How to Breed Scorpions OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Players

How to Breed Scorpions OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Players

Breeding scorpions in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) isn’t a literal mechanic in the game, but the phrase ties to a famous hard clue scroll step from Treasure Trails: “Read ‘How to breed scorpions’ by O.W. Thathurt.” This cryptic clue has puzzled many players, leading them on a quest to uncover its meaning. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about solving this clue, understanding scorpions in OSRS, and exploring related gameplay elements like Scorpia, the Wilderness boss. Whether you’re a Treasure Trail enthusiast or looking to tackle scorpions for Slayer tasks, this blog post has you covered with actionable steps and tips.

The “How to breed scorpions” clue is part of the hard-tier Treasure Trails, a series of challenges that send players across Gielinor to solve riddles, find items, or complete tasks. This specific cryptic clue directs players to a bookcase, but its quirky wording often leaves people scratching their heads. Let’s dive into what it means and how to solve it.

What Does the Clue Mean?

The clue references a fictional book titled “How to Breed Scorpions” by O.W. Thathurt, but there’s no actual book or scorpion-breeding mechanic in OSRS. Instead, it’s a riddle pointing to a location. The clue requires you to search a specific bookcase to progress in the Treasure Trail. Cryptic clues like this are designed to test your knowledge of the game’s world and its obscure corners.

Where to Find the Bookcase

To solve the clue, head to the Sorcerer’s Tower, located south of Seers’ Village and northeast of Ardougne. The bookcase you need is on the first floor (second floor in US terminology) of the tower. Specifically, it’s the northern bookcase. Searching it will reveal the next step in your Treasure Trail, such as another clue or a reward.

How to Get to the Sorcerer’s Tower

Reaching the Sorcerer’s Tower is straightforward, but here are the best methods to get there efficiently:

  • Ardougne Cloak Teleport: Use an Ardougne Cloak (from the Ardougne Diary) to teleport to the Ardougne farming patch. Walk northeast until you see the tower surrounded by magic trees.
  • Seers’ Village Lodestone: Activate the Seers’ Village lodestone and head south toward the tower.
  • Fairy Ring (BLR): Use the fairy ring code BLR to teleport near the Legends’ Guild, then walk west.
  • Combat Bracelet: Teleport to the Ranging Guild and walk southwest.

No items are required to solve this clue, making it accessible for most players tackling hard Treasure Trails.

Solving the Clue Step-by-Step

OSRS Ironman Guide to Wilderness Slayer Scorpion Task YouTube

Let’s walk through the exact process to ensure you nail this clue without frustration. Following these steps will get you to the bookcase and onto the next part of your Treasure Trail in no time.

Step 1: Accept the Hard Clue Scroll

Obtain a hard clue scroll from monster drops (e.g., hellhounds, greater demons), skilling activities, or other Treasure Trail rewards. Check your inventory to confirm the clue reads: “Read ‘How to breed scorpions’ by O.W. Thathurt.”

Step 2: Travel to the Sorcerer’s Tower

Use one of the teleport methods mentioned above. The Ardougne Cloak is the fastest if you’ve unlocked it. Once at the tower, you’ll notice four magic trees in the garden—a handy landmark.

Step 3: Locate the Northern Bookcase

Enter the tower and climb to the first floor. There are multiple bookcases, but you want the one on the north side. It’s easy to miss, so double-check your position.

Step 4: Search the Bookcase

Right-click the northern bookcase and select “Search.” You’ll either receive the next clue (e.g., a map, riddle, or coordinate clue) or, if it’s the final step, a reward casket. Congratulations—you’ve cracked the code!

Scorpions in OSRS – Beyond the Clue

While the clue doesn’t involve actual scorpion breeding, scorpions are a notable part of OSRS. From Slayer tasks to the fearsome Scorpia boss, understanding these creatures can enhance your gameplay. Here’s a look at scorpions and their role in the game.

