### Detailed Analysis of the Second Age Platebody: #### **Overview of the Item** The Second Age Platebody is a rare and highly sought-after cosmetic item introduced as part of the Second Age equipment set, obtainable from high-tier Treasure Hunter promotions and elite clue scroll rewards. Its primary allure lies in the prestige associated with its rarity, luxurious design, and ties to lore regarding the Second Age, which holds deep historical significance in RuneScape's timeline. This item is purely cosmetic and cannot be augmented or otherwise used in combat. #### **Release Date and Rarity** The platebody became tradable after its addition to Treasure Hunter during *The Shadow Hunter* promotion in 2014. Classified as a rare reward, its acquisition odds are extremely low, especially compared to more common cosmetic items. Its limited supply, in combination with high initial demand among collectors, solidified its status as a premium item. Rarity continues to increase as many players who acquire it keep it as a collectible, further limiting the volume circulating in the market. --- ### **Historical Price Trends** Based on the data provided, the Second Age Platebody has experienced significant price volatility. In analyzing pricing shifts, the most notable observations include: 1. **Initial Market Surge (2021-2022)** The price peaked at *1.3B GP (Nov 2021)* during a period of rampant inflation following the rollback dupe crisis (Jan 2021). The rollback introduced trillions in GP into the economy, inflating the prices of collectibles and rares. Additionally, the introduction of high-income bosses like Croesus (Sep 2021) created more wealthy players willing to buy high-value prestige items. 2. **Correction Phase (2022)** With the Duel Arena's removal (Jan 2022) and the Fresh Start Worlds update (Sep 2022), there was a dip in demand for rare items. The declining GP faucet from traditional gambling mechanics, coupled with the shift in player attention to Fresh Start Worlds, saw the platebody settle around the *700-800M GP range*. 3. **Major Volatility Events (2023-2024)** - The Necromancy skill update (Aug 2023) caused a brief dip to 330M GP, likely due to players liquidating assets to buy high-demand Necromancy gear. However, the item's price quickly rebounded once the hype faded. - The Hero Pass backlash (Sep 2023), combined with the Black Partyhat release (Dec 2023), led to subsequent market corrections. These events reinforced GP injection via Treasure Hunter and further skewed the market's balance. - After a relative rebound to 989M GP in April 2024, a decline to 738.65M GP (Nov 2024) followed the *Max Cash update exploit* (May 2024), which flooded the economy with excess gold, leading to a degree of collector fatigue and inflation. --- ### **Price Prediction (Late 2024 to Early 2025)** Based on these historical trends and market behavior: 1. **Short-Term (1-3 months):** Expect prices to hover in the *750-800M GP range*. Stabilization will occur after the GIM bank bug dupe (Nov 2024) dissipates and Treasure Hunter GP injection levels off. Incremental interest in collectibles could lead to slight upward momentum. 2. **Intermediate Term (4-6 months):** Prices may slowly retrace closer to the *850-950M GP range*, assuming no additional catastrophic updates. The *Sanctum of Rebirth* (July 2024) indirectly created higher wealth generation due to increased bossing income, which is likely to sustain demand. However, overdependence on Treasure Hunter as a GP faucet means future updates could continue to spike inflation. 3. **Long-Term Outlook:** By mid-2025, prices could breach *1B GP again* if Jagex slows down major releases of new endgame content while simultaneously shifting attention back to collectible markets. Conversely, another GP exploit event or a controversial Treasure Hunter rework could trigger further instability. --- ### **Typical Flipping Margins** The Second Age Platebody is best suited for experienced merchants due to its low volume and high baseline value. Typical flipping profits are between *50M-100M GP per trade* but require patience, as large movements in price favor medium- to long-term holders. During times of hype, margins can briefly expand to *150M GP+*, particularly when major updates shift attention to wealth redistribution across the market. #### Current Strategy: - Purchase at the *750M-780M GP range* during market consolidations. - Sell closer to *850M-900M GP* once the economic environment steadies. --- ### **Other Items to Monitor/Invest** For diversification, consider these items that follow somewhat similar market conditions: 1. **Second Age Robe Top & Mask** - Historically rises and falls in tandem with the platebody. May offer slightly lower entry points while maintaining similar percent returns. 2. **Elite Tectonic Armor Pieces** - Influenced by high-income bossing trends (e.g., Arch-Glacor), making them more liquid for flipping during PVM-focused updates. 3. **Shadow Dye (and other dyes)** - These items share similar demand drivers as prestige collectibles but feature broader liquidity due to use in gear customization. 4. **Black Partyhat (new partyhat)** - Recently added in Dec 2023, this item's collectible nature makes it subject to speculative booms and busts like the Second Age Platebody. --- ### **Market Seasonality** - **Positive Price Cycles:** - Post-major skill releases (e.g., Necromancy) tend to see recoveries in cosmetic markets as demand normalizes. - The period following holiday GP sinks (e.g., Thanksgiving and Christmas promotions) generally benefits collectible markets as players have renewed purchasing power. - **Negative Price Cycles:** - Periods of large-scale Treasure Hunter updates with GP-focused rewards (e.g., April 2024's 1B GP Treasure Hunter). - Exploit-fueled market liquidations (e.g., Max Cash update). --- In conclusion, investing in the Second Age Platebody is a long-term play reliant on timing updates and economic flux. Target dips caused by overreaction to game-breaking bugs or Treasure Hunter abuse, and sell during periods of collector-driven market rebounds or stability.