~~Issue 895 Discussion Thread~~Collab #14- Neovian Gothic!~~

[Carolyn]

Issue 895


Night in Neovia did not fall so much as roll over and settle more deeply into the dense, foggy gloom that veiled the formerly cursed town even by daytime. The muted chime of the bell tower insisted that the hour was late, the last lanterns were put out and the last workers and patrons were spilled onto the street, their parting words quickly swallowed by the mist.

-- Liou

NTWF entries

Articles:

Writing a Gothic Story: Just Add Monocles! by June Scarlet and Carolyn

Duke Pikachu -

The Neovian Printing Press's Gothic Selection

SPOILER: Click to show

Neovian Gothic. A term that sounds specific but the actual definition is ambiguous. It can refer to the architecture of Neovia, a town seemingly stuck in a black-and-white monster movie. It can refer to the culture that the Neovians exhibit, proper gentleman in fancy dinner suits and lady socialites in elaborate dresses. But more commonly it refers to a type of story genre (and its connected subgenres) that’s like a step back from a modern day setting. It’s considered an ideal setting for mysteries, thrillers, and creature features as the audience can more readily relate to the protagonists while the protagonists are limited to what the times had to offer to save the day. But don’t take my word for it, who better to ask about the Neovia Gothic genre than the Pteri Shopkeeper who runs the bookshop that specializes in books of that genre? She’s excited to show us all:

THE NEOVIAN PRINTING PRESS’S GOTHIC SELECTION
images.neopets.com/shopkeepers/106.gif
"Neovia is a great setting for a book,
Especially for a story looking to spook!"

NEOVIAN MYSTERY BOOKS:
Dark Book (Turn the pages of this heavy volume carefully, for it encloses a shadowed past and secrets yet untold...)
Dark Tales of Neovia (Narrated by a Korbat named Alfred Pensworth III, these tales are not for the faint of heart.)
Neovian Darkfall (Neovia may be spooky, but it gets even more sinister after dark.)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “If you’re looking for the most classic examples of our gothic lineup then the Neovian Mystery category is where you should look. These books are written by proclaimed Neovian authors who knew more about Neovia than some families who have lived in Neovia for generations. It’s believed they took many secrets with them to their grave, though they gave us a glimpse of a few through these mystery novels.

If you ever heard any rumors about Neovia’s foundation or its construction it’s likely from the Dark Book. The original text was written by a Neovian socialite who lived more than a century ago. Her family was involved with creating the infrastructure and implies a lot of dark magic was involved, both working with it and against. Each mystery she presents seemingly starts in the middle and unexpectedly ends suddenly with little conclusion. Some have tried to investigate the mysteries but the blueprints she included don’t match any in the town hall archives. Many investigators suggest she made up locations to prevent Neopians from meddling with forces beyond their understanding. So cool!

Dark Tales of Neovia is written as an anthology of personal stories. Alfred Pensworth III, famous for his stage performances, wrote the introduction for each story in his unrelenting monotone style. We’re told about the protagonist and an aspect of their life, the themes to look out for, and the lesson to be learned. And then the story begins, the reader acting as if they’re a detective looking into the past to see where the themes and lesson connect, usually at the point where things turn for the worst. To be in the protagonists shoes when that happens must be pretty thrilling!

If an anthology isn’t your style, Neovian Darkfall is similar but uses supposedly real life reports of strange activities during the night. The author wrote detective stories and possibly saw themselves as a detective, interviewing witnesses of what they saw and wrote of his investigations. The book was revised a few years after it was released to include more interviews which the author had collected for a second volume he never got to write. It’s suspected that he was investigating one of those reports when the author vanished under mysterious circumstances. I wish one day I’d be able to follow in his footsteps, but let’s move on to the next category.”

DARK STORY BOOKS:
Disturbing Disturbances (Sometimes a creak in the night isnt just a creak in the night...)
Footsteps in the Night (You cant help but get nervous when you hear footsteps in the night...)
Lost in the Dark (Read the frightful tale of being lost in darkness without even a match.)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “Unlike the above mystery books, I’m not sure how true any of these stories are... or for the mystery books for that matter. Though to clear up a small confusion, these books aren’t called “dark” because they’re scary stories. All these books have to do with the night or darkness, making them for a good bedtime read.

Disturbing Disturbances explores the fear of mysterious noises at night, making it the main antagonist. It’s hard not to go into spoilers so I’ll keep things brief. The author creates an atmosphere of unease as you read about a string of nighttime attacks that have made the protagonists on edge. Every creak and bump their homes make is like a monster ready to pounce on them at any second, *whispers the next few words* and they’re not far off from the truth.

Footsteps in the Night is the same idea but with footsteps instead of house noises. But, instead of slowly building dread, the author would write in a breakneck pace as the protagonist would start running through the streets; signs become blurs and the only sound being a cacophony of footsteps. It gets your heart racing as if you’re the one running; in fact I was unable to finish it as at the end of each chapter I found I actually did run a few blocks down the street!

But if you’re the type who just wants to get to the point then Lost in the Dark takes no time for things to go black. Our protagonists find an underground cave in the first few pages and go down it, leading them to a sightless world where even light can’t guide them and must trust their other senses to survive. It makes you think how much we rely on our eyesight and the horror of when it’s suddenly taken away in a dangerous place. I’ve tried navigating around my house with the lights off after reading it; it was an expensive and painful endeavor I wouldn’t suggest trying more than once.”

“BEYOND” BOOKS:
Spooky Stories About the Beyond (Follow ghost hunters as they track down ghosts and send them away for good.)
Spooky Stories From the Beyond (Every day is a struggle to avoid those pesky ghost hunters.)
Stories from Beyond (These are based on true events that happened to Neopians.)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “Neovia has a close connection to the world of the dead. That’s what these books mean by “beyond”, by the way; some feel “dead” is a bit too strong of a word. Personally I think that’s why we should use the word, to show the importance of our beliefs about the world of the dead. Speaking of which, that is exactly what these books are about. I apologize for the roundabout way of saying that, but I felt I had to emphasize the importance of the topic which the approved category title doesn’t fully convey.

