The Chronicles of Runescape

Hurrah! Went for my first ever trip to kill the King Black Dragon today. I had organised this clan event sometime last week upon Mat's suggestion.

The trip was a relative success. The five of us killed the dragon with ease during the first few spawns. We didn't get any of those impossibly rare drops like the KBD's heads or a Draconic Visage, but the two Loop Halves we picked up weren't that bad either.


A valiant display of teamwork. The beast was slain several times with
minimal effort.

I was disappointed, however, with the other members' general lack of preparation for the event. One of them asked me if I had any Anti-Firebreath Potions a mere two hours prior to the start of the trip, while another actually went around asking to borrow "good mage armour" just minutes before we left.

And worst of all, in spite of the glaringly obvious need for some sort of proper Dragonfire Protection (potions won't do! Hasn't Elvarg taught you anything?), someone actually forgot to bring an Anti-Dragonfire Shield and ended up getting hit a 39 during the dragon's second spawn. She was promptly sent to Lumbridge.


The Sandwich Lady made a very unexpected visit in the middle of the
KBD trip.

On a more positive note though, this definitely has served as a very good practice session for everyone of us. Most (if not all) have also expressed great interest in participating in future battles with the King Black Dragon.

I don't think that organising such events on a regular basis would be fair for the f2p clan members, but I'll try to work something out.


Stuff achieved today: Gained 175k Magic exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:17 PM | Permalink

Endured another four papers. I'm so relieved that the weekend is finally here.

I was really able to take some time off my revision today. Normally, I'd stay back a couple of hours in school to study, but I decided to go straight home this afternoon, after taking my Social Studies and Additional Mathematics exams. I managed to get quite a bit of stuff done.

I reached Lvl 95 Magic after about half an hour of alching whilst Farming. And when I got bored later on, I decided to do something different and go train my Hunter (yes, regrettably, I've been neglecting it for quite a while now). Gained over 70k exp and reached Lvl 75 Hunter after an hour of net-trapping Red Salamanders.

I found this to be quite encouraging, and am planning to push this skill to the 80s. That had been my initial target last year in December when it first came out. I soon got bored though and stopped right at Lvl 74. It's about time I give the stat some much needed attention.

My character standing in front of the ZMI Runecrafting Altar.

On a completely unrelated topic, I was able to spend a few minutes exploring the ZMI Runecrafting Altar yesterday. The place was pretty cool, and may potentially prove to be an excellent spot for Runecrafting training. You get random runes when using the altar, but double the exp! There are also no pkers lurking anywhere near the area since it's out of the Wilderness, unlike the Abyss.

It's a somewhat long walk from bank to altar, but I could always high alch some stuff along the way and train my Magic at the same time.

I have to cross this long, winding path to travel from the bank to the
altar.

Not planning to start trying out this new method of Runecrafting anytime soon, with the exams going on and the other skills to raise and all. However, I will consider making the area my new training ground after everything else has settled down.

Stuff achieved today: Lvl 95 Magic, Lvl 75 Hunter

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:53 PM | Permalink

My real life and Runescape friend, Air Dragon, has left the Blessings clan. I'll miss him, even if he did act like an ass when posting that "goodbye" thread.

I am also glad that we were able to resolve the whole issue without letting it affect our relationship back in the real world. I've lost a member, but I still get to keep my friend.

Clan stuff aside, the dreaded Final Year Examinations are finally here. I've sat for both of the English papers already this morning. Think I'll fair okay, although the essay I had written for one of the components of the test was rather dull. I'm very hopeful for an A1.

So that's one subject down; but I have to deal with eight more. Amid the school-wide panic, my Runescaping carries on as per normal, but I still find the anxiety of sitting for those long papers to be very irksome. Ironically, I am not the least bit worried about my Chinese exam tomorrow even though it is my weakest subject.

It's probably the resignation of coming in last in class for four terms in a row that's really gotten me into an I-can't-quite-give-a-fuck-anymore kind of attitude. I'll just have to do reasonably well for my other subjects, and hopefully, my parents will turn a blind eye to the predicted E8/F9 I'll be scoring this time.

As usual, I'm banking on the five Maths and Sciences to pull my average percentage up. I'm also aiming to top the class in all of those papers. I know I have much pontential in each of these topics, but it's definitely still not gonna happen. I can expect to bag a few of the top 3 positions though. Then again, I might just screw up once more.

Saradominist, Zamorakian, Christian, Buddhist... whatever. Pray for me.


Stuff achieved today: Gained 100k Magic exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 7:05 PM | Permalink

I just looked through September's Behind The Scenes. Besides the fan art for the player gallery and NPC fan letters, all promised updates mentioned in the article have already been released.

I'm rather disappointed about the lack of gaming updates this week, but I guess it shows how much Jagex has spoilt me over the past two years of my membership. I doubt taking the (almost) weekly quality updates for granted would be a decent way of showing my gratitude to them.

