Drakes in OSRS: Are They Just Dragons without Wings?
You wander around Old School RuneScape. You avoid getting PKed, then stumble upon a Drake. Your first question is likely, “Can I take it?” Another is, “Is this a dragon?” Let’s explore Drakes. This guide will help you understand them and how they compare to other mythical creatures.
Drake vs. Dragon: The Great OSRS Debate
Are Drakes dragons in OSRS? The answer is yes, but they’re dragons who skipped wing day. In January 2019, a wise player said, “A Drake is a dragon without wings.” Simple, yet complex in Gielinor.
Drakes fit the dragon classification but lack wings. Dragons have four limbs and wings. Drakes have four limbs, but no wings. Think of a dragon like a six-wheeled monster truck and a drake as a four-wheel drive. Both are strong, yet one can fly and the other stays grounded.
OSRS adds twist to the definitions. Consider the Wind Drake and Dromar, the Banisher. They mix the lines of the drake-dragon distinction. The line isn’t always clear. It serves as guidance from scholars with too much time. Most Drakes in OSRS fit caveat to the wingless classification firmly.
Decoding Drake Combat: Weaknesses and Strategies
Drakes are dragons-light, but how does it affect combat? Are they as tough as dragons? Good news for dragon slayers: Drakes have weaknesses you can exploit. Let’s dive into combat.
Dragonbane? More Like Drakebane!
First off, Drakes count as “draconic monsters” in OSRS. This means they are weak to dragonbane weaponry. Those shiny Dragon Hunter weapons? Time to use them! They will harm Drakes more than other weapons. You’ll deal higher damage, making Drakes’ lives miserable. Important for farming Drakes for their loot.
Magic is Might: Damage Analysis
Here’s a twist: despite Drakes being weak to stab attacks, the best damage per second (DPS) comes from magic. Surprised? OSRS combat has many quirks. Your Dragon Hunter Lance delivers decent damage, but magic will melt Drakes faster.
What kind of magic? High-level spells work best. Think hard-hitting spells. The specific spell depends on your gear. Ice Barrage or Fire Surge will burn Drakes quickly. Gear up, grab your mystic robes, and unleash arcane power.
Prayer Power-Up: Deflect Attacks
Drakes use ranged attacks often. Annoying, isn’t it? Fear not, adventurer! Prayer helps here. Use “Protect from Missiles” prayer to negate their attacks. Just flick it on and those ranged projectiles become weak threats.
Another surprise: Drakes don’t breathe fire. So no need for antifire potions or dragonfire shields. Leave those items in the bank. Encounters with Drakes are less gear-heavy than fighting metal dragons or red dragons. Use prayer and your best magic gear or dragonbane weapon, and you’re good to go.
Drake’s Tooth: The Path to Devout Boots
You’ve slain a Drake (or several). Good work, slayer! Among the loot lies a notable item: the Drake’s tooth. What’s it for? Is it junk? Not at all! The Drake’s tooth is essential for crafting prayer gear: Devout Boots.
From Tooth to Boots: Prayer Bonus Upgrade
The Drake’s tooth comes from Drakes found in the Karuulm Slayer Dungeon. This dungeon is known for its fiery atmosphere, making it the best place for teeth. To use the tooth effectively, you need Holy Sandals. They may seem humble, but combined with a Drake’s tooth, they transform.
To craft Devout Boots, just use a Drake’s tooth on Holy Sandals. Simple process with no complicated crafting tables. Tooth meets sandal, and *poof* – Devout Boots! What makes these boots worthy? Why care?
Devout Boots need level 60 Prayer to wear. This level shows they aren’t for casual players. What’s the reward for upgrading? A jump in prayer bonus. Holy Sandals give +3 prayer bonus. Devout Boots boost that to +5. While +2 doesn’t seem huge, every bit counts in OSRS.
If you focus on prayer, hunting Drakes for their teeth is worth it. They offer a solid bonus that any serious adventurer will appreciate.
Dragon Taxonomy 101: Drakes and Their Kin
We discussed Drakes, but let’s zoom out and examine different dragons in fantasy literature and lore. Prepare for a quick class on dragon taxonomy!
Defining Drake: Four Legs, No Wings, Attitude High
The defining feature of a drake in OSRS is its lack of wings. But this isn’t unique to the game. Modern fantasy authors agree: drakes have four legs and no wings. This sets them apart from true dragons and wyverns.
of drakes as the ground experts in the dragon family. They do not fly, but they can still deliver a powerful strike on land.
Drake vs. Dragon: The Winged Wonder Debate
What about dragons? How do they differ from drakes beyond wings? The classic dragon has four legs and a pair of wings. This six-limbed form defines a traditional dragon. Think Smaug from *The Hobbit* or Drogon from *Game of Thrones*. Dragons are larger, more powerful, and often more magical than drakes. They rank as apex predators among mythical reptiles.
