The Chronicles of Runescape

The blue coloured fires were courtesy of Tiz.

Yet another screw up.

Form took a nap the entire afternoon and was completely unreachable in the evening. Tiz tells me that he'll also be busy during the whole of Sunday, so I'll only be able to get that Defence skill cape on Monday, earliest.


Mat and I taunting the Revenant Knight from a safe distance.

Nothing ruined Mat's 99, however. We both trekked across the Wilderness and made our way to a clearing somewhere within the Lava Maze. We were interrupted by a wandering Revenant Knight which wouldn't go away, so we ended up switching servers before finally getting into position for the screenshot.



The shot turned out well, but what really caught us off-guard was the second set of fireworks, even greater and more magnificent than the first, which suddenly exploded around both my avatar and Mat's. They were that large; most likely reserved for players who have maxed out the stat they were leveling. At least I now know what to expect for my level 99 screenshot thanks to the delay.


Stuff achieved today: Level 78 Ranged

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:01 PM | Permalink

I know, I know. I had promised myself not to, but I actually went back to Ape Atoll to kill those Monkey Guards for Defence exp.

I think it was Vannaka's Kurask assignment that finally pushed me over the edge. Anyway, in spite of me cheating, I still am unable to get that Defence level up today. I rely on Tiz to establish contact with Form because he has been extremely inactive in Runescape for the past couple of weeks.

However, since the former wasn't around last night, the only way to reach Form would be to call him myself, which I felt was kinda weird since I've only spoken to him in real life on only one occasion. So I'll just have to take the level 99 screenshot tomorrow, probably sometime in the afternoon when the servers are emptiest.

Indeed, Saturday will definitely be a special day. Mat will be getting his second skill cape, the Firemaking Cape, and it will also be my actual first day of freedom since the last of my supplementary classes just ended today.

Nothing can possibly ruin my weekend.


Stuff achieved today: Nothing much

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:33 PM | Permalink

Bad news. My final Defence level up has been delayed.

I just can't close the exp gap fast enough, and I refuse to resume fighting Monkey Guards. I knew it was a shortcut method all along; the Combat exp was speedy, but this had come at the cost of the Summoning and Slayer exp I would’ve gotten if I had stuck to killing assigned Slayer monsters instead.

However, I still was able to finally decide on the venue for the screenshot. The Edgeville Dungeon has a very nice, spooky ambiance at the chamber where the Skeletons are. I plan to hit Level 99 there this Friday; Saturday would be less hectic, but it's usually more crowded during the weekend, and I can't have some noob unexpectedly appearing in the background of the screenshot.

On the upside, I was able to reach Level 69 Summoning this evening. I'll be able to own my very own god bird soon enough.

Stuff achieved today: Level 69 Summoning

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:44 PM | Permalink

The one month school break is here, which of course means much more gaming time for me, but I feel as taxed and as pressured as ever.

I take my O Level exams for Chinese tomorrow, which will help determine the Junior College I graduate into next year. They're dead important. Chinese being my weakest subject, I'm just hoping for a pass at this point. By all counts, even I should be able to easily manage this modest achievement, but I still feel terrified about Monday.

The rest of the week will (surprise, surprise!) be taken up by extra classes. I honestly can't understand why they call it a school holiday anymore. It boggles the mind. It really does, and I am sick of all these things I have to keep worrying about.



I learnt just yesterday that Jagex has made a second ammendment to the level up messages. Both messages, including the generic one I had described in my previous post, now actually state the level you're at. This means that I'll have no more trouble with taking any Level 99 screenshots, and I am very grateful to the Jagex team for responding so swiftly to player feedback.

The Defence screenshot will certainly give me something to rejoice about after I sit for those damned papers. This Wednesday would be an ideal date. I've already asked Tiz to tell Forminable that I'm almost ready with the level up. Quite unfortunately, I have been unable to reach the latter in-game because he's been completely pre-occupied with this other RPG, Maplestory. The traitorous heathen.


Stuff achieved today: Level 77 Ranged

Posted by Timothy Gold at 7:06 PM | Permalink

I was finally able to have a look at the new level up message this afternoon.

I raised Crafting to 79 and was immediately greeted by the fizzing sound of fireworks shooting up and exploding around my avatar. The level up message simultaneously appeared at the bottom of my screen... which didn't state my current level!

In order to actually view the proper message instead of the new generic one, I had to click on the flashing Crafting icon in the Skills Menu. Taking only its appearance to account, the modified level up message was definitely an improvement compared to the older version. However, as evident by the screenshot right at the bottom, it has one glaring flaw.



