DergThunder (Runescape)
| |||
| Title | Healer | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unofficial title | Hand of Saradomin | ||
| Total level | 2370 | ||
| Combat level | 137 | ||
| Status | Active | ||
| Other names | Cameron Lobban | ||
| Nationality | British | ||
| Started playing | 2007 | ||
| Playstyle | 3-in-1 Hybrid | ||
| Best skill | Defence | ||
| Clan | Aegis of Saradomin | ||
DergThunder (RuneScape)
DergThunder is the in-game pseudonym of Cameron Lobban, also known as Thunder, a RuneScape player recognised for a support-based combat style combined with high-damage melee capabilities. Active since 2007, DergThunder is a longstanding member of the RuneScape community and is affiliated with the clan Aegis of Saradomin. Outside of RuneScape, Cameron Lobban is known as the creator of Scammer.info, a community dedicated to identifying and exposing online scams.
DergThunder’s gameplay is distinguished by cooperative healing during combat encounters and efficient farming of high-level monsters, particularly Adamant Dragons. His combat style is centred around leveraging critical hit mechanics to maximise damage output while simultaneously maintaining personal and team sustainability. By employing abilities like Greater Fury and utilising the Essence of Finality Amulet to store powerful special attacks, DergThunder maintains a balance between offensive power and restorative capabilities. This approach not only ensures sustained DPS but also enhances his ability to support allies during extended encounters.
With an investment exceeding 1.2 billion GP in high-end equipment, including Masterwork Armour and the Masterwork 2H Sword, DergThunder has developed a build that prioritises long-term combat efficiency. His ability to maintain full health without consumables, even in high-risk scenarios, is a testament to the effectiveness of his strategy.
The community’s perception of DergThunder is generally positive, recognising his dedication to optimising a combat style that blends power and support. His ability to endure high-level PvM content without relying on food demonstrates both expertise and a deep understanding of game mechanics. As a member of Aegis of Saradomin, he also contributes to collaborative efforts and engages in group content with a focus on maintaining ally health.
DergThunder’s achievements and innovative approach to combat have made him a notable figure within the RuneScape community, often serving as an example of how to combine high DPS with strategic support in demanding encounters.
Overview
- Username: DergThunder
- Clan: Aegis of Saradomin
- Combat Level: 137
- Years Active: 2007 – present
- Primary Focus: PvM Combat, Slayer, Player Support
- Signature Activity: Adamant Dragon Slayer and Support Healer
Gameplay and Activities
DergThunder is a highly efficient and self-sufficient player, primarily known for his extended trips to Adamant Dragons in the Brimhaven Dungeon and the Dragonkin Laboratory, among other Slayer assignments. His gameplay is centred around sustaining long combat sessions without relying on consumables like food or potions, making use of a combination of self-healing abilities, damage mitigation, and damage-boosting perks. This allows DergThunder to engage in extended Slayer tasks, often focusing on efficiency while maintaining a high level of survivability.
Self-Sustain and Efficiency
One of the core aspects of DergThunder’s approach is his ability to self-sustain in combat. His strategy revolves around patiently waiting for the Scripture of Ful to activate, granting a 20% damage boost for 15 seconds. Once activated, he immediately follows up with Greater Fury to guarantee a critical hit, maximising his damage potential. This is then seamlessly chained into the Saradomin Godsword special attack (used through his Masterwork 2H Sword via the Essence of Finality Amulet), resulting in substantial healing and prayer restoration.
This calculated sequence ensures that DergThunder can maintain both his combat strength (via Piety) and survivability, while completely avoiding the need for external healing methods like food or prayer potions. By leveraging this special attack in conjunction with his Absorbative 4 and Lucky 4 perks for damage reduction, he can comfortably endure extended combat sessions without relying on traditional consumables. This meticulous approach allows him to stay in combat for extended periods, even against formidable opponents.