Spooky Stories About the Beyond is a collection of case reports from a handful of ghost hunting groups, probably the most recognizable name being the Ghoul Catchers. Because these are case reports, not only do they describe the encounter in detail, they also have the theories and results from experiments performed on the scene. The theories are often scientific mumbo jumbo but also have a basis in Neovian’s beliefs when it comes to why the ghost is there and how to send it to the world of the dead. I thought about joining a ghost hunting group on one of their encounters but I didn’t want to get in trouble for trespassing if the ghost turns out to be the owner of the house; that would be embarrassing.

On the flip side, Spooky Stories From the Beyond was a response piece to the “About” book of the ghosts’ experience with ghost hunters. One of Neovian’s beliefs is that, until a ghost fully passes onto the world of the dead, they are still part of the world of the living as we are. Of course they should be sent to the world of the dead as soon as possible, but if there’s something holding them here then they still have their rights and property. But many of the novice ghost hunters tend to ignore this belief, entering the homes of ghosts and pestering them which could end up preventing the ghost from discovering what’s holding them to the world of the living. To be fair, “About” are all from professional ghost hunters who understand the beliefs and as often help the ghost as they do exorcise them. However many ghosts have had awful experiences with ghost hunters which left them further tethered, hoping that telling their side of the story would discourage reckless ghost hunting. It can be a hard read; sometimes because you feel bad for the ghost, sometimes because you have to get past the wailing.

We’ve heard from ghost hunters and the ghosts themselves, but what about the average Neopian you’re probably asking. Huh, you weren’t going to ask that? Well you don’t need to, because Stories From Beyond is the answer! This collection of haunting encounters expands across all over Neopia, each chapter focused on a different land. It’s considered an important book by Neovian paranormal investigators as they say many of the incidents show proof of the beliefs being true along with a bunch of exceptions that also prove them. Wish I had my own ghost encounter to include, but even for the dead the book stores power to repel remains strong.”

MIDNIGHT BOOKS:
The 12th Chime (An hour that is often feared but sometimes celebrated.)
The Eve of the Eve (Will you survive the night before All Hallows Eve?)
Waiting for Midnight (Its quite difficult if you have to stay up past your bedtime...)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “Keeping track of time is very important here in Neovia as it’s always dark out; it can be hard to tell when it’s day or night. Even so, there is a time during the night hours where darkness rolls through Neopia like a blanket of fog, making it as dark as the rest of the Haunted Woods: midnight. In a previous category, the “Dark” books, part of their theme was about happenings at night. These “Midnight” books have a similar theme but focus specifically on the darkest time of the night and all the superstitions that surround it.

The 12th Chime is your go-to guide for the midnight hour. Its pages are full of legends and stories from all over Neopia about events that happen and creatures that come out at midnight. But they don’t leave it at just that, each story is thoroughly examined by paranormal investigators, scholars, magic users including Faeries, and the local natives; all who have their own beliefs and explanations on what’s happening. While I’m normally more interested in the stories, the additional examinations provide plenty of fun ideas; you can usually tell which are the best ones as they come with a “don’t do this at home” warning.

The Eve of the Eve is a unique story as it’s a choose-your-own adventure. It starts in Neovia on Halloween and you’re a kid just about to go trick-or-treating. From there you’re given choices on what you’ll do and a page number where to continue reading until the next choice or it ends. Many of the choices will affect how the story progresses and ultimately lead to one of the multiple endings which all happen at midnight. It’s a subtle edutainment book as it teaches the reader about the traditions of All Hallows Eve and survival tips if you get lost in the Haunted Woods. The first time I read through it I got the ending where I became a storytelling spirit who puts others through the stories I know, wonder if that says anything about me?

Have you ever felt tired yet needed to stay up? How you start witnessing hallucinations or daydreams until you snap back to consciousness? Waiting for Midnight is a story of building insanity as the protagonist tries to keep themselves awake until midnight and what they see and hear until the fated hour. Is any of it real or is it all in their head? Why is it important for them to stay up till midnight and what will happen when they do? With an unreliable narrator at the helm it’s a deep dive into a psyche slowly losing touch with reality. Speaking as someone who had to do all-nighters more than once, a lot of things written hit close to home, especially the parts about the top heat wearing Meepit.”

HAUNTED WOODS BOOKS:
Tales from the Camp (Do you like hearing whispered tales from the Gypsy Camp? Well, now you wont have to venture out to the Haunted Woods to enjoy them!)
The Final Sunset (All about the final day before it all went wrong at the carnival.)
Why the Fairground was Deserted (Im not sure I believe this stuff, but you should probably decide for yourself.)

The Haunted Cave (They say the lantern glows at night without anyone lighting it!)
The Haunted Bell Tower (At last, the mystery behind that haunted bell tower is revealed!)
Beyond the Locked Door (What is beyond this locked door? Perhaps you would rather not find out...)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “Neovia isn’t the only place in the Haunted Woods. Now I know that sounds like an obvious statement, especially with Neovia being the most recently re-discovered town. However I say this because we have a wide variety of books detailing other notable locations in the Haunted Woods and most have more stories and legends than Neovia does. Neovai may be the more recognizable Gothic location, but Gothic literature can take place in different settings.