Scorpion Types and Locations

Scorpions come in various levels and are found across Gielinor, especially in free-to-play areas. Here’s a quick overview:

Scorpion Type Combat Level Location Notes
Scorpion 14 Al Kharid Mine, Dwarven Mine, Musa Point Weak, ideal for low-level players
Scorpion 37 Stronghold of Security (Pit of Pestilence) Higher hitpoints, still manageable
Scorpion 59 Stronghold of Security, Wilderness Deadliest for free-to-play, max hit 6
King Scorpion 32 North of Ice Mountain Slightly stronger variant

These scorpions are often assigned as beginner Slayer tasks by low-level Slayer masters like Turael or Spria. They’re great for training combat but offer limited loot, typically ensouled scorpion heads or beginner clue scrolls.

Scorpions and Mining

Scorpions are infamous among miners, especially at the Al Kharid Mine, where they can interrupt low-level players. If you’re training Mining, keep an eye out for level 14 scorpions. Higher combat stats (30+) make you immune to their aggression, so level up if they’re a nuisance.

Scorpia – The Scorpion Boss

For players seeking a bigger challenge, Scorpia, a massive scorpion boss in the Wilderness, ties into the scorpion theme. While unrelated to the clue scroll, defeating Scorpia is a popular goal for Slayer tasks and loot hunters. Here’s what you need to know.

Where to Find Scorpia

Scorpia resides in a cave beneath the Scorpion Pit, located in level 53–55 Wilderness, northeast of the Chaos Elemental. Access it via:

  • Deserted Keep Lever: Pull the lever in Edgeville to teleport to the Deserted Keep, then run west.
  • Obelisk (POH): Use a player-owned house obelisk to teleport to level 50 Wilderness and head west.
  • 78+ Magic: Cast high-level teleports like Ice Plateau Teleport for faster access.

Be cautious—Scorpia’s lair is a hotspot for player-killers (PKers). Bring only what you’re willing to lose.

Strategies for Defeating Scorpia

Scorpia has 200 hitpoints and uses melee attacks that hit up to 16 and poison for 20 damage. Her offspring (level 30) use ranged attacks (max hit 2) and can poison for 6. At 99 health or below, she summons two guardians that heal her unless killed or lured away. Here’s a basic strategy:

  • Gear: Use high-defense melee or ranged gear. A Serpentine Helm or antipoison++ is essential for poison immunity.
  • Prayers: Activate Protect from Missiles to block offspring damage. Protect from Melee can help if you’re in Scorpia’s range.
  • Magic Attacks: Scorpia has low magic defense, so freeze her with Ice Barrage (94 Magic) or Ice Blitz (82 Magic) to stay out of melee range.
  • Guardians: Kill or freeze the guardians immediately, or lure Scorpia away to make them despawn after 15 seconds.
  • Inventory: Bring sharks or brews, prayer potions, and an emergency teleport (e.g., Amulet of Glory).

Scorpia drops valuable items like the Odium Shard 3 and Malediction Shard 3, used to craft powerful wards, plus a 1/2,016 chance for her pet, Scorpia’s Offspring.

Tips for Success with Scorpions and Clues

Whether you’re solving the “How to breed scorpions” clue or battling scorpions in-game, these tips will boost your efficiency and enjoyment.

Optimizing Treasure Trails

Hard clue scrolls can be time-consuming, so stack them up by completing beginner and medium clues to earn more via the Clue Scroll Reward Shop. Equip a Ring of Wealth to increase casket rewards. For the Sorcerer’s Tower step, always double-check the bookcase location to avoid wasting time.

Preparing for Scorpia and Wilderness

The Wilderness is risky, so set your player attack options to “Hidden” to avoid skull-tricking by PKers. Use the Menu Entry Swapper plugin (via RuneLite) to prevent accidental clicks on Scorpia’s offspring. Check your items-to-keep-on-death interface before entering the Wilderness.

Training with Scorpions

For Slayer or combat training, scorpions are low-effort targets. Focus on level 59 scorpions in the Stronghold of Security for decent experience, or tackle Scorpia for a bossing challenge. Use a Slayer Helm on-task to boost damage and accuracy.

By mastering the “How to breed scorpions” clue and understanding scorpions in OSRS, you’re ready to tackle Treasure Trails and Wilderness challenges with confidence. From searching bookcases to slaying Scorpia, these tips will help you succeed. Happy adventuring!