Additionally, DergThunder makes use of the Defence Cape's Portent of Life to revive himself after death, providing an added layer of insurance in case he’s overwhelmed. The cape’s ability to grant a 25% (or 50% with Death’s Support) HP revival ensures that even when his health drops to zero, he can return to combat without significant loss, maintaining his efficiency and uptime in the field.
Altruism and Group Support
A distinctive feature of DergThunder’s gameplay is his altruistic approach to combat, particularly when assisting other players during high-level PvM encounters and Slayer tasks. Rather than solely focusing on personal gain, DergThunder actively seeks to support his fellow players by utilising the Lunar spellbook’s Heal Other ability. This spell allows him to transfer his own health to nearby allies, mitigating damage sustained by group members and significantly boosting team survivability.
Despite typically playing solo, DergThunder is known for his willingness to help random players who come to slay Adamant Dragons. If he notices someone struggling or lacking the resources needed to maximise their effectiveness, he will not hesitate to lend assistance. This includes using the Potion Share spell to provide them with the benefits of standard tradeable potions, such as Super Magic, Super Defence, and Super Melee, if they do not have their own, ensuring that they can maintain optimal combat performance.
What sets DergThunder apart from other high-level players is his consistent willingness to prioritise the well-being of others, even at the expense of his own efficiency. This cooperative mindset is particularly evident during competitive Slayer encounters, where many players might choose to prioritise personal gain. Instead, DergThunder demonstrates a remarkable level of commitment to community-oriented gameplay, ensuring that his allies remain in fighting condition regardless of his own potential losses.
Furthermore, DergThunder’s support doesn’t end with healing and buffs. He actively shares his extensive knowledge of PvM mechanics and strategies, offering guidance to less experienced players and helping them optimise their own setups. His willingness to share insights and provide practical advice has fostered a sense of camaraderie among those who encounter him during group activities.
This uncommon support mechanic in combat zones has drawn positive attention from the RuneScape community, as it highlights a selfless and collaborative playstyle that is often lacking in traditional combat-focused characters. Whether it’s providing critical healing at key moments, sharing powerful buffs, or encouraging others to refine their techniques, DergThunder’s actions reflect a deep commitment to the collective success of his team and the broader community.
As a result, his reputation as a helpful and selfless player has continued to grow, with many recognising his unique approach to teamwork and his willingness to contribute positively to the RuneScape community. His altruism not only enhances his own reputation but also encourages a more supportive environment among other high-level players.
Maximising Profit and Efficiency
DergThunder also prioritises efficiency in terms of gathering loot and maximising profit from combat activities. By making use of Magic Notepaper, he can quickly note valuable drops such as bones and high-value items without needing to leave the combat zone to bank. This allows him to engage in extended combat sessions, keeping his focus on defeating enemies while avoiding the interruptions of banking. This method not only maximises his profit per hour but also adds to his overall efficiency, enabling him to spend more time engaged in combat and less time managing inventory.
To complement this, DergThunder uses a Pack Mammoth summonable familiar to store additional resources, such as Overload potions and Super antifire potions. This further enhances his combat longevity and efficiency, particularly when fighting dragons or other high-level monsters that require extended attention. The Pack Mammoth allows him to carry a larger stock of supplies, ensuring he has everything he needs without being forced to interrupt his combat sessions for banking. This resource management tactic aligns with his methodical approach to RuneScape, where every aspect of gameplay is optimised for maximum uptime in combat.
Engagement in High-Level Slayer
A major part of DergThunder’s activities revolves around high-level Slayer, particularly in areas like the Brimhaven Dungeon and Dragonkin Laboratory, where he can engage in challenging combat encounters against powerful creatures such as Adamant Dragons and other dangerous foes. These areas are ideal for his high DPS setup, where he can efficiently complete Slayer tasks, all while maintaining self-sustainability and offering support to other players.
His build, tailored for high-damage output, damage reduction, and healing, is particularly effective in these environments, as it allows him to sustain long combat sessions without needing to rely on external support. Whether solo or in a group, DergThunder consistently seeks to optimise his combat efficiency while contributing positively to any Slayer task or encounter he participates in. This focus on Slayer efficiency, combined with his supportive nature, makes DergThunder a respected figure in the high-level PvM community.