Before Neovia was re-discovered it was the Gypsy Camp that was stumbled upon first. Protected by their own spiritual magic, the Gypsy Camp travels around the Haunted Woods undeterred from the malevolent powers within the woods. This has allowed them to gather many stories from other travelers, and this book is a collection of these stories which the gypsy’s picked and approved to be printed. The stories range from fables, campfire tales, legends, rumors, and the retelling of true events. While they are fun to read, you really should hear these tales told to you by a storyteller in the Gypsy Camp. I would suggest searching out for a Pink Elephante, when he tells you a story you can feel a tingle go through your spine.

Probably one of the biggest mysteries in the Haunted Woods is what happened to the Deserted Fairgrounds, so little is known about the Deserted Fairgrounds before it became what we know it as today. I have two books on the subject but each approach the question in different ways. The Final Sunset is supposedly eyewitness accounts about what happened at the fairgrounds before “something went wrong”. However all of them read as an anthology series as no two accounts can agree what that “something went wrong” was. There is also no physical evidence found at the fairgrounds that proves any of these reports. That takes us to Why the Fairgrounds was Deserted. This book instead tries working backwards; a group of investigators examine the fairgrounds attractions and try to reconstruct what could have happened that left them in a state of disrepair. But as they explore crew members begin to vanish, a dedication to all the missing listed on the first page. What starts out as a detective mystery ends with the last members paranoid and their writing is almost incoherent. It’s as if the fairgrounds doesn’t want us to know what happened to it so gives everyone a different experience, wonder what experience I would get if I tried?

Without fault, the first question asked whenever The Haunted Cave is picked up is “what cave”? And that is a good question as, despite having a book based on it, no one has ever found the titular “haunted cave”, or at least came back to tell the location. The book itself is a story based on the author’s journey through the cave, claiming to be the only one who ever came back; or at least a part of him. The author claims the cave draws in those with great guilt with its lantern. Once inside, you see a vision of yourself eaten by a monster! You then relive moments of your life you feel a great deal of guilt over. Who you are when you enter the cave isn’t who leaves it. Those who leave are those willing to change, something easier said than done as you’ll read. It makes you ask what about yourself you would change; I think I would have been a Korbat.

And we’ve come back to Neovia. Neovia is one of the more distinct looking towns in the Haunted Woods, admittedly because we’ve been stuck in a temporal curse for 10 years so are a bit behind the times. But in any case, Neovia is well known for two landmarks which of course someone written books about. The Haunted Bell Tower is based upon the legend about our town hall’s bell tower having a dark past where mysterious accidents kept happening around it. Each chapter is a short story about one of the many ghosts who was a causality of these accidents; not that anyone can find proof of either ghosts or accidents. Beyond the Locked Door is actually a rewritten book on the harder to find “Behind the Rusted Door: The True Story of Meepits Oak Sanatorium”. As the name of the second book implies, this one is focused on the Meepits Oak Sanatorium for the Psychologically Fragile. Instead of going chapter by chapter, the book starts with a psychiatric evaluation and, depending on your score, are told what pages you should read through. Every page details a patient which matches your evaluation, the idea is that what happened to them could happen to you. I try not to read these two as often as it makes me wonder why I’m working here and not over where they are.”

FAMOUS CHARACTERS BOOKS:
History of Count von Roo (In this book are tales from back when von Roo wasnt a vampire!)
The Demise of Eliv Thade (The author attempts to separate myth from reality in the stories about this infamous death.)
Terrific Tales of Terror (Whats scarier than an army of meepits? An army of ghost meepits!)

SHOPKEEPER’S SUGGESTION: “Through most of my books we’ve focused on the location and how it set the Gothic theme. However sometimes it’s an awe-inspiring character who can set the tone as these books show:

Obvious statement: Count Von Roo wasn’t always a vampire. A semi-autobiography, History of Count von Roo traces back to the mortal life of the Count from paperwork found with his name and the few interviews from reporters he let live to tell his tale. The Count sets himself up as a tragic figure struck with multiple tragedies during his life until becoming a vampire raised him from his misery. However old letters and official documents tell a different story of a selfish and cruel individual. Is one side lying or are they two sides of the same coin? Judge for yourself as a narrative is woven together of a Blumaroo with a presence so massive even death couldn’t stop him! *Gives out a soft sigh as she looks to start daydreaming... until remembering I was still here and readjusts herself*

While how Count Von Roo became a vampire is a major mystery, for Eliv Thade it’s the opposite question: how did he die and how did he come back as what he is? Actually, what even is he? A zombie? Odd vampire? Physical ghost? I suppose that’s yet another mystery of the insane genius, and it’s the theme of The Demise of Eliv Thade. Everyone knows how it started: a once famous professor who could solve any riddle, one day a servant of his gave him a riddle he couldn’t solve, driving himself insane until his death. But who was this servant? What was this riddle? What was he like during his downward spiral and what were his last days like? Well, while this book doesn’t have any interviews from Eliv Thade, it might as well have been written by him. It starts out fine as the author rebuilds Thade’s life until the fateful day of the servant’s riddle. But once the riddle is presented it’s as if the author joins Thade in his attempt to solve the riddle and thing spiral toward insanity. Oddly the author writes as if we know what the riddle says, as if he had told us what the riddle was but removed it last second. It’s a bit maddening in itself, skame oyu nawt ot skape ni garmsaan.

