Runecrafting



Runecrafting is a free-to-play skill that allows players to craft their own runes for magic spells. However, to use this skill, players must first complete the quest Rune Mysteries. The experience earned from making runes is small, meaning that Runecrafting is a very slow skill to raise. Until May 4th 2008, this was the only free-to-play skill without 1 million accounts on the Hiscores. The current minimum to be ranked on the hiscores in Runecrafting is 30 Runecrafting and  experience.

Rune Essence
To craft runes, players need rune stones, known as 'rune essence'. Rune essence is also commonly referred to as 'rune ess' or just 'ess'.

There are two types of rune essence: Normal essence and pure essence.

Normal Essence
Normal rune essence is used to make air runes, mind runes, water runes, earth runes, fire runes, and body runes. This is the only type of essence free players can obtain by mining.

Pure Essence
Pure essence is used in the creation of all runes. It is the only kind of essence which can be made into cosmic runes, chaos runes, astral runes, nature runes, law runes, death runes and blood runes.

Obtaining Rune Essence
Both normal essence and pure essence are located in the same network of massive underground mines. However, members with a mining level of 30 mine pure essence automatically instead of regular rune essence.

To access these mines, players need to talk to certain NPCs who can teleport them to the mines. A player can either right-click on the NPC and select the 'teleport' option or talk to the NPC and ask to be teleported.

Free-to-Play

 * Wizard Aubury - He is in Varrock's rune shop, immediately south of the east bank. This is the NPC that almost all players use, as he is the shortest walk away from a bank in free-to-play worlds.
 * Wizard Sedridor - This wizard is located in the basement of the Wizards' Tower, south of Draynor Village. Unfortunately, he is very far away from a bank and it is not recommended that players gain access to the essence mines through him.

Members

 * Wizard Cromperty - This wizard is located in East Ardougne, northeast of the marketplace.
 * Wizard Distentor - This wizard is located in the Magic Guild in Yanille. (66 Magic is required to enter.) This NPC is preferred by many members due to his proximity to a bank.
 * Brimstail - This gnome wizard is located in a cave west of the bridge in the Tree Gnome Stronghold. He is very far from a bank, and thus traveling to him is inconvenient and not recommended.
 * There is also a mine in the north part of Lunar Isle that has a rune essence rock inside it (Completion of Lunar Diplomacy is required). This site is far from bank.

Alternatives

 * Minotaurs (drop noted Rune essence)
 * Banshees (drop noted Pure essence, members only)

Talismans
Each talisman has a name that indicates what kind of rune a player can make with it. For example, to make air runes, a player needs to find an air talisman.

Note that Runecrafting using the Abyss does not require talismans to access the altars, only the skill levels needed to craft the runes.

Tiaras
Talismans take up a space in a player's inventory, allowing them to only hold 27 essence maximum in their inventory. However, a tiara can fix this. A player can combine a talisman and a tiara together, then wear the tiara on their head while still being able to craft runes. This saves inventory space, allowing players to hold a full pack of essence. Players can either craft a tiara or buy one from another player.

To enchant a tiara, the player needs to bring the talisman to an altar (explained in the next section). For example, if a player wants to make air runes wearing a tiara, then they will have to bring their air talisman to the air altar and use either item on the altar to combine them. Players can also earn some runecrafting experience from making a tiara, shown in the table below. Additionally, making a tiara does not have a Runecrafting level requirement.

Altars
Altars are where players transform their essence into runes. Tiaras or talismans are needed to enter these altars hidden inside 'mysterious ruins.'

To find an altar using a talisman, players can right-click on the talisman and select the 'locate' option. In the chatbox, the player will notice a message that will tell them the direction they need to go.

When a player has found the mysterious ruins, they then need to enter the ruins. The player can enter by using their talisman with the ruins. If they are wearing an enchanted tiara, a simple click on the ruins will transport the player to the altar.

Abyss
Players can also be teleported inside the ruins by using the Abyss, which does not require a tiara or a talisman. This is possibly the best way to runecraft, because players can access almost all of the altars in a very short time. However, despite being much faster in many cases, players often choose not to use this route due to the risk of the Wilderness. Players travel to level 5 Wilderness to be teleported.


 * See also Abyss.

Rune Pouches
Inside the abyss or the abyssal area (by fairy ring ALR), there are monsters that drop pouches when killed. Players can store essence in pouches, effectively increasing the amount of essence that may be carried per trip.

