Central_Keeper

Crazy feat, I would say that Dung is probably one of the hardest skill to train beside RC and Prayer if you plan on hitting 200mil xp. In response to the Old vs New F2p. I agree with everyone's point. Of course, there were some aspect of pre golden era that I didn't like (such as selling and buying goods, it was nuts trying to buy stuff in a sea of messages). Introduction of GE certainly make many things easier. But keep in mind that if you complain about one aspect of RS during a certain year, other players were probably going through the same thing as you were, shouting through a tsunami of messages (thus equal footing). I am sure all the MMO eventually become easier compare to their early works, but the only thing I can't agree on is people complaining about training being too slow for certain skill (like 2010 or 2011). Which kind of ties loosely into some players demand for more efficient out dated member way to be introduced into F2P. F2P are harder for a reason, in which the training is suppose to be slower without the benefit of being a member. F2P in a lot of sense is handicapped, but rest assured if we take all the current top 250 F2P back in time say, 2004 or 2005, or even earlier. Some might quit to due frustration of training certain skills. I often think to myself during current training and thinking back, wow how did I manage to train this high in the past? Undoubtedly speaking, I have adapted and get used to new and easier way. If you are on the top F2P list, you are there for the reason in which you wanted a challenge, a challenge in which to excel or achieve your goal that people thought it was quite impossible in F2P. Comparing the old to the new time isn't going to help. But for us old RS geezer, well, 2005 ish for me, that will always be the time in which we truly enjoy RS and being the Top ones as a whole (minus the bot and RWT problem).

@mackenzie14 I have pretty much everything covered except prayer, mainly the cash required to buy enough bones. Interestingly enough, I think I am the only one buying enough essence to walk it all the way to RC 99 (with 3.8mil ess, don't think I need that many, but thought I keep some extra in case ess ever going back up again). Overall, I think the only remaining obstacle is to find the time to play.

Realistically speaking, it is the truth, to certain extent. We can compare one skill such as smithing, whether was before you had to buy bars or ores to smith, which cost tons of money or good network of friends who were willing to help you (I think Syzygy were doing that, many people asked for his help, and that was his hobby, mining crafting, and smithing). That alone makes smithing hard to train due to effort being put in. Now you have the Darwven workshop where the xp vs money spend on it way easier compare to before, not to mention the less demanding attention usage (it like right next to a bank with its own ore/bar deposit system. Just to give you the comparison, in the past, in order not to lose money, we had to mine the ores ourselves, or buy them slightly lower, make the bar using superheat, and sell the bars again (and it takes 1hr of non stop focus to superheating, insane amount of clicking just for 1k bars). Getting the same amount of xp per hour is definitely a lot faster using the Artisan workshop (I finished some short stories with almost no effort on my end except to look at the screen every 2 minutes or so, my guy would just hammer away....). The only thing that bots sort of irked me was during 2007 pre GE and wildy removal, where I am adamant on getting the yew logs for cash, but then again, I could just go to a place full of willow with cuts and burn still getting the xp without worrying cash gain. To this day, I still plan to get my fishing up to lvl 99 by fishing raw lobs at kara, despite the poor cash thanks to bots. Thanks to the note guy (again, another improvement), it has made the thing somewhat bearable (I used to fally tele (or cabbage tele), make air runes on the way, pay the guy, fish, tele back, bank the raw lobs or use quick bank deposit near the inn, and repeat). It will take me a long time, but at least I don't have to fly fish and drop them, or high alc them to plow through the xp (just personal preference really). I think if you are a smart player, you can do many things to avoid clashing with bots. I think there are 3 types of high lvl players in RS, those that train hard (play long time), those that train smart (merchant, efficient way, power lvling), and those that train smart and hard (I talked El Popo long time ago, and he said that he will be the leading F2P in the future, which I light hearly dismissed at the time, but he kept his word) I am in no position to undermind new players' achievements, as that I am sure many veteran players are using the new more efficient method as well. Thus you have a mixture of xp from recent and old time in any players RS career. I think I am just recollecting the old memories where the achievement seems daunting and you stand on much different ground compare to now. If you look at the Top 250 list, it can somewhat reflect that you have people maxing out stats that was consider PRETTY hard back then. (I think that would be RC with all the new FOG mini games and RC guild). So the only skill thats still left old style, is prayer, where if you somehow get the cash, you still have to bury through them bones.

That's why I like superheat better than high lvl alc, the animation seems shorter, but its fairly good in terms of mage xp as well (and it trains smithing and mining).