For the final book I know what you’re thinking, “Ghost Meepits aren’t famous characters”. First, SHH, don’t let them hear you say that *she suddenly turns her head to a corner of the ceiling. I also turn to look but see nothing but disturbed dust*. Second, while you may not be able to name a famous Ghost Meepit their presence is known and felt throughout the Haunted Woods. Terrific Tales of Terror at first looks like just another random collection of spooky stories, but they all share a common element: Ghost Meepits! Whether appearing as a dark omen, a guide that helps traveler through the woods, or needing to make dance to solve a puzzle, it goes to prove my theory that the Ghost Meepits are integral to the wellbeing of the Haunted Woods! If you’ll just give me a second I can get my thesis about it-”

And would you look at the time! It’s gotten dark out here in Neovia so best to call the article here. The Neovian Gothic genre covers a lot of ground if you’re in for dark and spooky stories. Even real life events can be turned into a Gothic tale under the right (or rather, unfortunate) circumstances. Maybe drop by the Neovian Printing Press and purchase one of these books if they caught your fancy, or if the Gothic genre in general catches your interest check out your local library or bookstore to see what their selection is like. Now if you’ll excuse me, the Pteri Shopkeeper has just emerged from her store with a stack of papers as thick as an encyclopedia; going to make like a ghost writer and vanish, until next time!

mollyscribbles -
a Conversation in Bouquets: the Flower Language of Neovia

SPOILER: Click to show

Give a Neovian a cherry blossom, and they will suspect you are trying to fool them. Give them a dragonbud, and they will see it as a compliment. Flower Language is not a means of communication widely seen outside of Neovia - sure, here and there you might find a land that attaches some meaning to a specific plant, but nothing to this extent. I first became aware of it when my bookworm Lupe, Millicent, asked me about a reference she had come across in a few of her volumes from the Neovian Press. My research into this seemingly simple question proved to be quite fascinating.



Among the traditions of Neovia, the flower language is one that is rarely mentioned outside of the town but widely known among its inhabitants. It is, effectively, a way of communicating coded messages through blooms, plants, and floral arrangements. Each plant carries its own hidden meaning, from a single descriptive word to more nuanced intent. It has long been tradition that those who (for one reason or another) were unable to speak directly in Neovian society would pass each other floral symbols as a way of communicating without arousing suspicion.



During its height in popularity, Neovian florists and plant nurseries found themselves sold out of all but the least popular varieties, which is likely the cause of synonym meanings arising from what was left (though, given the secretive nature of the language, distribution of the new meanings would prove tricky, leading to much confusion).



Unfortunately, multiple volumes from different publishers (most of which are now out of print for reasons that may be related) claiming to decipher the floral meanings were available, and the publishers did not bother consulting with one another about what one blossom or another might represent. As a result, it was sadly common for friendships to end simply because each party was working with a different volume - an attempt to compliment their new hat might become translated as an accusation of arrogance. The problem was compounded by the fact that, given the participants had resorted to communicating via floral arrangements, a simple conversation would not be able to clear things up.



While the obvious issues meant the popularity soon faded, many meanings stood the test of time and have fallen into common use.



After countless interviews and referencing several surviving flower dictionaries, I have done my best to determine the more generally agreed upon meanings, though I will avoid the false claims of prior writers and offer the disclaimer that this list is by no means complete or universal.



Aurora Lily: Zeal and drive

Asparagus: Worth above beauty

Autumn Sunset Daisy: Farewell

Bamboo: Luck

Black Roses: Thank you for lending me your Twisted Roses album.

Bleeding Heart: Spurned affection

Blue Columbine: Folly

Blue Fan Flowers

Blue Twister: My thoughts are tangled

Bluebells: Music

Bluesticks: Virtue in the unappealing

Blumbs: Brightness in a dark time

Boadaisy: Injustice

Budseed: I find you annoying

Cabbage: Profit

Chartreuse Puffs: Lightheartedness

Cherry Blossom: Deception

Chick-a-daisy: Odd friendship

Cloud Meerca Flower: You have a lovely tail

Colour Changing Tulips: My feelings are dynamic

Colour Lilies: Please consider the matter carefully

Curly Vine: I cannot escape this problem

Cyclamen: Diffidence

Dandelion: Rustic oracle

Drabby Rose: Gloom

Dragonbud: Strength within beauty

Dreary Lily: Congratulations on your grey paint brush

Dunkydoos: I wish you luck in your training

Electric Daffodil: Inspiration

Exploding Pod Plant: You have an explosive temper

Extra Wild Orchid: Enthusiasm

Faerie Yooyu Flower: Congratulations on your Altador Cup standing

Faeriewing Plant: Delicacy

Feather Weeds: Beauty in adversity

Fernplant: Fascination

Fire Flower: Intensity

Flea Grass: You irritate me

Floating Cactus Flower: Biting wit

Furrn: Creature comforts

Fuzz Collars: You have a knack for accessorizing

Geraptiku Fly Trap: I hope your petpetpet infestation clears up soon

Gardenias: Hope

Gloomacinth: Sorrow

Gnome Hat Plant: Good luck at Daily Dare

Golden Fernsprout: Allure

Gurple Bush: I have come to accept your decision to be painted Swamp Gas

Holly: Foresight

Jewel Blossom: You are a rare gem

Kau Slips: Pensiveness

Kissing Stem: Our love will not be silenced

Kougra Lily: Pride

Large Purple Poppies: Imagination

Lazydels: Indifference

Lightning Fern: Magic

Lilacs: Humility

Lily of the Valley: Return of happiness

Lost Desert Sunflower: Loyalty

Lovepetal: Lurve

Magenta Tulips: Prosperity

Mighty Marigolds: Hard work

Mordongos: Vigor

Mutant Yooyu flower: My sympathies on your disastrous performance at the Altador Cup.

