OSRS Desert Treasure I Quest Guide Unlocking Ancient Magicks
Desert Treasure I is one of the most iconic quests in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), celebrated for its challenging boss fights and the coveted reward of the Ancient Magicks spellbook. This grandmaster quest takes players deep into the Kharidian Desert to uncover the secrets of the Mahjarrat Azzanadra, offering a thrilling mix of combat, exploration, and lore. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the quest’s requirements, preparation, step-by-step walkthrough, boss strategies, and rewards to help you conquer this legendary adventure.
Desert Treasure I revolves around freeing Azzanadra, a powerful Mahjarrat, from his pyramid prison by collecting the four Diamonds of Azzanadra. Known for its difficulty, the quest demands a combination of combat prowess, preparation, and strategic planning. It’s a favorite among players seeking to unlock the Ancient Magicks spellbook, particularly for the Ice Barrage spell, a staple in player-versus-player (PvP) combat.
Quest Prerequisites
Before starting Desert Treasure I, you must complete the following quests:
Skill Requirements
The quest requires the following skill levels, which cannot be boosted:
- 53 Thieving
- 50 Magic
- 50 Firemaking
- 10 Slayer (or a gas mask from Plague City)
Additionally, a high Agility level is advantageous, and you must be able to defeat tough enemies above level 150. Recommended skills include 43+ Prayer, 65+ Hitpoints, 61+ Magic, and 70+ Defence.
Preparation and Recommended Items
Proper preparation is crucial for Desert Treasure I due to its demanding combat encounters and desert environment. Below is a breakdown of essential and recommended items to bring.
Essential Items
These items are required to progress through the quest:
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 650 Coins | 1 | Buy Bandit’s Brew |
| Magic Logs | 12 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Steel Bars | 6 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Molten Glass | 6 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Ashes | 1 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Charcoal | 1 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Blood Rune | 1 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Bones | 1 | Eblis’ ritual |
| Silver Bar | 1 | Dessous fight |
| Garlic | 1 | Dessous fight |
| Spice | 1 | Dessous fight |
| Lockpicks | 20-50 | Shadow Diamond chest |
| Spiked Boots | 1 | Ice Diamond path |
| Face Mask/Slayer Helmet | 1 | Smoke Diamond |
Recommended Items
These items will make the quest smoother:
- Shantay Passes and Waterskins: For desert travel.
- Prayer Potions (2+): For boss fights.
- Super Antipoison: For poison protection.
- Energy/Stamina Potions: For running in the desert.
- High-Healing Food: Monkfish or Sharks.
- Graceful Clothing: Weight reduction for agility sections.
- Emergency Teleport: For quick escapes.
- Ring of Charos (a): Discounted carpet rides.
- Ice Gloves: Optional for Fareed fight.
Tip: Avoid wearing Saradomin or Zamorak items in the Bandit Camp to prevent aggression from NPCs.
Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough
The quest begins in the Bedabin Camp and involves gathering the four Diamonds of Azzanadra. Here’s a detailed walkthrough.
Starting the Quest
- Travel to the Bedabin Camp (via Shantay Pass or fairy ring BIQ). Speak to Asgarnia Smith, the archaeologist, near the magic carpet merchant.
- He gives you etchings to deliver to Terry Balando at the Dig Site Exam Centre. Travel there (east of Varrock) and hand over the etchings.
- Terry provides a translation. Return to Asgarnia Smith and agree to help him (select “Don’t read book” and accept his 50/50 split).
- Head south to the Bandit Camp. Buy a Bandit’s Brew for 650 coins from the bartender and ask about the four Diamonds of Azzanadra.
- Speak to Eblis in the eastern building. Deliver the required items (12 Magic Logs, 6 Steel Bars, 6 Molten Glass, Ashes, Charcoal, Blood Rune, Bones) and meet him at the mirrors southeast of the camp.
Collecting the Diamonds
You must obtain the Blood, Ice, Smoke, and Shadow Diamonds in any order. Each involves a unique boss fight.
