Where Was Ilfeen Before Sote? Uncovering the Elf’s History in Old School RuneScape

Introduction

Before players faced the dreaded Sote in the Gauntlet, and long before they navigated the treacherous paths of the Theatre of Blood, Ilfeen was already a subtle, yet present, figure in Gielinor. Many remember her for her pivotal role in the Song of the Elves questline, particularly her guidance through the Gauntlet and her somber presence after the tragic events involving Sote. However, this article will explore where Ilfeen could be found before the release of Sote in Old School RuneScape, unveiling her earlier presence and shedding light on her character before she became a key figure in the fight against the darkness encroaching on Prifddinas. This exploration will be beneficial to Old School RuneScape players, lore enthusiasts, and those seeking to complete their clue scroll collections.

Ilfeen’s Known Locations Prior to Sote’s Arrival

Ilfeen’s appearance in Old School RuneScape before the Song of the Elves quest was primarily limited to clue scrolls, acting as a key figure in guiding adventurers to buried treasure and long-lost secrets. These encounters, though seemingly minor, provide glimpses into her skills and her role as a wandering scout or guardian of knowledge within the Elven lands. She isn’t just an NPC that suddenly appears. Jagex added her to lower tiered content prior to the quest line which speaks to her importance as a character.

Hard Clue Encounters

Ilfeen could be encountered during Hard clue scrolls, offering a riddle or puzzle that players had to solve to proceed with their treasure hunt. Her location in these clues was fixed, meaning she would always be found in the same spot, making it easier for players to locate her once they understood the clue. Locating Ilfeen during a hard clue usually involved deciphering a cryptic message or performing a specific action in a particular area.

The exact location where she appeared could vary slightly depending on the specific clue, but one frequently encountered spot was near the Baxtorian Falls. Specifically, players would often find Ilfeen standing near the base of the falls, gazing at the cascading water, almost as if contemplating the mysteries hidden within. The position was easy to access and didn’t require any special skills, fitting for the mid-tier difficulty of Hard clues.

Another commonly cited location for Ilfeen during Hard clues was in the vicinity of the Yanille Agility Course. She would be located just outside the city walls, almost as if she were scouting the area or keeping watch on those traversing the obstacle course. This location might have been a nod to the agility and awareness required to both navigate the Elven lands and to solve the clues she presented. Solving the clue would require speaking to her, and then performing an emote, which would reveal the next step in the treasure hunt.

Elite Clue Encounters

As players progressed to more challenging content, so too did Ilfeen’s role, albeit in a minor way. Elite Clue Scrolls provided more demanding puzzles and often required players to venture into dangerous or remote locations. Ilfeen would occasionally appear in these Elite clues, again offering guidance, but often in more cryptic or challenging ways.

Her presence in Elite clues generally required players to have completed specific quests or possess certain items, reflecting the higher difficulty level. One notable location was within the borders of the Piscatoris Fishing Colony. This required the completion of the Swan Song quest, and she could be found overlooking the colony, as though she were monitoring its activity. Perhaps she was simply enjoying the coastal breeze or overseeing Elven interests in the region. Finding her here underscored her ties to the broader world of RuneScape, even before her central role in the Elven storyline.

Another Elite clue location involved Ilfeen being located near the Iorwerth Camp in the Isafdar region. Accessing this area demanded players to navigate through dense forests and potential dangers, further emphasizing the advanced nature of Elite Clues. Her presence there before the Song of the Elves quest hinted at the Elves’ presence in Isafdar prior to players gaining access to Prifddinas. It also underscored her potential role as a scout or guardian for the Elven people.

Other Clue Scroll Tiers

While her presence was more prominent in Hard and Elite Clue Scrolls, Ilfeen’s image appeared in Beginner and Easy Clues, as well. This appearance in the form of a picture or illustration helped give players familiarized with the name before she became a more important character.