Mysterious Potted Flower: you are an enigma to me

Negg Muncher: I feel you gathered more than your fair share at the annual Negg Hunt

Oozing Tulip: Hopeless affection

Orb plant: Fascination

Pebeanjay Flowers: Commonplace

Perfume Mallows: Delicate pleasures

Pineflower: Rare beauty

Pink Cyclamen: Resignation

Pink Hibiscus: Friendship

Pink Hydrangea: Heartfelt emotion

Pink Lily: Ambition

Pink Morning Glory: Mortality

Pink Poppy: Luxury

Plurby: I declare against you

Primula: Prohibition

Pretty Pink Puff: Hidden Depths

Purple Columbine: Resolved to win

Purple Frillix: Fickleness

Purple Hydrangea: Desire for deeper understanding

Purple Poppies: Success

Purple Whirlygig: Nonsensical

Pyrmat: Dependability

Rainbow Anthurium: Happiness

Rainbow Morning Flower: You bring colour to my life

Red Poppies: Death

Red Walking Flower: Independence

Rhubarb: Advice

Ring Vine: Forgetfulness

Rock Tree: Hardiness

Rowzez: Uncertain - everyone I asked gave me a different meaning

Rude Daffodil: Your slight has not been forgotten

Savage Daffodil: I still hold a grudge

Scented Hearts Flower: Justice shall be done you

Sillie Daisy: Childish innocence

Sleeping Blossoms: Exhaustion

Snake Rose: Horror

Snap Draiks: Presumption

Snow Yooyu Flower: Your dedication to practising in the off-season is admirable

Song Flowers: The witching soul of music

Space Faerie Flower: Safety

Spectral Flower: You haunt me

Sponderolas: Your charms are engraven on my heart

Spotted Daffodil: Creativity

Spring Beauty: Renewal

Star of Paradise Flower: Variety

Starflower: You are radiant

Strawberry Plant: Esteem

Sunday Bush: You are more appealing the less often we meet

Sunflower: Haughtiness

Swab Bush: Your hygiene needs work

Swirlypop Plant: Mental beauty

Toweringbud: Attachment

Tropical Flower Plant: Demanding

Twirly Plant: Mystery

White Daffodil: Memory

White Lulu: Purity

Wiltadendhron: Eager to please

Wither Tree: Sickliness

Wocky Glove: Insincerity

Yellow Daffodil: Inner reflection

Yellow Crocus: Joy

Yellow Eesa: Wish for riches

Yellow Poppy: My bane

Yolkalia: Nourishing affection

Zobamint: Virtue



This list is only a start! You can see how different blooms can combine to pass along a more complex message; for example, a mix of Spring Beauty and Song Flowers would express your interest in resuming choir practice.



If you are interested in reading stories involving Neovian Flower Language, check out the Neovian Press volumes that inspired Millicent to learn about this subject, including A Brief History of Neovia, Dark Book, Neovian Darkfall, and Stories From Beyond.

Short Stories:

Old Friends by Herdy

Comics:



Series:
All Hat, No Dragon

by Liou


And of course don't forget the Editorial

If I missed you, let me know. And if anyone wasn't published and submitted, please let me know and I will add you here, if you'd like.



Edit: With the writer's/artist's permission, I'll be posting petpage or spoiler tags below for entries that didn't make it into this issue and are not currently NTWF members. If y'all have the time to read/review, I'm sure they'd love to receive your Neomails!



Devotedly and Tarons

Faerie Fables - Ilere, The Ghost in the Woods

SPOILER: Click to show

Dusk began to fill the evening air, as Haunted Woods enveloped in the dark shadow of night, making the atmosphere more creepy and dangerous than it had previously been before the sun began to set. The Neopets visiting the woods had retired to their homes for the night, leaving the woods to those much more braver to withstand the darkness. The familiar groans of the Esophagor filled the air as Ilere woke, rubbing her eyes and getting ready to venture out for the night. Walking past the mirror she frowned at her reflection, Ilere sighed at her curled hair, trying to tame it down before she attempted to put on her hooded cloak. She brushed the leaves off her cloak with her comb. Upon noticing her hair was not sticking up like the Brain Trees branches, but more like a tamed mess, she pulled on her outerwear and crept into the night.

Ilere had spent a very long time working on her clothing to help her blend into the woods, as a forest faerie she was fortunate enough to have leaves for wings which helped her camouflage into the treeline when someone was approaching. She had styled her cape to be the same colour as the trees when the shadow hit them as well as the detail looking like moss growing upon it (she was most pleased with this detail) with green hair and dark skin. She was unnoticeable when she wanted to be. Ilere discovered that the only thing letting her down were her eyes. When she closed her eyes, she blended in with the forest but when her eyes were open... Well, no one had been brave enough to approach the glowing green eyes in the forest so they could not be that much of a giveaway.

Ilere cackled to herself, remembering when she had been startled and flashed her eyes upon a young Blumaroo collecting items for his master in the woods. How frightened he had been to see emerald green eyes hovering above him. He had dropped all his collected ingredients that day and ran back to his master empty handed. She had eaten well that night. Unfortunately, not all nights were as easy as that one and tonight she would have to go out and find food. Pulling her cloak closer to her body, she began to venture out of the treeline and into the shadows surrounding the buildings of the Haunted Woods. Cautiously, she approached the dull lights of Edna's Tower, slinking over to the door and knocking twice to announce her presence. Edna opened it and ushered her in, indicating she had no one inside asking her for a quest.

*********************************************************************************

Edna pulled a chair out and motioned for Ilere to take a seat. Flashing a very rare smile, Ilere gratefully accepted and sat down at the table where Edna was pouring out fresh soup from her cauldron.

'Any successful spells today?' Ilere asked, looking at Edna over the bowl of steaming hot soup that had been placed before her.

The old Zafara laughed and placed her own bowl on the table. 'Ah of course, plenty of spare ingredients for you too, all packed ready for you to take home,' she replied as she nodded towards the paper bags on the floor.

Ilere nodded back at her, casting her eyes upon the witch. 'Ah Edna, I do continually owe you for always being here to help me out, you know how I feel about…,' she cut her sentence short and rolled her eyes at Edna, who finished the sentence in her mind and nodded back.

Edna swallowed a spoonful of soup and composed herself, looking at the young faerie. 'Ilere, my dear, I am afraid it is not my turn to ask you, for help,' she uttered, looking into her bowl of soup defeatedly. Ilere frowned at Edna and motioned for her to carry on with the request.