Players must acquire each pouch in turn before the next pouch becomes available to them. The medium pouch will only drop if the player has a small pouch (though the small pouch does not have to be in the player's inventory), the large pouch drops once the player has a medium pouch and a small pouch, etc. The larger the pouch, the greater the required Runecrafting level to use it.

Runecrafting pouches degrade after a certain number of uses. When a pouch degrades, a message will appear in the chat box and the pouch will turn darker in colour. Note that this only affects the largest pouch at first; if a player owns a medium pouch and a small pouch, then the medium pouch will degrade before the small pouch. When a pouch degrades, its carrying capacity is reduced. The Dark Mage in the center of the Abyss repairs pouches for free, regardless of whether the pouches are in the player's inventory or bank.

See also Pouch (Runecrafting).

Ourania rune altar
The Ourania rune altar converts pure essences into a mixture of runes. This altar requires no talisman or tiara to use. The altar provides only one rune per essences regardless of players' Runecrafting level; ordinarily players may craft multiple runes per essence as their Runecrafting level increases (refer to multiple rune crafting), but this altar disregards that feature. However, the altar gives double the experience for every rune crafted on the altar. This feature almost halves the amount of pure essences needed.

The new altar boosts single player Runecrafting training to speed levels that were previously only available by using groups of players running essences to a runecrafter at an altar.


 * See also Ourania rune altar.

Crafting runes
When a player has entered the mysterious ruins, all they have to do is click on the altar. They will then craft all the essence in their inventory (except any noted essence or essence stored in pouches) into runes.


 * 1) Soul runes can only be crafted in the Ourania Runecrafting Altar as they do not yet have an altar of their own. However, images of the soul talisman and tiara have been leaked in the Knowledge Base, by making their URLs very easy to guess. This, coupled with the fact that there is a Soul rift in the Abyss (that cannot be used), this shows that this rune will probably become craftable sometime in the future.

Crafting multiple runes
As a player's Runecrafting level increases, they can make more runes per essence. However, they only earn experience based on the amount of essence they craft. For example, a player may have only one essence in their inventory, but can make two air runes. They will only receive five experience, as they only used one essence. The number of runes made from the essence in a player's inventory in an action that gains a level is determined by the player's level before the Runecrafting action, even if crafting the same amount of essence one piece at a time would yield more runes.

Law, Death, and Blood runes cannot be multicrafted.

Combination runes
Members have an extension to Runecrafting, which is all but unused.

To craft combination runes, a player needs to bring existing runes that are one half of the combination, with a matching talisman (not a tiara), along with an equal amount of pure essence, to the altar which comprises the other half of the combination. Use the talisman for the existing runes on the altar, resulting in:


 * The talisman is consumed.
 * 50% success in making combination runes.

For 100% success, players can wear a 'Necklace of Binding' (enchanted emerald necklace), but this is only good for 15 uses. The runes made can often save inventory space when used for certain spells, including those in Ancient Magicks. Alternatively, the player may use the lunar spell Magic Imbue to make combination runes without using the opposing talisman.

Players receive less experience at the lower-leveled altars. For example, making mist runes at the air altar will give 8 xp for each rune made, while the same runes at the water altar will give 8.5 xp for each rune made.

Crafting Soul Runes
At level 90 Runecrafting, a player used to receive a message informing them of their ability to craft Soul runes. However, the only way to craft these runes is randomly through the Ourania Runecrafting Altar, as there is no temple, talisman, or tiara. However, pictures of the tiara and talisman have been seen on the Knowledge Base by manipulating URLs, indicating that they may be released some day.

Free-to-play Training
Runecrafting is a skill that is practiced less in free-to-play worlds, simply because of the distinct advantages members possess. However, it is still possible to train efficiently.


 * Players should start by crafting air runes. Simply mine or buy rune essence, and prepare at Falador east bank. From there, walk or run south (remembering to keep weight to a minimum) to the altar, craft runes, and go back. A trip to and back takes about 80 seconds running.


 * At level 2 Runecrafting, players can also craft mind runes at the mind altar.


 * Once at level 14, players should make use of the Al-Kharid bank at the Duel Arena, which is now nearer to the altar. Players should keep in mind that the price of fire runes is low due to over-production from many players (both F2P and member). It may be difficult to make any sort of profit at all from crafting fire runes. Training by using the fire altar may give the maximum rate of experience, but it will always be a money losing proposition for any player taking this route, or at least a substantial lost opportunity for making money from other tasks.