Blood Diamond (Dessous)
- Go to Canifis (fairy ring CKS) and speak to Malak in the pub. He tasks you with killing Dessous.
- Travel to Draynor Sewers and have Ruantun craft a silver pot. Take it to Entrana to bless it at the Law Altar.
- Return to Malak, who fills the pot with blood (dealing 50 damage). Add garlic powder (crush garlic with pestle and mortar) and spice to the pot.
- Prepare for combat (level 84 boss). Head to the Morytania Graveyard, use the pot on Dessous’ tomb, and defeat him. Use Protect from Magic and Melee, switching every tick to avoid damage.
- Collect the Blood Diamond.
Ice Diamond (Kamil)
- Speak to the Troll Child near Trollheim. Offer a cake or chocolate bar and agree to help.
- Enter the ice gate (Protect from Melee), kill 5 ice trolls, and proceed through the cave.
- Fight Kamil (level 126). Use Protect from Magic to force him into melee range, then switch to Protect from Melee. Use fire spells if maging.
- Follow the icy path, equip spiked boots, and climb the ledge. Cross the bridge, cast fire spells to free the frozen trolls, and receive the Ice Diamond.
Warning: A level 95 stranger may attack with a poisoned dragon dagger if you carry any diamond. Bank diamonds immediately.
Smoke Diamond (Fareed)
- Travel to Pollnivneach via carpet. Enter the smoke well with a face mask or slayer helmet.
- Prepare for Fareed (level 120). Use water spells (if maging) or melee with ice gloves for weapons. Protect from Melee is essential.
- Defeat Fareed and collect the Smoke Diamond.
Shadow Diamond (Damis)
- Speak to Rasolo south of Baxtorian Falls. Pick the secure chest in the Bandit Camp’s southern tent (requires 20-50 lockpicks).
- Give the gilded cross to Rasolo for the Ring of Visibility. Equip it to access the dungeon ladder east of Rasolo.
- Fight Damis (level 124, then 135). His second form drains Prayer rapidly. Use Protect from Melee and safespot by luring bats or rats to stack NPCs.
- Collect the Shadow Diamond.
Completing the Quest
- Return to Eblis with all four diamonds. Go to the Jaldraocht Pyramid southeast of the mirrors.
- Place each diamond in the corresponding obelisk (match colors; requires 50 Magic). Enter the pyramid and navigate its traps (keep run on, use Prayer to avoid mummy damage).
- Pray at the altar twice to unlock Ancient Magicks and complete a Desert hard diary task.
- Speak to Azzanadra to finish the quest.
Boss Fight Strategies
Each boss has unique mechanics, requiring specific combat styles:
- Dessous: Immune to Ranged; use Magic or Melee. Tick-switch prayers to negate damage.
- Kamil: Fire spells are mandatory for mages. Protect from Melee after forcing melee range.
- Fareed: Water spells or melee with ice gloves. Protect from Melee and wear a face mask.
- Damis: Safespot his second form to manage Prayer drain. Use Melee or Magic.
Tip for Pures: Bosses can be defeated with a cannon, but expect to use 500+ cannonballs. Avoid Hitpoints XP by careful planning.
Rewards and Post-Quest Benefits
Completing Desert Treasure I offers substantial rewards:
- 3 Quest Points
- 20,000 Magic XP
- Ancient Magicks Spellbook: Includes powerful spells like Ice Barrage, ideal for PvP and Slayer.
- Ring of Visibility: Reobtainable from Rasolo if lost.
- Ancient Staff: Purchase from Eblis for 80,000 coins (one-time) or obtain from mummies.
- Ancient Signets: Free from Eblis post-quest.
Post-quest, you can access the pyramid’s back door for quick spellbook switches (note: this drains Prayer to 0). Teleport to Paddewwa (2 Law, 1 Air, 1 Fire Rune) for a Varrock hard diary task.
Desert Treasure I is a cornerstone of OSRS, blending intense combat with rich storytelling. With this guide, you’re equipped to tackle its challenges and unlock the power of Ancient Magicks. Share your quest experiences in the comments, and happy adventuring!