Falador

Falador, possibly previously known as Farradorn, is the capital of Asgarnia and a typically crowded city. It plays a key role in RuneScapes ore trade because it houses both the Mining Guild and a large mine underground. Falador is a popular trading spot for members on World 2 (though Falador is a nonmembers city); however, this has become less popular since the Grand Exchange was introduced. There are multi-combat zones around the north and south gates of the city. It is also the base of the White Knights. Its brilliant white walls are the highest available walls in a player's house.

History

 * For more information, see History of Asgarnia.

Modern day Falador was founded in the Year 8 of the Fifth Age, although the Museum of Natural History states that Falador existed in some form since the mid-Fourth age, and the surrounding areas were ruled from it. Falador has a fairly large population, making it the third largest city in the game after Varrock and the Meiyerditch. As no evidence of Falador's existence shortly before the discovery of Rune Essence can be found, it is safe to presume that the Fourth age kingdom was defeated, presumably by Goblins, although the date of this is unknown. Radallinn, the leader of one of the area's nomadic tribes, sought to establish a permanent settlement in the area with the help of the newly discovered runestones. This was made possible with the help of two orders of knights: the White Knights and the Kinshra, also known as the Black Knights. With their aid, the kingdom of Asgarnia was born.

Little is known of the city's early days, although it is likely it faced conflict with the goblins that still inhabited the area. A massive quarrying operation is assumed to have occurred, although the origin of the white stone the city is built from has never been specified.

Falador's political situation has always been a difficult one. Even in the early day's of the city's founding, political unrest plagued the city. King Raddallin, though the city's ruler, always was forced to compete with the White Knights and Black Knights, both of whom sought to increase their political influence in the area. Although the nobility was unaware of it, the White and Black Knights had secretly been rivals even before they came to the aid of Falador. The White Knights established themselves in a castle in Falador while the Black Knights were given a fortress on the nearby Ice Mountain.

After Raddallin's death, his son, King Vallance took the throne. He continued the prosperity that his father had started, and soon Falador had gained strength and importance nearly equal to that of other significant human settlements such as Varrock and Crandor. In the Year 139, Crandor was completely destroyed by the dragon Elvarg. This caused a brief period of political turmoil due to the loss of the city, which had previously been an important city-state. Falador, like the other settlements in Misthalin and Asgarnia, was forced to defend itself for fear that Elvarg would attack the mainland.

In the Year 162, King Vallance, now very old, fell ill. This left the city's central government weakened, allowing the White Knights to gain political supremacy. In Vallance's absence, they declared the Black Knights to have no power in Asgarnia, leading to a massive revolt that ultimately resulted in the Black Knights' departure to their mountain fortress.

Although King Vallance, by position, continued to rule, the White Knights had practically gained control of the city. To protect him, they relocated him to a hidden location, although his death seemed likely. The city soon found political unrest when Burthorpe, led by Vallance's heir Prince Anlaf, declared itself independent. Although it continued to remain a part of Asgarnia, the White Knights and the Imperial Guard found themselves in an intense rivalry that, to this day, threatens to throw Asgarnia into a very bloody civil war.

Although Vallance survives, the city is now ruled almost entirely by Sir Amik Varze, the leader of the White Knights. Furthermore, the ancient Temple Knights have become involved and have showed their support for the White Knights. In recent years, Falador's importance has only grown, rivalling that of Varrock and East Ardougne. Today it is one of Gielinor's largest markets, and has established close ties with many of the world's more influential cities and kingdoms. As it is situated at the centre of Gielinor, it sees vast numbers of visiting adventurers and traders every day.

Military
Falador holds an impressive military. The White Knights and the Faladian City Guards have long held the enemy at bay. The city also has a city militia, which participated in the 164 Siege of Falador. Although the Imperial Guard and the Black Knights pose a threat, the city has long held back sieges from the latter. The city has also been attacked by raiding goblins, though the city has also pushed them back with ease. The city, and its military, are commanded by Sir Amik Varze.

The city also has small threats from the inside; however, Zamorakian threats and civil war have kept the city ready at a minute's notice. There is also a city militia, and from time to time, the Dwarven Black Guard and The Burthorpe Imperial Guard will also help defend the city in times of need, such as in Year 164's Siege of Falador.

