Dev Blog: Fossil Island



Fossil Island has existed as an idea in the heads of designers since 2005, as a concept in the game since 2007, and was unveiled and polled back in April. With its release nearing, it's time to divulge more details about the mysterious isle. In the first of two blogs we explore the underwater areas beneath Fossil Island, and we take a brief look at the Mushroom Forest and the skilling methods which can be found on offer inside it. The primary developer on this project, Mod Maz, will answer your questions, and we'll also be sharing concept art of varying stages of completion.







Click to see a larger version of the concept art in its early stages





Underwater



Mushroom Forest





Click to see a larger image which shows the prayer activity interface



Other artwork



Below are some of the designs used for the Varrock Museum displays. Click to see the large images.



























Coming next time





Click to see a larger preview of the lava mining activity



In this section of the blog we'll offer a detailed breakdown of the unique mechanics found underwater, and we'll take a closer look at the skilling activities found in the depths.As showcased on a recent Q&A stream, the underwater area carries with it a unique air mechanic. Diving to access the underwater environment requires diving apparatus. When underwater an oxygen meter will appear. This bar begins at 100% and reflects your supply of oxygen. When wearing the fishbowl helmet your oxygen levels will not deplete. However, when you aren't wearing the fishbowl helmet your oxygen levels will begin to decrease.The fishbowl helmet can be worn in the area immediate to the initial diving site, so you don't need to be concerned about your air supply. However, the majority of the underwater area is the domain of the mermaids. You'll find that one mermaid in particular has a reason for disliking fishbowls.In order to access this area you will have to abandon your fishbowl helmet and manage your oxygen carefully by utilising the environment.Restoring your oxygen levels can be done via a number of methods. Large bubbles will appear in certain areas underwater, moving your character to within these bubbles will restore your oxygen. Air can be harvested from growing weeds (akin to taking water from cacti). Many puffer fish can be found underwater, these can be caught and squeezed to take air from them and then release them. There are some areas which are above water, if you're able to find these you can restore your oxygen.Fully running out of your oxygen (the bar reaching 0%) will result in your character being asphyxiated and returned to the surface of the island above the underwater area.The underwater fishing activity requires at least 47 Fishing44 Hunter to begin, and will reward xp in both skills. Drift nets are tradeable and can be crafted by using jute on a loom at level 26 Crafting. These drift nets can then be strung up underwater to catch fish over time. The nets will break upon harvesting your catch.Left alone the drift nets will passively catch fish at a slow rate, or you can actively pursue fish with a trident to drive them into the nets. Pursuing the fish will ensure that the rate of reward and xp is higher. The type of fish harvested and the xp gained will scale according to your current base level.The amount of xp granted from this activity is by no means comparable to the highest xp rates found elsewhere. The xp is approximately 40% of the xp you'd ordinarily get through other methods, but gives it in both hunter and fishing at the same time.The entirety of the underwater area is essentially an agility course unlike those you've experienced before. In essence it's free-form agility, comprised of obstacles to navigate, and chests and clams to loot.Thieving underwater is comprised of stealing various riches from treasure chests and large clams. Opening the chests and the clams and looting from them naturally requires the thieving skill. Thieving xp is inherently given when successfully thieving whilst underwater. When looting the chests and clams you will also receive the bulk of the agility xp which can be found whilst underwater.Failing certain obstacles can result in the loss of oxygen, and navigating around the underwater area isn't as simple as it may seem due to the presence of underwater currents.Looting from large clams and treasure chests will yield mermaids tears. These can be traded with the fishbowl-hating mermaid for fossils, seaweed seeds, and the trident.One of the most striking environments found on Fossil Island is the Mushroom Forest. The surrealness of the forest is on a grand scale, and is among the most unique places in all of Gielinor. With this in mind it's best for you to explore its rich narrative.Within the Mushroom Forest is a pool full of fungal life. Adding pyrophosphate and calcite (both of which are found around the island) will fuel a chemical process which will recalcify fossils into enriched bones which can be used to grant prayer xp. The fossils which are used are non-tradeable, as are the resultant bones you receive.Bird house traps can be constructed to lure in and capture birds. They have already been covered in great detail, and all of the information you need can be found in April's dev blog The tracking activity on Fossil Island has already been covered in in April's dev blog . In this blog we're able to offer a preview of how the activity will appear, complete with temporary placeholder graphics! How about those bright pink paw prints?As always, we're very interested to hear what you have to say about this blog. Discuss it on our forums