneHQ Browser Bar Updated!
Friday, Jun 20, 2008
News ID: 00848
RuneHQ Browser Bar Updated!
The RuneHQ Browser Bar has been upgraded to version 4.2.1. All links have been updated, and brand new links to RuneScape pages have been added. This version works for all version of Firefox, including Firefox 3!
First released back in April of 2006, this Firefox add-on has continued to provide handy links to all RuneHQ and RuneScape pages for the last two years. Enjoy!
19 June 2008 - PayByPhone for Netherlands and Belgium
We are pleased to announce that the PayByPhone payment service is now available to both the Netherlands and Belgium. If you live in one of these countries and would like to subscribe using this method, please access the Account Management section of our website.
If you are not from the Netherlands or Belgium, you may still be able to pay using this simple and accessible payment option. Please check the Account Management section to find out if you are eligible to pay by PayByPhone in your country of residence.
As RuneScape applies the final touches to the upcoming graphical improvement, the FunOrb team have been busy revamping their most popular game. The free to play and multiplayer game 'Arcanists' has now received a large chunk of new content.
They have created some new maps to master, including one that takes its cues from Mos Le'Harmless. More spells are on offer, including two new spellbooks - Sea and Nature - while familiars have been introduced, which could turn current Arcanist tactics on their head.
With more Achievements to unlock and awards to obtain, there's plenty new to play in Arcanists.
FunOrb is a website created by Jagex, makers of RuneScape, which offers a diverse selection of games for you try out and play for free.
16 June 2008 - Development Diary and System Specifications
In the first Development Diary on our graphical improvements, we showed you the results of textures, texture blending, shadows and fog. In this, the second and final Development Diary on the release, we shine a light on the other effects we have been using.
Minimum specifications:
To play RuneScape's new detail level you will need:
1.5 GHz processor or higher
256MB of RAM or more
64MB 3D Graphics card, such as Nvidia(R) GeForce(TM) 3 or
above
Additionally, your graphics card should have the latest drivers installed, to ensure the new detail level plays with no problems.
If you need more information on your computer's specifications or how to update your graphical drivers, visit our Tech Support Forum in the RuneScape Forums.
When the graphical improvement is released, you will be able to increase or decrease the number of graphical features that are activated. This will be done in your in-game 'Options' menu (the one with the spanner icon). So, any problems playing the new detail mode may be lessened by reducing the number of graphical features that are activated.
We would advise that your computer exceeds the above requirements, so you will be able to play the new detail mode without any issues.
REMINDER - The existing Low and High Detail will still be available, as the graphical update is completely optional.
Then join our Community Forums for a whole range of Arcade games and Casino games while you discuss RS tips and strategies and get to know our friendly and helpful community.
Click on the graphic above (or on Community Forums at the left column) to gain access to the forums. If you are not registered, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
RuneHQ June Event #1
The Events is over! We hope to see everyone at our second June event.
Summer came too early?
Is it too hot outside?
Come and cool down at...
The RuneHQ Summer BBQ!
Event: BBQ
When: Sunday, June 15th
Time: 3pm CST (9pm GMT +0)
Where: World 55 (Free-Play)
Meeting Place: Field north of the Lumbridge Mill
What to bring: Tinderbox, Axe and any other fun things
Visit the Official Events Forum on our Community forum for additional information and comments.
If you are not registered on our Community Forums, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
This long yet interesting quest will reveal the mystery surrounding Rabid Jack as you work diligently to obtain the five marks of the great Pirate Captains of RuneScape.
For a nice chunk of Thieving, Smithing, Agility, and Crafting XP, a new way to train thieving, and other great rewards, this quest is one you don't want to miss.
Thanks goes out to Fruitcheese, diana_de_wit, Wylyne, and everyone else who helped write the guide.
There are many mysteries of the seas - hidden treasures, ghostly ships, pirate fashion - but few are as intriguing as the tale of Rabid Jack. Revered by a few, feared by many, his name is known by virtually all that sail the seas.
The problem is, no pirate is willing to talk of Rabid Jack. Whether out of terror or a determination to keep his history hidden, the pirates have taken an oath of silence on the subject: particularly annoying for any adventurer who wants to send Rabid Jack to a watery grave.
All is not lost, however, as one pirate has been given charge of the secret. Is it as easy as walking up and talking to him? Arrr, you should know better than that, landlubber! The pirate resides in 'The Rock' - an island prison for brigands and buccaneers - and he seems reluctant to pass on information without some assurances.
Needless to say, the path to your goal is a windy one, with some interesting stops on the way. Your path may even cross with the strong-arm of the Customs Office, some pirate implings and a multi-purpose seagull...
Level 60 Agility
Level 63 Thieving
Level 66 Crafting
Level 69 Smithing The Great Brain Robbery
Access to:
A new way to train your Thieving skill
Pirate implings to hunt and catch
New pirate clothing, including reverse and double eye patches!
In other news...
The Menaphite action kilt was appearing as blue in your inventory even though it's red when you put it on. It's now correctly showing up as red in your inventory.
Similarly, the iron and steel gauntlets from the Fist of Guthix minigame were the wrong shades of grey, making the iron ones look like steel and the steel ones look like iron. Their colours have been switched round now.
Finally, you can now store broad-tipped bolts in your bolt pouches.
RuneHQ is looking for a few people who have coding talent, specifically in the areas of: PHP (required), SQL, XHTML (required), CSS (required), and AJAX.
If you have experience with the areas listed above (mostly with PHP), then head over to the forums and send Im4eversmart a message outlining your skills.
The best applicants will be made full members of the RuneHQ staff and will have the opportunity to work on site features and functions, as well as on other projects, both public and behind-the-scenes.
Smoking Kills Quest Guide and Reporting Academy Forum
Friday, Jun 06, 2008
News ID: 00840
Smoking Kills Quest Guide
This new quest brings a new Slayer master for all those avid Slayer skillers! Along with the new master is a new dungeon area with some new and old monsters and a new Slayer Point system. This new system gives you a new way to earn Slayer experience, new items, new training, and many other rewards. So sharpen your scimitars and tighten up your whips for the Smoking Kills Quest.
Thanks to Budmash and everyone for creating an awesome guide!
We had a great response to our new Forum, the Reporting Academy, which contains useful information about when to send abuse reports. Thank you everyone who posted and asked questions.
The accuracy of the reports coming in has noticeably improved since its release. Due to the level of demand we’ve been experiencing, we have now opened the second section of the Reporting Academy, which is certainly a recommended visit. In the meantime, here are some of the top tips available from the Reporting Academy.
Noob:
Being called a noob can be annoying. You may have a bad game of Castle Wars, for example, and find that a player follows you around afterwards, calling you a 'noob'. As irritating as this may be to you, please do not report it unless there is something more serious that you'd like us to take a look at! If the player is really bothering you, add them to your Ignore List - that way, you'll have no more trouble from them.
Filtered language **** ***:
It may be that you have wandered RuneScape and seen someone activate the in-game chat filter. The filter removes inappropriate words, so you do not need to send us a report. If a person is annoying you by continuously using the filter, we would advise you to use your Ignore List. To sum up: don't report for starred-out language only, as the filter has done its job. Of course, if there is something other than starred-out language that you are concerned about, please send us a report about that player.
If you enjoyed those top tips, there are plenty more in the new update of the Reporting Academy. We look forward to seeing you soon on the Forums.
The Reporting Academy can be found in the 'Support' section of the official RuneScape Forums.
Someone new has moved to Pollnivneach and, by some twist of fate, they are not called Ali! This strange new neighbour is called Sumona, and she has lost something very valuable in the depths of the Pollnivneach well. Mighty rewards are on offer for anyone willing to return what she has misplaced.
Meanwhile, eery wails and vile stenches seem to be pervading the streets. This may be unlucky for the Pollnivneach tourist trade, but at least there is something in it for adventurous types. In fact, they may be turned to one's advantage when dealing with the mixed bag of unpleasantness beneath Pollnivneach...
With potentially epic, if unspecified, Slayer rewards on offer, this is a venture best-suited to those who risk their lives for curiosity. Let's hope that curiosity is better for them than it is for cats.
Two new dungeons to explore
An expansion to the Slayer skill
A new Slayer Master and some new Slayer gear
In other news...
We have introduced two new worlds for those who prefer to chat, or be chatted to, with Quick Chat. The worlds are 160 and 161. Conventional chat may not be used on these worlds - they are for Quick Chat users only.
NOTE - We would like to remind players that we have absolutely NO intention of removing free chat from the game, either now or in the future. Quick Chat is designed to be an optional alternative to normal chat.
Quick Chat users can now chat to their friends on FunOrb, and vice versa. Simply select a friend from your Friends List and then choose what you want to say from the 'General' and/or 'Inter-game' menus within Quick Chat.
We have made efforts to stop the strange 'dancing' effect that occurs when fighting monsters on the same square as you. You should find that, instead of moving from side to side, you find a more suitable position to attack the monster from.
Dragon square shields have been updated, thanks to observant players who noted that its two halves wouldn't make a square!
RuneHQ.net and Runehq.com servers are updated to Lighttpd 4.1.19, MySQL client 5.0.51a, and PHP 5.2.6. The patch for the errors we were seeing on RuneHQ.com servers for Lighttpd was applied to all 3 servers for RuneHQ.net and Runehq.com.
The database servers were upgraded to MySQL 5.0.51a for both MySQL client and MySQL server.
The forum however has not been upgraded to IPB 2.3.5 as of yet. I have put the forum back on line for now however, since I still need to do a few things to prepare to upgrade the forum. When I am ready to do the forum upgrade I will let everyone know. The forum upgrade should not take more than an hour to complete when it happens.
We have not had a chance yet to verify everything works correctly after the upgrades, but we are working on that as I write this update. If you find any errors or issues please do not hesitate to let us know so we can investigate and fix them.
Instead of beginning with a starter or main course, we will skip straight to desert this June! If that pun doesn't kill you, the beasties just might in Smoking Kills, our brand new desert quest. At the start, it won't seem too dangerous: a red-headed citizen of Pollnivneach has lost her sister down a well and wants you to retrieve her. Explore the depths, however, and you'll find yourself in situations more uncomfortable than sand between your toes.
Aside from a touch of trap-dodging and cat whispering, Smoking Kills demands the best of seasoned slayers, who will need to use their resources in innovative new ways to survive. Those who manage it will find their Slayer skill improved, with extra gear, a new Slayer Master and some pretty special rewards that will raise their Slayer game.
So, we've had the sun and the sand - now fer the sea, me hearties! Rabid Jack has been pretty quiet recently, seemingly taking a holiday from his nefarious ways. That would be the perfect opportunity to gather information on the old sea dog, but the pirates of the great seas won't say a word. Instead they will point you towards The Rock - the only prison in RuneScape where it's harder to get in than out...
This, the second of our quests this month, will have you punishing your liver with Braindeath's 'rum', finding imaginative uses for a seagull and getting up-close and personal with 50% Luke's wooden leg! It's all in a day's work for an intrepid would-be pirate who's used to Rocking Out once in a while.
At the end of the month, there will be a break of a couple of weeks with no game updates. These two weeks are hugely important to us, as they allow us to prepare for the major graphical improvement in early July. It's one of the most complex releases we've ever attempted, so we need the extra time to get it ready and make sure the launch goes smoothly.
The official RuneHQ June Newsletter is here. Take some time, sit back, and enjoy yourself with the new information and happenings coming your way.
Site Outages Soon! and Postbag from the Hedge
Thursday, May 29, 2008
News ID: 00836
Site Outages are now scheduled for Monday June, 02, 2008 from midnight/12 am CST until 6 AM CST (0000 - 0600). CST is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) minus 6.
We are aware there are issues with RuneHQ.com that are causing frequent outages. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused to our loyal visitors. We are investigating the issue and will resolve it as soon as reasonably possible. We believe we may have to apply a patch to the web servers to address the error we are getting and causing the web servers to crash.
This will require an outage of RuneHQ.com and Runehq.net! We hope the outage will be less than 4 hours, but it could take up to 8 hours for all the work we are having done.
We will be upgrading the 3 web servers and the 2 database servers for Runehq.com and RuneHQ.net.
All the databases will have to be taken down, backed up prior to the master/slave Database servers Mysql server/client server code upgrades and then the databases will then have to be reloaded. The 3 web servers will be patched and upgraded to the latest versions of lighttpd, php, and Mysql client.
Once these upgrades are done we will also have to fix some issues caused by the upgrades, since we are going from Mysql version 4 to version 5 and php version 4 to php version 5.
I will also be upgrading the forums to IPB version 2.3.5 during this maintenance window.
I am waiting on a quote of what this will cost to have our server vendor perform the maintenance and then I have to schedule it, so not 100% sure yet exactly when this will happen but it will be done ASAP!
This month, Postie Pete has been travelling far and wide to speak to your favourite NPCs.
If you've been wondering where Charlie the Tramp's donations go to, why Kaqemeex won't teleport pollution or the motivations behind an angry tree spirit, then head to the Postbag from the Hedge now.
Finally, Pete brings you some groan-inducing jokes from the desk of the Wise Old Man.
28 May 2008 - Development Diary: A New Look RuneScape!
The pictures shown in the 'Image of the Future' newsposts were just a taster of what is to come with our graphical improvements. In this Development Diary, we get to go into more detail, as well as show you some new impressive-looking images.
You'll find information about why we decided to embark on this project and what it involves, including shadows, textures and fogging.
Going up a skill level can access a shedload of new activities, items and quest requirements. You need to know exactly what you're capable of at these new levels, so we've taken a fresh look at your level up messages and skill guides.
Level-up messages now give you much more information about any abilities you've unlocked when raising your skill levels. They'll tell you when you increase a Combat level, for example, or when you've met the requirements to start a new quest. Each of these important milestones will be highlighted by improved sounds and graphics, which get more impressive as you achieve harder-to-reach goals!
Extra information has also been added to the Skill Advance Guides, giving you a truly comprehensive picture of what can be done at your current level. If you have gained the ability to do anything with your new skill level, you can almost guarantee that it will be here.
Finally, you won't miss your level-up message if you're in the midst of combat. Once you advance a level in a skill, that skill's icon will begin flashing in the statistics menu of your side interface. You can then view your level-up messages by clicking on the flashing icon (as long as you stay logged in). In all other cases, clicking on the skill icon will open the skill guide as normal.
Summary
Access to:
More information in your level-up messages
More information in your skill advance guides
Improved animations and sounds when you gain a skill level
View level-up messages when you are ready
In other news...
There are a few unusual signs for you to discover across RuneScape, revealing bizarre statistics about the activities of the day. Ever wanted to know the number of cakes stolen from East Ardougne stalls? Well, now you can! There are signposts for you to find in the following locations:
On the subject of signposts, you'll find that a number have been added around Runescape. These are very useful if you're lost and need pointing in the right direction. These are scattered in the area bounded by Ardougne, Fremennik Pass, Morytania and down to the Shantay Pass.
Various NPCs in Miscellania and Etceteria are more helpful and will tell you your approval rating. This should save you time and a trip to Advisor Ghrim.
Juna, from the Tears of Guthix minigame, now has a quick option for telling her stories. Also, she'll inform you more accurately about when you can return to the cave and collect tears again. If you are able to access the Tears of Guthix within the next two days, Juna will tell you when to return, to the hour. If you can access them within 4 hours, Juna will tell you when to return, to the minute!
This week brings the Quick Chat system - an optional method for chatting to players in RuneScape.
You may activate the Quick Chat system by clicking on your name in the chat window or the speech bubble next to it. This brings up the Quick Chat menu, which replaces your chat window. You may revert to the normal chat system at any time by pressing 'Esc' or the 'X' in the top-left corner.
The Quick Chat menu houses a list of requests, responses, greetings and other commonly-used sentences. You can choose from these by selecting them with your mouse or via shortcut keys. Once you have made your selection, your character will say your chosen chat option.
