JagexRowley

Dig Site quest will have its place in the skill somewhere, don't worry.

As one of the developers working on Archaeology, the skill and elite outfits are planned to be exclusively earned via training the skill (that's how we've designed and already developed them), and accounted for it in the skill's balancing.

Obviously, I can't predict the future (and have even less control over it), but I can't see anyone wanting to add it to TH even at a later date. TH has not broken any previous new skill embargo, so precedent should suggest this one will hold firm and, by the time it is up, a fair proportion of players will already have one, if not both, of the outfits, so any market for it on TH would be severely limited anyway.

Just a quick note to say 60% was just an example figure, not the actual balancing. It will likely be somewhere around that, but it hasn't been completely decided yet.

All you do in the quest is pass a few Earth Sciences exams...and make a significant archaeological find. You're effectively a student who got lucky. Qualifications are more the faculty side of things - you become guild staff.

Our anagram clues now also have to connect thematically with the character in question, as part of the hint to find them. Something with ROT or the like in it would be better (given Brother Tranquillity is a brainless zombie monk).

None of it is within, nor takes you through, a PvP area. The Wilderness connection is a thematic/narrative and geographical one.

No, you won't need any dragon pickaxes for them.

What do you think his examine text is? :P

I don't know what the exact plan is from this point, but I do know we will be clarifying a lot of questions in the run up to launch. I am going to suggest that on a near-future livestream we run through the gameplay slice that we had on show at Runefest as part of that (no guarantees; I don't decide this), but regardless we'll explain the core mechanics and other things now we're allowed to talk about it. I am looking forward to doing so too. :)

I wouldn't say it is meant to be confusing, so much as that there's a lot of information to convey so that obviously leads to confusion, especially when you only have second-hand evidence. We'll clear it up over time.

The source would be my section of the Lore Q+A. Movario is one of our dig site managers, though he is more of a pothunter than an archaeologist, more interested in the magical relic powers for his own benefit than advancing understanding.

Indy is the typically accepted short form of Indiana.

You have to factor in that the survey was only completed relatively recently, and the results need(ed) time to be combed through and then for change to come from that, coupled with the fact that content takes time to develop and everything shown is something we've been working on already (or planning) for a long time - e.g. the Archaeology team has been working on it since last September. Remasters will come in due time.

I intend to add plenty of examines. :)

To add to the other comments, it's related to a Da Vinci-esque character - a genius inventor with the creativity to come up with the ideas, but not always the capability or technology to see those ideas come to life (then coupled with your own invention experience and knowledge to make workable pieces of technology).

It also plays on things like Damascus steel, which was far superior to other steels of its time, but which we even now do not fully understand exactly how it was created (even though people have sort of replicated it, and developed far superior steels).

It explores the concept of lost knowledge. Also in the mix is how war fuels innovation.

So, I understand how on the surface it could seem odd, but it's well considered and makes sense in context.

Edit: Oh, and yes, the concept of technologically advanced precursor civilisations is rife throughout fantasy and science-fiction - Mass Effect's protheans, Halo's forerunners, Assassins Creed'...

Purely to correct one point (and not to sway anyone's opinions), but if you were you referring to this Runefest 2017 skilling talk, a new skill was mentioned as part of the five-year plan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX5NoNenZZU&t=89

(At that timestamp.)

If other things were said afterwards that contradict this, however, I'm unaware of it.

You need to have all four of the aggro'd and attacking you before killing any of them, while replaying the quest fight (so not just in the post-quest room with nihil spawns).

Well, vs "Tities" to be accurate. :\

You might want to look into the Armour of Trials, from the Quest Point Shop/May's Quest Caravan south of Varrock:
https://runescape.wiki/w/Armour_of_Trials

You can use medicinal and/or delicious honeycombs to bring up animal health and/or happiness at the point you need it. Can't be sure what their prices will settle at now, but that's an alternative. You can make your own honey on the farm with woad leaves and marigolds.