Lore and Background Hints Before Sote: Unraveling the Enigma

Beyond her direct appearances in clue scrolls, subtle hints about Ilfeen’s background and connection to the Elven lands could be gleaned from various in-game dialogue and lore elements that existed before the release of the Song of the Elves quest. These clues, while not explicitly mentioning Ilfeen by name, offered glimpses into the Elven society and their interactions with the wider world, laying the groundwork for her eventual introduction as a pivotal character.

Dialogue Hints From Non-Player Characters

While direct dialogue referencing Ilfeen was absent before Sote’s quest line, various NPCs throughout Gielinor alluded to the presence and nature of the Elven people. Conversations with elves involved in quests such as Regicide would give players information regarding the inner workings of the Elves, and their relationships with each other. These discussions would provide a brief history of Prifddinas, and hint that more elves existed beyond Lletya.

Further, examination of Elven artifacts and locations would also provide hints to the elven culture. This background information can help to further realize who Ilfeen is, and the significance of her role in the Song of the Elves questline.

Environmental Clues Throughout Gielinor

The environment itself also provided clues to the existence and activities of the Elven people. Hidden groves, ancient ruins, and secluded pathways hinted at their presence in various parts of Gielinor. While these locations may not have explicitly revealed Ilfeen’s involvement, they painted a picture of a secretive and watchful race, constantly monitoring the surrounding lands.

The Iorwerth Camp, even before it became a central location in the Song of the Elves quest, served as a reminder of the Elves’ presence in Isafdar. The camp’s layout, architecture, and purpose suggested a level of organization and strategic planning that hinted at a larger Elven presence in the region.

The Significance of Ilfeen’s Pre-Sote Locations

Understanding Ilfeen’s appearances before the Song of the Elves quest adds depth to her character and highlights the meticulous world-building of Old School RuneScape. These seemingly minor encounters demonstrate that Ilfeen was not simply a character created for a single questline but rather a part of the larger tapestry of the game’s lore.

Lore Significance Within the Grand Scheme

Her presence in clue scrolls highlights her role as a guardian of knowledge and a guide for those seeking answers. This reinforces her later role in the Song of the Elves quest, where she helps players navigate the dangerous Gauntlet and uncover the secrets of Prifddinas. The fact that she appears multiple times across Gielinor shows the presence of the elven people beyond Lletya and the importance they play within the grand scheme of the world.

Her Role in Character Development

By examining her earlier appearances, players can gain a deeper appreciation for her character development. From a simple clue scroll guide to a pivotal figure in the fight against Sote, Ilfeen’s journey reflects the larger narrative of the Elven people and their struggle to protect their home.

The simple act of aiding players in hard and elite clue scrolls speaks to her true character. While Sote and the other Elves are aggressive and dangerous, Ilfeen takes her time to provide aid to those who are looking for clues and secrets, and even helps outsiders in the fight to save the Elven capital.

Continuity Matters

The inclusion of Ilfeen as a clue scroll NPC demonstrates Jagex’s commitment to world-building and attention to detail. Rather than simply creating characters for specific quests, they integrate them into the broader game world, making them feel like a genuine part of the Old School RuneScape experience.

By continuing to add her throughout Old School RuneScape, Ilfeen has become a pivotal and important character, whose presense has been felt long before players ever step foot in Prifddinas.

Concluding Thoughts on Ilfeen’s Presence

Ilfeen’s presence in Old School RuneScape before the Song of the Elves quest was subtle but significant. While her appearances were primarily limited to clue scrolls, these encounters provided hints about her character, her role in the Elven society, and her connection to the larger game world. By uncovering these hidden details, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous world-building of Old School RuneScape and the richness of its lore. The clues provided hint toward Ilfeen’s larger role in the events that are to come, and her importance in the future of the game. What was once a simple clue scroll NPC eventually became one of the most crucial players in the Song of the Elves questline. She is a figure to watch, and a true hero in her own right.

Did you encounter Ilfeen before the Song of the Elves quest? Share your experiences and theories in the comments below! What subtle details have you noticed that might shed light on her background or her future role in the world of Gielinor? We want to hear your thoughts!