Playstyle Analysis
DergThunder’s playstyle is characterised by a balance between offensive capability and sustainability, enabling prolonged engagements without relying on consumables. His approach combines critical hit synergy, efficient healing, and team support, making him effective in both solo and group PvM scenarios.
Critical Hit Synergy
The foundation of DergThunder’s strategy lies in utilising Greater Fury, an enhanced ability that guarantees critical hits. This approach maximises damage output while also forming the core of his healing strategy. The critical strikes contribute to significant damage when triggering the Saradomin Godsword special attack via the Essence of Finality Amulet.
When activated, the special attack restores a considerable portion of health and prayer points, maintaining combat readiness. This combination of critical strikes and restorative power supports consistent performance during extended encounters.
Damage Amplification and Risk Management
An essential component of DergThunder’s setup is the Scripture of Ful, which has a 6.6% chance to activate upon dealing damage. Once triggered, it grants a 15-second period where damage output is increased by 20%, but damage taken is also raised by 10%. By making use of this boost during critical hit windows, DergThunder aims to increase offensive potential while maintaining healing efficiency.
While the increased damage taken presents a risk, DergThunder mitigates this through continuous healing, precise ability timing, and careful resource management to ensure the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Sustainability and Resource Management
DergThunder’s playstyle focuses on self-sufficiency during prolonged combat. The combined healing effects of Greater Fury, the Saradomin Godsword special attack, and Soul Split create a cycle of damage and restoration. This synergy supports maintaining full health even in high-damage environments, such as extended fights with Adamant Dragons.
Additionally, DergThunder uses surplus healing to restore the health of nearby allies before employing his own special attack, demonstrating a practical approach to team support and resource management.
Community Perception
DergThunder’s approach to combat has gained recognition within the PvM community for its balance of power and sustainability. His investment of over 1.2 billion GP into his setup, including Masterwork Armour, the Masterwork 2H Sword, and the Essence of Finality Amulet, reflects his commitment to optimising performance. Some players view the investment as excessive, while others appreciate the balance between damage and survivability it provides.
His ability to solo high-level encounters without using food demonstrates effective utilisation of his loadout and playstyle, serving as a point of reference for high-level PvM enthusiasts.
Combat Role and Style
DergThunder’s build is optimised for melee combat, focusing on both personal survivability and the support of other players. Their ability to sustain high damage while maintaining healing capabilities creates a hybrid role, blending offence and support in Slayer and PvM scenarios.
Their primary targets include Adamant Dragons, where they benefit from perks such as Dragon Slayer for increased damage. The combination of defensive gear, healing mechanics, and cooperative support results in a unique and highly sustainable Slayer method.
Unique Aspects
Few players in RuneScape adopt a support-based role during Slayer tasks or PvM encounters. DergThunder’s consistent use of Heal Other during combat, as well as their focus on assisting nearby players, sets them apart from more traditional, efficiency-driven PvM players. This cooperative behaviour has earned them recognition within their clan and among frequent dragon slayers.
Equipment and Perks
Gear Loadout
| Item | Description / Function |
|---|---|
| Masterwork Helm | High-level melee defence helm. |
| Scripture of Ful | Grants a chance to trigger Gladiator's Rage, increasing damage dealt by 20% for 15 seconds. |
| Defence Cape | Provides additional defensive stats and sign of life effect. |
| Essence of Finality Amulet (Saradomin Godsword special) | Grants access to the Saradomin Godsword’s special attack, healing the user for 50% of the damage dealt. |
| Augmented Masterwork Platebody | Perks: Absorbative 4 (chance to reduce incoming damage); Lucky 4 (rare chance to reduce damage to 1). |
| Augmented Masterwork Platelegs | Perks: Invigorating 3 (increases adrenaline gain); Dragon Slayer (increases dragon damage); Scavenging 4 (chance to gain rare components). |
| Masterwork Boots | High-tier melee boots with strong defensive stats. |
| Masterwork Gloves | High-tier melee gloves providing additional defence. |
| Luck of the Dwarves Ring | Boosts rare drop chance and provides utility teleports. |
| Augmented Masterwork 2h Sword | Perks: Precise 6, Genocidal, Eruptive 4, Ruthless 3 (increases accuracy, Slayer task damage, ability damage, and stacking damage on kills). |
Scripture of Ful
The Scripture of Ful is an off-hand book that can be activated in the pocket slot, similar to scrimshaws. When activated, it provides a passive combat effect:
- Effect: There is a 6.6% chance on the release of a damaging attack to trigger Gladiator's Rage.
