runescape lore

The lore of RuneScape is rich and expansive, spanning thousands of years across the fictional world of Gielinor. Developed over decades by Jagex, the lore includes gods, ancient civilizations, wars, and powerful artifacts. Heres a broad overview: The Creation of Gielinor The universe was shaped by the Elder Gods (Jas, Ful, Wen, Bik, and Mah), who create worlds to feed on their anima (life energy). Gielinor was one such world, initially untouched until lesser gods arrived. The God Wars The First Age: The god Guthix (a mortal from another world) discovered Gielinor and shaped it, bringing other races (humans, dwarves, gnomes, etc.). The Second Age: Other gods arrived, including Saradomin (god of order), Zamorak (god of chaos), Armadyl (god of justice), and Bandos (god of war). They established followers and clashed. The Third Age: The God Wars erupted, a massive conflict between deities. It ended when Guthix awoke and banished all gods from Gielinor in the Edicts of Guthix. The Fourth Age: A godless age where mortals ruled. However, Zamoraks followers (like the Mahjarrat) schemed to return. The Fifth Age (Current in RS3): The Edicts weakened, and gods like Saradomin, Zamorak, and Zaros returned, leading to new conflicts. The Sixth Age (RS3 Post-The World Wakes): Guthix is killed, breaking the Edicts entirely, and gods openly walk Gielinor again. Major Factions & Deities Saradomin: Law and order, but often tyrannical. Zamorak: Chaos and ambition, formerly a general under Zaros. Armadyl: Justice and freedom, pacifist but fierce. Bandos: Brutal war (killed in the Sixth Age). Zaros: The "Empty Lord," god of control and fate (returns in The Empty Throne). Seren: Elf goddess of peace (shattered herself to avoid conflict). The Elder Gods: Jas, Ful, Wen, and Bik (Mah is dead) now threaten Gielinor in RS3s latest arcs. Key Events & Storylines The Mahjarrat Rituals: The Mahjarrat (like Azzanadra, Sliske) must sacrifice one of their own to sustain their race. The Dragonkin: Ancient beings cursed by the Elder Gods, responsible for creating dragons. The Elder God Wars (EGWD): The gods unite against the awakened Elder Gods in RS3s Endgame narrative. The Necromancy Arc (2023-24): Focuses on Rasial, the First Necromancer, and the undead city of Umbria. Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Lore Differences OSRS diverged after 2007, so its lore is simpler (no Sixth Age): - Gods are distant, and major events like The God Wars Dungeon and Desert Treasure II expand on Zamorak and the Zarosian Empire. - Recent updates hint at deeper cosmic threats (e.g., The Frozen Door in The Nightmare raid). Major Locations Morytania: Vampyre-ruled swamp (Lord Drakan). The Wilderness: Cursed battleground (Zamoraks doing). Kourend: The Great Kourend (Varlamore expansion in 2024). Fremennik Lands: Viking-inspired, tied to the Moon Clan. The Underworld (Umbria): Necromancys origin. Recent Developments (RS3) The Elder Gods were defeated (for now), but their eggs remain. Zamorak and Saradomin are depowered, while Zaros ascended to become an Elder God (but vanished). Vorkath and Azzanadra now lead key factions. Would you like a deeper dive into any specific lore (e.g., Zarosian Empire, Dragonkin, or a questline)?