Present Day Falador
Today Falador is a hotspot for government. Falador is a wealthy city, and being a popular trading location, it is well-known across the world. Falador's main attraction for some players is the party room. The party room attracts many players due to the chest's riches. However, due to the creation of the Grand Exchange, the once busy city is almost always empty. Falador has a huge government looking after funds for Port Sarim, Draynor Village, Rimmington, and Goblin Village.

Entrances
Falador can be entered through the north gate, which has a road leading to Gunnarsgrunn, and features a variety of guards; from the underground Dwarven Mine (either from the Mining Guild, or from a house in the north-eastern neighbourhood of the city; through the south gate near Port Sarim; or by Falador Teleport, a spell which requires level 37 Magic (also requiring 1 water rune, 3 air runes and 1 law rune). Members can enter from the west by using an Agility shortcut on the crumbling wall on the west side of the city, by using a mithril grapple to climb over the wall north of the east bank, or by crawling under a hole in the southern wall.

Transportation
Its position on the edge of the free world, and near to Taverley makes Falador a central location. There are several ways to reach the city:


 * Falador Teleport - This teleportation method is available if the player's magic level is at least 37 and they have 3 air runes, 1 water rune, and 1 law rune in their inventory. This is the most commonly used method of reaching Falador and often the most convenient. It is also possible to make teleportation tablets to Falador in the study of a player owned house. Although somewhat more difficult to obtain, these tablets occupy only one inventory space and can be used simply by breaking the tablet, making them more convenient if they can be obtained.
 * Portal Chamber - Players with at least 50 construction can build a Falador Teleportation Portal in their home. Using 100 law runes, 300 air runes, and 100 water runes, a portal can be made that will allow infinite teleports to the area.
 * Agility shortcuts - To the west of the city, there is an agility shortcut, that members can use to access Falador from the area around Taverley. On the north wall is a grapple shortcut, players must have a mithril crossbow equipped, as well as a grapple in the ammo slot.
 * House Portal - In Taverley there is a house portal; by using house teleport (requires 40 magic, 1 air rune, 1 law rune and 1 earth rune) they can teleport to their house, which can be located in Taverley, only a short walk away.
 * Skills Necklace - Can be used to teleport to the Mining Guild, which is located in Falador. There is also a teleport to the Crafting Guild, located south-west of the city.
 * Party Room - Drop parties over a certain value, bankers all across RuneScape offer a free one-way teleport to the Falador party room.
 * Explorer's ring 3 - Players can "Dual-cabbageway" to the cabbage patch south of Falador
 * On Foot - There are several entrances to Falador, as shown above.

Banks
Falador has two banks. There is a west bank which is located south-west of the north gate, and an east bank which is located south of Falador Park. They are great places to buy and sell items as many players tend to congregate at the two banks.

East bank
The east bank is in a great spot for Mining. It is only a quick walk from the Mining Guild, making it useful for players mining in the guild to deposit their ores, mine more, and repeat. Also, the somewhat secret mine next to the mining guild. In a free player trading world, this bank is used mostly to buy ores, bars and mining and smithing equipment. In member trading worlds, it is very crowded and used to buy a wide variety of items from any armour and weapons to items used in skill training. Before the Grand Exchange update hundreds of players congregated at the Falador east bank in World 2 to trade many items. The World 2 trading area covered the entirety of the east bank, the area in front, around, and behind the bank, and envelops Falador Park, totalling approximately a quarter of the city's total area. At that time traders and merchants of World 2 consciously dedicated a small section of the trading area to each trade, down to individual items. The trades which occurred on in and around the bank was vital to the flow of RuneScape's economy, amounting to a significant fraction of the total daily exchange of money, resources, and valuables.

When the Grand Exchange was released, there was no longer a need to trade at this particular spot and world and has since become much less populated.

West bank
The west bank is in a great spot for smelting ores. The furnace is only a quick walk away from the bank, making it quick and easy to smelt ores, bank them, and repeat. Many players use this bank to use the "Coal flipping" strategy. Also, this bank is located in the main area of the city of Falador. Also, there is a ladder behind the bankers leading to a second floor, but there doesn't seem to be a way to access it.