Profit versus experience
Players wishing to profit from Runecrafting should take advantage of their ability to craft multiple runes. Depending on the Runecrafting level, it is possible to purchase essence, craft many runes from the essence, sell the runes for a profit, buy more essence, and repeat. This may result in less experience due to crafting lower-level runes, though it is possible to make good money using this method.

A fair compromise between making a modest profit and earning experience can be found by crafting earth runes at the altar north-east of the Varrock east bank. Profit potential is especially good for runecrafters with level 52 or higher Runecrafting; that is the point at which it becomes possible to craft three earth runes per essence. These runes will not sell for quite as much as the number of air runes craftable at this level, but players will earn faster experience. Water runes may earn you potentially slightly more money per trip, but it is further away from a bank in terms of how long it takes to travel between the bank and the alter.

Member Training
As previously mentioned, members have distinct advantages over free players when training Runecrafting. Members can make use of enchanted jewelry, use negative weight bonuses, use essence pouches, and train Agility to run longer.

It is highly recommended that runecrafting members unlock the Abyss as soon as possible.


 * At level 1 Runecrafting, members can make use of the Ourania Runecrafting Altar which allows them to craft all runes gaining double the normal experience, although players should use the long path (east) because on the short path (west) there are many high-level monsters. To use the bank at the entrance to the cave players must bring 20 of any rune.


 * At levels 1-14 Runecrafting, training is similar to training in free worlds, in that air runes are the place to start. Players can continue this way until fire runes become craftable, or craft mind runes at level 2 and use Amulets of Glory to teleport back to the bank. (Having ten or more Amulets is highly recommended as players will spend less time traveling to and from the Heroes Guild to recharge their amulets). Another possibility is to immediately take advantage of the Abyss.


 * At level 14 Runecrafting, players can craft fire runes. The most efficient way to do this is to have a large number of Rings of Dueling and to use them to teleport back and forth between the Castle Wars arena and the Duel Arena. This method is fairly expensive as it constantly consumes Rings of Dueling, and the fire runes do not hold much profit potential, but players can gain very quick experience.


 * At level 27 Runecrafting, with completion of Lost City (and, optionally, with level 66 Agility), players can start crafting cosmic runes at Zanaris. Players should make use of the Agility shortcuts to access the altar faster. One shortcut requires 46 Agility, and the other requires 66 Agility. Alternatively, if players are missing the suggested Agility levels, they could simply walk the path to the altar, or make use of the Abyss.


 * At level 35 Runecrafting, it is recommended to do What Lies Below, as it gives 8000 Runecrafting experience (the highest of any quest) and gives players an easier option with which to craft chaos runes.


 * At Runecrafting levels 35-40, players should make use of the Abyss to craft chaos runes. Players uncomfortable with exposure to the Wilderness (and consequently revenants) or to the monsters of the Abyss should continue to craft cosmic runes.


 * At Runecrafting levels 40-44, players who have completed Lunar Diplomacy can craft astral runes. Otherwise, players should continue to craft chaos and/or cosmic runes. At this time, fire runes are not worth the cost per essence and the Rings of Dueling/profit and experience rate so it's not suggested.


 * At level 44, Runecrafting begins showing higher profit potential, as nature runes are craftable at level 44. Nature runes are some of the most expensive runes in the game, and players crafting and selling them can quickly earn large amounts of money.


 * At level 54 Runecrafting, players can choose to continue to craft nature runes, or to craft law runes at Entrana or through the Abyss.


 * At level 91 Runecrafting, the amount of nature runes produced per essence doubles. This more than doubles the profit-per-essence and can make players very rich.

Weight

 * If a player completes As a First Resort Quest, the use of the saltwater energy pool is a great advantage. This saves on energy potions as well as the few seconds it takes to drink them each trip.
 * Members should wear the Boots of lightness while training Runecrafting so that they can run longer. They can also wear a Spotted cape or Spottier cape. Penance gloves from the Barbarian Assault minigame gives another -4.5 kg weight loss.
 * When mining essence, players should be only carrying a pickaxe and essence pouches so that they can run longer.