I have a feeling that many of the other players won't be as understanding though. I didn't witness it firsthand, but this guy told me that the Rants forum became flooded with complaints against Jagex, just minutes after the appearance of the zeroes in the game was changed.

Update or no update though, I'll still have a few things to keep myself preoccupied. The ZMI Runecrafting Altar from last week still remains unexplored; and I've organised the first ever Members-only event for my clan - a trip to slay the King Black Dragon! It'll be my third time coming face to face(s) with the beast, and the first to actually seriously battle it.

It's scheduled to take place sometime in the afternoon this Saturday, when the servers are fairly empty, to minimize the risk of meeting up with pkers. I'll be bringing some expensive equipment along, and I really don't intend to lose anything. Although I understand the unlikeliness of such a drop in just a few kills, I'm hoping to get the dragon's head(s) as a token for my troubles.

This potential trophy for my Skill Hall will really compliment the stuffed shark already displayed there.


Stuff achieved today: Gained 125k+ Magic exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:34 PM | Permalink

I had planned on visiting the new ZMI Altar released earlier this week, but I got too distracted with other stuff on Runescape.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:56 PM | Permalink

It's been a long week. Because the Final Year Exams are coming up, I decided to stay back an extra 2 and a half hours to camp out in the school library for my revision.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:44 PM | Permalink

I've sent both the appeals, and have gotten back the replies. Jagex's speed in responding isn't too shabby, but I'm quite appalled by the quality of those messages.

The following is the first appeal I sent to them. I think I sounded sincere enough...







Automated. Click the image to enlarge it.



Top portion's my appeal; again, viewer discretion is advised. Lower half
is Jagex's automated reply.

Stuff achieved today: Lvl 87 Defence

Posted by Timothy Gold at 7:50 PM | Permalink

Alright, first order of business, I managed two level ups yesterday; one for my lowest lvled stat, Runecrafting, and another for my best ranked skill, Farming.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 8:59 PM | Permalink

Had a bit of a scare yesterday. For some reason, my site's layout was screwed up when I visited the blog sometime after I came back from school. It had worked fine the previous night, just before I went to bed.

A little change of the HTML coding was all it took to restore the blog skin, but I had to spend over an hour, tinkering around with the site, before finally figuring that out. Anyway, the little technical problem has now been resolved, and I am very relieved.

I had an interesting Saturday today. During my usual combat training at the temple in Ape Atoll, this Lvl 80+ character, standing just outside the place, asked me to lead him to that Gnome Mage, in the Monkey Madness quest. I politely turned down his request, but while he was still talking, something struck him down (didn't quite see it, probably scorpion poison), and he died right there.


Not seen in the above list: A Rune Kite
Shield and a Full Helmet

He dropped a pile of stuff. I immediately ran out of the building, and made a mad dash to grab any valuables. Thankfully, there was no one else around, so I could take my time. Poor fellow ended up losing over 350k gp worth of items. I'm surprised he didn't run back to the place and beg me to give him his stuff back.

Besides that stroke of luck at Ape Atoll, I was able to push my Hitpoints Lvl up to 91. I also lvled my Herblore to 66 after cleaning my freshly harvested Ranarr Weeds. No screenshots of either lvl ups, I'm afraid. Should be able to get a third lvl up for Runecrafting tomorrow. I'll be sure to take the screenie this time.


Stuff achieved today: Lvl 91 Hitpoints, Lvl 66 Herblore

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:48 PM | Permalink

Third day of school. Things are still somewhat hectic and busy, but it's still definitely an improvement compared to day one.

I've spent a few minutes doing some of the more convinient tasks in the Varrock Achievement Diary. The simplicity of stuff like buying a new kitten (which I was going to do anyway) and performing the four Stronghold of Security emotes, was laughable.


Click on the pic for a bigger image to see the eyes. This little girl here
was the first child I spoke to.

And while on a visit to West Ardougne, I had also noticed, for the first time, the newly updated children there. They were really amazing, Jagex did a fantastic job redesigning the graphics. It may not seem like a big deal, but they actually have eye colour now! The other humans, both NPC and player, only have a pair of very plain, beady black eyes.


Two boys near the Varrock fountain. The outward
appearances of children have changed dramatically as well.

There was also a much smoother, cleaner look on their faces, and I'm just hoping that Jagex will update the avatars soon. Perhaps coloured eyes could be a new addition to the Player Kit from several weeks back? It'll give that Makeover Mage another use.



Well, those new updates aside, I decided to pay a visit to the King Black Dragon's lair today. I needed a good screenshot of the beast for my screenshot archive, so I grabbed an Anti-Dragonfire Shield, a few lobsters, a Black scimitar to slash my way through the webs, and then headed off to the Wilderness.

I survived long enough to take several pictures. Still debating on which one to keep for my collection.


Ahh! Back to Lumbridge it is then.


