What Are Ashes Good For in Old School Runescape?
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Ashes in Old School Runescape (OSRS) might seem like a mere byproduct of fire and battle, but they actually possess a surprising range of uses, extending beyond simple disposal. They are a versatile item, playing a role in herblore, prayer training, and even certain quests. Understanding their various applications can significantly enhance your gameplay and efficiency. Let’s delve into the multifaceted uses of ashes in OSRS.
Core Uses of Ashes
1. Herblore Experience
The most basic use of ashes is in herblore. By using a pestle and mortar to crush them, you create ground ashes, granting 1 herblore experience. While this may seem insignificant, for lower-level players, it’s a free way to accumulate some herblore experience while engaged in other activities, like burning logs.
2. Prayer Training
Ashes are primarily used in prayer training. When scattered normally, ashes give 25 prayer experience. This is a relatively minor amount compared to bone offerings, but it is still a valuable option for those who have an abundance of ashes. Furthermore, players can offer ashes via the Demonic Offering spell, which grants 75 prayer experience, making it a more compelling method.
3. Ash Sanctifier and Demonic Ashes
The ash sanctifier is a unique item obtained as a reward for completing the Hard Kourend & Kebos Diary. Located near the Dark Altar and charged with death runes, it automatically purifies demonic ashes, providing either 12.5 or 25 prayer experience per ash, depending on whether the player has completed the Hard or Elite Kourend & Kebos diary respectively. This is an efficient and hands-off method for prayer training. The sanctifier also works on standard ashes. The most commonly used ashes for the sanctifier are accursed ashes and abyssal ashes, as they provide higher base prayer experience when scattered.
4. Accursed Ashes and Abyssal Ashes
Speaking of demonic ashes, accursed ashes are dropped by creatures related to Nechryaels and abyssal ashes are a 100% drop from abyssal demons and the Abyssal Sire. Abyssal ashes give a significant 85 prayer experience when scattered and 255 prayer experience when offered via the demonic offering spell. Accursed ashes give slightly less than abyssal. They cannot be offered at the Chaos Temple or in player-owned house altars. These are some of the highest experience yielding ashes available, making them very desirable for prayer training.
5. Quest Items and Other Uses
Ashes have also played a role in various quests.
- In Prince Ali Rescue, ashes are used to create a skin paste.
- They are used in combination with a Tarromin potion in Shades of Mort’ton to make Serum 207 for healing villagers afflicted by the shades.
- Ashes are used in the Recipe for Disaster quest to make a dirty blast.
- They are used in Desert Treasure I to fix the mirrors.
- Finally, in the Warriors’ Guild, dusting the player’s hands with ground ashes helps with grip when throwing a shotput.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can ashes be offered at any altar?
No, ashes cannot be offered at the Ectofuntus, Chaos Temple, or at player-owned house altars. They can, however, be used at standard altars.
2. How do I activate the ash sanctifier?
The ash sanctifier is activated by charging it with death runes. It requires 10 charges per death rune at a cost of 16.10 gold per charge. You first need to claim the sanctifier from Tyss near the Dark Altar, after completing the hard Kourend and Kebos diary.
3. How can I obtain a lot of ashes quickly?
A popular method for farming ashes is in the Haunted Mine. Pick up glowing fungi and drop them using the action bar; they will instantly turn into ashes. Use the loot interface and notepaper to quickly accumulate large quantities.
4. What is the best method to use ashes for prayer experience?
For maximum prayer experience, you should use abyssal ashes and accursed ashes with the Demonic Offering spell, yielding 255 and 225 prayer experience respectively per ash. Alternatively, the ash sanctifier is a good method for passively training with accursed, abyssal, and standard ashes.
5. What are some of the quests where ashes are used?
Ashes are used in Prince Ali Rescue, Shades of Mort’ton, Recipe for Disaster, and Desert Treasure I.
6. Can the bonecrusher work on ashes?
The bonecrusher does not work on ashes dropped from demonic beings, with one exception: Death Spawn. The attuned ectoplasmator is the equivalent of the bonecrusher for monsters that drop ashes.
7. Are abyssal ashes worth using for prayer training?
Yes, abyssal ashes are excellent for prayer training due to their high base experience rate of 85 when scattered or 255 with Demonic Offering. They are highly sought-after for this purpose.
8. Is there a difference between regular ashes and demonic ashes?
Yes, demonic ashes (abyssal and accursed) give significantly more prayer experience than regular ashes. They also cannot be used in the Chaos Temple or in player-owned house altars.
9. Where can I purchase vials of water?
Vials of water can be purchased from the general stores in Ardougne, Shilo Village, Rellekka, and also from Jiminua’s Jungle Store, and Jossik in the Lighthouse.
10. Can ashes be infused into weapons?
No, ashes cannot be directly infused into weapons. They could, however, be incorporated into the hilt or pummel weight for decorative reasons.
11. What is the best altar in OSRS for prayer training?
A gilded altar with two burners lit in a player-owned house provides the best prayer experience bonus (250%) when using bones. However, this altar cannot be used for ashes.
12. What other items can I use for prayer experience?
Besides ashes, various types of bones such as Dragon bones, Dagannoth bones and Superior dragon bones are all commonly used for prayer training.
13. What is the Ash of War mentioned in the article?
The “Ash of War” mentioned in the article refers to a game mechanic found in Elden Ring and is unrelated to OSRS ashes. This was included in the source material and retained for completeness.
14. Can ashes be used in any other way besides Herblore, Prayer, and quests?
In the Warrior’s Guild, ground ashes can be used to dust your hands to improve your grip when throwing a shotput.
15. What happens if I don’t use my ashes?
If not used, ashes simply take up inventory space. In many cases, leftover ashes in real life can be buried in a memorial park or a mass grave by the funeral homes.
Conclusion
Ashes in Old School Runescape, while seemingly insignificant at first glance, play multiple essential roles. From providing a minor herblore boost to powering highly effective prayer training, their uses are diverse and valuable. Understanding these applications can optimize your gameplay and make your RuneScape journey more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, paying attention to the simple ash can significantly enhance your adventures in Gielinor.