Account trading is against the rule, that act alone would have resulted a in a perm ban anyways (if Jagex can prove it). Despite if new owner botted or not. I always told other high lvls that want to quit, leave the way as it is, and keep them locked, you never know when you are coming back. I just hope that those get banned in wrongful manner get their account back.

I think mine was 35 something or slightly higher during my prime (well, tons of training during that time), but now has dropped close to 200th mark. Even thought I am still working toward my goals, but its way slower compare to before. Time change, there are new F2P (with more efficient way of training) that aims for higher goals then the ones that were set before. I think I only recongize few names I know prior 2008, though few did made a come back. I think most people would also agree that skills these days are easier to train, even if a person did not bot a certain skill to lvl 99, to me, it wouldn't hold the same value compare to the past since it was harder to train (or grind) back then. The only time I dislike in the game (besides the botters) are attitude of players. No one talks much these days, people who respond are either aggressive, or ask you for lvls just to check out if you are a bot or not. As a higher lvl, I got constantly asked about how long I have played, and usually end up with "well, I can't no life like you, I still got a life" comment.....

I think majority of the players would agree that bot, RWT, and Jagex new PR strategies have put a huge dent on their reputation. I always support the use of GE, no Wildy, and no FT because the benefits it brought in. It's too bad Jagex has to impose such a control couple years ago. Well, who can blame them, some players choose to cheat over playing honestly. Even though the first article might seen like another rant disguise as a Tip It Times. I still feel it somewhat chilling that even one of their loyal fan is finally giving up on the game due to deterioating in game experience and no real resolution offered to combat current problem. I don't think starting a new point in life would have force people to giving up on the game, but that's just my view. I started this game while I was in university, and it has somewhat helped me through school work (read stuff while I RS). I know a few players in game that said they have to give up RS due to RL event like getting married or going to university. Interestingly enough, they all came back in the end. I don't think majority of the players (esp veterans) will quit permeantly, but we probably won't put much effort like we did as we used to during the game's golden age. @Racheya, good luck with university, and you can always go to 1k plus world, and foreign worlds to enjoy slightly less bots experience if you ever getting bored with uni stuff.

Well, the only thing we as players can do now is to report bots when necessary (of course, do what you can once in a while, otherwise ,you will never able to play the game). I am kind of glad I stay in 1k world since I see less bots there, I say its pretty bad in all normal F2p world with bots. I guess you need to have something really big to shock Jagex into tackling the bot issues seriously, like removing free trade and other (again). I think it has reach an equilibrium of player base, where its affecting the game, but most players are willing to put up with it (but slowly losing them at the same time). The game will speak for itself when it get to a level where its really not playable anymore.

I would have to agree with BioIce on this one even thought I am a pur F2P myself. Then again, I think we are all entitled to our opinion, and See's point can be a bit valid for most F2P. Keep in mind that F2P has come a long way since the game started, I can say that most people on the top F2P list can feel the game is getting easier overall. Bury X would make prayer another AFK skill just like WC, or the recent Artisan Workshop for smithing. Prayer and RC has always been the hardest skill to train for F2P, well smithing used to be since you need a lot of cash. Not that saying preventing people from developing trigger finger or carpel tunnel deliberately is a good idea, but that's kind of what F2P is about, its suppose to be slow and grueling. You should ask some people who hits prayer 99 how they train in the old days, tons of burying (Franzk being first one to hit it). I don't mind Jagex tweak little things to make the game more balanced (wildy pk for example), so if they decide to update something they deem necessary, they will do it so to speak. I would like them to allow some items thats for member be collectable at F2P, maybe herb for herblore. At least f2P can collect them and sell them to members to help some new f2p some extra cash (assume we can solve the bot problem first) Lastly, giving F2P bone crusher might entice people to macro more, since you just need the bonecrusher in your inventory, and then go hit monster (like goblins) for long time. (I would assume they can do that now with most bot program, but I can see it makes the process a lot easier) My stance has always been a bit passive on getting new items or content for free 2 play, so I always follow "happy what we get, and don't actively ask for it" rule, to avoid members from complaining too much.

@Ani, you can always make a come back.......lol Even though I rarely train consistently now, and my rank is still dropping like a stone on the list, I am still slowly "inching" my way towards lvl 99 all....albeit in the next 10 yrs....

My view is the same as NJE03, perm ban is much more appropriate, even just one time offense. I always think botting is biggest offense (well, besides scamming), getting high lvl in F2p is no small feat, but botting your way there knowing that it's a huge issue in F2P is totally unforgivable. Then again, if they do get rolled back, the name should not be even on the list since it's blacklisted IMO. If they truly want to atone their action, they would need to create a new character and start from the ground up.