Running and runners

 * When crafting nature runes, there are a few possible ways:
 * 1) Have Jimnua unnote your pure essence at the cost of 2 coins per essence at the general store just south of Brimhaven.
 * 2) Some players use runners to bring them unnoted essences in exchange for noted essences, some cash and/or some runes.
 * 3) Travel north to the gnome glider from Al Kharid. Ride the glider to Karamja.  Travel northwest, cross the river via the log, and then head southwest to the nature altar. Use a duelling ring to return and to the Duel Arena.
 * 4) Use The Abyss, using an amulet of glory to teleport to Edgeville and bank there and then repeat.
 * 5) Move your house to Brimhaven. Teleport to home and run to nature altar.
 * 6) Use the fairy ring teleport system. From Edgeville run to ring across the river. At fairy ring central, use the CKR teleport to get close to the altar. Craft and use a teleport method to get back to Edgeville bank.
 * 7) Bank in Catherby. Use the boat system to travel to Shipyard at Karamja. Run to nature altar. Use normal style Camelot teleport or Lunar style Catherby teleport to get back to bank.


 * When crafting law runes on Entrana, there are a few possible ways:
 * 1) Walk from Draynor Village to Port Sarim. Board the boat. Craft and use glory amulet to return to Draynor.
 * 2) Use the Abyss method. Have at least 10+ charged glories for this method.
 * 3) After doing the Enlightened Journey quest you can unlock the balloon route to/from Castle Wars. You wear a Law tiara, a Ring of duelling and weight-saving gear. In the inventory one normal log, Pure essences and Pouches. The sequence then is: Castle Wars bank, Balloon ride to Entrana, walk to altar and craft runes.
 * 4) Leave Entrana via the boat, then run to the Void Knight outpost boat and use the Void Knight outpost bank


 * A common method for training runecrafting is by using runners. A runner is a player that changes noted essences into unnoted ones by converting them in a bank or a shop. The runecrafter increases the amount of essences processed and the runner gets a good reward. Common player worlds where runners are used are:
 * Air running World 16. 25 normal essences for 25 noted and 1500-3000 coins
 * Nature running Worlds 36, 65 & 99. Mostly used by double nature runecrafters as payment is unnoted essence for noted essences and more than the same amount of nature runes (or equivalent in coins).
 * Law running Worlds 66 & 99. While both worlds will give laws for unnoted pure essence, World 66 crafters will also give the runners noted essence, while World 99 crafters will not. On some worlds the scheme is bring your own pure essences.
 * Mind running
 * Chaos running


 * The Ourania rune altar provides a very fast way to gain runecrafting experience. The fastest option requires the use of Lunar Spells and a magic level of 71 to use the Ourania Teleport spell. The sequence then is start at a bank, teleport to ourania entrance, optionally recharge prayer upstairs, go down and walk to altar, craft runes and use a bank teleport (ring of duelling, amulet of glory, Moonclan Teleport) to repeat.

Transportation

 * Members can use the duel ring teleports for fast Runecrafting xp. The duel arena teleport location is very close to the fire altar and the castle war teleport is very close to a banking spot.

Other

 * Another way to gain runecraft experience may be the assist system. It is recommened to team up with a friend and both go to the same altar, you craft the runes, then assist your friend.
 * Members would be more convenient to have pouches with them when mining essence.
 * It is recommended that players mine a large amount of essence, bank them all, and then craft runes with 28 essence in their inventory each time.

Runecrafting Gloves
Runecrafting gloves are a group of rewards from the mini-game Fist of Guthix for 75 tokens. These gloves are only available for Air, Water, and Earth runecrafting.

Runecrafting gloves give double the experience for the type of rune to be crafted. For example, a player wearing the Air runecrafting gloves will receive 10 experience per essence rather than 5. 1000 essence may be crafted in this manner until the gloves crumble to dust. Players can play Fist of Guthix to receive another pair.

Ultimate runecrafting outfit
This outfit will enable you to run for ages when runecrafting thus increasing your crafting rate. Items worn:
 * Boots of lightness
 * Spotted Cape or Spottier Cape
 * Penance gloves (with 40 defence + barbarian assault mini-game)
 * Runecrafting gloves (worn only when crafting)


 * It should be noted that this is only useful when the player is wearing armour, as there is no difference in the drain speed of energy between sub zero weights and zero.

There is no longer a threat of PKers in the level 5 wilderness near the Abyss but of course beware of the dreaded Revenants. However, keep in mind that if you're in level 6 Wilderness, only Revenants six levels over/below your level can attack you.

Skill Cape
When a player reaches level 99 in runecrafting they can buy a Runecrafting cape from Aubury in the Varrock rune shop for 99k.