Begrudgingly, Edna began to speak once again, 'Ilere, this favour, this help... I require... It isn't something I can get just anyone to help with... I need the help of a faerie...'

Ilere, upon realising where this was going began to stand up, 'You know, how I feel about going past these woods Edna, it simply will not be done.' She began to push her chair in to leave but Edna placed her old, wrinkled hand upon the young faeries arm.

'Ilere,' she encouraged, looking into her shining eyes, 'it's a young witch, she needs help, there's something going on in Neovia. A potion maker called Krawley has created an elixir that will apparently give you everything you desire.'

Ilere began to stifle a laugh at this, covering her mouth, 'what a preposterous idea, I hope people don't believe it will actually work.'

Edna looked up once again at Ilere, 'this is the problem my dear, it does work, but not for good.' Edna looked down at the floor, 'word has it, the whole town has gone crazy. They've all taken a large drink of it and well… they have turned into their own examples of greed. The only one unaffected is a young Ixi, named Sophie. I see potential in her but I..' the old witch sighed defeatedly and looked up at Ilere 'please, you know I would not ask if I could do it alone. Neovia needs a hero, and I believe you are the faerie to do it. Her brother Bruno will bring her to you, all you need to do is put a spell of protection around her so no harm comes to the child, that is all.

Ilere paced around the room, collecting her thoughts and trying to make sense of all the information the old witch had given her. She spun around quickly, 'alright, all you want me to do, is save this young girl? That's it, she won't have to live with me, she won't have to depend on me? I just have to place her somewhere safe surrounded by magic so nothing can get to her?'

Edna nodded and begrudgingly, Ilere stepped into the night with her promise already weighing on her shoulders. Turning to Edna before she went, she grumbled 'tell him to bring her to the old shack, I will make sure it is well equipped, and well protected,' and with a flick of her cloak, was gone. True to her word, Ilere waited for Bruno and re-assured him that Sophie would be safe with her. Turning to the young Ixi, she stated that she would be safe up to twenty feet from the shack and nothing more. This would allow her to forage for food and firewood. Before Sophie had a chance to answer, Ilere had closed the door, returning back to her home within the Haunted woods.

***********************************************************************************

Years had passed and Ilere had quickly adapted back to her life of solitude, only venturing out to see her old friend Edna. The nighttime dusk approached once again and she rose from her slumber, stretching slightly - only to be disturbed by a knocking on the door. Ilere growled and flicked it open with magic, prepared to become the nightmare for whoever had disturbed her. Her face fell as she looked upon the Ixi - Sophie, or whatever her name was, standing there with her brother and an oddly dressed Usul, Gilly, she had often seen around Eliv's place. Ilere began to smirk, holding her hand up 'Ah, young Sophie, how wonderful for you to have come all this way to thank me for saving you all those years ago,' she cackled. Sophie gulped and looked up at her, 'I am not here for that Ilere, although I am incredibly thankful. We ran into some trouble, with a guy… the spirit of the slumber.' The colour from Ilere's face drained as she heard that name. She glanced at Sophie and her company. 'Power like his is not to be trifled with, go home before you get hurt,' she replied abruptly and turned away from them.

Upon doing this, she heard a growl, turning back around she noticed Bruno was charging for her with anger in his eyes. Somebody had already cast a spell before Ilere could cast her spell.
Ilere glanced down at Sophie and began to smirk, 'Ah, Edna was right, there is potential in you. I will help you ONE FINAL TIME, then you leave me in peace? Understood?' The trio stood before her and nodded. Ilere carried on, 'You need to speak with someone who has been here longer than I have, the Brain Tree will only respond with questions, so make sure you have enough food for the Esophagor.' Noticing that the three were ready to argue or protest, Ilere waved her hand and sent them out of her home, slamming the door behind them. Exhaling, she smirked to herself, glad it was them and not her that were dealing with this problem and resettled back down into her chair.

A few days had passed and Ilere could not help but wonder about Bruno, Gilly and Sophie being alone trying to deal with the spirit of the slumber. These thoughts were keeping her from her own slumber, so she scowled and ventured out into the forest to see what they were up to. It did not take her long to find them as they had created a mess along the way. The trail of destruction led her to Gilly, who was quickly hurrying on clutching a small flower. She watched her bump into Sophie who had exclaimed this was the last ingredient for her spell to solve the problem.

'Oh, I've got to see if this works,' laughed Ilere, slowly traversing the darkness to follow the two to Sophie's shack. Ilere watched Sophie place the 'antidote' into the water supply, supposedly to save the town from the mutations that had happened. Ilere smiled and turned to go back home when she heard an almighty sound, she watched the mayor mutate and charge right for Sophie. The young Ixi was talented with magic, but her spells were no match for the grotesque strength of the newly mutated mayor. 'I've never been a fan of unfair fights,' grumbled Ilere, sending some of her own magic with Sophie's and turning the mayor into the bloodsucker he was, a Moquot seemed fitting enough. Pleased with this outcome and sensing no more danger she retreated back to Edna's Tower.

Ilere knocked the familiar knock and the old witch opened, glad to see her. 'So..' Edna pressed, looking at Ilere, '... been busy today?' Ilere grinned, her green eyes flashing as she glanced over at the witch, 'you've already seen what happened in your cauldron Edna, do I have to..?' Edna began to chuckle, 'Oh, come on Ilere, give this old witch a little bedtime story.' Ilere laughed and told Edna all about the help she had given to Sophie and her accomplices today to help all of Neovia.

'Ah Ilere, I knew you would be our hero,' cackled Edna. 'Not too bad for a recluse eh?' Ilere glared at the old witch, 'that, doesn't leave this building my old friend..or else the mayor won't be the only Moquot today'. Edna looked shocked, then began laughing wholeheartedly at the faeries humour whilst Ilere lost herself in thought. Maybe, she wasn't such a bad faerie after all.

