Runebird

The Runebird is an elite flying enemy found in the Moonlit Forest, specifically at the Gate of Life clearing. It serves as the first real combat challenge players face after entering the forest and plays a key role in the Apprentice Explorer trial for the Explorer profession. While not classified as a full boss like the Crystalith or Glintortle, the Runebird is a dangerous opponent that can catch unprepared players off guard with its varied attack patterns.

Location and Encounter

The Runebird is found in the Gate of Life clearing, located within the Evernight Forest section of the Moonlit Forest. This is one of the earliest areas players reach after entering the forest through the Damaged Door near the player's home. To reach the Runebird, players must navigate through the initial dark corridors of the Evernight Forest and locate the Gravestar puzzle at the gate. Solving the puzzle requires collecting three Gravestars by smashing orange glowing Gravecrystal rocks with a pickaxe. Once all three Gravestars are placed, the gate unseals and the path to the Runebird opens up.

Multiple Runebirds can be found throughout the Moonlit Forest beyond this initial encounter. However, the Gate of Life fight is the most significant because it blocks progression toward Dreamfall Garden and the rest of the forest.

Attack Patterns

The Runebird uses a mix of aerial and ground-based attacks that require players to stay mobile at all times.

• Swooping Dive: The Runebird descends rapidly from the air toward the player's position, dealing damage on contact. This is its most frequent attack and can be avoided by strafing to the side.

• Ranged Projectiles: While airborne, the Runebird fires projectiles at the player, forcing movement even at a distance. These travel in a straight line and can be sidestepped.

• Ground-Slam Shockwave: When the Runebird lands, it performs a ground slam that sends a shockwave outward from its landing point. Jumping over the shockwave or creating distance before the landing are the best ways to avoid this attack.

The Runebird's bright yellow stomach is its weak point. Slingshot pellets that hit this area deal increased damage, making it worthwhile to aim carefully rather than firing rapidly.

Combat Strategy

The Slingshot is the only effective weapon against the Runebird at this stage of the game. Players should equip Simple Pellets or Blast Pellets before entering the fight.

Circle strafing is the core technique for this fight. Move in a wide arc around the Runebird while keeping it in your sighting reticle. When it begins a swooping dive, change direction sharply to avoid the attack, then counter with slingshot shots aimed at its stomach. If you run low on health, sprint away to create distance and eat healing food before re-engaging.

Preparation

Before heading into the Moonlit Forest, players should prepare by crafting a Slingshot (2 Softwood + 2 Fiber) and stocking up on pellet ammo. Purchasing the Lamb Skewers recipe from the Exploration Club is highly recommended, as Lamb Skewers restore both Stamina and HP hearts. The recipe requires Meat Bites (made from meat using the Separator) and additional cooking ingredients. Players should also bring a Bug Net (2 Softwood + 2 Fiber) for catching Luminwing Butterflies after the fight, which are needed for the Luminpath puzzle in Dreamfall Garden.

Drops and Rewards

The Runebird Fragment is a valued gift for Zephyria (the Explorer Mentor) and can be given to her for Affection points. It also serves as a progression item within the Explorer profession questline.

Quest Connection

The Runebird encounter is part of the Apprentice Explorer trial within the Explorer profession chain. After defeating the Runebird at the Gate of Life, players continue deeper into the Moonlit Forest toward Dreamfall Garden, where they face the Luminfrog. Zephyria, the Explorer Mentor, oversees each trial milestone and rewards players for completing combat challenges throughout the forest.

Moonlit Forest Enemy Progression

The Runebird is the first combat encounter in the Moonlit Forest's progression chain. After defeating it, players advance through increasingly dangerous enemies and bosses.

Players who can defeat the Runebird with their slingshot should have the basic combat skills needed for the Luminfrog. The Crystalith and later bosses require significantly more ammunition and more advanced strategies.