Near the Open Desert I Reside OSRS Guide and Insights

In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), clue scrolls provide players with exciting challenges and rewarding treasure hunts. One intriguing beginner clue scroll riddle, “Near the open desert I reside, to get past me you must abide. Go forward if you dare, for when you pass me, you’ll be sweating by your hair,” has captured the attention of both new and seasoned players. This cryptic clue, part of the Treasure Trails, directs players to a specific NPC in a desert setting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the solution to this clue, its significance in OSRS, tips for completing it, and how it fits into the broader Treasure Trails system. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member, this blog post will help you navigate this desert mystery with ease.

The clue “Near the open desert I reside” is a beginner-level cryptic clue found in OSRS Treasure Trails. Cryptic clues are riddles that require players to perform specific tasks, such as speaking to an NPC, searching objects, or digging in a particular location. This particular clue is designed to be accessible, making it ideal for new players exploring the game’s mechanics. Let’s break down the clue and its solution.

Decoding the Riddle

The riddle reads: “Near the open desert I reside, to get past me you must abide. Go forward if you dare, for when you pass me, you’ll be sweating by your hair.” Each line provides hints about the NPC’s location and role:

Near the open desert I reside: This points to a location close to a desert, specifically the Kharidian Desert in OSRS.
To get past me you must abide: Suggests the NPC is a gatekeeper or someone who controls access to an area.
Go forward if you dare: Implies a challenge or risk, possibly the harsh desert environment.
You’ll be sweating by your hair: Refers to the heat of the desert, reinforcing the desert setting.

Solution: Shantay at Shantay Pass

The solution to this clue is to speak with Shantay, an NPC located at the Shantay Pass, just south of Al Kharid. Shantay is the gatekeeper to the Kharidian Desert, and players must interact with him to access the desert or purchase supplies like waterskins to survive the heat. This makes him the perfect fit for the riddle, as he resides near the desert and controls passage into it.

How to Complete the Clue Step-by-Step

Completing this clue is straightforward, especially for F2P players, as it requires no combat or special items. Here’s a step-by-step guide to solving it efficiently.

Step 1: Obtain a Beginner Clue Scroll

Beginner clue scrolls can be obtained by:

Killing low-level monsters like goblins or men/women in Lumbridge or Al Kharid.
Pickpocketing H.A.M. members (requires partial completion of the H.A.M. Hideout).
Completing other beginner clues, as they may reward additional scrolls.

Once you have the scroll, read it to reveal the riddle.

Step 2: Travel to Shantay Pass

Shantay Pass is located just south of Al Kharid, a city accessible to all players. To get there:

Start in Lumbridge (use the Home Teleport if needed).
Walk north through Lumbridge, cross the bridge, and head toward Al Kharid.
Exit Al Kharid’s southern gate to reach Shantay Pass.

Alternatively, if you’re in Varrock, walk southwest through the desert gate to Al Kharid. For faster travel, use an Amulet of Glory to teleport to Al Kharid’s palace, then head south.

Step 3: Speak to Shantay

Locate Shantay at the Shantay Pass. He’s near the entrance to the Kharidian Desert, standing by a tent. Simply talk to him, and he will advance your clue scroll, either by giving you the next step or completing the trail. No additional items or actions are required.

Step 4: Prepare for the Desert

While this clue doesn’t require entering the desert, it’s wise to carry a few items in case your next clue step takes you further:

Waterskins: Purchase from Shantay to prevent desert heat damage.
Desert clothing: Reduces water consumption in the desert.
Food: For emergencies, especially if you’re low-level.

Why This Clue Matters in OSRS

The “Near the open desert I reside” clue is more than just a simple riddle—it’s an introduction to the Treasure Trails system and the Kharidian Desert, a key region in OSRS. Here’s why it’s significant for players.

Accessibility for New Players

Beginner clues like this one are designed to be F2P-friendly, requiring no membership or high-level skills. They teach players how to navigate the game world, interact with NPCs, and solve puzzles, making them a great starting point for Treasure Trails.

Introduction to the Kharidian Desert

The clue introduces players to the Kharidian Desert, a vast area with quests like Desert Treasure and locations like the Bedabin Camp. By directing players to Shantay Pass, it encourages exploration of this unique environment.

Rewards from Beginner Clue Scrolls

Completing beginner clue scrolls can yield rewards such as:

Cosmetic items: Like the black wizard hat or studded chaps.
Gold coins: Useful for early-game purchases.
Additional clue scrolls: To continue the treasure hunt.

While rewards are modest compared to higher-tier clues, they’re valuable for new players building their bank.

Tips and Tricks for Treasure Trails

To make the most of this clue and other Treasure Trails, consider these strategies to streamline your experience.

Use Teleports for Efficiency

Teleports save time when traveling to clue locations. For Shantay Pass, the Amulet of Glory (Al Kharid teleport) is ideal. If you’re a member, the Ring of Dueling can teleport you to the Duel Arena, close to Al Kharid.

Carry a Clue Scroll Kit

Prepare a small inventory for clue scrolls, including:

Item	Purpose
Spade	For digging clues
Waterskins	Desert survival
Teleport items	Quick travel
Food	Healing in dangerous areas

Check Community Resources

If you’re stuck, the OSRS community offers plenty of help. Websites like the OSRS Wiki or Reddit’s r/2007scape provide detailed clue solutions. For this clue, posts on Reddit and YouTube videos confirm Shantay as the solution.

Exploring the Kharidian Desert Beyond the Clue

Once you’ve solved this clue, the Kharidian Desert offers more adventures. Here are some activities to consider after visiting Shantay Pass.

Quests in the Desert

The desert is home to quests like:

The Tourist Trap: Teaches players about desert survival.
Desert Treasure: A challenging quest for members with powerful rewards.
Beneath Cursed Sands: A newer quest expanding the desert storyline.

Training and Skilling Opportunities

The desert offers skilling spots, such as:

Agility Pyramid: For Agility training and gold.
Kalphite Cave: For combat training and Slayer tasks.
Mining in Al Kharid: Iron and coal rocks for early Mining levels.

Lore and Exploration

The Kharidian Desert is rich in lore, with locations like Uzer and Menaphos. Exploring these areas can deepen your appreciation for OSRS’s world, especially if you enjoy archaeology-themed content like the Varrock Dig Site.

Conclusion

The “Near the open desert I reside” clue is a perfect example of how OSRS blends exploration, puzzles, and accessibility for all players. By speaking to Shantay at the Shantay Pass, you’ll not only complete this beginner clue but also take your first steps into the expansive Kharidian Desert. Whether you’re chasing rewards, learning the ropes of Treasure Trails, or diving into desert adventures, this clue is a gateway to the wonders of OSRS. Grab your clue scroll, head to Al Kharid, and let Shantay guide you to your next treasure!