Wyverns: Two Legs, Wings for Days
Now, let’s introduce the Wyvern. Wyverns often confuse many with dragons. They share traits but have distinct limbs. A wyvern has two back legs and wings, lacking front legs. Their wings serve as forelimbs. Think of them as bipedal dragons or winged reptiles that walk on their hind legs. Wyverns tend to be smaller and less intelligent than true dragons, but still potent predators. They represent agile aerial acrobats, trading raw might for speed.
Wyrms: Legless Legends
Lastly, we reach the Wyrm. Wyrms stand out in the dragon family. A wyrm lacks legs and wings. Imagine a large scaled snake of great size and power; that is the wyrm model. Examples include Jormungandr, the Norse World Serpent, or the Basilisk from *Harry Potter* (though the Basilisk leans more toward a snake). Wyrms often connect with earth and water, residing in deep caves or underwater lairs. They may lack limbs but make up for it with size and strength.
Fire-drakes: The Scorching Sub-Species
Another term enters the dragon mix: Fire-drakes. “Fire-drake” (or Urulóki in Quenya) refers to fire-breathing dragons. Not all dragons breathe fire, yet fire-drakes show distinct fiery breath. This term focuses less on limbs and emphasizes a special skill—the ability to incinerate foes. A fire-drake could be a dragon, drake, wyvern, or wyrm if it breathes fire. It acts as more of a descriptor than a distinct classification.
Beyond Drakes: Wyverns and Wyrms in the Fantasy Bestiary
Since we’ve touched Wyverns and Wyrms, let’s explore these dragon-adjacent creatures and their fire-breathing abilities. Who doesn’t enjoy a fire-breathing monster?
Wyverns: Dragon-Lite or Dragon Sub-Species?
Are Wyverns lesser dragons or unique species? The answer varies in fantasy lore. Some see Wyverns as dragon subsets, thus a different type of dragon model. This idea finds support in how “dragon” lacks strict boundaries in lore; terms like “usually” and “generally” allow flexibility in defining dragons. The only consistent trait is their size, akin to reptiles.
Wyrms and Fire: A Fiery Combination
Now, let’s address Wyrms coupled with fire. You may assume legless, wingless creatures cannot breathe fire. Think again! In fantasy contexts like George R.R. Martin’s *A Song of Ice and Fire*, firewyrms (a wyrm type) indeed breathe fire despite lacking wings and legs. Their lineage hints at dragon ancestry. So, fire-breathing isn’t exclusive to winged beasts; sometimes size and flammable fluids suffice.
Drakes in D&D 5e: A Cross-Fantasy Comparison
To clarify our understanding of Drakes, let’s pivot to another popular setting: Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). How do Drakes compare to Dragons here? Do they align with OSRS models, or carry their unique flavors?
Dragons in D&D: Chromatic and Metallic Majesty
In D&D 5e, dragons appear as diverse entities. They encompass various species of large, intelligent, magical reptiles. D&D sets them apart through demeanor and either scale color (for chromatic dragons) or element affiliation (often for metallic dragons). Chromatic examples include Red Dragons (fire), Blue Dragons (lightning), Green Dragons (poison), Black Dragons (acid), and White Dragons (cold). Metallic dragons include Gold Dragons (fire/good), Silver Dragons (cold/good), Bronze Dragons (lightning/good), Copper Dragons (acid/good), and Brass Dragons (fire/good). D&D dragons present complexity, serving as villains, allies, or ancient mysteries in campaigns.
Drakes in D&D: Fire Breath and Flight, but with a Catch
Drakes in D&D belong to the dragon family, seen as cousins to true dragons and wyverns. Interestingly, D&D Drakes can breathe fire in a wide cone shape. Wait, flying Drakes? Didn’t we decide Drakes are wingless? Indeed! D&D Drakes differ from classic definitions. A typical D&D Drake contrasts with a Wyvern—as Drakes can breathe fire while Wyverns usually cannot in base stats. Thus, D&D Drakes behave more like smaller dragons, retaining draconic aspects like flight and fire breath while falling short on size and magical capabilities.
The Weakest Dragon in the D&D Dragon Ranks
Considering weaker dragons in D&D 5e, the White Dragon stands as the least powerful of chromatic dragons. They rank small, least intelligent, and most feral among chromatic types. While still dangerous, especially at low levels, they serve as entry-level encounters. White Dragons offer a good starting point for aspiring dragon slayers looking to level up their skills slowly.
Slayer Masters and Strategic Task Skipping: Leveling Up Your Slayer Game
Now, let’s return to OSRS and discuss Slayer. If you pursue Drakes, it likely connects with Slayer tasks. Slayer is among the slowest skills to reach 99, requiring over 170 hours if you’re combat-ready and training efficiently. Thus, optimizing Slayer training becomes vital.
Duradel vs. Nieve (Steve): Choosing Your Slayer Sensei
In OSRS Slayer Masters, Duradel shines as the top choice for experience gains. He assigns higher-level tasks that yield excellent Slayer experience per hour. Alternatively, players may prefer Nieve (or Steve). This choice offers a distinct task list and varied monster assignments. Ultimately, selecting the “best” Slayer Master relates to individual goals, combat levels, and task preferences.