In some areas of RuneScape, you can press 'F10' to bring up 'context-sensitive' chat. This is a list of chat options that varies according to where you are or what you are training. You can then use this menu to talk about subjects related to the area or activity. We expect this to be particularly helpful in those situations where you need to give team directions: in minigames like Castle Wars and Pest Control, for example, you will be able to suggest tactics at the touch of a few buttons.
We have also made Quick Chat available to muted players. We believe that this is a more suitable action to take against those who have previously abused the chat system. Additionally, Quick Chat can be used to chat with players on German worlds, since the system will translate whichever chat option you choose.
Due to the nature of Quick Chat, we cannot entirely predict how players will use it or what players will want from it. So, we would encourage any feedback that you have, to help us tailor the system to your chatting needs. To offer feedback, please post on the official Quick Chat thread in the Suggestions Forum.
As we mentioned in this month's Behind the Scenes, Quick Chat is optional and an alternative to conventional chatting.
Changes to the 'F' keys:
Quick Chat brings some slight alterations to the handy shortcut keys:
F4 now opens your inventory (which was previously 'Escape').
F9 opens the quick responses of your Quick Chat menu.
F10 opens the context-sensitive menus of your Quick Chat menu.
F11 repeats the last phrase you said using the Quick Chat menu.
16 May 2008 - An Image of the Not-Too-Distant Future
In last week's Image of the Future newspost, we revealed our secret plan for RuneScape: a complete graphical rework. We were sneaky and held back a little information, however: namely, when you can expect these updates.
Drum-roll, please... You will have access to all of these updates within a couple of months! There really isn't much time to wait. If you can't wait for more details on the update, a new Development Diary is coming later this month.
We plan to keep improving RuneScape's graphics in the future, so we would encourage you to 'Send us your Specs', if you have not already.
Finally, we can reveal another image of the future...
This month, Postie Pete's been admiring the sights of RuneScape. As a result, he's handpicked the best landscapes from your picture submissions, ready to display them in this month's Players' Gallery.
Head to the Players' Gallery to see the burning sun over the Kharidian Desert, the murky fog creeping across Morytania, and many others.
TokTz-Ket-Dill Quest Guide
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
News ID: 00831
If you are looking for a new mining area with high level ores, such as Adamantite and Mithril ores, then the lastest quest from RuneScape may be just what you need. The TokTz-Ket-Dill Quest will take into the the depths of the TzHaar City, where you will have to defeat a level 100 monster. You may also pick up some information about the TzHaar language and counting system. Afterwards, take up your pickaxes and get your fill from the new mining area.
Thanks to Belgariad04 and everyone else who contributed such great information.
A giant creature is causing havoc inside the Karamja volcano, digging tunnels beneath the city. The TzHaar now risk losing their beloved home, unless they can be convinced that they need help.
TokTz-Ket-Dill will give you a unique look into TzHaar society, as well as access to new areas, creatures and TzHaar characters. You may already know about TzHaar guards, hunters, mages, and crafters, but what about the TzHaar playwrights? Do you know how to speak the language? You don't? Perhaps a TzHaar librarian could be of help.
But what would a trip to the TzHaar city be without some fighting? Worry not! Besides learning the language and meeting some strange TzHaar, you will also explore dangerous tunnels and fight deadly beasts. These foes are no less threatening than the other inhabitants of the volcano, so you will need to prepare yourself.
Level 40 Attack
Level 50 Construction
Level 43 Crafting
Level 41 Mining
Level 45 Strength
Must be able to defeat a level 100 monster.
Must be able to defeat lower-levelled monsters using Magic and Ranged.
Access to:
New sections of the TzHaar city, including a multi-way combat Mining area.
The Guaranteed Content Poll is your chance to have a genuine impact on the game, and you have made some great choices this time. We asked you to choose the single character and group of characters that you would like us to transform. The results were Party Pete and the TzHaar (now that would be an interesting party!).
Party Pete seems to be very proud of his fabulous new look and he can’t wait to show it off to everyone in RuneScape. He has had a complete makeover, with clothes and accessories that suit his fun-loving lifestyle. If you want to check out his new threads (and groovy moves), head over to the Party Room to join in with his celebrations. The Party Room can be found to the north-east of Falador’s east bank.
We don’t think that the TzHaar would appreciate being described as ‘groovy’, but recent geological disturbances have left every single one of these fearsome creatures looking very different, from the TzHaar-Hur to TzTok-Jad himself. After a dramatic transformation, the TzHaar now look even more intimidating; TzTok-Jad even scared us when we first saw him. If you’re feeling brave and your adventuring brings you to Brimhaven's volcano, be careful where you put your pickaxe. Those rocks have powerful friends!
In other news...
In High Detail mode, you will find that buildings with roofs are much easier to enter. You can now click on the roof of a building and your player will walk inside - assuming the door is open, of course!
Hey everyone! We have some great news for you today. RuneHQ is now affiliated with Draynor.net, a wonderful place to get all sorts of cool stats signatures, goal signatures, banners, and more!
Thanks to Draynor.net, we now have some new signatures available under the tools menu to the left. Simply follow the instructions on the page to create your very own graphic to put in your forum signature or to show off to your friends.
In the future we hope to participate in more great projects with Draynor.net to make your RuneScape experience even more enjoyable.
~ [Im4eversmart] ~
Official RuneHQ May Event
Friday, May 09, 2008
News ID: 00828
Official RuneHQ May Event
Clan Wars: where the greatest of armies do battle. Within the walls of that bloodied arena, mighty battles take place and powerful clans strive for dominance.
Such a battle shall be waged in May. Come and join us at Clan Wars and fight for either the Blue Robes or the Black Robes. Who will emerge victorious?
Event details (such as the date and time) can be found at this topic on the Community Forums:
Over the past year, we've been keeping a rather large secret. We have been working on a complete graphical rework of RuneScape, which is looking truly spectacular. There's no need to take our word for it: look at the images below and see for yourself.
As you know, we currently offer 'High Detail' and 'Low Detail' modes. We plan on adding a new and optional detail mode, bringing you accelerated higher quality graphics. This will be in addition to the existing detail modes, as they will remain unchanged.
As if the improvements below weren't enough, an optional fullscreen version of RuneScape is due at the same time. This will let you play at a resolution of your choice, and it also supports widescreen monitors. We think you'll agree, the future of RuneScape is looking very good indeed....
When planning future projects or attempting to really push the technology of the RuneScape game, we often come across the same problem: we have no information about everyone's computer hardware. With this kind of information, we could release more RuneScape improvements that make the best use of your system's capabilities.
We have come up with a solution that we'd like you to help us with. We have developed a program that, once downloaded, will tell us the following things about your computer:
your operating system
your graphics card
your CPU
your Java version
relevant graphical and audio drivers
This program downloads and runs in the same manner as the RuneScape game. We would encourage you to run it on every computer that you use to regularly play RuneScape.
Once we've gathered together all of this information, we can begin planning our future projects and RuneScape improvements to work within these specifications. This means that very few people will miss out on some awesome updates that we have planned!
To begin downloading the program, visit this link. It will guide you through an agreement page to make sure that you understand what is required. The process only takes a few seconds, so you should be back to RuneScape in no time.
NOTE - We would like to remind you that this applet is COMPLETELY secure and official (you can verify this by checking that your address bar states www.runescape.com/). It does not include spyware or any other form of malicious software.
We can guarantee that your information will only be used by Jagex to develop future games and improve RuneScape. It will not be shared with any other organisations. Please only download the program from RuneScape.com as this is the only legitimate source.
The dwarves of the Dwarven Mine are an industrious bunch and get through a lot of pickaxes. Nurmof, the pickaxe sales-dwarf, has always had trouble keeping up with demand and, as RuneScape shops have limitless stock, he can't possibly make enough pickaxes on his own.
Being a dwarf, Nurmof has solved his problem the dwarven way: through automation! His cave in the Dwarven Mine is now home to a machine that churns out pickaxes night and day. Powering it has become something of a problem, so Nurmof has commissioned a power station on the surface, near the mine.
Projects of this scale are rarely without their problems: a hapless dwarf has lost part of a delivery to the power station, and an adventurer is needed to recover it. As is customary on RuneScape, this may not be the end of that adventurer's involvement...
Those who complete Perils of Ice Mountain will find a set of dwarven blueprints. To get a closer look at them, look at the wallpaper, in the Download section of our website.
What's new pussycat? Well, along with the reworked Gertrude's Cat quest, we've updated the cats and kittens throughout RuneScape. All cat and kitten variants have been looked over by the Makeover Mage and are more adorable than ever. Miaow!
The Monastery and monks east of Ice Mountain have also undergone a graphical update. Check out the fresh robes and the surrounding area - we think you'll be 'thoroug-holy' surprised by their new looks.
We've implemented a fairy ring logbook to assist you in your travels. Using the Zanaris fairy ring will display your log, so you can easily find the code combinations for your chosen destination. Your log will only display code combinations from this week onwards, however. Additionally, the rings can turn in two directions, which should speed up your selection.
You should find that it's easier and quicker to recharge your essence pouches in the Abyss. The Dark Mage now has a quick option and he'll repair your degraded pouches with less hassle.
The Bone Grinder has been improved, so that grinding silver bars to dust has been made faster. Stop by the Ectofuntus Temple to give it a go!
Other small fixes:
The red boater hat is no longer listed twice in your player-owned house treasure chest.
This week brings a change that will have an impact on the Runecrafting skill. We have realised that obtaining the law talisman as a reward for completing Troll Stronghold is not really adequate, considering the difficulty of the quest. Such a tough and demanding quest deserves a better reward, so, as of today, members can trade the law talisman and law tiara. Players will now be able to take advantage of the Assist System at the Law Altar, so that anyone with the required Runecrafting level can help those with a lower skill level to produce law runes. This change opens up law rune crafting to a wider group of players, which benefits everyone.
If you’ve yet to complete or have already completed Troll Stronghold, fear not! We have no wish to devalue the hard work necessary to complete the quest, so we are replacing the law talisman reward with two experience lamps that give 10,000 XP each into any skill over level 30. You will not lose the law talisman you already received for completing the quest, and anyone who completes the quest from this point on will receive the two experience lamps, but no talisman.
There are now more ways to obtain the law talisman. In addition to trading it with other players or buying it from the Grand Exchange, the law talisman is now a monster drop for a variety of foes, including abyssal creatures, battle tortoises, terror birds, ghouls, guards, and paladins.
If you have already completed Troll Stronghold, you will need to speak to Dunstan, the blacksmith in Burthorpe, to claim your new reward.
Summary
Where to obtain the new rewards:
Players who have already completed Troll Stronghold should talk to Dunstan, the blacksmith in Burthorpe, to claim the new reward.
Access to:
Law talisman and law tiaras now tradeable among members.
Law talisman now dropped by some creatures.
Troll Stronghold reward is now two XP reward lamps that add 10,000XP to any skill of level 30 or higher.
Many thanks for voting in last week's Guaranteed Content poll. We had a huge number of votes and it really captured everyone's imagination. So, without further ado, we can reveal that the familiar you will be summoning in the future is...
The phoenix!
Another Guaranteed Content Poll is coming soon, so if you want to influence the choices for the poll, keep an eye on the Suggestions Forum...
When planning future projects or attempting to really push the technology of the RuneScape game, we often come across the same problem: we have no information about everyone's computer hardware. With this kind of information, we could release more RuneScape improvements that make the best use of your system's capabilities.
We have come up with a solution that we'd like you to help us with. We have developed a program that, once downloaded, will tell us the following things about your computer:
Your operating system
Your graphics card
Your CPU
Your Java version
Relevant graphical and audio drivers
Once we've gathered together all of this information, we can begin planning our future projects and RuneScape improvements to work within these specifications. This means that very few people will miss out on some awesome updates that we have planned!
To begin downloading the program, visit this link and log in. It will guide you through an agreement page to make sure that you understand what is required. The process does not take long, so you should be back to RuneScape in no time.
The applet is completely secure and official (you can verify this by checking that your address bar states www.runescape.com/). We can guarantee that your information will only be used by Jagex to develop future games and improve RuneScape. It will not be shared with any other organisations.
NOTE - Please only download the program from RuneScape.com. This is the only legitimate source.
It's not unusual for dwarves to be involved in a spot of industry. In this month's first quest, however, they may take it a bit too far. Nurmof, the pickaxe sales-dwarf in the Dwarven Mines, will have need of an energy source to power his patented pickaxe machine. Unfortunately for RuneScape, it looks like his choice will have severe consequences. Will you be able to clean up Nurmof's act in this month's low-level quest, Perils of Ice Mountain?
Whatever happens in RuneScape, the cats seem to find their feet, and, this month, those feet - and the rest of their bodies - will get graphically improved to become even more adorable. We may be getting a wee bit enthusiastic by sprucing up the Gertrude's Cat quest, but we're sure you'll appreciate what's new (pussycat).
You may know that the law talisman is a reward for the hard-to-beat Troll Stronghold quest. We feel that, not only is this a reward that everyone should be able to get their hands on, but it's strangely low-level for a high-level quest. This month, we will be making the law talisman available to all members, so that anyone can craft law runes, or use the Assist System to help others make them. The Troll Stronghold reward will be replaced by two 10,000xp lamps and, if you have completed the quest already, Dunstan will be ready to hand you them.
You wouldn't find Party Pete fighting trolls in Troll Stronghold - that would mess up his marvellous new 'fro! That's right, Party Pete has an appointment with the Makeover Mage, all thanks to your votes in the Guaranteed Content Poll. Expect a startling new 'do, threads and moves. You might even go "Woah! Dude..." when he throws some pretty spectacular shapes.
Burning down the house will be the graphically reworked TzHaar. Like Party Pete, the TzHaar were voted, by you, to have their looks and animations reworked. There's also the small matter of an improved Jad; this month, you will find the look of old is gone. What replaces it will be a whole lot more threatening...
Which leads us neatly to a RuneScape first: a TzHaar quest! It seems that the TzHaar will have need of a JalYt - a human - to help kill a fearsome beast that has been tunneling through their structures. Normally, this kind of problem would be dealt with in-house, but the only access to the creature will be through a very small, human-sized hole. Will you be successful where the TzHaar have failed, in TokTz-Ket-Dill?
Later this month, we introduce the Quick Chat system - an optional alternative to our normal chat system. Using Quick Chat, you will be able to use shortcut keys or your mouse to choose from a library of questions, answers, sentences and greetings. We expect this to be particularly helpful in minigames like Castle Wars and Pest Control, where faster communication is invaluable.
Muted players will have Quick Chat available to them. We believe that this will be a more suitable action to take against those who abused the chat system. Additionally, we have developed Quick Chat so it will be possible to talk to players on German worlds (and vice versa) since the system will translate whichever chat option you choose.
NOTE - The Quick Chat system will be completely optional, and normal chat will remain unchanged.
Level-up messages will be made more informative and less intrusive this month, with a raft of changes that we think you'll appreciate. First, you'll find that there's much more information about what you can do at your hard-fought new level, from quests to skill milestones. Fireworks will fizz into the air as you rise up the levels, and steps will be taken so that your level up messages cannot be interrupted by combat or other events.
Random statistic signs will be seen on the streets of RuneScape. These will offer some interesting facts about the more popular activities of RuneScape. Would you like to know how many Varrock Palace guards are killed in a day? The stat signs will tell you exactly how many...
There will be a few smaller updates to round the month off. The first - Grind-X - will allow you to conveniently grind items with your pestle and mortar. We will also be introducing signposts to areas of RuneScape, making the world easier to navigate. Finally, in the land of website updates, you can expect to help yourself to a Perils of Ice Mountain wallpaper, Players' Gallery and a Postbag from the Hedge.
We have released a new Forum in the 'Support' section of the RuneScape Forums. This is called the 'Reporting Academy', and it contains information that will help you when sending abuse reports about other players.
Every day, we receive lots of inaccurate abuse reports, which take up a lot of our time. By creating this Forum, we hope everyone will have a better idea of what to report, so we can spend more time moderating in-game or on the Forums. Let's work together to make that happen!
