One of the lesser-known yet intriguing items in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is the ‘flier for Bob’s Axes.’ This item often piques the curiosity of new players who discover it dropped by various monsters or obtained through specific in-game activities. While it doesn’t hold significant combat value or market worth, the flier is a neat piece of lore and nostalgia that ties into one of the oldest shops in the game. Understanding where to get it, what it’s used for, and why it exists helps provide insight into the game’s depth and detail. It’s one of those quirky OSRS items that stands as a reminder of how rich and playful Gielinor’s world can be.
What Is the Flier for Bob’s Axes?
Basic Description
The flier for Bob’s Axes is a non-tradeable, low-weight item in OSRS that serves no practical function in gameplay but plays a small role in the game’s worldbuilding. It is a simple promotional handout advertising Bob’s Axes shop, which is located in Lumbridge. The flier is humorous in nature and adds a bit of personality to the shop and its NPC owner, Bob the axe seller.
In-Game Text and Purpose
When players examine or read the flier, it typically includes a promotional message from Bob, encouraging players to come to his shop and check out the available axes. The in-game description reflects Bob’s lighthearted attempt at marketing, adding a comedic flair. Despite being an advertisement, there is no mechanical use for the flier reading it does not trigger a quest, nor does it provide any bonuses or skills.
How to Obtain the Flier
Monster Drops
One of the most common ways players come across the flier is through monster drops. It is most frequently dropped by:
- Men and Women in Lumbridge or other low-level areas
- H.A.M. Members in the H.A.M. Hideout
- Other human-type NPCs
Because it’s a low-level item with no real combat value, it’s typically found during early gameplay, often discarded by experienced players but sometimes kept by collectors or lore enthusiasts.
Pickpocketing
Another method of obtaining the flier is through pickpocketing H.A.M. Members. While this method also yields other loot such as buttons, beads, and keys, the flier may show up occasionally, especially if the player is thieving for quest-related reasons.
Miscellaneous Sources
Some quests or random events might occasionally yield the flier, although this is not consistent or guaranteed. It’s important to note that the flier cannot be bought, traded, or stored in the bank (except in certain temporary storage systems), making it a fairly disposable item in terms of inventory management.
Bob’s Axes Shop Overview
Location and Inventory
Bob’s Axes is located in Lumbridge, just west of the general store and east of the castle. The shop is run by Bob, an NPC who not only sells axes but also plays a role in various game elements such as:
- Repairing Barrows equipment (with appropriate dialogue and access)
- Being involved in quests like Dragon Slayer and Animal Magnetism
The shop sells basic axes such as bronze, iron, and steel varieties. These are primarily used for Woodcutting, and it serves as a useful early-game vendor for players beginning their skilling journey.
Interaction With Bob
Interacting with Bob can lead to humorous conversations, and he’s part of various Easter eggs scattered throughout the game. Players who investigate the flier may be tempted to visit Bob’s shop just for fun, and while he doesn’t acknowledge the flier in dialogue, the thematic link adds flavor to the game’s immersive environment.
Lore and Easter Eggs
The Mystery of Bob
Bob is more than just an axe merchant. He’s one of the original characters from RuneScape Classic, and his presence has carried over through years of updates and changes. There are even rumors in the lore that Bob is related to various oddities in the game world, including strange happenings in Draynor or possible links to dragon-slaying adventures.
The Flier’s Joke Value
The flier for Bob’s Axes stands as a joke item meant more for amusement than utility. Many players compare it to other novelty items like the Cabbage from Draynor Manor or the Rubber Chicken during events. These items exist primarily to give the game world personality and make it feel like a real, quirky place.
Common Player Questions About the Flier
Does the flier do anything?
No. The flier for Bob’s Axes does not provide any stat boosts, teleport options, or skill bonuses. It is purely decorative and a flavor item.
Can the flier be used in a quest?
Currently, there is no known quest that requires or directly references the flier for Bob’s Axes. However, it is occasionally mistaken as a potential quest item by newer players due to its specific name and appearance.
Why keep the flier?
While most players discard it, collectors or those interested in OSRS lore often keep one as part of their novelty item stash. Others like to hold on to it as a memory of their early game adventures.
Can it be traded or sold?
No. The flier is untradeable and has no Grand Exchange value. Dropping it on the ground will delete it permanently unless picked up quickly.
Fun Ways to Use the Flier
Roleplay and Theming
Some players enjoy roleplaying in OSRS, and items like the flier can add to that. For instance, you might pretend to be a traveling salesman promoting Bob’s shop, handing out fliers (dropping them) in towns like Varrock or Falador.
Novelty Collections
If you’re a collector, you might have a tab in your bank for ‘weird items.’ The flier for Bob’s Axes fits right in with items like the Rusty Sword, Broken Arrow, or Chef’s Hat. These items represent the fun and silly side of RuneScape gameplay that goes beyond grinding XP or chasing profit.
While the flier for Bob’s Axes may not be a high-value or high-utility item in OSRS, it carries unique charm and nostalgia. It’s a reminder of how much detail and personality Jagex has built into the world of Gielinor. Whether you stumbled upon it from pickpocketing a H.A.M. Member or looted it off a defeated NPC, the flier adds a layer of humor and immersion to the game. Even though it doesn’t impact gameplay, it reflects the lighthearted spirit that keeps OSRS engaging for veterans and newcomers alike. Keeping it may not be practical, but for some, it’s a treasured oddity worth remembering.