Transcript:The Dig Site — runescape

This page contains dialogue related to The Dig Site.

The content below is copied verbatim from RuneScape and thus copyrighted by Jagex.

This transcript involves dialogue with Examiner, Researcher, Curator Haig Halen, Archaeological expert, Student (Digsite), Panning Guide, and Doug Deeping.

Starting Out

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Ah hello there! I am the resident lecturer on antiques and artefacts. I also set the Earth Science exams.
Player: Earth Sciences?
Examiner: That is right dear, the world of Runescape holds many wonders beneath its surface. Students come to me to take exams so that they may join in on the archeological dig going on just north of here.
Player: So if they don't pass the exams they can't dig at all?
Examiner: That's right! We have to make sure that students know enough to be able to dig safely and not damage the artefacts.
- Player: Can I take an exam?
  - Examiner: You can if you get this letter stamped by the Curator of Varrock's museum.
  - Player: Why's that then?
  - Examiner: Because he is a very knowledgeable man and employs our archaeological expert. I'm sure he knows a lot about your exploits and can judge whether you'd make a good archaeologist or not. Besides, the museum contributes funds to the dig.
  - Player: But why are you writing the letter? Shouldn't he?
  - Examiner: He's also a very busy man, so I write the letters and he just stamps them if he approves.
  - Player: Oh, I see. I'll ask him if he'll approve me, and bring my stamped letter back here. Thanks.
- Player: Interesting...
  - Examiner: You could gain much with an understanding of the world below.

Stamping the Letter

Curator Haig Halen: Welcome to the museum of Varrock.
Player: I have been given this letter by an examiner at the Dig Site. Can you stamp this for me?'
Curator Haig Halen: What have we here? A letter of recommendation indeed... The letter here says your name is Player. Well, Player, I wouldn't normally do this for just anyone, but as you did us such a great service with the Shield of Arrav I don't see why not. Run this letter back to the Examiner to begin your adventure into the world of Earth Sciences. Enjoy your studies, Student! There you go, good luck student... Be sure to come back and show me your certificates. I would like to see how you get on.
Player: Ok, I will. Thanks, see you later.

Attempting Exam 1

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Hello again.
Player: Here is the stamped letter you asked for.
Examiner: Good good, we will begin the exam... Okay, we will start with the first exam: Earth Sciences level 1 – Beginner. Question 1 – Earth Sciences overview. Can you tell me what Earth Sciences is?
- Player: The study of gardening, planting and fruiting vegetation.
- Player: The study of planets and the history of worlds.
- Player: The combination of archeology and vegetarianism.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 1, question 2 – Eligibility. Can you tell me which people are allowed to use the digsite?
- Player: Magic users, miners and their escorts.
- Player: Professors, students and workmen only.
- Player: Local residents, contractors and small pink fish.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 1, question 3 – Health and safety. Can you tell me the proper safety points when working on a digsite?
- Player: Heat-resistant clothing to be worn at all times.
- Player: Rubber chickens to be worn on the head at all times.
- Player: Protective clothing to be worn; tools kept away from site.
Examiner: Okay, that covers the level 1 Earth Sciences exam. Let's see how you did... Oh dear me! This is appalling, none correct at all! I suggest you go and study properly.
Player: Oh dear...
Examiner: Why don't you use the resources here? There are books and the researchers... and you could even ask other students who are also studying for these exams.

Researcher

Researcher: Hello there. What are you doing here?
Player: I'm going to pass the Earth Sciences exams so I can dig at the site north of here.
Researcher: A good goal to work towards, and it should prove rewarding to you. So where are you starting your studies?
Player: I'm not quite sure.
Researcher: Well, you could try looking in the Earth Sciences section of the shelves over there, although the other students may have beaten you to it. You could even ask the students themselves. I'm sure I saw a group of them on their way to the digsite earlier today.
Player: Anything else?
Researcher: If you need something identified or are not sure about something, give it to Terry; he's the archaeologist expert in the next room.
Player: Can you tell me more about the tools an archaeologist uses?
Researcher: Of course! Let's see now... Rock picks are for splitting rocks or scraping away soil; you can get one from a cupboard in the Education Centre.
Player: What about sampling jars?
Researcher: I think you'll find them scattered about pretty much everywhere, but I know you can get one from a cupboard somewhere in the Education Centre, just like the rock pick!
Player: Okay, what about a specimen brush?
Researcher: We have a bit of a shortage of those at the moment. You could try borrowing one from a woman on the site... but I don't think they'd give it willingly.
Player: Sounds like I'll need to be sneaky to get one of those, then... Okay – trowel?
Examiner: Ahh... that you must earn by passing your exams! The examiner holds those.
Player: Anything else?
Researcher: If you need something identified or are not sure about something, give it to Terry; he's the archaeologist expert in the next room.
Player: Ahh, ok thanks.