Not sure if someone post it already, but has Cryptic Clue Fest started yet? Edit: Forget to look back, but which forum does it belong to in RSOF?

I really like the Sumoi and Random article, when you achieve that status, it deserve a certain level of respect. I always think that in order to excel in this game, you had to excel in real life as well, then you truly master yourself (not being addicted to the game, and completely quit the game so you can focus on rl. Nothing wrong with those, its really ones choice) I missed fighting randoms, and I actually never wear armor when I train, I just wear full monk robe and mage hat plus Sara ammy, which make me invulnerable for very long time with prayer on, plus its easier to run and bank stuff as well. My favorite random is tree spirit and rock golem back in the days because they drop rune items, I got 2 rune pick axe and 2 rune axe (of course, other less worthwhile drop like beer or banana). But it does break the monotony of the game. Lastly, I actually meet one of my best RS friend in the game due to the fact that he was killed by a river troll when he wasn't paying attention during his fishing expedition. I return one of the swordfish he dropped after he came back to pick up his stuff, and that's how we start our conversation in the first place (it's still our old running gag to this day, because he is a really good merchanter, and when he is flaunting his rares (in a non show off way, but joking way), I always bring up the troll topic which usually makes him semi embarrassed afterward.

Looking at several posts from the forum, I realize there are actually quite a lot of merchant (F2P and P2p alike) make tons of money by flipping and trading rares. Was there a mention of any F2P that has a very impressive bank? One of close friend I have work very hard to get his yellow Phat, and getting those in the old days around 06 was no small feat. Fast forward couple of years, now apparently he has several set of H' Masks and is wondering if he should keep merchanting or start buying raw materials for training. I was totally stunned when he told me he made like 300mil in couple days........ I made third of that in 5 years time (of course, without merchant).

I think everyone was pretty excited about their first 99, and mine was Strength, got it when I was training with ice giants in the cave back in the old days. I was pretty nervous at the time because I want to make sure I screen shot it in time so I don't miss that "you achieve lvl 99 screen". In the old days, it's gone due some other commands being done, its gone. I had to turn off my chat and stuff so I got no distraction. I only tell couple of close friends that I finally got a 99, and after receiving a few congratulatory comments, I moved on to my next skill. The only one I ever invite people (2 at that time) to a lvl 99 party, was FM. It was with my FM buddy and another friend, which we promised that we will meet up if one of us got lvl 99 FM. They gave me 10k each for my achievement as gift (which I did the same when they got FM 99 as well). Nowadays, even when I got another lvl 99 achieved, I don't really have that sense of accomplishment anymore, probably due to the easier training method (except prayer and RC, and DG). Then again, it still amount to something with harder skills, and perhaps I might have a bigger party when I got all the skill 99 (and the stupid dg 120), then the sense of accomplishment would return.

I am also trying to find like old top F2P list by year, don't suppose anyone keep a record of those as well?

That's very strange way to lose your phat like that, because you didn't push the accept bottom. Even it sounds futile, maybe just double check everything again? I know losing something that valuable will put a dent in people's confidence to play. I have several friends who lost rares due to hacks and friend scam that makes them mellow for a long time before they recover. I would probably take a few days break, and come back start training again. By the way, after reading the recent tip it time, does that mean Sumoi was on Top F2P list before? One of the photo that he shows with all the firemaking high score brings back nostalgia, I actually met Unholyarmy couple of times when I was training mining, and realize he was one of the lower combat that make it into the list at the time.

I remember that some lvl 3 skillers I met complain about people often mistaken them as botters, despite wearing nice fancy clothes and talk quite often. I told them that due to my low key dress attire without any rune trim items or rares, people thought I was a poor high lvl who got hacked. Why people don't understand that its not functional to wear rune armors when train non combat skill is totally beyond me.

This is madness. That's not madness, I once even consider staying at that tiny house full of goblins near Lumbridge castle, or the house full of lvl 2 man at Edgeville bank, kill them for bones, and just bury them until I am lvl 99 prayer, that would be madness overtime. 21.6kph is quite decent actually, I thought it was like 5k xp per hour, now that would be nightmare (at least that's what I got during a trip to bone yard) Still, I plan to craft all the airs by myself with no runner or tele tab, I think it will take me "awhile" to get that done. As long they don't keep adding new skills to F2p, I will be lvl 99 all and dung 120 in about 7 yrs, lol.

I thought there is one for lvl 3 skillers? But its less well known compare to Top F2p?

