RuneScape:Lore

RS:LORE

This page in a nutshell:

Information from RuneScape 3 (RS3) should only be mentioned on the OSRS Wiki when it provides relevant context or historical value; RS3 content must be clearly labeled and used sparingly.

Purpose

This policy governs how and when content from RuneScape 3 (RS3) should be mentioned on the Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Wiki. Although both games share a common history, OSRS is a distinct game with its own content, lore, and mechanics. With this, references to RS3 must be used carefully and only when directly relevant to OSRS.

On 22 February 2013, Jagex restored a backup of RuneScape from August 2007 to create Old School RuneScape, following a successful poll on 15 February 2023. After that, the two games began to diverge: OSRS developed on a community-driven model, whilst RS3 evolved along a separate path with different updates, graphics, and lore continuity. Despite sharing a common foundation, they are now distinct games with several variations of storylines and lore.

Usage

When RS3 content is appropriate

Mentions of RS3 content are allowed only if the content satisfies one (or more) of the following:

Historical context: When an item, NPC, quest, or mechanic in OSRS originates from RS3, referencing RS3 helps clarify its history or development.
Design: If an object, dialogue, or mechanic in OSRS is kept from RS3 and the comparison is notable.
Official Jagex sources: When official Jagex sources (newsposts, updates, Q&A livestreams, developer commentary, etc.) refer to RS3 or pre-EOC content as part of OSRS development decisions.
Lore: Lore from RS3 should only be mentioned on the OSRS Wiki when it provides relevant context for content in Old School RuneScape. It must be clearly labeled as originating from RS3 and used sparingly. If uncertain, use talk pages or community channels to seek consensus. This section may be expanded as further examples are reviewed.
- Acceptable
  - Brief mention of a character’s RS3 background if it clarifies the development and history of its OSRS counterpart.
  - Noting that a quest or boss existed in RS3 before being added to OSRS, with a short reference to its origin.
- Not acceptable
  - Including RS3 quest summaries or lore not referenced in OSRS.
  - Assuming RS3 events or relationships are canon in OSRS without in-game confirmation.

All references must be clearly labeled (e.g., "In RS3...") and must not imply that RS3 mechanics or lore apply to OSRS unless confirmed by an official Jagex-related source.

When RS3 content is inappropriate

Mentions of RS3 content should not be included if they:

Reference RS3-exclusive content that does not exist in OSRS and has no bearing on it.
Speculate about what might be added to OSRS based on RS3. See: RS:NOTRSW or RS:NOT#OTHER
Confuses readers unfamiliar with RS3.

When in doubt, consider whether the RS3 reference enhances the understanding of OSRS content without introducing confusion or unrelated detail.

Examples

Appropriate

In RuneScape, the fifth instalment of the Myreque questline is The Branches of Darkmeyer, from which Sins of the Father borrows several elements, in addition to The Lord of Vampyrium, the sequel to The Branches of Darkmeyer.
In RuneScape 3, the mother of Seren is named Mah, residing on the world of Freneskae. Seren's brother is stated to be Zaros, and Mah's later creations are stated to be the Mahjarrat (meaning "Children of Mah") and Muspahs. She is not mentioned by name in Old School RuneScape, but currently, all evidence suggests that Seren's mother is Mah, as they share the same backstory between games.

Not appropriate

In RS3, the God Wars Dungeon was expanded to include Zaros and Sliske factions.
- This content does not exist in OSRS and has not been referenced. It's also purely RS3-specific and offers no insight into OSRS lore/gameplay.
Nomad wears different armour in RS3 compared to OSRS.
- Cosmetic or graphical differences having no narrative or gameplay impact in OSRS are not notable.
Azzanadra has wings in RS3 after becoming an Elder God emissary.
- This transformation is exclusive to RS3's Sixth Age story. Since OSRS's Azzanadra follows a very different path, this detail isn't relevant to OSRS lore.

Presentation guidelines

Always use clear framing: "In RS3...", "Unlike in RS3...", etc.
Avoid mixing RS3 facts into OSRS gameplay descriptions unless they directly affect player understanding.
Do not assume readers are familiar with RS3.