Archaeological Expert

Player: Hello. Who are you?
Archaeological Expert: Good day to you. My name is Terry Balando; I am an expert on digsite finds. I am employed by the Museum in Varrock to oversee all finds at this digsite. Anything you find must be reported to me.
Player: Oh, ok. If I find anything of interest I will bring it here.
Archaeological Expert: Can I help you at all?
Player: Can you tell me anything about the digsite?
Archaeological Expert: Yes, indeed; I am studying the lives of the settlers. During the end of the third age there used to be a great city at the site. Its inhabitants were human supporters of the god Saradomin. It's not recorded what happened to the community here. I suspect nobody has lived here for over a millennium!

Digsite Workman

Player: Hello!
Digsite Workman: Why hello there! What can I do you for?
- Player: What do you do here?
  - Digsite Workman: Well, my job involved digging for finds, cleaning them and transporting them for identification.
  - Player: Sounds interesting.
  - Digsite Workman: I find it very interesting and very rewarding. So glad to see you're taking an interest in the digsite. Hope to see you out here digging sometime!
- Player: I'm not sure.
  - Digsite Workman: Well, let me know when you are and I'll do my very best to help you!
- Player: Can I dig around here?
  - Digsite Workman: You can only use a site you have the appropriate exam level for.
  - Player: Appropriate exam level?
  - Digsite Workman: Oh yes, you need to have been trained in the various techniques before you can be allowed to dig for artefacts.
  - Player: Ah yes; I understand.

Studying for Exam 1

Student 1

Player: Hello there. Can you help me with the Earth Sciences exams at all?
Student: Well... Maybe I will if you help me with something.
Player: What's that?
Student: I have lost my recent good find.
Player: What does it look like?
Student: Err... Like an animal skull!
Player: Well, that's not too helpful, there are lots of those around here; can you remember where you last had it?
Student: It was around here for sure. Maybe someone picked it up?
Player: Okay, I'll have a look for you.

After getting the skull

Player: Is this your animal skull?
Student: Oh wow! You've found it! Thank you so much. I'll be glad to tell you what I know about the exam. The study of Earth Sciences is: The study of the earth, its contents and history.
Player: Okay, I'll remember that.

Student 2

Player: Hello there. Can you help me with the Earth Sciences exams at all?
Student: I can't do anything unless I find my special cup.
Player: your what?
Student: My special cup. I won it for a particularly good find last month.
Player: Oh, right. So if I find it you'll help me?
Student: I sure will!
Player: Any ideas where it may be?
Student: All I remember is that I was working near the tents when I lost it.
Player: Okay, I'll see what I can do.

After getting the cup

Player: Hello there. Look what I found!
Student: Excellent! I'm so happy. Let me now help you with your exams... The people eligible to use the digsite are: All that have passed the appropriate Earth Sciences exams.
Player: Thanks for the information.

Panning Guide

Panning Guide: Hey! You can't pan yet!
Player: Why not?
Panning Guide: We do not allow the uninvited to pan here.
Player: So how do I become invited then?
Panning Guide: I'm not supposed to let people pan here unless they have permission from the authorities first. Mind you, I could let you have a go if you're willing to do me a favour.
Player: What's that?
Panning Guide: Well, to be honest, what I would really like is... a nice cup of tea!
Player: Tea?!
Panning Guide: Absolutely, I'm parched! If you could bring me one of those, I would be more than willing to let you pan here. I usually get some form Varrock but I'm busy at the moment.

After getting the tea

Panning Guide: Ah! Lovely! You can't beat a good cuppa... You're free to pan all you want.

How to Pan

Player: Hello, who are you?
Panning Guide: Hello, I am the panning guide. I'm here to teach you how to pan for gold.
Player: Excellent!
Panning Guide: Let me explain how panning works. First you need a panning tray. Use the tray in the panning points in the water and then search your tray. If you find any gold, take it to the archaeological expert up in the museum storage facility. He will calculate its value for you.
Player: Thank you!