White Knights' Castle
Falador's centre is White Knights' Castle, home of the White Knights. The castle is often crowded with players fighting the knights for good experience. The quest The Knight's Sword can be started here, and the squire also starts the Falador diary.

Altar
There is an altar of Saradomin on the second floor of the castle, in the east side one floor above Sir Renitee. This is the only altar in Falador and appeared in an update in 2009 or 2010. Before then, despite Falador hosting the headquarters of the White Knights who are dedicated to Saradomin, the city had no altar at all. On 4 August 2010, the altar was updated with the elite treasure trails update to allow players who have completed the Falador Elite Tasks to turn the altar into an Altar of Zaros.

Park
Falador has its own park north of the east bank. The garden is home to moles, where moles can be killed for Herblore purposes (a light source is needed) and is also a key part in the Pirate's Treasure quest, as well as Sir Tiffy Cashien. The house in the east part of the garden contains a spade that slowly respawns when taken. Wyson the gardener, who can be found walking around the park, will sell one woad leaf to a player for 15 coins or 2 for 20 coins. Members can buy bagged plants here for use in the Construction skill. In World 2, Falador Park was also an important trading centre.

Rising Sun Inn
Falador has one bar, the Rising Sun Inn. Here, players can purchase Asgarnian ale, wizard's mind bombs, and dwarven stouts. Each temporarily boosts a skill, or in the latter case, two skills, at the cost of temporarily lowering other skill(s). All of the beers cost three coins, and empty glasses can be returned for two coins. The bar is often vacant, though some players come here to talk or to get away from the hustle and bustle of RuneScape. This is one of the locations for the Alfred Grimhand Barcrawl miniquest. This bar is widely used in P2P worlds for buying beer for Rimmington Player Owned Homes.



Party Room
Previously located in Seers' Village, the Party Room was relocated to Falador in response of needs for the King's Ransom quest. This also allowed F2P players to access it. It is a popular place which people play host to drop parties without the interference of telegrabbing. It contains the chest and lever for drops, a bar upstairs, and a table in the centre for the dancing "Knights of the Party Room." It is now located in the north-eastern corner of the city.

North Ivy Walls
The most popular area of Members to train Woodcutting in the city of falador. When a member examines it, "Choking ivy, ready to be cut down." But when a free player comes by and examines, they usually just find it as scenery "Some ivy."

Mining Guild
South of the east bank is the popular Mining Guild. It is very close to the bank, making it a convenient guild. The guild is also attached to the Dwarven Mines.

Dwarven Mines
North-east of the east bank are some stairs that lead down to the Dwarven Mines. These stairs are fairly far away, although it is the entrance to the mine that is closest to a bank.

Other Features

 * Furnace: South of Cassie and her shield shop is a furnace (furnaceicon.PNG), one of four available to free players. It is very close to the west bank, causing many players to use it, although most players prefer the furnace in Al-Kharid. On the second floor of the building that houses the furnace, a bronze hatchet respawns on the floor and a hammer respawns on a table.
 * Trees: Falador is home to various trees, including normal trees, oak trees, and even yew trees (raretreeicon.PNG) outside its walls.
 * Estate agent: In the small building east of the furnace, members can talk to an estate agent (realestateicon.PNG) for Construction. A spade also respawns in the same building.
 * Spinning wheel: East of Wayne is a building which contains a spinning wheel.
 * Shortcuts: Members have access to some Agility shortcuts (shortcuticon.PNG).
 * Tree patch: Members have access to a farming patch north of the east bank where they can grow trees.
 * Ranges: Ranges (rangeicon.PNG) are located all over Falador and are not difficult to find.
 * Water Sources: Fountains (watersourceicon.PNG) can be found east of the east bank, and a well can be just west of the south east gate by the armour shop as well as a water pump near Flynn's Mace Market.

Falador General Store
Falador's general store is fairly popular, though mainly consists of low level items sold by other players. It is the first building on the west side when entering through the north gate. The first floor of the general store contains the shop keeper and the shop assistant. Players can climb ladders to the top of the building on the fourth floor and look at a large portion of the city. Players can often find crafting items, woodcutting items, and smithing and mining items at this general store.