Here are a couple of quick pointers to get you started:
Noob:
Being called a noob can be annoying. You may have a bad game of Castle Wars, for example, and find that a player follows you around afterwards, calling you a 'noob'. As irritating as this may be to you, please do not report it unless there is something more serious that you'd like us to take a look at! If the player is really bothering you, add them to your Ignore List - that way, you'll have no more trouble from them!
Filtered language **** ****:
It may be that you have wandered RuneScape and seen someone activate the in-game chat filter. The filter removes inappropriate words, so you do not need to send us a report. If a person is annoying you by continuously using the filter, we would advise you to use your Ignore List. To sum up: don't report for starred-out language only, as the filter has done its job. Of course, if there is something other than just starred-out language that you are concerned about, please send us a report about that player.
Do you want to help decide on a new Summoning familiar? In this week's poll you can do exactly that! Choose from such varied creatures as killerwatts, giant kebbits and kangaroos...
Each of the creature options in this poll were chosen from a thread in the Suggestions Forum. Thank you to everyone who offered ideas for familiars.
We want to thank everyone for coming to this event. Please check back and join us next time for another event at RuneHQ. If you have any suggestions, please let us know on the forums!
~Maonzhi~
Ever ventured into the Wilderness for a clue scroll, to get to the Mage Arena, or the dragons; only to be stopped by the Revenant monsters? Time after time you try, but they always seem to get in the way. Well, not anymore. Now it's your turn to get in their way as we get some revenge on those pesky monsters for all their interference, in April's massive RuneHQ event, The Revenant Hunt! Join the hunt as scores of fellow players pour out into the wilderness to hunt these most annoying creatures, defeating them as we go. Don't worry if you're not a high hitter, we will bring them down all together. Using Jagex's LootShare and CoinShare, everyone can get in on the action and profit from it too. Let the bloodshed begin!
Quick Summary:
Please join the RuneHQ Events Team's clan chat (We are requiring members to join so that we can use the coinshare/lootshare system.): King_of_alba or Mei_ahn_zhi and Richie_L_S.
UPDATE: we are now using a different chat. Please see above.
Event: Wilderness Revenant Hunting
When: Sunday, April 27th
Time: 3pm CST / 9pm GMT
Where: F2P - World 85 NOTE: THIS HAS BEEN UPDATED!
Meeting Place: Edgeville Bank
What to bring: Combat Equipment; Armor, Weapon, Food
Event open to: Members, Non-Members, Anyone and Everyone!
Feel free to post your comments about this RuneHq Event on the forums.
If you are not registered, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
This week's Postbag is a mix of the surreal and the serious. On the surreal side we have exploding trifles and talking tripwires. On the serious side we have the history of Charos and some worrying conspiracy theories...
If you are intrigued or bemused, we can only point you in the direction of this week's Postbag from the Hedge.
Postie Pete also wants images for a future Players' Gallery. In particular, everyone's favorite severed head would like landscapes of RuneScape's beautiful geography.
The guide for the Legacy of Seergaze quest has been added to the site! Thanks goes out to ssj_metroid and everyone else who helped with it. Be sure to complete this great quest for a blood talisman and nice handful of XP.
~ [Im4eversmart] ~
RuneKit Released!
RuneKit is the long-awaited update to our online RuneScape Toolkit intended to provide a better RuneScape experience for RuneScape players. It is entirely online, requires no downloads, and is completely safe. To check out some of the new features and ways RuneKit can be useful to you, click the RuneScape Toolkit link under Tools in the site navigation today!
- Oblivion590 and DownStrike
RuneHQ Radio Upgrade!
We have had so many people tuning into the RuneHQ Radio, we decided to upgrade so that more people can enjoy the great tunes with us! We have added 3 more servers to stream music! The RuneHQ Radio can also handle more listeners for each stream. Lastly, we have expanded the chat box, so that more people can join in the discussion. If you want to let the DJ's know how much you like their music, you can post in this forum.
~ Maonzhi ~
Tired of losing in the Fist of Guthix Mini-Game?
Today, we are proud to present you our Fist of Guthix Mini-Game guide. It is full of strategies and tips that will even help the most experienced players.
This guide was written by Skeletonmat, I_M_Bad13, Alfawarlord, and Jakesterwars. Thanks to everyone for corrections and updates.
22 April 2008 - Myreque Part IV - Legacy of Seergaze
The Vyrewatch continue to draw blood tithes from the citizens of Meiyerditch, while the Saradominist powers of Misthalin seem unable to break Drakan's stranglehold over the dread land of Morytania. The two forces are bound by Guthixian Edicts, preventing any confrontation that would start another war between the gods.
Mercenaries trickle into Morytania through Paterdomus and are guided down to the frontline in Burgh de Rott, but they are not enough. In Meiyerditch, the little blood that remains in the veins of the townsfolk continues to flow. With such organised evil and so few allies, what new efforts can the Myreque make?
A new rumour has been heard among the assembled mercenaries near Paterdomus. One of their number saw something suspicious in the temple and believes you should investigate it.
Farther south, word comes that Safalaan has tasks for an enthusiastic, young and just-promoted private of the Myreque. Your part in the tale is about to get more involved...
What new secrets are to be discovered in Paterdomus? Can the Myreque strike back against the Vyrewatch? What has the mysterious Safalaan got in store for you? Cross the border, once again, into Morytania and these questions may well be answered.
The recently added Treasure Trail items, along with the Trouble Brewing clothing, can now be stored in your player-owned house. We know that these item sets can take up valuable bank space, so you can now store them safely away in your costume room!
We've made some core changes that will benefit the prices of items that appear stuck or stationary. Items traded between players or via the Grand Exchange will now change price more frequently.
Various icefiends have had a graphical rework. These ice-cool little creatures will melt your heart when you see them in their glacial glory!
The entrance to Morytania has been re-vamped graphically, to make it look even more fang-tastic. Stop and have a peek on your way to the Legacy of Seergaze quest.
You heard me. That's right, RuneHQ has live music broadcasts. Not only do we have 1 stream but we have 3 streams! So turn off that Ipod and get over to...
Click on the graphic above (or on RuneHQ Radio at the left column) to start listening right now. You can also discuss about the RuneHQ Radio on the forums. If you are not registered, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
Tune In
There's different music available at different times of the day. If you don't hear something that you want, feel free to post on the forums and let the DJ's know. They'll keep you satisfied with their vast and varied collections of music. Another great feature is that you can chat right on the RuneHQ Radio page while you listen. So tune in!
18 April 2008 - FunOrb: Arcanists and Shattered Plans
We have made several changes to FunOrb, the new gaming website from Jagex, makers of RuneScape. The first of these is to Arcanists, which was recently voted 'favourite FunOrb game' in a RuneScape poll. Many of you will be pleased to hear that multiplayer Arcanists is now available to registered and unregistered free players!
You can now enjoy this online wizard-battling game with your friends or anyone else, taking them on with Arcane or Fire spellbooks. If you wish to unlock and explore other spellbooks, you should subscribe as a FunOrb member.
We also released a stunning new multiplayer game: Shattered Plans - a galaxy-spanning strategy epic that allows up to six players to battle for supremacy and decide the fate of worlds.
The objective is simple: control as much known space as possible and wipe out your opponents. By conquering star systems, you stockpile the resources necessary to construct fleets, which can then be sent out to spread your influence further.
Every game map is randomly-generated, so no two games will be alike as you take on the galaxy!
Visit FunOrb to make the most of these two great updates. We only plan to post FunOrb news when we feel you'll appreciate the updates, and we certainly feel that these changes are worth telling you about. FunOrb players would recommend that you try Arcanists out!
Dragons have invaded this month's Players' Gallery and Postie Pete isn't going to argue with them! You may think him cowardly, but he's not keen to test whether skulls or magical sacks are flammable...
If you want to look upon their beautiful draconic visages, then check out the Players' Gallery now. Just don't forget your anti-dragonbreath shield!
Did you not make it to the finals of that American Idol Audition? Have you always wanted to sing your heart out for more than your cat or dog? Well! Here's your chance to showcase your singing talents here at RuneHQ at our monthly KARAOKE event!
Click on the graphic above (or on RuneHQ News and Information at the right column) to gain access to the forums to sign up to sing. If don't already have a RuneHQ Ventrilo Account then click here. If you are not registered for the forums, just click here to go to the Registrations page.
Ventrilo 101
Ventrilo is a handy software program that allows people to chat with each other over the internet through the use of a microphone connected to a computer. If you are unfamiliar with the Ventrilo program, take a look at our Ventrilo Guide to get started. You will get a step-by-step walk through on installing the program and setting it up. Feel free to join us anytime on the GGHQ Ventrilo Server for a friendly chat or instant access to your fellow players for some hints, tips, tricks, or advice for Runescape.
Many of you asked for the ability to view graphs of market values and track item prices as they rise and fall. Well, this week we introduce the Grand Exchange Database Beta, which does exactly that!
Skilled merchants will find the Grand Exchange Database to be an invaluable tool, enabling you to keep an eye on prices as they rise or fall. Get in quick if you wish to buy low and sell high!
If you prefer crushing creatures to trading on the Exchange, why not use the Database to find out the market value of a weapon you want or the value of a drop you have just received?
The Grand Exchange is currently at a 'Beta' stage. This is so that we can listen to the feedback of everyone who uses it and make any necessary changes.
If you have any feedback, please visit the 'GE Database Feedback' thread in the Website Feedback RuneScape Forum.
Around 50 new clues have been added to the medium and hard Treasure Trails this week with the introduction of some taxing riddles and anagrams. Prepare to have your brain twisted as you decipher some true puzzlers!
We couldn't have spiced up the clues without doing the same to the rewards, so we've brought them up to date this week. You'll get your puzzling mitts on more familiar items such as Construction gear, and new rewards like jewelled canes, animal masks and the top hat.
For a list of additions to the Treasure Trail items, please visit the Knowledge Base here.
Summary
Requirements to access the new Treasure Trails clues and rewards:
This content is members-only.
A clue scroll is all you need!
Access to:
New medium and hard difficulty anagrams and riddles.
New items, including the black crossbow, black/adamant/rune canes, animal masks and the top hat.
In other news...
In Customer Support news, we are very pleased to announce an update to our Offence Appeal system. This update allows players to appeal their previously-issued permanent mutes. For more information about this change, visit the 'Appeals Update' thread in the News and Announcement RuneScape Forum, or type the following quick-find code into the 'Jump to thread' text box at the top of the Forum window: 13-14-482-56082709.
There is now a minimum and maximum number of players required to start a game of Bounty Hunter, so the craters don't get overcrowded. As a result, we've increased the number of worlds Bounty Hunter can be played on.
It seems that Summoning pets were behaving slightly strangely. Now, a black labrador will no longer change colour when it's fully grown!
Last week, there seemed to be some ground movement near the bank in west Falador. We've called in the landscape gardeners and it's been leveled out.
We have changed the way that PayPal payments are made. Instead of using PayByCash to process any PayPal transactions, you will now be making payments directly to PayPal.
This means that, in the majority of cases, we can offer a reduced subscription cost when paying for RuneScape using PayPal. This reduction may be as much as 10-20% off our previous PayPal prices.
These changes are available to anyone who has a verified PayPal account. If you wish to set an account up, please visit Paypal's website.
A number of Guthix druids have discovered an unexplored cave under the lower Wilderness, just north of Varrock. Inside is a new, one-on-one, tactical PvP combat minigame, available to both members and free players!
The cave appears to have been left undisturbed since the time of the god wars, guarded over the years by Fiara, a giant earwig and protector of something called the Fist of Guthix. Great powers emanate from this 'Fist' and the druids have managed to convince Fiara to allow them to gather charges from it. Being light on numbers, they need others to help them, which is where you come in!
In the spirit of Guthix, Fiara has introduced a 'balance' to this minigame. For each adventurer looking to absorb the power of the fist, there is another trying to chop, range or cast spells at them!
You and another adventurer must each take a turn being the hunted or the hunter. The hunted's task is to survive as long as possible, storing charges in a stone of power as the time counts down, while the hunter simply has to defeat the hunted in as quick a time as possible!
The energy of this mysterious area has quite an impact on those who attempt to absorb the power from the Fist of Guthix. Even the mightiest of warriors will find themselves severely weakened as they avoid the hunter, making it incredibly difficult to survive for long. The cave does offer some help in the form of places to hide, but will this be enough?
After both you and your opponent have had a chance to be the hunted, victory is assigned to those who stored the most charges in their stone of power. Fist of Guthix tokens will then be given out, based on how well you did, with which you can purchase a wide variety of rewards, including magical gloves to help you boost your XP, spiked shields and many more.
Fist of Guthix is available to play on ALL free and members worlds. There is a list of recommended worlds on the Themed Worlds Knowledge Base page.
We have also put a cap on the number of players who can play Fist of Guthix on any world at any time, which is set at 250 players. This will maximise your enjoyment of Fist of Guthix and minimise any conflict from other ongoing matches!
North of Varrock, in the lower reaches of the Wilderness.
Requirements:
None - Fist of Guthix is available to both free players and members.
Access to:
A new, one-on-one, tactical PvP minigame under the Wilderness
A new area the size of Ape Atoll
Rewards, including clothing with set effects, available to free players
as well as members
A Fist of Guthix Hiscores table for those who have a rank of 500 or higher
In other news...
Hunter pet variations have been added to many places in RuneScape. Monkeys, squirrels, raccoons and geckos can now be found in several different shapes, colours and sizes, so get hunting!
The Party Room chest has been changed to better reflect the value of the items that are in it. It now checks the items against the Grand Exchange market price, so you should find a more accurate drop party value in banks or the Party Room.
Having looked at feedback on the Forums, we have changed the ibis, granite crab and granite lobster so that they give a small amount of Fishing experience when catching fish - a nice little bonus, we think you'll find!
A few graphical issues popped up last week: a pier in Neitiznot disappeared and a small hole opened up on Karamja! Guthix has restored the balance and these have been repaired.
Finally, a change has been made to the Culinaromancer's chest and the gnome ingredients shop at the Grand Tree. Item prices in these shops should be more attractive.
Hello everyone! Today we are pleased to bring you an update that was waiting to happen to this guide.
Please welcome the revamped version of the Mort'ton Shade Burning guide. We find that this change will help you with future burning.
Updates thanks to Fireball0236 and others.
~ Jakesterwars ~
Join the Forums
Saturday, Apr 05, 2008
News ID: 00808
Have you visited the Forums?
We would like to feature the great forum community we have here at RuneHQ, just in case you may have been missing out on all the great discussions, interactions with fellow players and staff, and all around fun! So.....
Click on the graphic above (or on Community Forums at the left column) to gain access to the forums. If you are not registered, just click here to go to the registrations page. If you have problems validating your email, make sure to check your junk/bulk email box or you can send an email to forum_admin@runehq.net.
A Sneak Peak
Here's a brief list of different features the forums have to offer. If you don't find what you are looking for, you can always post a suggestion and let us know what you want to see on the forums or the site.
April Fools!!! We sure hope you didn't fall for that little trick we just played on ya!
If you did, oh well. I hope you're not one of those grumpy people that can't take a joke! hahahahahahahaha!
We here at RuneHQ are trying to make this a fun filled April. We have lots of fun things planned for you. We hope you all are as excited about the upcoming events that will be posted soon as we are. We cannot wait to get started! We hope to joke our way around and all through this month and make everyone laugh and smile!
Please post your April Fool's pranks on the forum; we want to hear all about the dirty tricks you played on your friends this devilish day! Give someone some good ideas of things to do to their friends. If you need help playing a practical joke on someone please feel free to ask for help. We want today to be fun and exciting for all you little jokesters out there today!
Just remember, life is no fun if you cannot laugh at yourself and others. Don't take life too seriously! Laugh, have fun, play a joke on a friend, make fun of yourself! Above all else, today is a day to laugh!
The first of April's updates seems to attract abbreviations: F2P, PvP, OMG - all of these could be used to describe Fist of Guthix, our next combat minigame. We could say that this will be a safe, single-way, Wilderness-based game available to both free players and members, but that would ignore some important details. Attack strategies, defensive tactics, well-timed escapes: Fist of Guthix will employ all of these to create a memorable combat minigame.