Student 3

Player: Hello there. Can you help me with the Earth Sciences exams at all?
Student: I can if can help me...
Player: How can I do that?
Student: I have lost me teddy bear. He was my lucky mascot.
Player: Do you know where you dropped him?
Student: Well, I was doing a lot of walking that day... Oh yes, that's right, we were studying ceramics in fact, near the edge of the digsite. I found some pottery that seemed to match the design on those large urns. I was in the process of checking this out, and when we got back to the centre my lucky mascot had gone!
Player: Leave it to me. I'll find it.
Student: Oh great! Thanks!

After getting the mascot

Player: Hello there. Guess what I found.
Student: Hey! My lucky mascot! That's ever so much. Let me help you with those questions now. The proper health and safety points are: Leather gloves and boots to be worn at all times; proper tools must be used.
Player: Great, thanks for your advice.

Passing Exam 1

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Hello again. Are you ready for another shot at the exam?
Player: Yes, I certainly am.
Examiner: Okay, we will start with the first exam: Earth Sciences level 1 – Beginner. Question 1 – Earth Sciences overview. Can you tell me what Earth Sciences is?
Player: The study of the earth, its contents and history.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 1, question 2 – Eligibility. Can you tell me which people are allowed to use the digsite?
Player: All that have passed the appropriate Earth Sciences exam.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 1, question 3 – Health and safety. Can you tell me the proper safety points when working on a digsite?
Player: Gloves and boots to be worn at all times' proper tools must be used.
Examiner: That concludes the exam for Earth Sciences level 1. Let's see how you did... You got all the questions correct. Well done!
Player: Hey! Excellent!
Examiner: You have now passed the Earth Sciences level 1 general exam. Here is your certificate to prove it. You also get a decent trowel to dig with. Of course, you'll want to get studying for your next exam now!

Attempting Exam 2

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Hi there!
Player: I am ready for the next exam.
Examiner: Okay, this is the next part of the Earth Sciences exam: Earth Sciences level 2 – Intermediate. Question 1 – Sample transportation. Can you tell me how we transport samples?
- Player: Samples cut and cleaned before transportation.
- Player: Samples ground and suspended in an acid solution.
- Player: Samples to be given to the melon-collecting monkey.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 2, question 2 – Handling of finds. What is the proper way to handle finds?
- Player: Finds must not be handled by anyone.
- Player: Finds to be given to the site workmen.
- Player: Drop them on the floor and jump on them.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 2, question 3 – Rock pick usage. Can you tell me the proper use for a rock pick?
- Player: Strike rock repeatedly until powdered.
- Player: Rock pick must be used flat with a strong force.
- Player: Rocks picks are to be used to milk cows on a rainy morning.
Examiner: Okay, that covers the level 2 Earth Sciences exam. Let me add up your total... no, no, no! This will not do. They are all wrong; start again!
Player: Oh no!
Examiner: More studying for you my boy/girl.

Studying for Exam 2

Student 1

Player: Hello there.
Student: How's it going?
Player: I need more help with the exam.
Student: Well, ok, this is what I have learned since I last spoke to you... Correct rock pick usage: Always handle with care; strike the rock cleanly on its cleaving point.
Player: Okay, I'll remember that.

Student 2

Player: Hello there.
Student: How's it going?
Player: There are more exam questions I'm stuck on.
Student: Hey, I'll tell you what I've learned. That may help. Correct sample transportation: Samples taken in rough form; kept only in sealed containers.
Player: Thanks for the information.

Student 3

Player: Hello there.
Student: How's it going?
Player: I am stuck on some more exam questions.
Student: Okay, I'll tell you my latest notes... Finds handling: Finds must be carefully handled, and gloves worn.
Player: Great, thanks for your advice.

Passing Exam 2

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Hi there!
Player: I am ready for the next exam.
Examiner: Okay, this is the next part of the Earth Sciences exam: Earth Sciences level 2 – Intermediate. Question 1 – Sample transportation. Can you tell me how we transport samples?
Player: Samples taken in rough forms; kept only in sealed containers.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 2, question 2 – Handling of finds. What is the proper way to handle finds?
Player: Finds must be carefully handled, and gloves worn.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 2, question 3 – Rock pick usage. Can you tell me the proper use for a rock pick?
Player: Always handle with care; strike the rock cleanly on its cleaving point.
Examiner: Okay, that covers the level 2 Earth Sciences exam. Let me add up your total... You got all the questions correct, well done!
Player: Great, I'm getting good at this.
Examiner: You have now passed the Earth Sciences level 2 Intermediate exam. Here is your certificate. Of course, you'll want to get studying for your next exam now!