Flynn's Mace Market
Flynn owns a small building on the west side of the general store. Here, players can purchase bronze maces, iron maces, steel maces, mithril maces, and adamant maces.

Cassie's Shield Shop
The first east building a player will see when entering through the north gate is Cassie's two story shop. It is the only shield shop in RuneScape, but has a very limited stock. Cassie can be found on the first floor offering wooden shields, bronze square shields, bronze kiteshields, iron square shields, iron kiteshields, steel square shields, steel kiteshields, and mithril square shields. On the second floor of her shop is a room where a cooked chicken respawns. On a House Party world (World 31, only for members), This shop is often visited in order to buy a steel kite shield for their herald/ family crest.

Due to the Steel kiteshield being worth less in the Grand Exchange, players can buy Steel kiteshields and then sell them in Cassie's Shield Shop to gain money.

Herquin's Gems
In a small building south of the west bank is Herquin and his gem store. Players can purchase uncut sapphires, uncut emeralds, uncut rubies, uncut diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds from him. However, the gems do not restock, meaning players have to sell their gems to him, which rarely happens. Because of this, players are uncommon in Herquin's store. For rangers, in the south-west corner of Herquin's store spawns 2 bronze arrows, which are hardly collected.

Wayne's Chains
In the far southern part of the city is Wayne and his chainmail store. Players can purchase bronze chainbodies, iron chainbodies, steel chainbodies, black chainbodies, mithril chainbodies, and adamant chainbodies.

Hairdresser Salon
North of the west bank is the Hairdresser. It is free to get a haircut because of baldness glitches occurring with certain headgear. Now a haircut is free to change one's hair style (used to be 2000gp). You can change head hair and/or facial hair.

NPCs
The official ruler of Asgarnia is King Vallance, but he has recently retired from public life and no one has seen him for many years. Now, Sir Amik Varze rules in his stead.
 * Sir Amik Varze is the leader of the White Knights, and is working with the Temple Knights. He is also the starting point for Recruitment Drive and Black Knights' Fortress.
 * Sir Tiffy Cashien is the Head of Recruitment for the Temple Knights and plays a role in several quests. He also sells initiate and proselyte armour after completion of the Recruitment Drive and Slug Menace quests, respectively.
 * Sir Vyvin sells white knight armour if you have completed Wanted! and have the appropriate white knight level.
 * Sir Renitee sells paintings, maps, and landscapes for hanging in the quest hall of player-owned houses. He can also change your family crest.
 * Wyson the Gardener sells woad leaves and trades mole skin and mole claws for bird nests.
 * Party Pete is the host of the popular Party Room.
 * Sir Vyvin's squire in the courtyard of the White Knights' Castle is the starting point for The Knight's Sword quest.
 * Flynn is the owner of the Flynn's Mace Market in Falador.
 * Wilfred is the Woodcutting Cape seller located just north of Falador in a group of trees.
 * A Workman is found in the upper room of the Falador furnace building.

Surroundings

 * Yew trees: There are many yew trees outside the east and south walls. The east bank is nearby, making the trees popular for woodcutters.
 * Farm: South of Falador is a farm. Here, players can kill chickens and cows. There is also a rather large cabbage patch east of the building, which can be teleported to with a level 3 explorer ring.
 * Doric's anvils: North of Falador is Doric and his anvils. Players can start Doric's Quest by speaking to him.
 * Mine: West of Falador is a small mine, to the south of which are Dark Wizards.
 * Allotment Patch: South of Falador (north of the cabbage patch and east of the cow pasture of the aforementioned farm) is an allotment patch where players may grow allotment, flowers and herbs to train Farming.
 * Crafting Guild: The Crafting Guild is south-west of Falador. Falador is the nearest bank.
 * Standing Stones: It has no uses anymore. Around 4 years ago, they were used to know where the Runecrafting altars were (use talisman -> Standing stone) They now only are used to do clue scrolls with. It may also be noted that the stone split in half shows half of the image on the floor at the end of While Guthix Sleeps. This is a point of some speculation.