There is a massive range of rewards to win for playing Fist of Guthix, so we'll give you a wee teaser. The rune berserker shield, like most of Fist of Guthix's rewards, degrades with use, but it also offers you some hefty defence bonuses and a Strength boost; the battle robe set will sometimes pay for mind, chaos, death or blood runes that you use when casting a combat spell; and the Runecrafting gloves will double the experience you gain from crafting runes of the glove's type!
Talking of rewards, where could you possibly find a top hat, animal mask, adamant cane and black crossbow? It could only be the Treasure Trails, and this month will bring our next installment. Among the new weapons, clothes and hats will be some brain-twisting new clues to untangle, ranging across the medium and hard difficulties.
It is at this point in the month that the skies will darken, a fog will descend and a bloodcurdling scream will echo out. What could bring on this strange and eerie change? Ah, it must be the fourth in our Myreque quest series: Legacy of Seergaze! With no help forthcoming from Misthalin and vampyres continuing to collect their scarlet tithes, the Myreque have been calling on mercenaries to aid their cause. Meanwhile, deep in Paterdomus, Drezel has found something strange that could shed light on Morytania's gloomy past...
Not so gloomy are the graphical improvements to the Morytania entrance area and the icefiends of RuneScape. Expect Paterdomus temple and its grounds to become more grand and foreboding, and the icefiends a sight more icy and fiendish.
A nod must be given to the website updates. The Grand Exchange Database will be released this month, having had its image issues resolved, displaying graphs and statistics of Grand Exchange market prices. There's also a Summoning guaranteed content poll, the latest Players' Gallery and the Postbag from the Hedge.
You can break Summoning 2 into two halves. The first is a rebalancing of the skill using your feedback. We have chosen to do this because we wanted Summoning to be one of the most well-loved and appreciated skills, so your help was needed to get it back on track.
What did we find out from the Forums? You told us that familiars did not stick around for long enough before they disappeared, and that renewing them was often a pain. With this update, each familiar stays out for a set period of time, regardless of the summoner's skill level, so there is no need to renew your familiar. The period that each familiar stays summoned has, in general, been increased - the spirit dagannoth, for example, stays out for a whopping 57 minutes!
Secondly, you told us that summoning familiars just wasn't rewarding enough. With the rebalancing, we have given each familiar a stand-out ability that makes them well worth summoning - a feature that budding Pikkupstixes have been eager for. You will now find that Summoning a creature is far more preferable to either selling the pouch or high-alching it.
Many of you felt that combat familiars should give combat XP. We definitely agree, so each combat familiar now gives XP when they cause damage. The amount is equal to how much you would have received, had you done the damage yourself. The experience will be in one of the combat skills, which depends on your choice of familiar - the spirit jelly, for example, gives XP in the Strength stat.
Taking your combat familiar into battle will reveal our next improvement: each creature is significantly tougher. They can soak up damage like never before and many will hit harder, making them more than useful for challenges like the God Wars. We can only encourage you to try them out and see just how improved their combat abilities are.
Acquiring charms has been made easier this week, with charm drops added to nearly 20 of our Slayer creatures. For those who prefer sleight of hand over the crossing of swords, we have also added charms to the Dorgesh-Kaan chests, so thieves can access them, too.
Recharging Summoning points has been made easier, with miniature obelisks scattered across the world to keep you topped up; you can now summon familiars almost anywhere and take them with you without worrying too much about having to dismiss them; buttons have been added to help you 'dump' items from your familiar to your inventory and your familiar to your bank; headgear and headdresses can hold more scrolls per item; many existing helmets can be enchanted to hold scrolls; and some of the familiars' inventories have been expanded to a jaw-dropping 30 slots, so your pak yak can now hold more than you can. Phew!
For more details of what has changed with the Summoning rebalancing, visit the Knowledge Base page.
Extra Summoning creatures:
The second half of Summoning 2 is what we originally planned when Summoning was first released: an injection of high-level, dauntingly huge beasts. So, this week, the big guns arrive, largely in the form of the titans. These humanoid creatures don't only have a killer punch; significantly increase your chance of success when Mining and Firemaking, boil adventurers in their own armour or even recharge amulets of glory! You can expect them to range all the way up to level 99, too.
A few inches shorter, but no less daunting, are the big cats from the Hunter skill. As an example of just how many things each familiar can offer you, the graahk, kyatt and larupia are capable of teleporting you to Hunter areas, boosting your chances of trapping a creature, and lending a powerful paw when you need them in battle.
We can guarantee that the other familiars do more than make up the numbers. Fans of Pest Control will know the void pests, with their ability to teleport you to the landers, while other recognisable familiars include the talon beast, spirit mosquito, pyrelord and the fearsome giant chinchompa. These familiars are spread over the Summoning skill levels, inviting you to train it that little bit higher. So, go grab your charms and get stuck in!
In a quiet field east of Draynor Manor, two enterprising gnomes have founded Gnomecopter Tours, featuring the latest development in gnomic flight technology. They're open for business now, offering free-players (and curious members) the chance to take a look at distant lands, including the beautiful elf village of Lletya, the frantic battlefield of Pest Control and the Trollweiss and Rellekka Hunter area.
Summary
Where to start using gnomecopters:
The gnomecopters depart from the field north of Lumbridge windmill.
Requirements:
None - this update is available to members and F2P!
Access to:
An aerial tour of some of the best members-only content.
In other news...
Abyssal bracelets have been changed to 'Forinthry bracelets'. These still protect you, as before, but will now allow you to escape when teleblocked by the Wilderness revenant ghosts. The bracelet's charges essentially counter a Teleblock spell that has been cast on you.
In February's edition of State of Play we promised to report regularly on anticipated updates, giving you a better idea of how they are progressing. This week, we feel it's the right time to catch up with Summoning, PvP minigames and some other releases we have planned.
Summoning Improvements:
Progress has been made on Summoning 2 and we plan to have this released by the end of the month. It is currently past the balancing and entering the final QA stages.
Many of you have asked what the rebalancing entails. Well, we do not want to ruin the surprise completely, but we can say that we have changed our philosophy towards balancing familiars. Instead of having lots of benefits that ADD UP to create a useful familiar, we have decided to make sure that each familiar will have one stand-out ability that makes it awesome.
Take the beaver, for example: currently, it boosts your Woodcutting, counts as a knife, produces logs when Woodcutting and offers the Multichop special move. On their own, these abilities add up, but don't 'stand out', as such. Well, with our change in policy, the beaver will soon make you logs and planks no matter what you are doing at the time, in a similar vein to Ava's Accumulator from the Animal Magnetism quest.
We can also reveal that the combat familiars will give you XP when used in battle. Each combat familiar will have a specific skill that they raise your XP in during combat - the spirit jelly gives Strength XP, for example. This will be equal to the XP you would receive if you had caused the damage yourself.
Friends List Changes:
When we released the changes to the Friends List on the 25th of February, we never intended them to impact on your enjoyment of RuneScape. In fact, the changes were made so that you could chat easily with your FunOrb friends and vice versa.
Unfortunately, as many of you have pointed out, the text used in the interface was difficult to read for some, leading us to make changes to its colour scheme. This was only a short-term solution, however, and the FunOrb and RuneScape Game Engine teams are collaborating to make something that will be appreciated by 'Scapers and 'Orbsters alike.
Item Lending:
The item lending feature has progressed past the proposal stage. Unfortunately, the Game Engine developers in charge of the project have had to delay it while they work on issues with serverload that came to light during the Audio Week release. These problems meant that worlds went out of action for a period of time and the developers have been tackling this issue so it does not happen again.
We're aiming to have this resolved in the next couple of weeks, so that item lending can be made a priority again. For the moment, we can tell you that the item lending feature will be session-based, allowing you to transfer objects to another player for the period that you are both logged in.
New PvP Minigame:
Our next PvP minigame is entering the last stages of QA. Many of you have asked on the Forums about some aspects of this minigame - in particular, how it differs from the Duel Arena.
Well, firstly, we can promise that the game is nothing like the Duel Arena or even Bounty Hunter. This game calls for strategy, requiring far more than just combat. It demands mastery of both offensive and defensive tactics while offering fantastic rewards that you can receive nowhere else.
We plan for this minigame to be available to both members and F2P, which means that everyone can expect some enhanced equipment with great set effects. We will continue improving both free-to-play and members' PvP content in the future. Expect more news in upcoming State of Plays!
Clan Wars Changes:
We've had a good look at the suggestions players have been sending in for Clan Wars. In particular, we'd like to add a 'run-in' option, where players will be permitted to re-join the battle after they've died. The first team to achieve a pre-agreed number of kills may be declared victorious. Along with this, we're looking to provide a choice of arenas, each with different scenery and obstacles. We've got plenty more Clan Wars features planned - including some 'dangerous' ones - so keep your eyes peeled for information.
Random events:
We had planned some work on the random events of RuneScape quite some time ago. We were looking to see if we could remove most of them, because a decent number were not particularly good at stopping modern-day bots. Since the threat of bots and macros has been largely removed, we feel that this is a perfect opportunity to address the problem again. For the moment, we are concentrating on our PvP minigames to compensate for the Wilderness changes, but the random event proposal has been approved and is in the pipeline.
Grand Exchange:
Issues with item images have meant that the Grand Exchange Database has been delayed until mid-April. We apologise for this continued delay; we intend to release the database when we are certain that it delivers on its aim - to give you a strong visual idea of market price trends over a long period of time.
Our Grand Exchange price changes are still ongoing. The godswords and flatpack furniture are examples of items that have had their value changed thanks to your feedback.
We seem to have reserved the most humongous, terrifying and downright impressive creatures for Summoning 2. Visit the Downloads section if you don't believe us. It's the clash of the titans!
These high-level familiars will be yours at the end of March, when Summoning 2 arrives. Can you control them? The titans are pretty skeptical that you can...
After last month's hectic Player Takeover, Postie Pete returns to the usual Postbag format with a bumper bag of replies from your favourite RuneScape celebrities.
The bankers are back, answering queries about what they do in their spare time, a demon replies to one of his fans and something moves in the deep, dark places of this world...
27 March 2008 - Lores and Histories - Tumeken's Dream
This month, Reldo has received a parcel of books from the High Priest of Icthlarin, who loaded them onto his camels and sent them packing all the way to Varrock. You should have seen the mess they made on the palace carpet! Queen Ellamaria wasn't best pleased, but then, when is she ever?
Anyway, Reldo set about translating these books and has published an extract - entitled Tumeken's Dream - for your reading pleasure.
As a lot of you have probably noticed we have made some changes recently to RuneHQ. We are working on some layout changes and other neat things for the site. We hired someone to start working on a site redesign for us. We want to change the look of RuneHQ since it has been a while since we did our last site redesign.
We also added a new AD company and a new string of ads. Some of these ads need to be filtered out and we are aware that some of the ads are causing people issues. We are working on getting these cleaned up. Trust us when we say we hate annoying ads just the same as you. If you have a problem with an ad, please alert us of the details for that ad and we will filter it out.
We do not want people having virus scanners going crazy or causing browsers to crash, that is just not right. Some of the ads from the new vendor were questionable and caused some major issues for folks, for that we are truly sorry! We have done our best to filter out the offending ads, but we need your help to make sure we got all of the ones we need to, so please let us know right away if you see ads that need squashed.
We value your contributions to the site and we are trying to improve things and bring you new features. We do however have to comply with the rules of Jagex and not introduce things that would cause them to frown upon RuneHQ. We were looking into a video hosting service as well as several other new features but we have to make sure that the new features are within the rules. We want to be friendlier to clans and have some hosted clans on our servers. We are providing Ventrilo channels for clans as well as other features. We are working with RuneHead on an IRC network for clans to use.
We want RuneHQ to be your site for everything related to RuneScape and also hope we can turn the site into a community you can use for things outside of RuneScape also. We are working on other sites for you; GameTalkHQ and MediaGraphixHQ are always looking for other places to spread out to help out our community.
If you have ideas or things you would like to see from Global Gaming HQ and RuneHQ please let us know. If you have coding or web site development skills and want to help out with the site redesign, please let us know! We do value your input and constructive criticism. We want to do things to help you make your life a little better. We want to be your friends and neighbors.
~MrStormy~
Welcome everyone! We have two updates helpful in training for both F2P and P2P. Also, check them out just to increase your Runescape Knowledge!
The guide was written by Skeletonmat and thanks to everyone who helped with corrections and updates. The map was made by Jett_Man.
Onwards to the next two updates!
The next guide we have will help you power mine with coal and teach you some tricks to make some quick cash with it, too. Please take a look at the updated Coal Trucks Guide for more information on how to use them.
Give a thanks to Cloudsfinalh and everyone who helped with this guide!
Our final update is the re-written version of the Castle Wars guide. Take a peek if you're a Castle Wars freak!
Thank Jett_Man and everyone else who helped for this guide!
It seems that the problem-prone Easter Bunny is once again experiencing difficulties. He's spent so much time redecorating his warren that he hasn't noticed critters burrowing in and devouring his entire chocolate stockpile.
Now, devoid of cocoa stocks, the chocolate egg production has ground to a halt and the forecast for Easter celebrations looks bleak. No need to worry, though - the Easter Bunny is an inventive sort, and has come up with an eggs-emplary new idea: use a chocatrice! These fearsome creatures, incubated from a chocolate-coated cockatrice egg, can turn their targets into chocolate with one lethal, chocifying gaze.
It falls to you, then, to create this curious creature. You'll need to track down some of the lost chocolate to make a chocatrice egg and then carefully incubate it. The critters who ate the chocolate supply are sealed in the Easter Bunny's tunnels and will prove a suitable target for your chocatrice.
So, this Easter, you will come to the aid of chocolate lovers everywhere, incubating your own chocatrice, guiding it around the Easter Bunny's tunnels and turning the greedy rats into something altogether more delicious...
Investigate the rabbit hole, between Falador's southern gate and the Rimmington mine.
Requirements:
None - this update is available to members and F2P!
Access to:
A new emote and Easter item!
In other news...
The music system now has a counter which keeps 'track' of how many songs you've unlocked. You'll have the Air Guitar emote in no time!
Players will now always receive a TzHaar fire cape and 8,000 TokKul after defeating TzTok-Jad. You can keep any extra fire capes you win as spares in case you lose them, or speak to TzHaar-Mej-Jal, master of the Fight Cave, who will purchase spare fire capes from you for 8,000 TokKul a piece.
We're constantly looking at item prices on the Grand Exchange and how they match up with similar items and those that are unfinished versions of other items. Prices for some of these sorts of items have been adjusted following this pattern. For example, an unstrung necklace will more closely follow the price of the strung version.
You might have found in the recently refurbished Edgeville Dungeon that fighting chaos druids was a slow process. The death animation has been reduced so you don't have to spend as much time waiting before picking up your loot!
A small number of worlds will be offline shortly for some essential maintenance to improve the quality of service. They will be restored as soon as possible.
This only affects a small proportion of all of our available worlds, so you should still be able to find a world to match your needs.
This month, Postie Pete has returned with a Players' Gallery of RuneScape-related humour and comics. So, if you feel like a laugh over the Easter season, view this month's Players' Gallery here.
As ever, there are strange occurrences afoot in the slug-riddled town of Witchaven. Kennith, the odd little boy with a (justified) aversion to sea slugs, is convinced that the townsfolk are up to no good in the caverns beneath the town and he is looking for a brave adventurer with a talent for Mining to investigate.
Could it be that the sea slugs are looking to get revenge for the events of Slug Menace? Or is there some new threat looming large over Witchaven? How does Kennith's new friend, Kimberly, fit into all of this? You will need all of your wits, digging talents and sneaking abilities to find out.
Along the way, players can expect to reunite with Ezekial Lovecraft, all round man-in-the-know, in an effort to outwit the horde of secretive villagers who are determined to keep their great 'work' a surprise. You may even be introduced to an extremely volatile new kind of ore. One thing is for certain: not everything is what it seems in Witchaven...