[Duke Pikachu]

Go right ahead and add my story for now, if Scrappy (she's still editor, right?) adds them later we can then remove them.

[Twillie]

Congrats all who got in! And huh, that is odd how a number of people who submitted never heard back. I look forward at least to being able to read those stories here! I'll probably start getting in reviews by today, and I'll try to do as many as I can :3

Oh hey, I got a question into the Editorial:

Is there any way you may be able to fix the comics in NT Issue 756? It's been years now, but most of the comics in that issue are still all broken images, many of them part of a larger comic story line. It's been brought to the attention of editors in the past, but nothing seems to have been done in that time, so I was wondering if you were aware of this issue and are able to help.

So i looked into these and unfortunately it looks like they never uploaded them So there is no way I could retroactively fix these. I'm really sorry.

Well that's a bummer :c When I rechecked that issue, I saw that actually June Scarlet 's comic shows, and if I remember correctly that's because you put the comic on a petpage and gave the editor of the time a link? If so, I guess that's the next best solution for any artists who still want their comic to show up, but not a solution to restore all of that issue's comics alas.

Seeing that question finally answered inspired me to submit another Editorial question, this next one being more timely. Thinking back about how comic series have no guarantee of consistent continuity, I figured I'd ask about that again, but actually get an editor's opinion this time. When I originally asked about comic updates being skipped, it was via a ticket since the nt_editor inbox was full, but now I figure why not take it up with the actual NT authority. Hopefully they get back on that one as well.

[Duke Pikachu]

And suddenly I get accepted! The Neovian Gothic issue wasn't updated so I guess I'll be in the next issue?

[June Scarlet]

Yes, I sent a neomail to the editor linking them to a petpage, and they added it. I never knew if they needed the petpage or not, but apparently they did.

[mollyscribbles]

I got a neomail accepting my article, too! Good to know they'll at least see print.

[Duke Pikachu]

AND Jade updated the Neopian Times issue!

My entry is now in (among others making it look much more filled out!) and we all got the Darkest Faerie Stamp!

Thanks Jade!

[Carolyn]

Ah! Wonderful, guys! I'm so happy for you! ^_^

[CrimsonShroud]

Review:

T3h Praedius by arttimo

SPOILER: Click to show

Not gonna lie, I actually got a bit of a surprise with this comic entry. In fact, I haven't been _{slightly, okay maybe a little,} creeped out by an NT comic since...actually, never until just now.

Bet the unfortunate soul who looked up the book "it" was encased in, and when looking upon its owner, would probably need a bit of therapy.


What gets me about this comic is that it actually reminds me of a clip from Final Fantasy 8 where this imagery happens to one of the game's protagonists, a single image which actually goes down as an unexpected scary moment in a non-horror game.
I wonder if that's where the inspiration for this comic came from?


Said image from said game can been seen here if you're curious.

SPOILER: Click to show

SPOILER: Click to show

I should probably warn you, it's a little scary...

SPOILER: Click to show

Are you sure you want to see it?

SPOILER: Click to show

Okay, don't say I didn't warn you...

SPOILER: Click to show

You can see it here: preview.redd.it/x4vv19cgbv421.jpg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6933f9aed80941d039210c493089a464dcffaca7

[Duke Pikachu]

With the update has anyone on the NTWF that had an article added not been added to the main post? I ask cause I'm about to do some reviews:

ARTICLES:

Writing a Gothic Story: Just Add Monocles! by June Scarlet and Carolyn

SPOILER: Click to show

Two authors, one, a fashionista with a flair for the dark side, the other an enthusiastic Zafara with a flair for the silly side. Together they have a flair for the flair-y side.

Unless you both wear red-orange business suits, sunglasses, and fiery hairdo I question this assertion.

Grr: So, shall we jump right on in?

There’s a kiddy pool filled with about 2 inches of water in the middle of the room. Grr makes a motion for Yibit to splash in first. Yibit obliges. Grr follows shortly after.

I have a suspicion you're not taking this seriously.

Yibit: How do you get spyder webs without the spyders? Uh…

Grr: Easy! You order them by the boatload from our sponsor, the NC Mall! And look! All the web without any mess.

I SEE YOUR SCHEME! Luckily there is a NP spyder web wearable: Old Cobwebs Foreground (and I guess also Snot Cobweb).

Yibit: Though we’re here for gothic, I consider steampunk very similar, like it came from gothic almost. They’ve got fancy hats too. Not quite as many monocles, though.

images.neopets.com/themes/031_skr_8944c/rotations/3.png
"What you say about steampunk having less monocles, ol' chap?"

Also steampunk is more of a style while gothic is more of a tone so both can go together. Besides, what dims the sky better then rampant industrial smoke pollution!

It's called purple prose because, uh, you should write it in purple! Purple ink makes for the best purple prose.

FUN FACT: Reason it's called "purple" prose is from a Roman poet named Horace who, in a poetry writing poem called Ars Poetica, wrote that big openings and declarations often have "purple patches" tacked on to fancy it up, purple being the color of royalty.

The Spyders nervously scuttle into her arms as she gently places them back in the cage.

Saskori: Alright, everyone. Let me tell you how to really write a gothic story. In brief, sadly, as I’m going to need to find homes for these wayward critters...

You can probably just release them outside and they'll be fine.

The Spyders begin to scurry about, knocking over furniture in the house while making squeaking sounds.

How big are those Spyder they're knocking around furniture?!

CONCLUSION: This was a fun & quick-to-read article with a surprise quick lesson at the end.

It doesn't linger too long on any subject keeping the reader interested on what nonsense Grr and Yibit are going to say or do next. Saskori's part was also kept brief which felt like a good endcap: ending it both on an actual explanation of gothic storytelling but not going too deep it takes away from the comedy we've read for 90% of the article.