- Gladiator's Rage: Increases damage dealt by 20% and increases damage taken by 10% for 15 seconds.
- Recharge: Requires Manuscripts of Ful, with each page providing 45 minutes of active time. A fully depleted scripture requires 32 manuscripts to recharge, costing approximately 271,392 coins.
The scripture synergises with DergThunder’s high-damage melee build, enhancing damage output significantly during combat.
Notable Gear Perks
| Perk | Description |
|---|---|
| Precise 6 | Increases the minimum hit of abilities and auto-attacks by a percentage of their maximum hit, improving damage consistency. |
| Genocidal | Up to 4.9% bonus damage based on Slayer task completion progress. Average damage improvement of 2.5% over a task's duration. |
| Eruptive 4 | Increases the player’s ability damage stat by 2% (0.5% per rank), boosting most damage sources. |
| Ruthless 3 | Provides up to a 7.5% damage increase (1.5% per stack, 5 stacks) for 20 seconds after a kill. |
| Absorbative 4 | Grants a 20% chance to reduce damage by 20% (5% per rank), excluding hard typeless damage and PvP scenarios. |
| Lucky 4 | 2% chance (0.5% per rank) to reduce incoming damage to 1 on any damage type except hard typeless damage; does not work in PvP. |
| Invigorating 3 | Increases adrenaline gain with auto-attacks, supporting more frequent ultimate ability usage. |
| Dragon Slayer | Increases damage dealt to dragons by 7%, including Nodon dragonkin; does not affect revenant or Anagami dragons. |
| Scavenging 4 | Grants a chance to obtain uncommon or rare components from monsters that give combat experience, useful for gathering Invention materials. |
Equipment Synergy
DergThunder’s equipment is meticulously optimised for a balance of damage output, survivability, and utility, particularly in Slayer and extended PvM encounters. His setup is designed to ensure consistent high DPS, while incorporating defensive and support mechanics to bolster both his own sustainability and his effectiveness in aiding others.
Weapon & Amulet Synergy
- The Augmented Masterwork 2H Sword is among the most powerful melee weapons available, boasting tier 99 damage with tier 100 accuracy, ensuring exceptional offensive capability.
- The Essence of Finality Amulet, imbued with the Saradomin Godsword special attack, provides on-demand healing without requiring a weapon swap, allowing for seamless combat flow. This is particularly advantageous in extended fights, as it eliminates the need to manually equip a different weapon to access a healing special attack.
- His weapon perks are carefully selected to maximise damage consistency and Slayer effectiveness:
- Precise 6 increases the minimum hit of abilities and auto-attacks, ensuring more consistent damage output.
- Genocidal increases damage proportionally as a Slayer task progresses, capping at 4.9% extra damage.
- Eruptive 4 boosts ability damage by 2%, improving both direct and damage-over-time attacks.
- Ruthless 3 grants a stacking damage increase upon killing enemies, up to 7.5% total bonus damage when fully stacked.
This combination ensures high and sustained damage output, particularly in Slayer assignments, where Genocidal provides a noticeable edge. Furthermore, the ability to self-heal via the Saradomin Godsword special attack embedded in the Essence of Finality Amulet allows for improved combat efficiency and sustain.