I will keep on playing RS for as long as I live. Until the end of my time (same for Jagex). Good thing about being F2P, if you don't get bored of it, that's good, because you are in for a long haul.

FM used to be pretty fun for me, but its hard when you open your chat up. Hence I do it alone in the old days right beside Remington store where no one will block your path or ask you silly questions. Longest I ever did was 11 hours of FM right beside Remington store (people used to sell their willow logs there), and to some maybe not so impressive, but I somehow manage to get through all that listening to one song over and over and over.............. In any case, does anyone know the xp rate of normal bones vs big bones? One is cheaper and the other one of course finish the skill faster, but more expensive, and less likely to develop trigger finger and carpel tunnel. @Corbuk: IMO, I think all melee skill is the cheapest/easiest if you fight ice giants, I got whole load of cash and runes from those guys. Raw food is so cheap nowadays, its not so much of an money issues anymore. If you have some minor competition going on, it helps to chat with other people to pass the time (but we usually just try to kill giants faster than each other, to see who get 2 or 3 out of 3, good times). @Julia: I lurked for 2 years on the Tip it forum before I decide to sign up, and it was around a time where someone post something that I just had to make a response for it. I guess that's how most of us decide to show up on the forum.

True enough, then I would opt for delete the account all together.

Mendark was doing it, I got my inspiration from him. It would only take me good 2 years if I play 4 hours a day doing nothing but running airs, but hey, I can get some reading done. I think one of the F2P also reach lvl 99 RC that way. I was just planning to do the airs, and use the profit to buy big bones (recycle your skills). I have smith 99 banked thanks to the recent update (either superheating or making dwarf amours) I also got mining 99 banked, well, having enough ore so I can mine and superheat bar at wildy. The only thing I am contemplating right now is if I should just fish lobs at Kara, and report bots at the same time, or fly fishing (but I would be attracted to bank the fish too). Just don't like wasting resources. @ Sonic, That's a interesting way to buy stuff, I would assume I would buy bones and bury bones at the same time at Wildy, thus saving me huge chunk of money. Most of the skill that requires money is pretty much all set, now its just taking the time to do them. I always have mining, fishing crafting and rc to back up smith and prayer, so the equation is all worked out pre GE era. The only thing that's hard right now would be the accursed DG, I guess that's some nice chunk of melee, range, mage and hp xp for me then.

I do agree what Ring World said, the achievement you build up in the game means nothing in the real world. I could have woodcutting lvl 99 or range 99 in the game, doesn't mean I can chop trees properly or shoot a thing with bow and arrows from 20 feet away. What's more, nobody in real world would care about the arbitrary numbers in a virtual game. However, as I play more, I realized that it kind of matters, not to real world, but to people in the game. When I mentioned RS to others, people would either dismiss it, or think of it as a kid game. When I mentioned it to another Rs player, they would immediately share the same excitement their experience with the game. It matters to us from the point that we, as the whole RS community are playing this game. You know what I am talking about, and I know what you are talking about, even though it might be complete different alien language to other non RS player. I kind of feel a bit special playing RS really, because I am involved in something that I feel there is some sort of belonging (don't get me wrong, I am not saying this is my only form of enjoyment in life). But in the sense that I enjoy it as other people enjoy playing the game as well. In terms of bots, they ruined the experience that we have in the game. What do we care if no one cares about RS in the real world, since its non of their business and they have no idea about the game anyways. To us, on this forum, that people share the same sentiment toward the game. It's also a point where legitimate players feel that cheaters and botters are wrecking a game that "matters" to them. A good example would be the current international crisis. I live in Vancouver, and we here are pretty peaceful and safe of natural disasters (well, kind of) compare to other places like Lybia or Seria. I do feel sad about what's happening there, but in reality, I don't really care in the sense that as long the war is contained there and doesn't spill here, it won't affect any one (other than our gas prices, but its going up anyways regardless of the war). At this point, people would say, man, don't you feel sad for them at all, and how could you think something like that. Well, my response would be the same, to me, its not real world here, to me the Stanley Cup play off is the real thing, Canucks Vs Bruins is the real deal. Unless Lybia decide to fire a missile at Rogers Arena, I probably won't care and can't really care what happen there anyways. (let me know if this example if a bit too extreme, but that's life really) Overall, it matters to the people that matters, and it won't matter to the people that couldn't care less. For once, I think RS players who voice their concerns are greater than then one that don't really care (and they have a right to, there is no right or wrong wagon). So the majority wins? I don't know...I just want to get my skill done and report bots while at it.....