The mines under Witchaven
Ability to mine and sell a volatile new ore
Access to a repeatable mini-task
In other news...
We've added a feature that allows you to keep an eye on the remaining charges of your crystal saw. You will now be able to track how much the crystal seed has drained when used for Construction.
Several sound effects have been added or improved in areas of RuneScape: from creaky doors and creature sound effects to travelling sounds and swords clanging against armor.
Tokkul and obsidian drops have been fixed and will once again drop for those Lootsharing while fighting TzHaar creatures.
Finally, you'll be pleased to know that the Kill Count in the God Wars Dungeon should correctly update when using CoinShare.
Professor Henry has opened a new Misthalin Training Centre of Excellence, south of Edgeville. Here, you can take a test that asks questions about staying safe in Runescape, earning some great rewards in the process!
If you're in the mood for combat, there are rumours that an old jailhouse has been discovered beneath the Centre, completely overrun by insects of an unnatural size. Strap on your fighting boots, arm yourself and get ready to investigate, as only a true adventurer can!
Don't miss it!! March 22, is a hawt day for our family here at RuneHQ. There is something for everyone, so don't miss out and be sure to join in on the fun.
KAROAKE: After the response we had from last months Karaoke party in Vent, we have decided to hold it again this month, but hopefully this time MrStormy and I will be able to attend. Come and join us for some fun, laughs, and perhaps a few tears (you will know what I mean if you have ever heard MrStormy sing). You will need a Ventrilo account, so if you don't have an account already, then stop by the FORUM for more information on how to get access to the RHQ Vent server.
CLANS: RuneHQ's first Ever Multi-Clan Event!!! Clans must be registered by March 19th, so please visit the forum for more details and to get your clan involved in this RHQ Tournament. This holds potential for your clan to gain your Recruitment Topic Pinned for 2-Weeks! This could mean a lot to your clan so sign up today!
MORE: Yes, there is even more going on on March 22, but the rest is a secret (don't tell anyone). Though I have promised not to tell the details, I will 'suggest' that there will be some Admins and Staff around on Runescape that day that might be up for a 'duel' or 'quest' or other Runescape related activities. Who knows? You may even see your name in the RHQ Newsletter??????
So mark your calendars for March 22 at 2:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m. CST for Karoake. If you need help converting the time, just check HERE for the time conversion.
~ ~ Stormy's_Amazon ~ ~
{Pwn} Gaming and RuneHQ Multi-Clan Tournament!
Sunday, Mar 09, 2008
News ID: 00796
Hey everyone! Are you planning on purchasing a copy of Super Smash Brothers Brawl? Do you want to be part of an elite gaming clan and a community? If yes, then go check out {Pwn}, a Global Gaming HQ endeavor. Founded in June of 2006, {Pwn} has expanded to support divisions in Super Smash Brothers Brawl (Wii), Star Wars Battlefront II (PC), Halo: Combat Evolved (PC), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC), America's Army: Special Forces (PC), and Counter-Strike: Source (PC).
Everyone can join the {Pwn} community, and to be a full-fledged clan member all you have to do is tryout against a high-ranking member in any games you wish to play.
We are always looking to expand into more games too, so if you can gather enough members in a specific game, you will be allowed to lead an official division in it. We look forward to playing with you!
In other news, RuneHQ is holding its first Clan Tournament! All clans are invited. See the topic for more information.
~ [Im4eversmart] ~
New City Guide
Saturday, Mar 08, 2008
News ID: 00795
Hello everyone, today we have a new City Guide for your eyes to view. Please take a look at the Oo'glog City Guide for more information!
You may have heard of FunOrb but know very little about what it involves. Well, it's a new website that we've released, offering a great selection of browser-based games that we'll be adding to regularly!
You'll find a variety of free games on offer, from fast and furious platformers to gloriously over-the-top shooters; from intense turn-based strategy games to brainbusting puzzles. Each of them are deep and massively enjoyable, enticing you to give them 'just one more go'.
If you have a RuneScape account then you can go to the FunOrb website, sign in and start playing immediately! This is because FunOrb is setup very similarly to RuneScape - each game has a 'free' element that can be played until you decide to become a member. Free players get highscores tables and some Achievements, while those who subscribe to FunOrb get access to full games, all Achievements, multiplayer games, a fullscreen mode and FunOrb Forums.
We also have extra website updates and games planned for the future, with new content every two weeks!
There are also features available for current RuneScape players. You can sign in to FunOrb with your RuneScape account, keeping the same Friends List and Ignore List. This means you can chat to friends across both games and even see which game they are playing (and trying to beat your score)!
What is more, RuneScape members can purchase a combined membership package for both FunOrb and RuneScape at US$7, or £4.60, when paying by credit card. That's only $2 more than your usual RuneScape membership! A FunOrb account on its own costs US$3 or £2 by credit card.
Our Rules now apply to both RuneScape and FunOrb. Rulebreakers will find that their punishments are effective on both sites.
Some of you have asked whether you can mention FunOrb on RuneScape Forums. Since we can guarantee that FunOrb is a secure site, you are free to talk about FunOrb on suitable RuneScape Forums and RuneScape on suitable FunOrb Forums.
We would also like to take this opportunity to say that FunOrb, although a product of Jagex, will not impact on our RuneScape updates. You will still be receiving the same quantity and quality of updates that you always have. There are separate teams dedicated to producing the very best content for FunOrb, so you can expect many more superb games in the future.
You can also post about FunOrb in our new FunOrb Forum Category. You need to be a registered member of the the RuneHQ Community Forums to access this. Click here to register.
It seems that Surok has made a cunning escape from his Varrock Library prison and is intent on continuing his nefarious schemes. He even found time to steal some ancient tomes from the library, unearthing dark secrets and powerful magicks.
It is clear that Surok has plans to control the city of Varrock and it is up to you to stop him! Scuppering Surok may not be as easy as it sounds, however, as he has friends in very, very high places.
Surok was last seen heading east out of Varrock, towards the Chaos Tunnels that were introduced in January.
Have a care when entering the Tunnels, as they are dark and full of creatures - including dragons - that will attack without mercy! Be sure to only take what you are prepared to lose, for there are worse things than simple orks in the dark places of this world.
Summary
Where to start Chaos Tunnels: The Hunt for Surok
Start by speaking to Surok by the statue of Saradomin, east of Varrock
Requirements to complete Chaos Tunnels: The Hunt for Surok:
What Lies Below
Level 44 Slayer
A hefty Combat level would be helpful.
Access to:
A new boss fight in the Chaos Tunnels which can be repeated daily
A hefty chunk of Slayer XP and guaranteed Summoning charms for those who defeat him!
In other news...
As a result of recent feedback, players can now take priest robes and gowns into Bounty Hunter. These items offer small Prayer bonuses that players might wish to make use of.
We've fixed an issue with the Assist System, so that runecrafters will be able to get 'double' runes if the assister has the necessary Runecrafting level.
The Friends and Ignore interfaces have been looked at and adjusted to make them more readable. These were slightly darker than intended.
We've been looking at a few smaller changes that will enhance your gameplay and you can expect more of these in the future:
When reopening the Smithing interface, it will remember where you last scrolled to, similar to the bank interface.
Romeo in Varrock will no longer interrupt you if you're passing through. You can still stop by, have a chat and see if you can cheer him up!
4 March 2008 - CoinShare and Grand Exchange Changes
Clan Chat owners now have the option to use CoinShare, an addition to the LootShare system that was requested by many of you on the Forums.
To start CoinSharing, LootShare must be activated on your clan channel. You can then choose 'CoinShare' from your Clan Chat Setup interface. It is an entirely optional addition.
CoinShare has no effect on the majority of items; they will still be allocated to members of the clan channel according to how 'lucky' they have been with previous LootSharing monster drops.
If you have CoinShare active, the following will happen if a monster drops something of great value, like a dragon chainbody:
The item is immediately put on the Grand Exchange, set at the current market price.
An equal amount of coins is dropped on the floor for each LootSharer. Each player can then pick their share up. The total number of coins is based on the item's lowest value on the Grand Exchange.
All of this happens immediately. For a list of items that can be converted to cash using CoinShare, and more information on how CoinShare works, please read the Knowledge Base article.
As there will be an increased number of LootSharers because of this update, we have doubled the number of LootSharing worlds. For a list, please click here.
You must be on a LootSharing world.
You must be in a Clan Chat channel with LootShare and CoinShare switched on.
Access to:
The ability to convert specific high-value items into cash and then share the amount equally with other LootSharers.
CoinShare and the Grand Exchange:
Following the State of Play, many of you posted your concerns about how CoinShare works with the Grand Exchange. The following bulletpoints should address the worries you have:
We have decided to place CoinShare items on the Grand Exchange so that this update has no effect on the rarity of certain items. High-value items would become more difficult to find if they were all converted into cash with CoinShare. We will place these items on the Exchange so they stay in circulation.
CoinShare items bought or sold on the Grand Exchange DO NOT affect the item's market value. Only items that have been placed on the Grand Exchange in a conventional manner can affect the market price.
A CoinShare item will be set at the average market price and will ALWAYS stay at the average market price. So, if the item's market price moves up or down, so will the value of the CoinShare item.
Players receive the lowest market price when CoinSharing because of its additional convenience. Players do not have to waste an inventory space when picking up a high-value item, they do not have to travel to the Grand Exchange and they are guaranteed money from its sale.
Players do not receive additional cash once the item has been sold on the Exchange.
Grand Exchange Interface Changes:
The Grand Exchange has been managing item trades for a few months now, which is enough time for us to check the Forums, scan your feedback and put together some changes that will not only make it easier to use, but a lot quicker too.
A lot of feedback centred on the Grand Exchange interfaces, with many of you forced to click multiple times when selling or buying. The following changes should really reduce that wasted clicking time:
When making a Buy Offer, the +1/+10/+100/+1000 buttons increase the quantity by that amount
When making a Sell Offer, the 1/10/100 buttons set the quantity to that amount. There is no 1000 option here, instead there is an ALL button which sets the quantity to the total in your inventory
The Buy/Sell buttons in empty offer slots now appear by default
The Grand Exchange Item Search interface now opens automatically when you click to make a new buy offer
If you are collecting five or more of the same item from your collection box, they will be certed/noted (as long as they do not normally stack in your inventory)
Hello everyone, we're here to bring you a good update on the F2P quests that have been uploaded. It's not all of them right now, but they're on their way! All of these guides below listed was written by Sccrluk9 and it's greatly appreciated!
Over the past few months, lots of you have offered us ideas for how to get the best out of the Grand Exchange and LootShare system. Well, by Guthix, our first update of the month will see the introduction of the best of these!
First will be CoinShare, which will convert high-level drops into cash and then share it equally between you and your battling clan compatriots. This entirely optional addition to LootShare will save clans from having only one player who benefits from a high-level drop, instead offering everyone a big bag of cash when a monster drops something awesome. This fabulous new system will put the item on the Grand Exchange at the market value without you having to do anything, and will give the CoinSharers cash immediately, based on the lowest boundary that the item can sell for. Now that's service!
Talking of the Grand Exchange, Brugsen Bursen has been working on the Grand Exchange interfaces. He will be streamlining them to require fewer clicks and less time when selling or purchasing wares. The Grand Exchange Database has taken Brugsen longer than he anticipated, however; he expects this Grand Exchange aid to be ready towards the end of the month. With it, players will have a visual way to search for items, check their value and even view price fluctuations over a period of time.
All of these Varrock distractions seem to have given Surok an opportunity for escape! March will bring an addition to the Surok storyline, following the fleeing wizard north out of Varrock and into the Chaos Tunnels. The rewards are plentiful for this mini-quest, but as is customary with Surok, expect some lies, deceit, chaos and a wee bit of brutal combat.
Lies and deceit will certainly be on the menu with this month's quest, Kenniths's Concerns, and it is a dish best served cold...while covered in slug goo. That's right, the sea slugs are coming back, and they'll be up to their usual hijinks, feeding on brainwaves and attempting world domination - the little scamps. Poor Kennith, the boy you saved from certain subservience on the Fishing Platform, is being hassled by the slugs once again and he will have a few tasks for you. Needless to say, they will test your abilities to the max.
A test of a different variety awaits you in the Stronghold of Player Safety. This twin to the Stronghold of Security will be open to both free players and members, allowing those who prove their intellectual mettle in the Player Safety quiz to swipe rewards, splat cockroaches and taunt gublinch in the depths of the jailhouse below.
Also available to free players and members is our next holiday event, Easter 2008, which will bring yet another wily scheme from the Easter Bunny. What will it be this time? Well, the Easter Bunny has been noting the powers of the Summoning familiars in RuneScape - in particular, the petrifying gaze of the cockatrice. Using a complicated process that involves an incubator and a vat of finest chocolate, the Easter Bunny has hatched a chocatrice. Will the Easter Bunny's weapon of mass production work? You can bet your last gp that it won't...
In our third update this month for both free players and members, we will introduce the bizarre gnomecopters. These unwieldy vehicles have been invented by pioneering gnomes to take players high over a series of members' areas, like Castle Wars, Pest Control and Isafdar, giving them a gander at what they have to offer. The only problem is, they might look silly while they're doing it.
Certainly silly-looking (but you wouldn't say it to their faces) are the hordes of familiars and pets that make up Summoning Batch 2. These creatures look about as mean, big and unusual as TzTok-Jad after a bubble bath, so prepare for some high-level and demanding familiars. Although we had to delay the release of Summoning Batch 2, we can guarantee that this extra time has been spent well to give the creatures a little bit more of a 'kick', with rewards for persistent summoners and awesome abilities that'll knock their headdresses off.
We don't want to give away too much about these familiars in the Behind the Scenes, but you can expect a Summoning wallpaper to give you a graphical taster of what's in store. As you would expect from the end of a Behind the Scenes, there are also a number of other website-based additions to get giddy about, including a new Players' Gallery, Postbag from the Hedge and an entry in the Lores and Histories.
Welcome all users, we bring to you a new city guide for your viewing. If you want to check it out, roll around to the Crandor Isle guide to see the updates.
This guide was written by Skeletonmat, with much appreciation to everyone else that helped out.
Tired of using the old Agility courses, take a look at the Dorgesh-Kaan Agility Course Map for a fresh way to raise your Agility.
This map was made by Iriel Red.
~ Jakesterwars ~
March Newsletter
Friday, Feb 29, 2008
News ID: 00788
The official RuneHQ March Newsletter is here. Take some time, sit back, and enjoy yourself with the new information and happenings coming your way.
Being a games tester is a dream job for many, but does the reality live up to the dream? In this month's Development Diary, we take a look at the various Quality Assurance teams at Jagex. Is it all just about RuneScape? Do they play games all day? Could it be the job for you? Read the Diary to find out.
28 February 2008 - Postbag from the Hedge - Player Takeover!
For the second time this month, Postie Pete arrives with a bagful of letters. Instead of being packed with questions for your favourite characters, this bag is full of replies from YOU! If you want to read your business development plans for Balnea, your popular truths about the mahjarrat or read LT's favourite limerick, then check it out here.
Next month, the Postbag returns to normal, with Wise Old Man's plans for the Temple Knights included. This certainly won't be the last you hear of the Player Takeover, however, as there were so many responses. It even broke P.P's sack!
27 February 2008 - Subscription Price Change - Canada
The price of a RuneScape credit card subscription in Canada has reduced from CAD7.30 per month to CAD5.00. There are a number of factors that determine how we set our prices (for example, currency and sales tax changes), and these have allowed us to lower our monthly credit card rate for our Canadian customers.
Both new and existing members can benefit from the reduction. The price changes will affect credit card payments in the following ways:
If you wish to pay for a new subscription, the revised price is available now.
If you make automatic monthly payments, the revised price will take effect on your next payment date.
25 February 2008 - Changes to Vinesweeper and more...
Vinesweeper:
Last week, we felt that there were a number of improvements we could make to the rewards of Vinesweeper and how fun it was to play. These have now been made:
All requirements to play Vinesweeper have been removed. Anyone can play.