The new level up message blocks up your entire view! Although I'm able to view it anytime I like and prevent the message from getting interrupted, there's no way I'll be able to properly take my 99 Defence screenshot with Forminable anymore. Friends will no longer be able to make appearances in any of my 99 screenshots, which effectively ruins the little tradition I’ve been following for eleven maxed out skills so far.

I am not pleased with the change at all.


This brand new level up message looks even better than its older
counterpart, but it blocks out your entire view.

The best I can do with this update is to take a screenshot of Form's congratulations on the public chat, while I click on the flashing Defence icon to display the level up message. Neither his avatar nor mine will make an appearance in the screenshot, but I have little choice but to accept this terrible change.


Stuff achieved today: Level 79 Crafting, Level 76 Ranged

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:38 PM | Permalink

This week's set of updates have finally arrived. Numerous changes have been made to the game this evening.


Two examples of the huge assortment of Quick Chat ready-made lines.

The much anticipated Quick Chat, which allows players to say out custom-made messages without typing, was the major feature added. It's supposed to help players send out messages during minigames or any activity that requires too much attention for them to manually type. The main drawback is that it also takes time to select the appropriate line to send out. More often than not, you’re better off using the conventional way of communication.

It’s only practical if you're muted and unable to send out your own personal messages, or if you’re intending to repeat the same line over and over again, since there's a shortcut key which can auto-select it. Players have also complained about noobs using this shortcut function to spam the public chat. It’s an understandable argument, but these Jagex-created Quick Chat messages certainly beat the incoherent garbage they would otherwise manually type out.

Other updates released include the much anticipated (by me, anyway) uninterruptable level up messages. I'll now be able to max out Defence without risking another missed 99 screenshot. I probably should've saved up a level up for this. I was unable to test out this change today due to the speed leveling for the last few days.


Juna can now tell you when to return to play the Tears of Guthix
minigame, right to the minute!

The improvement made to the Tears of Guthix minigame was a truly a godsend. Juna now gives specific timings of when you can next collect tears. A very small tweak, but still very useful. I’m quite content with the week's updates.


Stuff achieved today: Nothing much

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:59 PM | Permalink

Same old, same old.

Chaeldar's given me another Spiritual Warrior assignment, and I had to force myself to go to back down the icy God Wars Dungeon to gain the much needed Ranged exp. Annoyingly, the Slayer tasks I keep getting lately don’t involve any monsters which drop bones.

I realise that bone burying's a slow way to get Prayer up, but I absolutely refuse to spend unnecessarily on Dragon Bones since Crafting and Summoning are already eating up a chunk of my cash. I seem to be earning a little in the case of Ranged. The 130 odd Spiritual Warriors I killed today got me two Rune Halberds, a Rune Longsword and a Rune Kiteshield, which I gratefully sold off at the Grand Exchange.

No other developments yet in Runescape. Jagex is taking a while with this week's batch of updates. However, back in the real world, much to many of my classmates' dismay, the results for the Mid-Year Exams we sat for a couple weeks back are finally out.

Though unable to achieve a number of my targets, I was still able to improve this school term in spite of the papers' difficulty. In retrospect, I don't think I really deserved these grades. Most of my revision was last minute. And even then, I still spent a good, healthy minimum of three hours worth of Runescaping per day during the examination period.


Stuff achieved today: Level 73 Mining

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:48 PM | Permalink

Yeshhh! A total level of 2100 at 194.6 million exp.



It would've been great if I had reached it at a nice round 200 million, but I'm still very pleased with this achievement.

I found it somewhat surprising that the skill I leveled up to hit the 2100 mark was Ranged, especially since it's one of my least favourite skills. I'm only training it now because I've already maxed out my other Combat stats, which is quite ironic if you think about it carefully. I've hit Level 99 and am now at my strongest when using Melee or Mage, yet I don't even want to exploit these maxed stats, save during the occasional PvP event with my clan.

But at least the level ups are quick. And pushing Ranged to a more respectable level would definitely aid me in the fight against TzTok-Jad at the Fight Cave, which I'm planning to undertake in June during the school holidays. The graphical changes its gone through will make things slightly trickier, since I’m no longer that familiar with its attack postures.

On the upside, I'll be able to take a familiar into the cave this time round – something I wasn't able to do in my previous three failed attempts because Summoning wasn’t even out yet.


Stuff achieved today: Level 78 Crafting, Level 75 Ranged

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:49 PM | Permalink

The level ups are coming in fast.

I seem to be averaging a level up a day for the week so far, which I consider very decent given my current Total Level. I am inching closer and closer to the big 2100.