Quests

 * Free-to-play quests
 * The Knight's Sword may be started by speaking to the Squire in the castle courtyard.
 * Doric's Quest is started by speaking to Doric who is in his hut north-west of Falador near the entrance to Taverley.
 * Black Knights' Fortress is started by speaking to Sir Amik Varze, on the third floor in the west tower of the White Knights Castle.
 * Members Quests
 * Quiet Before the Swarm is started by speaking to Sir Tiffy, who sits on a bench in the park.
 * Recruitment Drive may be started by speaking to Sir Amik Varze, in the castle.
 * Slug Menace is started by speaking to Sir Tiffy Cashien, who sits on a bench in the park.
 * Wanted! may be started by speaking to Sir Tiffy Cashien, who relaxes on his bench in the park.

Trivia

 * Many knights in Falador have names that, when said correctly, may contain a pun or a joke.


 * In issue #25 of God Letters, Guthix mentions the name 'Farradorn' as a forgotten name. Although some players, quite reasonably, assume it is a reference to Falador, the letter actually does not specify what Farradorn currently is called. That name has not been mentioned again.
 * It is said that the houses seen on the eastern side of Falador were originally meant to be player-owned houses.
 * A Falador Apothecary once lived in Falador.
 * Despite the citizens of Falador being strong Saradominists, no altars were in Falador, until 9 November 2009 when an altar was added in the castle.
 * Upon the completion of the quest Garden of Tranquillity, the well-known statue of Saradomin cannot be seen anymore which is at Falador centre. This annoyed many players at the time. It is now seen in the garden east of Varrock palace.
 * Falador could be a reference to Minas Tirith in the Lord of The Rings trilogy.
 * There is a glitch at the north wall of Falador by the agility shortcut where part of the wall is floating.
 * On June 24, 2010 after the system update for the new quest Quiet Before the Swarm, there was a glitch (on some worlds) in the eastern Falador bank. All the bankers were facing backwards, away from the players, once they entered the bank. This glitch has yet to be fixed.
 * There's a 'Wanted' poster on the West wall of the Shield store that has the option to look at it. There is currently no use for it, but may be involved in a Quest in the future.

Events
Falador has become the main centre for in-game riots, "player-made" events and, occasionally, bug abuse. Significant events that have taken place in Falador include:
 * On 6 June 2006, the Falador Massacre or World 111 Glitch occurred in Falador. It occurred as a result of the Construction update the week before. After expelling guests during a party in a house, a member accidentally caused a glitch that allowed others to attack anybody, any time, without retaliation. Falador was the site of many of the killings (see the article for further information).
 * On 2 January 2007, after an update to Rule 7, people gathered in Falador in world 27 to protest the change, as it made SwiftSwitch against the rules. The rule was changed again the following day.
 * On 28 March 2007, there was another riot in Falador, this time caused by the change to Rule 2 that outlawed luring. There were also threads on the forums about luring, many of which were locked by forum moderators as spam.
 * On 17 July 2007, there was yet another riot, this time on world 99, to protest the changes to Pest Control that day. The protest was still ongoing nearly 20 hours after the update.
 * On 19 November 2007, yet another riot took place in world 66 Falador centre, after the third server blackout of 2007. It was to express anger towards Jagex for causing the blackout. The riot lasted for no longer than an hour.
 * On 10 December-16 2007, the Pay to Pk Riot in World 66 took place, protesting against the significant changes made by Jagex to the wilderness and the trading system. The riot continued for over 100 hours before eventually dying down. This riot was the most significant riot ever to occur yet as many players cancelled their membership subscription during the duration of the riot.
 * It was one of the three places to start the 2009 Christmas Event, A Christmas Warble.
 * The white walls surrounding Falador can be accessed with a ladder near the east fountain.
 * On 3 March 2010, there was a riot against the updates to the Constitution skill (formerly Hitpoints.)
 * On 24 June 2010, a riot involving the update of Climbing Boots occurred, due to the increase of wealth added to the game.

Music
Music tracks unlocked:
 * Arrival - West of the gem shop, near the crumbled wall.


 * Fanfare - Western portion of the city.


 * Workshop - Eastern portion of the city.