Well, that was all somewhat exciting, wasn’t it? While the team are still busy dismantling the stage, packing up the props and picking up the litter in the wake of what was an incredible RuneFest, we wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what lies ahead in the wonderful world of RuneScape in October.

Leading the charge, quite literally, are none other than the fabled Riders of the Apocalypse, who are busting down the gates of Gielinor to help fight a looming new menace. The fate of the world lies in your hands in a brand new mini world event!

We also have a Plague Doctor themed task card, the return of Customer Support Week and a reappearance from that plucky – or should that be ‘shady’? – Nic the Trader.

‘TIL DEATH DO US PART

Eagle-eyed players may have noticed a Tainted Shard has suddenly appeared in their inventory. What on earth could it all mean? [strokes imaginary beard]

Tis the month of Hallowe’en, and you know what that means? Our Hallo'ween event! Which in this instance is a mini world event going by the name of ‘Til Death Do Us Part, which starts on October 8th. Spooky!

A mysterious energy rift has materialised outside of Death’s office, and is wreaking havoc. Death’s pillars are crucial for stabilising it, but they alone will not be enough. Your friend and ours, the half-human, half-mahjarrat army general Moia is trapped inside the rift, and Death could do with a hand freeing her and holding back the powerful dark forces of Daemonheim. As the threat grows, so too will Death’s army. Join forces with the Riders – War, Pestilence and Famine – to fend off this new threat. And perhaps an old threat too...

Of course, in RuneScape heroes are rewarded. In return for aiding Death and his ferocious associates, players will be whisked off to a warped chamber where they’ll have a few short moments to hoover up as much loot as possible before being forced to flee. What’s up for grabs? You’ll have to find out for yourself (deathtouched darts, anyone?), but do expect some new unique items you haven’t seen before.

On top of this, participants will find that a number of drop chances have doubled, including the ectoplasmator, Ghost Hunter outfit and herb burner, while ghostly essence will have a 10% increased drop rate. Players who haven't already unlocked can also unlock the ability to burn bones on bonfires.

To get started on ‘Til Death Do Us Part, head over to Draynor Lodestone and keep an eye out for Death and his pillars to the north east. A new Rider will arrive each week throughout the month, bringing with them fresh dangers and new gameplay challenges. Who knows what else might show up before the end?

Members will have access to 8 available skills to train, a maximum pillar XP multiplier of 2.5x, 30 usable rewards and 60 seconds in the warped chamber. F2P players can access 5 skills, receive a maximum of 1.25x XP multiplier, can use 12 of the rewards (although they can receive all 30) and get 30 seconds in the chamber.

Note too that the more players who get involved, the greater the rewards for everyone!

PLAGUE DOCTOR TASK CARD

Do you know why the classical Plague Doctor uniform has that long beaked mask? It’s so the doctors could fill it with herbs and spices to hide the smell of all pus-filled groin buboes and fetid corpses! Oh sorry, you weren’t eating, were you?

Now you too can get in on the bacterial pandemic action with our new Plague Doctor set, which is available through an upcoming Task Card! Anyone who took part in things like Faceless Assassin and Tribal Trials will know the drill. Kicking off on October 25th and running until October 29th, there will be 16 tasks to complete, with four levels of prestige and brand new tasks.

Your reward for your efforts will be the new Plague Doctor outfit that includes a staff and syringe, along with rest, walk and teleport animations. We’ve put a lot of thought into the names of these items, too, which draw upon the somewhat grubby history of Plague Doctors throughout the ages.

Also note that stickers can be won on Treasure Hunter (and obtained from the Plague Doctor himself) that allow you to skip tasks. Any stickers won after completion will instead function as Prismatic Stars.

NIC THE TRADER

Make sure you keep an eye out for that elusive Nic the Trader this month, who we expect to emerge from the shadows to peddle his goods near the Port Sarim Lodestone at some point. Nic’s stocks may be limited but, as always, he’ll have a new selection of hard to find items on offer. Vic’s brother may well be what we would down our way describe as ‘dodgy’, but it will still be well worth your time to track him down.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT WEEK

Yes, it’s that time again! Customer Support Week returns. The moustachioed Count Check will once again be loitering in Burthorpe, offering free XP lamps to players with an Authenticator and bank PIN set up on their accounts. He’ll also be offering out daily security-themed Clue Scrolls and hosting another Customer Support edition of The Drop. Answer all of the questions correctly to win XP and keys. What a splendid fellow.

Until next time!