The Farming experience you receive for cashing in Vinesweeper points has dramatically increased
The price of flags has reduced when purchasing them with coins OR points
The price of seeds from the Winkin shop has reduced, so you can purchase more with your Vinesweeper points
Ogleroots are now available from Blinkin for 10gp each
Players leaving Vinesweeper with their flags are able to retrieve them from Blinkin for free, without being reimbursed for them
The rabbits haven't been getting enough ogleroots in their diet and it's had some strange effects. The rabbits have grown in size, making them easier to target with ogleroots
The Vinesweeper rabbits seemed to be very quick at eating seeds before the farmer could get there or you could stop them with an ogleroot. To solve this, you can now distract the rabbits with an ogleroot at a larger distance, allowing you to more easily protect your flags.
Other changes:
You may also notice that the Friends and Ignore tabs have changed. This is to allow for future compatibility with FunOrb, helping you to have a natter with friends on both games with ease!
Several market values of items have been adjusted. Broken items, such as Woodcutting axes, now have a market value that differs from their fixed version. This difference is equal to the cost that a player would incur if they repaired it.
The Farming patch spirit will no longer visit players who've attained a Farming level of 16 or above when they're standing near a Farming patch.
It became clear that the Bounty Locate spell was being used as a way to escape from combat in Bounty Hunter. This was never our intention and made it harder to get bounty rewards, so we have altered the spell. If you are in combat, you will run or walk towards your target rather than teleport there. You will still teleport to your target if you are not currently in combat.
Also, the Bounty Locate spell will no longer work if you are 'held' by another spell - Ice Barrage or Entangle, for example.
These changes are effective immediately.
Vinesweeper:
Having read your Forum posts, we felt that the rewards for Vinesweeper needed to be more worthwhile than they currently are. This enjoyable minigame is now having a shrewd eye cast over it. We plan to update the XP and seed rewards, amongst other Vinesweeper changes, next week.
We recommend that you keep hold of your Vinesweeper points until these changes have been made. We don't want to stop you playing the minigame; after all, we are not changing the amount of points you can earn - only what they are worth.
We also plan to make the rascally rabbits a little easier to deal with. Currently, they are too fast to be effectively stopped and will often eat your seeds before you can deploy an ogleroot.
To clarify, all of these Vinesweeper changes, and a few more, will be made next week.
If you look back at the last few months, you may have mixed feelings about some of the releases. Unbalanced trade removal; Bounty Hunter and Clan Wars; LootShare; the Assist System; the Grand Exchange: these were all massive changes affecting a huge number of people. They were so big, in fact, and released in such a short period of time, that we could not get everything right while also making every player happy. We certainly aimed to do so, but we still came some way short.
We decided, soon after their release, that we could address many of your problems with them. Your feedback on the Forums has really helped, and we have even been able to consult you on a number of instances. This led to the 'Future Changes to Recent Updates' in January: a list of our proposed changes to our recent content. It's been a while since we released that newspost, and many of you seem worried that we've forgotten about the changes to LootShare, Grand Exchange and our other releases. Well, we can assure you that we haven't forgotten. In fact, we have allocated nearly half of our content developers to getting these recent updates back on track!
We plan to release a State of Play regularly, to give you a real idea of how the most anticipated updates are progressing, so keep your eyes peeled for more news in the future.
The green progress bars will give you an idea of how close each project is to being released.
Grand Exchange Improvements:
Some changes to the Grand Exchange interfaces are entering the final stages of testing. We've listened to your feedback and we are finishing off interface changes to really speed up your selling and purchasing.
We also promised 'a new web page...which will allow you to track item prices over a long period of time'. This is very close to completion and is currently with our Quality Assurance team. This will be a comprehensive and very visual means for you to find out item values and compare them with others, or see how they fluctuate over time. As you can imagine, we believe that this will be really useful to any merchants out there.
Finally, the Grand Exchange pricing errors are being fixed in what will be an ongoing process. We have staff members dedicated to collating information from the Forums and in-game sources, so you'll see amendments occurring as the weeks go on. Here are a few examples of pricing issues that we have remedied:
We've allowed Summoning items to be traded on the Exchange for a wider range of prices over a prolonged period, and allowed their prices to adjust with their large number of sales.
We have made the price of items such as jewellery, poisoned dagger and clockwork toys behave more consistently, so that you are always getting a fair deal.
We've allowed a more generous range of prices on the Exchange for those items that are sold in shops.
We've also fixed a number of bugs that have been highlighted in the Forums, such as how potions behave.
We'd also like to remind you that the 'Grand Exchange Price Feedback' thread in our Suggestions Forum is the place for any constructive feedback you have on our market prices.
Fairer LootShare:
One of the most requested improvements will be to our LootShare feature, which has been worked on solidly since its announcement in the 'Future Changes to Recent Updates'. We will be calling these changes 'CoinShare'. With it activated, a clan will not receive a high-value item as a monster drop; instead, the item will be put on the Grand Exchange at the median price. The team of LootSharers will immediately gain a share of coins equal to that item's lowest market value, without waiting for that item to sell on the Exchange. This is in final testing, at a similar stage to the Grand Exchange tweaks.
Item Lending:
Currently at a briefing stage is the item-lending feature. It has been incredibly difficult to find that balance between versatility and stopping cheaters from abusing it. We believe we've found a solution that achieves this, and we will give you more news in future articles.
New PvP Minigame:
Clan Wars and Bounty Hunter did a fair job of offering new PvP gaming choices, but they weren't without their problems; in particular, Bounty Hunter was dominated by large clans, which just wasn't how we intended Bounty Hunter to be used. We are aware that this week's Bounty Hunter changes leaves only Clan Wars for multi-way fighters, which does not offer the level of danger and reward that Bounty Hunter did. We can reveal that changes to the Clan Wars arena are at a proposal stage and future multi-way minigames are planned, all of which should alleviate these concerns.
It must also be said that Clan Wars and Bounty Hunter were never alone intended as a replacement for the Wilderness. We saw them as the first in a series of PvP minigames, with other games being briefed that would attempt to cater for all types of PKer. Well, the next PvP minigame is now finishing development and entering the first round of quality assurance. We're certainly very excited about this single-way, one-versus-one safe minigame.
Summoning Improvements:
When we started work on Summoning, we made the decision that it would be interesting, fun and rewarding, while also taking longer than most skills to level up. We feel now that we weren't so hot on the 'rewarding' aspect, which has been an obstacle to many people enjoying the skill. Despite a few tweaks, we still don't believe that it is as rewarding as it can be, and the worst thing we can do is to keep making tweaks every week for a long period of time.
So, we have decided to rebalance Summoning and release it with Summoning Batch #2. This rebalancing is about 20% complete and we will keep you informed about how it progresses. As you can imagine, this is a huge priority for us, so you can expect this percentage to rise rapidly.
We do appreciate that all of these changes are taking a while, and that a lot of people are urgently awaiting them. So, we are treating them as a priority. This is not the last you will see of progress reports like this, either: you can expect similar updates in the future, as we make more of an effort to inform you about the state of play...
*Drum roll* Welcome along our new Mini-game guide! Visit around the Vinesweeper Guide for more information on this fun-filled mini-game. This game is short and to the point for getting easy seeds once you get flagging and such down without a problem.
Hint: It's basically Minesweeper, so if you're a nut about that game, you'll love this.
19 February 2008 - Bounty Hunter Combat Changes and Rewards
When we introduced Bounty Hunter in December 2007, we intended it, alongside Clan Wars, to be the first of a series of enjoyable PvP minigames. Three months on, we have had a chance to look at your Bounty Hunter feedback and comments, and have come up with changes that will really improve it!
For information on future PvP content and minigames, keep your eyes peeled. We have news for you in the coming weeks!
Combat Change:
First on our critical ticklist was the multiway aspect of Bounty Hunter. Occasionally, solo players would walk into Bounty Hunter and be ambushed by huge clans who they didn't stand a chance against.
This was not what we intended to happen, therefore, we have tweaked the rules so multiway combat can only be used in certain circumstances. The aim is that going in with some friends or a clan does, of course, still give an advantage, but not to such a ridiculous extent. As such, a skilled solo player has a fighting chance as well.
So, this week, we have made Bounty Hunter single-way combat, meaning that only one player may attack another player at any time. There are two exceptions to this rule:
You are able to attack someone who is in combat if they are your Bounty Hunter target
You can be attacked when in combat if you are the Bounty Hunter target of your opponent
We would like to remind you that Bounty Hunter is a dangerous minigame, and you risk losing your items when entering the caverns.
Cash Rewards:
We have introduced another reason for being a bounty hunter: cash rewards for defeating your bounties.
Mandrith loves to reward bravery, so players who kill 10 or more bounty targets will earn cash rewards based on the market value of their combat items. This cash amount is worked out by taking only the second, third, fourth and fifth most expensive combat items you are carrying and giving you access to an amount of coins based on their value. You will have to defeat at least 10 bounty targets to receive your reward, which you can do by speaking to Mandrith.
There is a limit to the amount you can receive per 10 kills, according to the crater you entered:
Low-level crater - You may receive a reward up to a limit of 40,000gp for 10 kills
Medium-level crater - You may receive a reward up to a limit of 80,000gp for 10 kills
High-level crater - You may receive a reward up to a limit of 120,000gp for 10 kills
A summary of your kills will be given when you exit each crater. You do not have to kill all 10 players in one go - Mandrith will remember how many more kills you need for your next visit.
Bounty Locate Change and Rune Rewards:
Some of you felt that the Bounty Locate spell was only available to members and was slightly too high-level, giving the advantage to more experienced players.
Well, we have made tweaks that should make the Bounty Locate spell more accessible and affordable! Firstly, we have reduced the Magic level required to cast Bounty Locate to 32, and reduced its cost to 1 law rune, 1 air rune and 1 fire rune.
We have made the spell available to F2P, and once you have made 10 Bounty Hunter target kills, you will receive a prize of 15 law runes, 15 air runes and 15 fire runes - the number of runes required to cast 15 Bounty Locate spells!
To get a running total of how many targets you need to kill, or to receive your rune rewards, visit Mandrith outside of the Bounty Hunter volcano. You do not have to kill all 10 players in one go - Mandrith will remember how many more kills you need for your next visit.
None! Bounty Hunter and the Bounty Hunter changes are available to both free-players and members
Access to:
Single-way PvP combat, without being ambushed by clans.
Cash rewards for killing 10 Bounty Hunter targets when you carry expensive items.
Bounty Locate spell available to F2P.
Bounty Locate spell reduced to level 32 Magic.
Rune rewards for killing 10 or more Bounty Hunter targets.
Mandrith has decided to make some amendments to his tutorial, so you may visit him at any point to read more about the Bounty Hunter changes.
Due to the recent improvements to Bounty Hunter, it will no longer be possible for you to take Summoning scrolls, pouches or summoned familiars into the dangerous minigame. This is because familiars cannot help you fight in single-way combat areas.
Players who return to their own gravestone in time can now pick up their Recipe For Disaster gloves if they died with them.
We've had a few words with Ordan at the Blast Furnace about his maths skills. He was getting a bit confused but he should now quote you the correct price for the amount of ore you wish to uncert.
The bank scrolling issue has been fixed so that it will now jump to the row of your bank that you were looking at when you last opened the bank interface.
19 February 2008 - Vinesweeper and Amulet of Nature Update
Vinesweeper:
Winkin the gnome has taken his crops to market, so Farmer Blinkin has been left in charge. Simple instructions have been left: harvest the Farming patches while Winkin is away. Unfortunately, a family of hungry rabbits have moved into the neighbourhood and they are eating the seeds before Winkin can say,"Get off my land"!
As if this wasn't nuisance enough, the hired farmhands have had one too many blurberry specials and forgotten where they planted their seeds. It has all become a bit too much for poor Blinkin, so he has opened the farm's doors to any adventurer who is willing to help.
It's not all bad news, however. Everyone knows that gnomes are magical creatures and industrious, to say the least; so, the farmyard has been imbued with magic that will let you know when you are close to a seed. So grab a spade, start digging and improve your Farming levels while helping out poor Blinkin!
Oh, and be sure to pay a visit to Mrs Winkin's Farming Emporium. Here you can trade in your hard-earned points for prizes, like seeds and chunks of Farming XP!
A Farming Level of 10 is required to visit Winkin's Farm
Access to:
A brand new Farming minigame
The ability to win Farming XP and high-level seeds
New Farming Amulets:
The magical amulet of nature has been revised by the clever druids of Taverley to provide budding farmers with even more assistance! Not only will it retain it's previous functions - updating it's owner on the state of their Farming patch - it will also offer you two welcome additions and the ability to talk!
You will now be able to contact a farmer that is near your patch, and you can use the amulet to teleport to your diseased plant. These changes will certainly allow you to manage your patches much more effectively.
But that's not all! The druids have been able to put some of the original amulet's magic into a new amulet of Farming, which can be bought from Farming stores throughout Runescape. These lesser amulets have only a limited number of uses and will only work with vegetable or flower patches. These will inform your of the state of your chosen Farming patch, much as the amulet of nature did previously.
14 February 2008 - Postbag from the Hedge - Player Takeover
Postie Pete has some letters written by RuneScape characters, and this time he wants you to answer them! Read through these letters, then get replying and we'll choose the very best for this month's Postbag from the Hedge.
Can you assist Reldo's research into ancient topics? Do you have a better idea for the goblin Chosen Commander? Do you have 5 minutes to spare for Balnea's quick informal survey into future business growth opportunities? If so, get over to the Postbag and start replying to their letters!
You can write your reply to the usual Postbag from the Hedge address and they will post up their favourite responses later in the month.
It is not only RuneScape that has seen a sudden increase in creatures thanks to Summoning. Postie Pete has had animals popping up left, right and centre in this month's Players' Gallery.
Be it the wolves of White Wolf Mountain, your faithful feline followers or even an abyssal demon, you will be able to find a wide variety of beasts for you in this month's great selection.
Pete also wants you to know that he's particularly interested in dragons - if you produce a dragony image, the KBD might take a swift look (or three) at it.
The guide for the new Catapult Construction quest has been added to RuneHQ. This short quest is a continuation of the Regicide quest series. A big thanks goes out to budmash and everyone else who helped complete it so quickly.
Following your disruptive behaviour in the Tyras Camp, things are not going well for the catapult guard. Already unpopular with his comrades after various security lapses, he's now neglected the catapult, allowing damp to seep in and rot the frame. General Hining is furious, the replacement catapult parts haven't arrived and the rookie catapult engineer has gone missing in hostile Isafdar.
It's a good thing, then, that a bold adventurer with your Construction knowledge is in the area; however, this will take much more effort than simply building furniture. You'll need to source some schematics, collect the finest materials and exert your mind as well as your hammer-hand...and that's just when building the catapult. You will also need to put it through some rigorous tests before the fearsome weapon can be deployed. After all, you'll want to be pretty sure of where your boulders are going to land!
As well as some Construction know-how, you will also learn to be more effective when using Castle Wars catapults. Needless to say, this Catapult Construction quest will help make amends for the carnage you caused during your last visit.
Regicide Quest
Level 44 Construction
Level 42 Fletching
Level 54 Smithing is recommended
Access to:
A Castle Wars reward and a new piece of clothing
A tricky shape puzzle!
In other news...
Over the past week, the new music system has been causing issues with server load, leading us to remove some of it so that it doesn't interrupt your enjoyment of the game. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused you over the past few days - as you can imagine, it is difficult for us to know the exact effect that hundreds of thousands of players, both members and free, will have on servers when we release a new piece of content like this! We have put in a lot of work to optimise the music system, so you can now use it without any server issues at all.
On another musical note, we have looked at those songs that players cannot unlock, due to them being related to completed quests. Anyone who missed out on unlocking a quest-specific track while the music system was deactivated, and who can't return to the area to unlock it again, will have the track unlocked for them in this update. As always, if you notice any further issues with this or any other content, please do send us a bug report. Your support is incredibly helpful in these matters.