Stuff achieved today: I don't know, my memory's already being stretched to the limit by my school revision.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:13 PM | Permalink

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:53 PM | Permalink

I'm down to my last weekend till school starts. Managed to end the break well though.


A rather self-explanatory screenshot of the pk trip. The excited red-
headed Ranger is Marsh.

I spent the entire evening celebrating the 6 month anniversary of the establishment of my clan, the Blessings Clan. We started off the entire event with a pk trip. It went really well, the turn up rate was great, and the kills weren't too shabby either.


All aboard the Blessings train!

All clan members present during the event also formed a player train, and walked from Lumbridge to Rimmington, and then finally to the Party Room in Falador. I had initially wanted to back out from this part of the celebrations (I had Yew Longbows to alch and Ranarrs to farm), but decided to go upon the insistence of some of my fellow members.


Our little clan meeting, with Tiz (at the end of the long table), about to
announce August's Member of the Month.

We had a short prize giving presentation at the Party Room, where Tiz, the clan leader and founder, gave out an assortment of items to the first ever "Member of the Month" (August), Demonmage. It was very heartening seeing Demon ecstatically accepting her well-earned reward.


No, this is not the actual drop party. We had to hold it in a more secluded
spot due to several annoying party crashers.

We later had a drop party to conclude the clan event. Evolution was generous enough to provide the majority of the items, and a few members even gave away their shares (after picking them up) to Demon. I couldn't have asked for a better way to commemorate the creation of Blessings. It was extremely touching to see such kindness and supportiveness among the pk group's members.


Me showing my moves to one of the Party Room staff.

The Blessings Clan has definitely gone a long way, and I'm confident that it'll live to celebrate it's first birthday. Here's to another 6 months of phat loot, ownage kills and friendship!


Stuff achieved today: Gained 200k Magic exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:36 PM | Permalink

It's friday night, and I'm feeling a little down because the short break from school is almost over. The week has really passed by quickly.

I'm trying to get as many things done as possible before the new term starts. I've rushed through and completed a majority of my holiday assignments, and my stat training back in Runescape couldn't be any faster. I've gained over 450k exp today alone! I've also finally jumped a Combat Level, which currently stands at 112.

The remaining tasks in my holiday to-do list would be the handling of numerous trades (I need to sell of my Ranarrs and Maple Logs, as well as the completion of any leftover homework. I should be able to find adequate time to handle the stuff during the weekend.

Must try to stop thinking of hectic school that much though. Considering what I had gone through the previous term, I think I deserve to fully enjoy the rest of the break without the constant worrying.


Stuff achieved today: Lvl 86 Defence (and Lvl 112 Combat), 200k+ Magic exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:37 PM | Permalink

A somewhat dull day. My entire morning and afternoon was spent high alching Yew Longbows and Farming.

I'm also feeling a little disappointed that September's first update couldn't keep me preoccupied for more than a few short hours. I guess you could consider this boredom as a side effect of the abundance of time the school break has provided me with. I probably should be thankful though. My Magic training's way ahead of schedule, and I was able to reach Level 92 earlier today.



Level 94's my main target right now; reaching it will grant me the ability to cast the spell, Ice Barrage, which is arguably the most destructive weapon in any Mage's arsenal.

I'm also making some progress on my Melee stats. Level 86 defence and Level 112 Combat are imminent. Killing those stupid Monkey Guards has really paid off.


Stuff achieved today: Lvl 92 Magic

Posted by Timothy Gold at 7:54 PM | Permalink

I've had a chance to explore the God Wars Dungeon, and was even able to finish up with a quest earlier this afternoon.


The God Wars Dungeon was completely frozen.

Since I showed my allegiance to the Gods (well, two of them) by wielding their equipment in the caves, I was only attacked by half of the monsters there. The place certainly lived up to its name. Troops from each of the four armies were constantly engaged in a seemingly endless battle. Fights between the races broke out everywhere in the icy terrain.


My character getting savagely attacked by Saradomin's forces.

I often got caught in some of their skirmishes, so it wasn't long before my inventory of Sharks was depleted. The few minutes in there were great though, and I'm very thankful with Jagex for choosing to cater to the higher lvled players with this update.


My character using a Crystal Chime to heal a Spirit Tree.

Yesterday's update was targetted at more experienced Runescapers as well. The quest, Path of Glouphrie, continued with the Gnome storyline. I won't go into detail about it, but I got to heal a Spirit Tree and tinker around with some Crystal equipment. The quest's rewards were quite generous as well.



I'll have to do a check on September's Behind The Scenes issue to see if the month's other updates are equally promising.


Stuff achieved today: Completed the Path of Glouphrie quest, Lvl 70 Prayer

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:35 PM | Permalink

Spent most of the day slaughtering Monkey Guards as usual.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:48 PM | Permalink

Well, I'm now finally back at home, sitting comfortably in front of my computer.

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:25 AM | Permalink