Attempting Exam 3

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Ah, hello again.
Player: I am ready for the last exam...
Examiner: Attention, this is the final part of the Earth Sciences exam: Earth Sciences level 3 – Advanced. Question 1 – Sample preparation. Can you tell me how we prepare samples?
- Player: Samples may be mixed together safely.
- Player: Sample types catalogued and carried by hand only.
- Player: Samples to be spread thickly with mashed banana.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 3, question 2 – Specimen brush use. What is the proper way to use a specimen brush?
- Player: Brush quickly using a wet brush.
- Player: Dipped in glue and stuck to a sheep's back.
- Player: Brush quickly and with force.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 3, question 3 – Advanced techniques. Can you describe the technique for handling bones?
- Player: Bones must not be taken from the digsite.
- Player: Fed to hungry dogs.
- Player: Bones to be ground and tested for mineral content.
Examiner: Okay, that concludes the level 3 Earth Sciences exam. Let me add up the results... I cannot believe this! Absolutely none right at all. I doubt you did any research before you took this exam...
Player: Ah... Yes... Erm... I think I had better go and revise first!

Studying for Exam 3

Student 1

Player: Hello there.
Student: How's it going?
Player: I need more help with the exam.
Student: Well ok, this is what I have learned since I last spoke to you... Specimen brush use: Brush carefully and slowly using short strokes.
Player: Okay, I'll remember that. Thanks for your help.

Student 2

Player: Hello there.
Student: How's it going?
Player: There are more questions I'm stuck on.
Student: Hey, I'll tell you what I've learned. That may help. The proper technique for handling bones is: Handle bones carefully and keep them away from other samples.
Player: Thanks for the information.

Student 3

Player: Hello there.
Student: What, you want more help?
Player: Err... Yes please!
Student: Well... it's going to cost you...
Player: Oh, well how much?
Student: I'll tell you what I would like: a precious stone. I don't find many of them. My favorite are opals; they are beautiful. Just like me! Tee hee hee!
Player: Err... OK I'll see what I can do, but I'm not sure where I'd get one.
Student: Well, I have seen people get them from panning occasionally.
Player: OK, I'll see what I can turn up for you.

After getting the stone

Player: Hello there.
Student: Oh, hi again. Did you bring me the opal?
Player: Would an opal look like this by any chance?
Student: Wow, great, you've found one. This will look beautiful set in my necklace. Thanks for that; now I'll tell you what I know... Sample preparation: Samples cleaned, and carried only in specimen jars.
Player: Great, thanks for your advice.

Passing Exam 3

Player: Hello.
Examiner: Ah, hello again.
Player: I am ready for the last exam...
Examiner: Attention, this is the final part of the Earth Sciences exam: Earth Sciences level 3 – Advanced. Question 1 – Sample preparation. Can you tell me how we prepare samples?
Player: Samples cleaned, and carried only in specimen jars.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 3, question 2 – Specimen brush use. What is the proper way to use a specimen brush?
Player: Brush carefully and slowly using short strokes.
Examiner: Okay, next question... Earth Sciences level 3, question 3 – Advanced techniques. Can you describe the technique for handling bones?
Player: Handle bones very carefully and keep them away from other samples.
Examiner: Okay, that concludes the level 3 Earth Sciences exam. Let me add up the results... You got all the questions correct, well done!
Player: Hooray!
Examiner: Congratulations! You have now passed the Earth Sciences level 3 exam. Here is your level 3 certificate.
Player: I can dig wherever I want now!
Examiner: Perhaps you should use your newfound skills to find an artefact on the digsite that will impress the archaeological expert.

Talking to the Examiner again

Examiner: Well, what are you doing here? Get digging!

Digging at the Site

Player: Hello!
Digsite Workman: Why hello there! What can I do you for?
Player: Can I dig around here?
Digsite Workman: You can only use a site you have the appropriate exam level for.
Player: I am already skilled in digging.
Digsite Workman: Really? What qualifications do you have?
Player: I have passed all three Earth Sciences exams!
Digsite Workman: Well done! That means you can dig anywhere on this site, but you'll need to impress the examiner to use the winches.
Player: Ok!