I'm not exactly thrilled with the progress I made today, however. School took up my entire morning, so the exp I had earnt was rather pathetic, considering that it's the weekend. I still was able to do a little of everything. Crafting, Ranged, Defence, Slayer and the usual Farming rounds were the skills I managed to train today.



Slayer was reasonably enjoyable. I killed Gargoyles for the first time last night and finished Chaeldar's assignment this afternoon. I derive this unexplained sense of satisfaction every time I finish off one of those stone Behemoths with a well-placed strike from my rock hammer.

The drops weren't too bad. I picked up two Rune full helmets, a Granite Maul as well as a nice assortment of Charms for Summoning.


Stuff achieved today: Level 74 Ranged

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:11 PM | Permalink

Yet another 99 just yesterday!


Level 99 Hunter! Congratulations, Dg!

Dg was finally able to secure the Hunter Cape after enduring a grueling training regime of box-trapping thousands of Red Chinchompas. I was able to attend this special event, along with Kat, Tiz and W4rn, and watched Dg level up.

On that same night, a number of updates were released, which included a graphical makeover for both the TzHaar and Party Pete. A new TzHaar quest also came out, which I was able to complete this afternoon. Although the quest, TokTz-Ket-Dill, had a tendency to get frustratingly long at certain points, it was still a well thought out addition to the game and I applaud Jagex for their quality work.


Towards the end of the quest, TokTz-Ket-Dill, I had to fight and kill an
armadillo-like beast of the same name.

However, I am not entirely pleased with the TzHaar revamp. This is perhaps one of the flaws of allowing players to actually pick their updates. When Jagex asked Runescapers which group of creatures in Gielinor they'd prefer to see improved through a poll sometime back, players had a strong tendency to select the race which they had liked the most, instead of monsters which were genuinely in need of an update.

The TzHaar topped the list, but since they already looked good to begin with, there was very little which could have been done. Their appearance has been transformed completely, but due to the way the players had voted, it was very difficult for Jagex to outdo their original work.


The new TzHaar Library. Though unsatisfied with the TzHaar creatures'
new look, I still commend Jagex on the expansion of the volcanic city.

And in my opinion, they've failed. I very much would like the old TzHaar creatures back.


Stuff achieved today: Level 73 Ranged, Completed the TokTz-Ket-Dill quest

Posted by Timothy Gold at 8:42 PM | Permalink

I've decided to delay my Defence level up until the uninterruptable level up messages are released.

I was able to reach Level 99 Hitpoints without risking the screenshot disappearing only because I used Dustan's experience lamp. He had given me two, but I had had no choice but to use the second lamp for Prayer since I wasn't allowed to deposit it in my bank. After all, I really didn't think it was practical to keep it in my inventory until I gained the necessary 350k Defence exp.


My latest Slayer assignment - Spiritual Warriors

I now pass my time on Runescape by training Ranged and Slayer. It was a tough transition from my maxed Melee stats to mediocre Ranged. I just don't deal as much damage with this under-developed Combat skill.

The weapons I use aren't top-notch either. My old Abyssal Whip which has aided me in the slaughter of tens of thousands of Gielinor's beasts for the last two years, has been replaced by a flimsy bone crossbow, handcrafted by a tribe of peace-loving goblins. Iron knives have proved to be a better alternative because of their speed, but this cheap metal cannot be compared to the mighty whip.

The skill's only saving grace would be the smaller exp gaps between level ups, which allows me to swiftly get Ranged up in spite of the low damage output. I also need to work on it for my fourth attempt to get the Fire Cape. My current stats are good enough, but I’m not taking anymore chances after the last three disasters at the Tzhaar Fight Caves.


Stuff achieved today: Level 76 Crafting

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:24 PM | Permalink

A screenshot of the future! Will all of Gielinor really look like this one day?

Mm, it appears that Jagex is planning to give Runescape an entirely new look. They've so far released a before-and-after sample to give players an idea of what to expect from this massive revamp.

The perfect blending of the textures and colours of the image was what really caught my attention. Shadows have even been included, which is definitely a very promising sign that this graphical rework will be warmly received by Runescapers. However, as Knifestorm had pointed out, the player avatars haven't been worked on as much, so I guess that in spite of the scale of the update, there is still much to be improved on.


The exp rewards were poor, but the ability to smith pickaxes I learnt
upon completion of the quest could prove useful.

I pushed mysef to complete the new quest, Perils of Ice Mountain, this afternoon. It, quite unexpectedly, touched upon the real life issue of global warming in a Runescapian way. I found it quite impressive especially for a novice quest, though the storyline could be a little preachy at certain points.


The quest centered around a power plant which utilised Dragonfire to
generate energy. This is likened to the carbon dioxide emitting factories
of the real world.