Hello everybody! We have a ton of brand new updates for you today! First off, you may already have noticed we have revamped all the RuneHQ site themes, complete with a brand new logo and updated graphics. In addition to this we have rearranged a few things here and there to make the site more accessible to everyone. You can change the themes in the menu to the left.
Following this comes probably the biggest update. We are very pleased to inform everyone that RuneHQ and RuneHead are now working together as affiliates to improve your RuneScape experience. The first feature we have added is the Top Clans Database. This database, created using the memberlists of clans registered on RuneHead.com, lists the top 100 clans based on Combat, Hitpoints, Magic, Ranged, and Overall average levels. Also in the works is a voting feature that will let everyone vote for who they believe is the best clan in RuneScape, so keep your eyes open for future updates from the combined efforts of RuneHQ and RuneHead! We look forward to future projects in this partnership.
The next update is the launch of RuneHQ Radio! This cool feature will let you listen in to various songs being streamed by the RuneHQ DJs. In the near future we will open up applications to everyone interested in becoming a DJ. At the moment we only have a few, so music may not be streaming all the time. If you press play and nothing happens then chances are no DJ is currently online. Have fun listening! NOTE: The server it is currently on will not be able to support a massive number of listeners. Therefore for the next few weeks keep in mind that we are just testing the functionality of the radio, and that there WILL be a lot of lag.
Lastly, we have a new page for Hosted Clans. These are clans that have been given web hosting by RuneHQ for their continued activity in our Clan Forums. If you have an established clan and wish to be hosted too, then actively help out other clan members and discuss everything related to clans in our Clan Discussion forums, or post your latest war victories or pk spoils in our War Results and PK Run Ins boards, or maybe even post some Clan Videos or Recruitment Topics. The most active clans on our forums will not only be given their own hosting, but also their very own Ventrilo channel on the Global Gaming HQ Ventrilo Server. We look forward to discussing everything involving RuneScape clans with you!
As always, RuneHQ aims to provide you with the absolute best RuneScape experience, and is constantly listening to your suggestions on our Community Forums to make RuneHQ a better place.
We've had to turn off some parts of the new music system because they'd been causing problems with server load.
This means that:
Music tracks may not be automatically selected for you as you move from area to area. But you can still always select a track to play manually from the music player interface.
You may also find that you're not getting new tracks unlocked as a result of this. If you miss out on a once-only quest-specific music track during this time, we will ensure that it is unlocked for you after the problems are fixed, which will hopefully be in the next week.
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
5 February 2008 - Audio Week and Improved Edgeville Dungeon
The New Music System:
The bards of Runescape have been handed the task of creating a music player that is simpler to use, offering more advanced options. Well, they have certainly managed it, and this week sees its release!
Previously, travelling across the world of RuneScape meant frequent changes of music, often playing only the early parts of songs. Now, our new music system plays songs all the way to the end, at which point a new song is chosen that is appropriate to your area - provided you have unlocked it of course!
There are a couple of exceptions to this rule: if you unlock a track by entering a new area, the system will interrupt your current song in favour of the new tune, ensuring that you hear all new songs. Also, if you encounter a boss NPC or start a cutscene with added music, the system will, of course, interrupt your current song to play the appropriate tune to accompany the action.
You still have the ability to manually choose your tunes by clicking on the song name. This will, of course, interrupt the current song to play your chosen tune, as it always has. We have also kept the 'loop song on/off' button (which now looks a little like a recycle symbol) so you can listen to your favourite song repeatedly.
Song Unlocking Information:
We have added a right-click option to locked song names in the music player, which will tell you exactly where to unlock it. This means that you don't need to hunt through the Knowledge Base to find out where "Throne of the Demon" can be unlocked, for instance.
The 500 Song Emote:
We have introduced a brand new emote, which is only available to those true adventurers who have unlocked 500 songs. As soon as this 500th song has been unlocked, you will be able to use the brand new 'Air Guitar' emote, with added sound - enjoy!
Sound Effect Improvements:
We have revisited many areas and quests, adding missing sounds and making various improvements to them. As you travel the world, you should notice new and improved sound effects, including:
Torches crackling in caves and dungeons
Floorboards creaking in Draynor Manor
Improved sounds for doors
Sounds for lighting/extinguishing lanterns and candles
Various improved background sounds
There are too many changes to list here, but hopefully the extra atmospherics will make your game experience more immersive and interesting!
Improvements to existing songs:
We have also made improvements to many existing songs and instruments in the game, some of which are obvious, some more subtle; see if you can find which ones have been changed!
We hope you enjoy the changes we've made to Runescape's audio this week. We are open to future suggestions, so keep them coming in!
- The Audio Team.
Edgeville Dungeon area improvement:
Venture, if you dare, into the depths of the newly-improved Edgeville Dungeon. Whether you want to dice with chaos druids or stand tall amongst giants then come on down, the graphically improved dungeon awaits you. Who knows, you might make it out alive - unlike some of the other inhabitants!
In other news...
Balance has been restored! Players can now obtain Summoning XP from the Tears of Guthix minigame. Genie lamps can also grant your Summoning wishes in a similar fashion.
Kebbit fur no longer floats when dropped on the floor. Now, it actually obeys the laws of gravity and will appear at the correct height.
The Carrallangar teleport in the Ancient Magicks spellbook wasn't teleporting to the right place. This has been fixed and you should now teleport to the correct location instead of arriving slightly further to the west.
The ogres and spiders outside of Oo'glog have been relocated slightly, as they were scaring the chinchompas away. Players can now hunt these creatures without as much interruption.
This month will start with a fanfare. February plays host to Audio Week - a collection of nips, tucks, changes and improvements that will jazz up your listening experience and make the music system easier to use. You can expect to hear songs all the way to the end, without them constantly changing as you move from area to area. Ardent adventurers who unlock 500 songs can expect an air guitar emote. Gnarly!
There's no room for this kind of tomfoolery in the graphical improvement for this month. The Edgeville Dungeon residents have been pretty grumpy ever since overground Edgeville got a rework - Postie Pete even got an irate letter from Vannaka. So - and not because we are scared of Vannaka, honestly - February brings a new look to Edgeville Dungeon which will make it seem suitably dank and dangerous.
After failing once in the Regicide quest, the Tyras Camp Catapult Guard has managed to fail again, this time by allowing damp into General Hining's catapult. Needless to say some unwitting/bold adventurer will be needed to repair the catapult and bring some much-needed security to the camp. Your Construction skills will have to be sharp and your puzzle-solving even sharper in this Catapult Construction quest, where you will be able to make amends for the carnage you caused in Regicide - with the added bonus of a Castle Wars-based reward, of course!
February means that Spring is approaching, so the rabbits of RuneScape are getting feisty. They've got a taste for ogleroot, a gnomish vegetable that is grown in only one known area, and they are doing everything in their floppy-eared power to get hold of it. This frenetic and strategic minigame will require you to dig up seeds and ogleroots before the evil bunnies get a whiff of them, using your powers of deduction and speed-shovelling. Not only will you be able to enjoy a fantastic new type of gaming, you will be able to access some great Farming rewards. Hard-to-find seeds and Farming XP rewards will be available for those swift with the spade and quick off the mark.
To continue the fun Farming frolics in February, we will have a fab new Farming amulet for you to fiddle with. The amulet of Farming will be available from most Farming stores and offers some abilities of the amulet of nature. Owners of the amulet of nature will also find that it gets a fresh infusion of magic this month, offering teleports to diseased patches and allowing you to remotely pay farmers to protect your patch. Oh, and it'll talk!
Add a sprinkle of Player's Gallery, a clove of Development Diary and a tablespoon of Postbag from the Hedge and you have a February that is looking pretty tasty!
A short month but no shortage of interesting news and developments!
This newsletter will be available at the beginning of each month with the purpose of keeping our community enlightened with any information that might be heading your way. For any further
information please make sure that you check out our forums for details.
Announcements
New Vent Server! - New Update!
In an effort to make sure all of our users have the best online experience possible, RuneHQ has upgraded its Ventrilo server to a capacity of 700% what it previously was! In doing so,
however, the login information to the Ventrilo server has changed! Please check out the RuneHQ Ventrilo Guide for the updated
information and how to login.
If you have not registered a Ventrilo account you will need to do so in this forum. If you have questions, our Community Forums are an excellent place to get them answered.
Lastly, if you have an established clan (more than 50 members), and want your own channel for it, then head over to this topic
and make a request. Please include a link to your clan's RuneHead list so we can ensure your clan is established.
Ventrilo is the next evolutionary step of Voice over IP (VoIP) group communications software. By offering surround sound positioning and special sound effects on a per user, per channel, per server
or global configuration level the program provides each user the option to fully customize exactly how they wish to hear sounds from other users or events. Ventrilo is best known for it's superior
sound quality and minimal use of CPU resources so as not to interfere with day to day operations of the computer or during online game competitions. It is also preferred for the simple user
interface that any first time computer user can very quickly learn because the most commonly used features are immediately visible and can be activated with a single click of the mouse.
Buzz Topics
Buzz Topics are some of the most popular or read topics currently on the forum. We invite everyone to stop by and view these and post your thoughts with the community.
Wanna show off those singing talents, have some fun, or even just listen to MrStormy sing That's Amore? Well your chance is on Saturday Feb 23rd when we'll have an official karaoke room where
people can express their musical talents with appropriate songs. Don't forget, you must sign up for Vent to attend!
The February RuneHQ Event!
The RuneHQ has another wonderful event planned for our community. For more information on how you become involved please make sure that you visit The February RuneHQ Event! for more information. Love to see you all there!
Awards
Congratulations to the Signature of the Month winner Rebekah. She entered this winning signature:
If you would like to participate in next month's Signature of the Month, and have a chance to be featured on the main site, make sure you visit us on our forums.
Staff Birthdays
Below are the staff members that we would like to wish a Happy Birthday to this month.
February-13 Mutiny
February-27 SpicySalsa
Staff Promotions
I am proud to announce that these following people have been promoted within the site due to the hard work and dedication that they show every day. Please welcome them to the ever-growing community
known as RuneHQ.
Siegflare - Price Editor
Navy_seal - Price Editor
Knight9693 - Price Editor
I Hrt Dbl Ds - Wilderness Category Moderator
Tams - FAQ Team
Ostee - FAQ Team
D-ablo - FAQ Team
305_Diablo - FAQ Team
DarkVortexX - FAQ Team
Job_is_God - RuneHQ Validators
KalphiteKing - RuneHQ Validators
samhartling - RuneHQ Validators
JoeC - Runescape Category Moderator
SpicySalsa - Chat Moderator
Debateman3 - Media Moderator
Nickstud - Price Editor
Cloudsfinalh - Price Editor
Akaris_Light - Clans Category Moderator
Fun Stuff
And here is the second load of puzzles for the newsletter. Last month there wasn't a prize, but this month the winner of each of the puzzles (wordsearch, cryptogram and maze) will be entered once into the end-of-month prize draw for a chance to win an array of prizes! I am proud to announce the winners of this months competitions!
The winner of the wordsearch competition was... Akaris_Light. The winner of the maze competition was... Zarkith. And finally, the winner of the cryptogram competition was... Supersims. Congratulations to all 3 of you and good luck for the monthly drawing!!
Thank you for coming to RuneHQ, Make sure you visit us on our forums and become a member of our ever growing community.
Credits
Editor: DRAVAN
Games: Mutiny and samwilliamh
Events: Sir Brendan8 and Kassandra
Graphics: DRAVAN
News Information: DRAVAN, Kuramawhip and the RuneHQ Staff
New Guide, Lores and Histories, and Postbag from the Hedge
Thursday, Jan 31, 2008
News ID: 00775
Hello everyone, welcome back to our next update. Today, we have the newly written Duel Arena Guide. In the guide expect to see the regular Dueling as well as the Duel Tournament rules and descriptions.
This guide was written by Lament and Skeletonmat and a big thanks to everyone else who helped with this guide.
Those avid readers of the Postbag from the Hedge and the Lores and Histories will know that Reldo never ceases in his hunt for classic literature, informative texts and amusing tales, and now he's finished restoring a truly classic text dating from the last days of the Fourth Age.
The Excellent Log of the Journeys and Tribulations of Samuel Scourduel is the diary of an intrepid explorer from the days before exploration was common and is an interesting example of humankind's first encounters with some of the stranger inhabitants of RuneScape. It's a hefty tome, though, so Reldo has decided to build the anticipation by only releasing the first two of the four entries for now.
So, how did the gnomes react upon meeting a tall man from Varrock? Were the TzHaar shocked to discover that not all the beings on RuneScape were made of stone? Click here to find out more about the remarkable Samuel Scourduel.
Postie Pete has recovered from his New Year's Party just in time to dash around to RuneScape's denizens with your letters.
This month, Reldo sheds light on some mysterious symbols around RuneScape, the master of Castle Wars comments on fashion, and we finally find out what chinchompas do in their spare time...
Pete wants to let you know that the druids of Taverley are very interested in your animal artwork at the moment. If you have a favourite RuneScape monster, animal or beast then get drawing and send it in!
Moving from one RuneScape website feature to another often required you to repeatedly enter your username and password. For example, posting a message on the Forums, accessing QuestHelp and setting your recovery questions meant entering your details on three separate occasions.
We want to encourage you to use these features, so we have made some improvements to how you login to the RuneScape website. Now, you will only have to enter your username and password once when using the majority of our website features. Logging into the game will still require your username and password.
The site-wide login is available for:
Reporting a bug/fault
Posting in the Forums
Viewing your friends' Hiscores
Changing your password
Voting in a poll
Finding hints for a quest in the QuestHelp system
Modifying your recovery questions
For security reasons, the site-wide login does not affect the following, and you will still have to enter your details to access them:
Setting up a subscription
Logging into RuneScape
Appealing an offence
Visiting the pmod centre
We would like to remind you that your password should only be entered on www.runescape.com. Some websites attempt to look similar to RuneScape. Don't trust a site just because it looks official.
We have also made some graphical changes to the offence appeal, ticketing system, password history and recovery questions pages, so that they fit in with the recent Billing System rework.
Hey everyone! The guide for the As a First Resort quest has been completed. Please thank Budmash, Theundeadgod, and everyone else who helped. Happy questing!
Having travelled to the ogre town of Oo'glog, Balnea could not have expected such an irresistible business opportunity. The town may be full of annoying bugs and surly ogresses, but it's also home to some rather miraculous pools!
These pools seem to have all manner of benefits to health and performance; with this in mind, Balnea has become determined to change the primitive encampment into a luxurious health spa! Unfortunately, managing a team of ogres has proven more of a challenge than Balnea bargained for and she could use your help to get the spa up and running.
It certainly won't be easy: bugs circle the spa pools, the hotel owner seems to think that slabs of beef make good pillows and the local chef couldn't rustle up the simplest of recipes. Resolve these issues, however, and you'll have access to the full range of Oo'glog's offerings, including shops, spa pools, ogre wigs, mud packs and the ability to trap three new Hunter creatures. Keen woodcutters will also find a new tree - the eucalyptus.
A whole new area, the size of Lunar Isle
Three new Hunter creatures
A new Summoning pet
A new type of tree
A host of other rewards!
In other news...
As many of you have pointed out on the Forums, some creatures were dropping lots of charms while others rarely dropped them. These were, frankly, bugs and something that we needed to fix; so, this week, we have fixed them. The charms you get from defeating monsters will now be more suitable and balanced, based more on the creature's Combat level.
We're not only fixing charm bugs, we're giving you more opportunities to get hold of them too. Charm drops have been added to some of the Slayer-related creatures, so that you can stock up on them while on Slayer tasks. Keep your eye out for more charm-dropping creatures in the future.
We've fixed an issue that sometimes caused players to appear to disappear in Clan Wars. This was only happening in some areas and has been changed so players won't vanish anymore!
The one-dose Zamorak potion wasn't behaving in the same manner as the other versions. This has been corrected so that all doses give you the same benefits.
Rings of life will no longer teleport you out of Clan Wars when you're low on Hitpoints. This is a safe minigame, so there was no need for it to teleport you to safety.