Armour Synergy
- The Augmented Masterwork Platebody and Platelegs provide robust defensive benefits, featuring powerful perks that enhance both survivability and combat effectiveness:
- Absorbative 4 grants a 20% chance to reduce incoming damage by 5% per rank (for a total of 20% damage reduction at rank 4).
- Lucky 4 offers a 2% chance to reduce damage taken to 1, providing an extra layer of resilience in high-risk encounters.
- Invigorating 3 increases adrenaline gain from auto-attacks, allowing for faster access to ultimate abilities.
- Dragon Slayer grants a 7% increase in damage against dragons, making this setup particularly effective against dragon-type Slayer creatures such as Adamant and Rune Dragons.
- Scavenging 4 has a chance to generate rare and uncommon Invention materials when killing enemies, offering long-term benefits for crafting and upgrading gear.
The combination of Absorbative and Lucky perks significantly enhances damage mitigation, ensuring that DergThunder can endure prolonged fights. The increased adrenaline gain from Invigorating synergises particularly well with Ruthless 3 on his weapon, enabling frequent use of powerful abilities. However, the Slayer-specific nature of Dragon Slayer means that some of his bonuses are situational, particularly in non-dragon encounters.
Defensive Capabilities & Accessories
- The Defence Cape serves as a built-in Portent of Life, automatically reviving the wearer once per hour at 25% of their maximum life points (or 50% if Death’s Support is unlocked from Death’s Store).
- This effect does not occupy the pocket slot, meaning DergThunder can still utilise Scripture of Ful for additional passive damage.
- The cape’s resurrection effect maintains active buffs, prayers, and potion effects upon revival, allowing for an immediate return to combat without needing to reapply most effects. However, all remaining adrenaline is drained, and ability buffs such as Berserk are cancelled upon revival.
- The Luck of the Dwarves ring enhances rare drop chances, making PvM encounters more lucrative over time.
The Defence Cape’s Portent of Life effect serves as a valuable insurance policy in high-risk PvM scenarios, allowing DergThunder to take calculated risks without fear of losing progress. The ability to retain active buffs upon revival further ensures he remains combat-ready even after being reduced to 0 HP.
Overall Synergy
DergThunder’s equipment choices reflect a well-balanced approach to sustained PvM combat, combining high DPS, defensive resilience, and support-oriented mechanics. His setup is highly effective in Slayer encounters, leveraging perks like Genocidal, Ruthless 3, and Dragon Slayer to optimise damage output while maintaining significant durability through Absorbative 4, Lucky 4, and the Defence Cape’s revival effect.
His use of the Essence of Finality Amulet for healing negates the need for manual weapon swaps, streamlining combat efficiency. Additionally, the adrenaline-focused perks ensure frequent use of ultimate abilities, further reinforcing his high-damage potential.
While his Slayer-specific perks provide strong benefits, they may be less applicable in generalised PvM or high-level bossing scenarios. However, his combination of offensive power, sustainability, and defensive failsafes makes him exceptionally well-prepared for long-duration PvM engagements, team-based Slayer tasks, and high-risk combat encounters.
Personality and Community Involvement
DergThunder is known for their community-oriented approach within the RuneScape player base. Their consistent use of Heal Other spells and the willingness to assist unfamiliar players in high-level PvM environments reflect a cooperative and altruistic playstyle. They are regarded as a reliable figure among both their clan, Aegis of Saradomin, and other players frequently found at Adamant Dragons.
Over the years, DergThunder has also been known to engage in acts of generosity, including donating significant amounts of in-game wealth to other players.
Legacy and Reputation
Among veteran players and frequent visitors to Slayer areas such as the Adamant Dragons, DergThunder has developed a reputation as a supportive and dependable player. Their choice to prioritise healing others, while maintaining high personal damage output and efficiency, distinguishes them from more traditional Slayer-focused builds.
Their hybrid role as both a damage dealer and support player is rare in modern RuneScape PvM, where most Slayer tasks and boss fights emphasise self-sufficiency and personal profit.