And oh yes, I am also elated to say that I've finally gotten my notebook. In fact, I am actually using it to type out this entry. I am very pleased with its performance and speed, and the sleek, black exterior of the laptop itself is simply amazing.

Because I am such a sentimental nut, I don't intend to ditch my (relatively) old computer, though the notebook would certainly be of great use to me.


Stuff achieved today: Gained 100k Defence exp, Completed Perils of Ice Mountain quest

Posted by Timothy Gold at 8:21 PM | Permalink

After about a fortnight worth of waiting, Runescapers were finally treated to a nice batch of updates this evening.

The Perils of Ice Mountain quest seems to be the main feature released this week, though I can't really say that I'm too enthusiastic about completing it. It doesn't tie in with any existing storylines and I doubt it'll give me much of a challenge, since it's targeted at novice adventurers.


A close up of my newly updated kitten.

But who knows, Jagex just might surprise me. In either case, completing the quest will have to wait until tomorrow. Although the worst of my exams are now over and done with, I still have a Physics and Literature paper to sit for tomorrow.

In addition to the major quest update, Jagex has also changed the look of all cats (even the clockwork ones), the Monastery, and have even given Monk Robes a more stylish Saradominist look. They did a pretty decent job with the cats, although I am slightly disturbed that some of the kittens, most notably the white ones, now resemble rats. A fairy ring logbook, which records all possible fairy ring combinations, has also been provided to all players. Definitely very useful.


Me wearing the revamped Monk Robes at the Monastery near Edgeville.

It also appears that Summoners may now trade in their pouches in exchange for 70% of the Spirit Shards which were used to make the pouches in the first place. At this point, I'm not entirely sure if that would be an economical way to train the skill. I've made a mental note to compare these recycled shards with the Grand Exchange prices of the pouches when I have the time.


Stuff achieved today: Nothing much

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:20 PM | Permalink

She said yes!

My long time RS friend, Hermonie45, has agreed to appear in my Level 99 Hitpoints Screenshot. I suggested going to the Blood Altar for the shot, but most regrettably, she has yet to have done the Legacy of Seergaze quest and cannot access the area.

I have till next week to decide on a new location, as well as another friend to appear on the screenshot for Defence. This is the first time I'm dealing with consecutive 99s which are likely to be only a day or two apart. Wish I had done some proper planning; it definitely would've saved me some trouble, especially since I'm currently preoccupied with exams back in the real world.

I only have three days worth of papers to sit for left, and I cannot wait for all this pressure to end.

I've got so much to look forward to - a brand new notebook and two Skill Capes to add to my Costume Room. Just three more days...


Stuff achieved today: Gained 100k Defence exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:04 PM | Permalink

Charge!

Posted by Timothy Gold at 10:06 PM | Permalink

A little something I left out in my previous entry; I went with my dad yesterday to place an order for this notebook he's getting me.

I'm having it customized and the guys at the store are still performing the necessary upgrades, so I'll probably have to wait a few days before actually being able to collect it. Next Friday would be good, since it's the last day of my exams. Although ecstatic with my new "toy", I can't say that it'll affect my gaming much in terms of duration, though its portability should allow me to play anywhere, even when I'm away from home.


I picked up tons of high leveled herbs and even a Lava Battlestaff from the
Aberrant Spectres.

I also have much more to be pleased about. The couple of hours I had spent killing Bloodvelds and Aberrant Spectres as Slayer assignments have paid off. I reached level 98 Defence and was able to make the final push for level 82 Slayer (it's been at 81 for a while now). The level up in the former has made me realize how close I am to both the Health and the Defence Skillcape.



I think it's time I start doing the necessary planning for the screenshots.


Stuff achieved today: Level 98 Defence, Level 82 Slayer

Posted by Timothy Gold at 11:06 PM | Permalink

May's Behind the Scenes issue is now out!

There'll be a total of two quests released this month, though I am quite unhappy that Jagex has chosen to create brand new storylines instead of finishing up the quest-series they've already started. To expect a Myreque part V this soon would be unreasonable, but Jagex has many other unresolved plots to choose from.

I applaud them on the creativity and usefulness of May's updates, however. The new Quick Chat system will help players at mini-games immensely, while the new "uninterruptible" level up messages should ensure that no more 99-screenshot disasters will happen; I am still quite peeved about how I blundered up the Strength screenie.

The random statistic signs that spring up all over Gielinor would probably prove to be more of a fun update than one which actually serves a real purpose. No complaints here; I'm sure it'll still be a very interesting feature of the game.


Stuff achieved today: Level 75 Crafting, Gained 125k Defence exp

Posted by Timothy Gold at 9:52 PM | Permalink