The Zarosian Talisman

Player: Take a look at this talisman.
Archaeological Expert: Unusual.... This object doesn't appear right... Hmmm... I wonder... Let me check my guide... Could it be? Surely not! From the markings on it, it seems to be a ceremonial ornament to a god named... ...Zaros? I haven't heard much about him before. This is a great discovery; we know very little of the pagan gods that people worshiped. There is some strange writing embossed upon in – it says, 'Zaros will return and wreck his vengeance upon Zamorak the pretender.' I wonder what it means by that? Some silly superstition, probably. Still, I wonder that this is doing around here. I'll tell you what; as you have found this, I will allow you to use the private dig shafts. You obviously have a keen eye. Take this letter and give it to one of the workmen, and they will allow you to use them.

Permission To Use the Shafts

Player: Hello there.
Digsite Workman: Good day; what can I do for you?
Player: Here, have a look at this...
Digsite Workman: I give permission... blah de blah... etc. Okay, that's all in order; you may use the mineshaft now. I'll hang onto this scroll, shall I?

Digging Deeper...

Trying to climb down the shaft

Player: Hey, I think I could fit down here. I need something to help me get all the way down.

Checking bricks

Player: Hmmm, there's a room past these bricks. If I could move them out of the way then I could find out what's inside. Maybe there's someone around here who can help...

Doug Deeping

Player: Hello.
Doug Deeping: Well, well... I have a visitor. What are you doing here?
- Player: I have been invited to research here.
  - Doug Deeping: Indeed, you must be someone special to be allowed down here.
    - Player: Do you know where to find a specimen jar?
      - Doug Deeping: Hmmm, let me think... Nope, can't help you there I'm afraid.
- Player: I am not sure really.
  - Doug Deeping: A miner without a clue – how funny!
- Player: I'm here to get rich, rich, rich!
  - Doug Deeping: Oh, well, don't forget that wealth and riches aren't everything.
- Player: How do you move a large pile of rocks?
  - Doug Deeping: There used to be this chap that worked in the other shaft. He was working on an explosive chemical mixture to be used for clearing blocked areas underground. He left in a hurry one day; something in the shaft scared him to death, but he didn't say what.
  - Player: Oh?
  - Doug Deeping: Rumour has it he'd been writing a book on his chemicals mixture. I'm not sure what goes in it but I'm sure you'll find the stuff he was using scattered around the digsite. He left so quickly he didn't take anything with him. In fact, I still have a chest key he gave to me to look after; perhaps it's more useful to you.
  - Doug hands you a key.

Showing Terry the Ingredients

Using Unidentified Liquid on him

Player: Do you know what this is?
Archaeological Expert: Where did you get this?
Player: From one of the barrels at the digsite.
Archaeological Expert: This is a VERY dangerous liquid called nitroglycerin. Be careful how you handle it. Don't drop it or it will explode!

Using Chemical Powder on him

Player: Do you know what this powder is?
Archaeological Expert: Really, you do find the most unusual items. I know what this is: it's a strong chemical called ammonium nitrate. Why you want this I'll never know...

Using Chemical Compound on him

Player: What do you think about this?
Archaeological Expert: What have you concocted now? Just be careful when playing with chemicals!

Clearing the Bricks

Using Chemical Compound on the rocks

Player: Okay, the mixture is all over the bricks. I need some way to ignite this compound.

Lighting it with a tinderbox

Player: Whoa! This is going to blow! I'd better run!

After the explosion

Player: Wow, that was a big explosion! What's that noise I can hear? Sounds like bones moving or something...

Reporting the Discovery

Player: I found this in a hidden cavern beneath the digsite.
Archaeological Expert: Incredible!
Player: There is an altar down there. The place is crawling with skeletons!
Archaeological Expert: Yuck! This is an amazing discovery! All this while we were convinced that no other race had lived here. It seems that the followers of Saradomin have tried to cover up the evidence of the Zaros altar. This whole city must have been built over it! Thanks for your help; your sharp eyes have spotted what many have missed. Here, take this gold as your reward.
The expert gives you 2 gold bars as payment.

Quest Complete

Post-Quest

Archaeological Expert

Archaeological Expert: Hello again. I am now studying this mysterious altar and its inhabitants. The markings are strange... It refers to a god I have never heard of before, named Zaros. It must be some pagan superstition. That was a great find; who knows what other secrets lie buried beneath the surface of our land...

Examiner

Examiner: Hello there! My colleague tells me you helped to uncover a hidden altar to the god Zaros. A great scholar and archaeologist indeed! Good health and prosperity to you.
Player: Thanks!

Digsite Workman

Digsite Workman: Oh wow! You're the archaeologist who found that altar in the mines aren't you!
Player: Um, yes.
Digsite Workman: So glad to meet you! Well done!