Introducing our Summoning Skill Guide, after many long hours of hard work! If you don't know where to start with this new skill, take a look at some of the strategies listed. Also many of the new Summoning items have been added to our Items Database. If you would also like to contribute your strategies, please visit the Submissions Forum.
The magic of Summoning awaits you! This guide was written by Terr002, niekjepiek, Jakesterwars, and Xander_7.
Have a great time Summoning those mystical creatures!
The Castle Wars minigame is a place to prove your mettle against others, fight for the honour of the gods and bask in the glory of victory. We've added an action-packed new wallpaper to the Downloads and Wallpapers section, showing the followers of Saradomin and Zamorak engaged in a pitched Castle Wars battle!
22 January 2008 - Pawya and Grenwall Hunter Creatures
The pine forests of Isafdar provide a fresh hunting ground for intrepid box-trappers. Two recently-discovered beasts have survived by avoiding the traps, pits and dire wolves of Isafdar, so will prove pretty elusive, even for experienced and knowledgeable hunters.
Pawyas are timid creatures that scour the forest in search of fruit to eat, hiding underground at the slightest noise. It is rumoured that they are particularly fond of papaya - something of a rare commodity in their native environment.
Grenwalls, on the other hand, are carnivores with limitless appetites and a prickly attitude. They will compete with you by hunting and devouring any pawya unfortunate enough to cross their path. In order to outwit these tricky critters, experienced hunters will need to hone their skills by using a suitable bait to trap them...
Those who do succeed in trapping a grenwall will have access to a hefty slice of XP, as well as the spines that cover the creature's body. Their tough, rigid nature makes them ideal for use as arrow shafts. In particular, the proprietors of the Yanille and Nardah Hunter stores are extremely keen to get their mitts on these items, so there may be some profit in it for you.
October is coming to an end, and the Events Team has one last event for this month that'll give you all a chance to make the creatures of RuneScape cower in fear! As you all should know, Halloween is considered one of the scariest nights of the year. So why not spend it in some of the scariest places in RuneScape?
Maggie, a travelling witch, has come to southern Asgarnia for the holiday festivities, but she's in a bit of a spot. She needs an enchanted broom to finish her potion but her ox has a cold and can't be left alone. In 
PvP worlds have arrived! Are you ready to pit your combat skills against other players in the halls of the White Knights’ Castle? Are you prepared to fight to the death in the fields of Lumbridge? Well, now is your chance.
For the third event, we will visiting two mini-games - Trouble Brewing and Pest Control! Not only do you get to dress up as a pirate, but you can also help out the Void Knights and gain some experience along the way. We'll start the day with Trouble Brewing and alternate it with Pest Control. If you want to prepare ahead of time, take a look at the 
From today we have doubled (in some cases tripled) the flexibility of the 
Once more Evil Dave has left his mark on the Postbag, and has even sent us his favourite PORTRAIT OF TERRIFYING ARTISTRY.
Captain Rovin is eager to recruit a bold adventurer for a scouting mission to the Wilderness. There's talk among the Varrock Guard of suspicious zombie behaviour and sightings of well-armoured zombies standing in organised formations. This isn't normal behaviour for zombies - they're much more likely to wander around aimlessly when left to their own devices. Could someone be controlling them?
The dwarves of Keldagrim don't only study bricks and mortar; they have been known to study combat too. This week's wallpaper shows an early attempt to understand the combat triangle.
The 
Those who have completed 
The popular Wilderness minigame, 
From the far corners of Runescape come the Events Team. Who are they? Where are they? If you accept this mission, then it will be up to you to find out. Are you brave enough to track them? Find them all and you will be rewarded. Join us this month for an exciting 
Are you a member of a powerful clan and want to show off? Want to prove to the world that your clan is the strongest? If you answered 'yes' to either of those questions, check out 
Two weeks ago, we introduced USB wireless mice, hoodies, t-shirts and other goodies to the Jagex Store. This week, we can add to their number with four items for use at school, work or home:
When levelling skills or trekking around RuneScape, you might want to keep an eye out for some unusual goings on. This is because the 
When you decide to train a skill, you may have one area in mind: a favourite patch of trees, perhaps, or a specific altar to craft your runes. Well, this month's first update, Distractions and Diversions, will threaten to turn that way of thinking on its head. You see, Distractions and Diversions will offer new ways of training your skills, but you'll rarely know when (or where) they'll turn up next...
In this month's postbag we've got some wise words from the Poll Orks, Mr Mordaut explaining planar theory and the latest edition of Evil Dave's Conspiracy Theories. So, if you want to know some harsh truths about RuneScape, head over to the latest installment of the 
Increasingly concerned by Morytania mischief makers and invaders from the Wilderness, King Roald has a burning desire to increase homeland security. This has taken the form of a beacon network that will warn Varrock of invasion. The beacons have been built and firetenders have been assigned to look after them; the only problem is that they are yet to be tested – and that's where King Roald could use your pyromania...
RuneScape has entered the record books this week. The game has been recognised as the most popular free MMORPG in the world for the second year in a row, with a certificate awarded by Guinness World Records. That's one record that Usain Bolt didn't manage to get!
Citius -Altius - Fortius! No those aren't words to some new spell, they are actually the words that compose the Olympic motto, which in English translates to: Faster - Higher - Stronger!
The most frequent request we have received over the last few months has been to put more PvP back into the game. We want to let you know that this request hasn't gone unheard, and that we've put a lot of research into how we can introduce new PvP mechanisms. The aim is for PvP content that better replaces the old Wilderness, but without reintroducing RWT.
Ever since a brave adventurer rediscovered Runecrafting, mages from the 
This week, we have released a new method of making 
Due to recent server problems, we have lost some user data for our Ventrilo server. Anyone who had access to our Ventrilo servers but did not have a RuneHQ Forum account will need to make another request to access our Ventrilo Servers. To request access to the RuneHQ Ventrilo server, please go 
Having helped Jorral in 
The RuneScape novel - Betrayal at Falador - has been officially released and is available for you all to purchase! Go to the 
When RuneScape HD launched early this month, we released a newspost about the planned price change for new subscribers. We would like to remind you of that price change.
We are moving our non-UK European servers to new facilities, bringing better service and reduced slowdown to all players that use them. While this change is ongoing, you may have difficulty accessing worlds located on non-UK European servers, including all German-language worlds.
To help you with some belated Spring cleaning, we have introduced a few 
Since we first released the tutorial, a huge amount has been added to the game. New content, extra skills, new-look interfaces: all of these combine to make the old tutorial seem a little outdated. So, we've gone back to the drawing board and completely reworked it: from the creation of your character right through to your first explorations of RuneScape.
In the coming months, you can expect a lot from the Jagex Store. Plans are afoot to bring you a range of RuneScape merchandise to buy, including many that you voted for in the 'Shop till you Drop' poll.
It really is the most impossible of impossible missions: how do you follow the graphical improvement of an entire game? Have a nap for a month or two? Boogie with Party Pete? Go on holiday to Brimhaven? Well, we've taken a different approach, following RuneScape High Detail with some updates that have been anticipated for a very long time...
So that RuneScape HD can be played by as many players as possible, we have released some FAQs. These are available to help those who are having trouble loading RuneScape HD. Today we have updated them with some of the more commonly asked questions:
TehNoobWorld Launch!
We are pleased to announce that the PayByPhone payment service is now available to both the Netherlands and Belgium. If you live in one of these countries and would like to subscribe using this method, please access the Account Management section of our website.
As RuneScape applies the final touches to the upcoming graphical improvement, the FunOrb team have been busy revamping their most popular game. The free to play and multiplayer game 
In the first Development Diary on our graphical improvements, we showed you the results of textures, texture blending, shadows and fog. In this, the 
Summer came too early?
There are many mysteries of the seas - hidden treasures, ghostly ships, pirate fashion - but few are as intriguing as the tale of Rabid Jack. Revered by a few, feared by many, his name is known by virtually all that sail the seas.
We are currently performing maintenance on some of our web systems.
This new quest brings a new Slayer master for all those avid Slayer skillers! Along with the new master is a new dungeon area with some new and old monsters and a new Slayer Point system. This new system gives you a new way to earn Slayer experience, new items, new training, and many other rewards. So sharpen your scimitars and tighten up your whips for the 
Someone new has moved to 
Instead of beginning with a starter or main course, we will skip straight to desert this June! If that pun doesn't kill you, the beasties just might in Smoking Kills, our brand new desert quest. At the start, it won't seem too dangerous: a red-headed citizen of Pollnivneach has lost her sister down a well and wants you to retrieve her. Explore the depths, however, and you'll find yourself in situations more uncomfortable than sand between your toes.
The pictures shown in the 'Image of the Future' newsposts were just a taster of what is to come with our graphical improvements. In this 
Going up a skill level can access a shedload of new activities, items and quest requirements. You need to know exactly what you're capable of at these new levels, so we've taken a fresh look at your level up messages and skill guides.
This week brings the 
If you are looking for a new mining area with high level ores, such as Adamantite and Mithril ores, then the lastest quest from RuneScape may be just what you need. The 
A giant creature is causing havoc inside the Karamja volcano, digging tunnels beneath the city. The TzHaar now risk losing their beloved home, unless they can be convinced that they need help.
The Guaranteed Content Poll is your chance to have a genuine impact on the game, and you have made some great choices this time. We asked you to choose the single character and group of characters that you would like us to transform. The results were 
This week brings a change that will have an impact on the 
Many thanks for voting in last week's Guaranteed Content poll. We had a huge number of votes and it really captured everyone's imagination. So, without further ado, we can reveal that the familiar you will be summoning in the future is...
When planning future projects or attempting to really push the technology of the RuneScape game, we often come across the same problem: we have no information about everyone's computer hardware. With this kind of information, we could release more RuneScape improvements that make the best use of your system's capabilities.
Hi everyone,
Do you want to help decide on a new Summoning familiar? In this week's poll you can do exactly that! Choose from such varied creatures as killerwatts, giant kebbits and kangaroos...
Ever ventured into the Wilderness for a clue scroll, to get to the Mage Arena, or the dragons; only to be stopped by the Revenant monsters? Time after time you try, but they always seem to get in the way. Well, not anymore. Now it's your turn to get in their way as we get some revenge on those pesky monsters for all their interference, in April's massive RuneHQ event, The Revenant Hunt! Join the hunt as scores of fellow players pour out into the wilderness to hunt these most annoying creatures, defeating them as we go. Don't worry if you're not a high hitter, we will bring them down all together. Using Jagex's LootShare and CoinShare, everyone can get in on the action and profit from it too. Let the bloodshed begin!
Today, we are proud to present you our 
The Vyrewatch continue to draw blood tithes from the citizens of 
Card payments and services are temporarily unavailable while we perform some essential maintenance on our billing systems.
This affects:
We have made several changes to 
Many of you asked for the ability to view graphs of market values and track item prices as they rise and fall. Well, this week we introduce the 
Around 50 new clues have been added to the medium and hard 
We have changed the way that PayPal payments are made. Instead of using PayByCash to process any 
A number of Guthix druids have discovered an unexplored cave under the lower 
Hello everyone! Today we are pleased to bring you an update that was waiting to happen to this guide.
You can break Summoning 2 into two halves. The first is a rebalancing of the skill using your feedback. We have chosen to do this because we wanted 
In a quiet field east of Draynor Manor, two enterprising gnomes have founded Gnomecopter Tours, featuring the latest development in gnomic flight technology. They're open for business now, offering free-players (and curious members) the chance to take a look at distant lands, including the beautiful elf village of 
We seem to have reserved the most humongous, terrifying and downright impressive creatures for Summoning 2. Visit the 
This month, Reldo has received a parcel of books from the High Priest of Icthlarin, who loaded them onto his camels and sent them packing all the way to Varrock. You should have seen the mess they made on the palace carpet! Queen Ellamaria wasn't best pleased, but then, when is she ever?
Welcome everyone! We have two updates helpful in training for both F2P and P2P. Also, check them out just to increase your Runescape Knowledge!
It seems that the problem-prone Easter Bunny is once again experiencing difficulties. He's spent so much time redecorating his warren that he hasn't noticed critters burrowing in and devouring his entire chocolate stockpile.
This month, Postie Pete has returned with a Players' Gallery of RuneScape-related humour and comics. So, if you feel like a laugh over the Easter season, view this month's Players' Gallery 
As ever, there are strange occurrences afoot in the slug-riddled town of 
Professor Henry has opened a new 
Hey everyone! Are you planning on purchasing a copy of Super Smash Brothers Brawl? Do you want to be part of an elite gaming clan and a community? If yes, then go check out 
Everyone can join the 
Hello everyone, today we have a new City Guide for your eyes to view. Please take a look at the 
It seems that Surok has made a cunning escape from his Varrock Library prison and is intent on continuing his nefarious schemes. He even found time to steal some ancient tomes from the library, unearthing dark secrets and powerful magicks.
Clan Chat owners now have the option to use 
Over the past few months, lots of you have offered us ideas for how to get the best out of the Grand Exchange and LootShare system. Well, by Guthix, our first update of the month will see the introduction of the best of these!
Welcome all users, we bring to you a new city guide for your viewing. If you want to check it out, roll around to the 
Being a games tester is a dream job for many, but does the reality live up to the dream? In this month's 
The price of a RuneScape credit card subscription in Canada has reduced from CAD7.30 per month to CAD5.00. There are a number of factors that determine how we set our prices (for example, currency and sales tax changes), and these have allowed us to lower our monthly credit card rate for our Canadian customers.
Last week, we felt that there were a number of improvements we could make to the rewards of 
It became clear that the 
If you look back at the last few months, you may have mixed feelings about some of the releases. Unbalanced trade removal; Bounty Hunter and Clan Wars; LootShare; the Assist System; the Grand Exchange: these were all massive changes affecting a huge number of people. They were so big, in fact, and released in such a short period of time, that we could not get everything right while also making every player happy. We certainly aimed to do so, but we still came some way short.
When we introduced 
It is not only RuneScape that has seen a sudden increase in creatures thanks to Summoning. Postie Pete has had animals popping up left, right and centre in this month's 
Following your disruptive behaviour in the Tyras Camp, things are not going well for the catapult guard. Already unpopular with his comrades after various security lapses, he's now neglected the catapult, allowing damp to seep in and rot the frame. General Hining is furious, the replacement catapult parts haven't arrived and the rookie catapult engineer has gone missing in hostile 
Following this comes probably the biggest update. We are very pleased to inform everyone that RuneHQ and 
The next update is the launch of RuneHQ Radio! This cool feature will let you listen in to various songs being streamed by the RuneHQ DJs. In the near future we will open up applications to everyone interested in becoming a DJ. At the moment we only have a few, so music may not be streaming all the time. If you press play and nothing happens then chances are no DJ is currently online. Have fun listening! NOTE: The server it is currently on will not be able to support a massive number of listeners. Therefore for the next few weeks keep in mind that we are just testing the functionality of the radio, and that there WILL be a lot of lag.
We've had to turn off some parts of the new music system because they'd been causing problems with server load.
The bards of Runescape have been handed the task of creating a music player that is simpler to use, offering more advanced options. Well, they have certainly managed it, and this week sees its release!
This month will start with a fanfare. February plays host to Audio Week - a collection of nips, tucks, changes and improvements that will jazz up your listening experience and make the music system easier to use. You can expect to hear songs all the way to the end, without them constantly changing as you move from area to area. Ardent adventurers who unlock 500 songs can expect an air guitar emote. Gnarly!
Hello everyone, welcome back to our next update. Today, we have the newly written 
Moving from one RuneScape website feature to another often required you to repeatedly enter your username and password. For example, posting a message on the Forums, accessing QuestHelp and setting your recovery questions meant entering your details on three separate occasions.
Having travelled to the ogre town of 
Introducing our 
The Castle Wars minigame is a place to prove your mettle against others, fight for the honour of the gods and bask in the glory of victory. We've added an action-packed new wallpaper to the 
The pine forests of 
