### **Summary of the Hand Wraps of the First Necromancer** The **Hand Wraps of the First Necromancer** are a rare cosmetic override that were introduced in RuneScape 3 during the launch period of the **Necromancy skill** on **August 7, 2023**. This item holds unique value because it was one of the first cosmetic overrides attributed specifically to the new Necromancy skill. The wraps were designed to complement the dark, magical aesthetic of Necromancy, and their limited acquisition window has driven rarity. These were likely obtainable via either Treasure Hunter promotions tied to Necromancy or tradeable from other players after the skill's release—thus embedding them deeply into the post-Necromancy content economy. Rarity is tied directly to both a small active-player base engaging during the launch cycle and its exclusivity as an aesthetic tied to the skill. The peaks and valleys in price largely correlate to broader game events (like dupes or gold influxes), as well as the general ebb and flow of cosmetic demand. --- ### **Interesting Pricing Trends and Key Influences** Looking at historical data, the item's price began hyperinflated at **2 billion GP** on **August 10, 2023**, coinciding with the peak hype surrounding Necromancy's release. The initial spike is common for high-demand items during major RuneScape content launches, especially with new skills. However, Necromancy's hype tapered once players completed initial content grinds. Prices rapidly descended to **395 million GP** on **August 11, 2023**, indicating early sellers undercutting the market alongside speculative flipping. By **August 25, 2023**, the price stabilized briefly near **105 million GP**, only to spike again to roughly **169 million GP** on **August 19, 2023** during further Necromancy updates. This volatility mirrored player engagement in learning the skill and likely tied into Hero Pass controversies, promising shifting cosmetic markets as players voiced dissent. Beyond September, a steady crash ensued—likely exacerbated by high global inflation in the game post-skill launch and stronger GP faucets in updates like Treasure Hunter expansions and Hero Pass manipulations. By **December 2024**, the item’s price now hovers around **13 million GP**, reflecting a stable low. --- ### **Historical Correlations and Update Influences** - **August 7, 2023 (Necromancy Release)**: Major expansion hype drove early speculators to buy and sell aggressively. The absurd 2 billion GP price reflects FOMO paired with limited supplies. - **September 5, 2023 (Hero Pass Controversy)**: Discontent with cosmetic monetization may have depressed demand for purely aesthetic items. Players focused instead on free/direct rewards from the game. - **November 8, 2023 (Red Portal Exploits, Lured Partyhats)**: Another GP redistribution event, flooding the economy with cash and hitting high-value trades. Prices of rarer cosmetics often dip afterward as GP liquidity expands. - **March 4, 2024 (Combat Update)**: Combat tweaks drew mid-game players back, boosting secondary market activity. Subsequent dips in April likely resulted from fewer buyers engaging due to post-combat burnout. - **June 25, 2024 (Bond Price Increase)**: As bonds increased to $8.99, lower disposable GP redirected focus toward necessities (like combat gear or bonds), suppressing aesthetic markets. - **July 22, 2024 (Sanctum of Rebirth)**: High player interest in the new boss inflated high-end item trade volume, undercutting focus on cosmetic flipping. --- ### **Price Prediction for the Next Few Months** Based on historical data and trends: 1. **Short Term: Stabilization (~8-13M GP)**: The Hand Wraps are currently experiencing their lowest prices since launch. This aligns with a broader post-event cool-off and an oversaturated cosmetic market. Expect continued consolidation around the **8-13M GP range** through **early 2025**, especially as there are no major Necromancy-linked updates on the immediate horizon. 2. **Long Term: Possible Upticks (~15M-22M GP)**: - **February-April 2025** could see an increase in price if further Necromancy skill expansions or Treasure Hunter-exclusive promotions occur. Additionally, players returning for new spring events may drive minor demand upticks. - However, absent new Necromancy updates, the Hand Wraps will likely remain a niche interest. Long-term price growth depends entirely on exclusivity perceived by collectors and returning veteran players. --- ### **Flipping Margins** Hand Wrap flipping margins are unusually tight for a cosmetic at this price tier due to oversupply and diminished speculative interest. However, a skilled merchant can: - **Buy Low (~11M)**: Use GE tracking tools to acquire during off-peak trading hours (e.g., early mornings or after content updates). - **Sell High (~13M-16M)**: Offer slight discounts under GE's market price during peak weekend activity. Margins hover around **2-4M GP per trade**, but low trade volume limits overall profit potential. Maximizing flips means employing *patient price cycling*, especially close to content launches that invigorate players who enjoy cosmetic collection. --- ### **Similar Items Worth Considering** 1. **Dark Lord's Robes (Halloween Cosmetics)**: These robes share a similar aesthetic tied to Necromancy themes. Historical price increases for holiday cosmetics suggest strong returns around seasonal events like Halloween. 2. **Necromancy-Themed Cosmetic Weapons**: Items such as the **Deathless Smithing Hammer** and **Obsidian Religious Relics** continue to draw demand due to their visual synergy with Necromancy. 3. **Treasure Hunter Limited Cosmetics**: Ogreflame Wardancers or Serpent's Fang Blade offer great flipping opportunities, especially when re-released during Treasure Hunter events. --- ### **Seasonal Trends and Timing Advice** - **Positive Seasons for Price Growth**: - **Spring & Late Summer Events**: Returning players or seasonal game updates inflate long-term collectible values. - **Pre-Halloween**: Cosmetics tied to dark or gothic aesthetics traditionally see heightened demand in September-October. - **Negative Seasons for Prices**: - **Post-Year-End Slump**: January to March usually depresses prices for luxury goods as many casual players return to combat/PvM content or Real-Life commitments. - **Major Update Periods (Gear/GP Heavy)**: Equipment-related updates often redirect GP allocation to functional goods, leaving aesthetics undervalued temporarily. By diversifying these timing strategies with a mix of low-risk aesthetic rebuys and dark-themed items, the Hand Wraps can complement a larger portfolio of speculative investments.