Block It Like It’s Hot: Tasks to Avoid
Strategic task blocking proves essential for efficient Slayer training. Some players opt to block certain monsters due to them being challenging or unappealing.
Some monsters can be slow to kill, offer poor loot, or are just a pain to deal with. Here are a few candidates for the blocking list:
- Waterfiends: Waterfiends have high stats. They are accurate and make fights tedious. Many players skip these tasks if they care about speed and efficiency.
- Spiritual Creatures: Spiritual mages in the God Wars Dungeon often appear on block lists. Their drops are underwhelming. Their combat methods are hard for AFK training. Most players see them as time sinks unless seeking rare drops.
- Greater Demons & Black Demons: Both types of demons often have high task frequency. However, their loot is poor. Many players block Greater and Black Demons due to this lack of reward.
- Suqahs and Kalphites: Ironman players should prioritize blocking Suqahs and Kalphites. Suqahs are in a tricky area and can be bothersome to fight. Kalphites have decent drops but can be slow, especially Kalphite Guardians.
Monsters Worth Fighting: Tasks to Keep
Not all Slayer tasks are bad. Many monsters offer good experience and loot. Steel Dragons are one. They are profitable. The average kill yields around 10,671.46 GP. With a Konar task, that value rises to about 12,201.9 GP. Steel Dragons strike a balance of profit and experience.
Duradel: The Toughest Slayer Master?
Duradel is known as the best Slayer Master for experience. However, he also gives tough tasks. His assignments are often high-level and require tackling formidable monsters. If you want maximum Slayer gains, Duradel is your choice.
OSRS Monster Menagerie: More Than Just Drakes
OSRS is full of monsters, not just Drakes and Dragons. Let’s quickly explore notable creatures and training places in Gielinor.
Gargoyles: Only on Task
Gargoyles are stone monsters found in many locations, especially the Slayer Tower. You can only attack them if you are on a task. Off-task attacks are blocked by Raulyn, the Slayer Master there. Strict task rules!
Dark Beasts: High-Level Threats
Dark Beasts demand level 90 Slayer. You can find them in the Mourner Tunnels and Prifddinas’ Iorwerth Dungeon. They are notorious for high combat stats and valuable drops, making them popular but tough tasks for high-level players.
Lava Dragons: Risky Wilderness Monsters
Lava Dragons live on a fiery isle in Wilderness levels 36-42. As Wilderness creatures, they exist in a PvP zone. Fighting them means risking player attacks. They offer valuable hides and bones, but the location adds danger.
Red Dragons: Classic Slaying
Red Dragons are classic monsters with several locations in OSRS. After finishing Dragon Slayer II, you can find a trio in Corsair Cove Dungeon, near a bank. Brutal red dragons, harder versions, wait in Kourend’s Catacombs. Baby dragons can be found in Taverley Dungeon for cannon training.
Tormented Demons: Rare Drops and Challenges
Tormented Demons drop unique items: Tormented synapses and Burning claws. These are used to create powerful gear, making them valuable but difficult to farm. Specific strategies and gear are vital for success against them.
Training Locations: Crabs, Slayer, and Nightmare Zone
For combat training in OSRS, various locations exist. Slayer training can level skills but might not be the fastest XP. Players often choose crabs like sand crabs due to high HP and low defense. The Nightmare Zone allows boss fights for efficient XP gains. Training combat may be quicker but usually does not generate profit. Many players prefer combining Slayer with moneymaking activities for better overall progress.
OSRS Tips and Tidbits
Now, let’s conclude our exploration with some OSRS facts that might interest you.
Sitting Down: An Emote for Relaxation
You can sit in OSRS! The “Sit down” emote unlocks at the account’s start and lets your character take a seat briefly. It’s not functional, but a nice emote for taking breaks or roleplaying amid Gielinor chaos.
Blue Skull: Revenant Maledictus Danger
In PvP, visual cues hold importance. The blue skull icon shows a player is skulled and risks losing items on death. This skull appears if benefiting from the Revenant maledictus’s Forinthry Surge boost. A subtle but crucial indicator in Wilderness fights.
Birds’ Eggs: Prayer XP Bonus?
Birds’ eggs serve purposes beyond recipes. Offer them at the Woodcutting Guild shrine for 100 Prayer experience and a seed nest. A rare item from this could be part of the evil chicken outfit too!
6-Hour Log-Out Timer: Combat No Longer Protects
The 6-hour log-out timer has changed from previous rules. In combat, it used to reset the timer. Now, it kicks in after six hours regardless of battle status. Even during long boss fights, expect eventual boot offline.
Night Furies: A Fun Comparison
Lastly, let’s compare Night Furies from “How to Train Your Dragon.” Night Furies, like Toothless, are powerful dragons in their world due to speed, stealth, and intelligence. Their design contrasts with OSRS’s wingless Drakes. Both are impactful in their contexts.
This wraps up our detailed guide on Drakes in OSRS and their role among dragons and dragon-like creatures. Now go forth, slay some Drakes, craft Devout Boots, and think about draconic lineage implications! Happy ‘Scaping!