The Flower Language of Neovia by mollyscribbles

SPOILER: Click to show

Give a Neovian a cherry blossom, and they will suspect you are trying to fool them.

What, you think I'm some kind of weeaboo or Shenkuuphile?

Give them a dragonbud, and they will see it as a compliment.

Um, yeah, thanks! I'll definitely find a place for this lovely gift in my Neogard... OUCH IT BIT ME!

It is, effectively, a way of communicating coded messages through blooms, plants, and floral arrangements.

It has long been tradition that those who (for one reason or another) were unable to speak directly in Neovian society would pass each other floral symbols as a way of communicating without arousing suspicion.

Also the police can't track you if the evidence had withered away! Just make sure you removed all the merchandise from the buds.

(though, given the secretive nature of the language, distribution of the new meanings would prove tricky, leading to much confusion)

"How many time do I got to tell you, Jimmy, the little blue flowers are for "Meepit tears" and the pink buds are "chilly Feepit". Yes, they make more sense the other way around, that's the point! We're trying to run a secret rachet over here!"

Unfortunately, multiple volumes from different publishers claiming to decipher the floral meanings were available, and the publishers did not bother consulting with one another about what one blossom or another might represent.

The problem was compounded by the fact that, given the participants had resorted to communicating via floral arrangements, a simple conversation would not be able to clear things up.

"Oh, oh no, Bobby I think we made a mistake. I just read the newest flower dictionary and it says the flower we got meant "agreement" and not "threaten" like in my old flower dictionary. Probably should have clarified before ordering the whack on poor Harry. We really oughta standardize which books we're usin'"

And now for some quick comments on a few flowers and they're meaning:

Asparagus: Worth above beauty (brought to you by the number 6 and borovan)
Blue Fan Flowers: ? (it must be so secret my eyes refuse to let my brain register its meaning)
Bluesticks: Virtue in the unappealing (in other words I'm calling you a stick-in-the-mud)
Budseed: I find you annoying (to get the message across throw a ripe one at their head, duck and cover from the explosion)
Cherry Blossom: Deception (I knew we couldn't trust Kaia...)
Colour Changing Tulips: My feelings are dynamic (~ You're hot and you're cold, you're yes and you're no ~)
Dandelion: Rustic oracle (probably more understandable then the Obelisk's Oracle)
Exploding Pod Plant: You have an explosive temper (well they will after this goes off...)
Flea Grass: You irritate me (when Poisonous Lollypops don't get the point across)
Floating Cactus Flower: Biting wit (wouldn't this be more apt for the Flea Grass or Dragonbub?)
Gurple Bush: I have come to accept your decision to be painted Swamp Gas (so this never gets sent?)
Large Purple Poppies: Imagination (don't know, feels these are kind of the less creative flowers made)
Oozing Tulip: Hopeless affection (looks more like you're sorry someone's relationship died)
Pink Morning Glory: Mortality (kind of a name-meaning conflict there)
Plurby: I declare against you (to be shipped with a loose box of ferocious Petpets)
Pretty Pink Puff: Hidden Depths (do I hear a "who"?)
Pink Poppy: Luxury
&
Purple Poppies: Success
&
Red Poppies: Death (I have a feeling this was done just to mess with the person as you send them a fuchsia-colored poppy)
Rowzez: Uncertain - everyone I asked gave me a different meaning (description says means what you truly feel so...)
Scented Hearts Flower: Justice shall be done you (is that a good thing or a bad?)

CONCLUSION: A fun & quick-to-read article.
Well, quick to read if you weren't looking up each flower on JN's Item Database (so I got many of your references with a few of the more complex flower meanings). But that just goes to show the amount of research you put into this article making it all the more commendable. If I were to suggest an improvement maybe adding at least a few of the plants (like the more interesting looking ones) would have helped with just reading down a list. But otherwise, I give you a bouquet of Electric Daffodil, Fernplant, Large Purple Poppies, Spotted Daffodil, and Yellow Crocus.

SHORT STORIES:

Old Friends by Herdy
(COMING SOON)

EDITORIAL RESPONSES:

(COMING SOON)

[Liou]

Carolyn June Scarlet

SPOILER: Click to show

I giggled enough to give this article its own laugh track.
The failed high-five really made me crack up.

These characters are adorable and kid-friendly - no lighting matches, kids! - and sound like they're having a fun sleepover.

Wearing two monocles, but on the same eye, is actually genius??
I enjoyed the wordplay over fonts and purple prose. So much wordplay in here.

I do appreciate the unreliable narration of the dark and stormy night.

The inclusion of the fance top and mr. sneky with little padding was quite blatantly fanservice, but who am I, an humble Mr. Coconut fan, to complain about that? I was duly entertained.

I liked Saskori's entrance - and the ensuing chaos - to lampshade how off the mark the duo had been, and appreciate her gentle treatment of the Spyders. In this house we stan Saskori.
Thanks to the ending paragraphs about actual elements of the gothic genre, this article actually does point out some differences between faux-gothic cliches and actually-gothic... also-cliches. Thanks Saskori.

I love back and forth articles like this, and the fun you had while writing it clearly shone through, and it was a pleasure to share that while reading.

mollyscribbles

SPOILER: Click to show

The research for this was tremendous! As a classic neogarden enthusiast this was a very fun throwback to the... rather special plants of Neopia.

I liked your intro, simple and clear for readers who may or may not be aware of flower language as a concept.

In your full list of flower meanings, I expected to find meanings adapted from RL flower language, but spotted very few of those, and so many creative, original meanings that made sense for the flowers you paired them with.
The Black Roses, Yooyu Flowers, Swab Bush and Red Walking Flower were particularly amusing, and I love the meaning you gave the Space Faerie Flower.

The potential for misunderstandings that you mention in the intro is quite interesting, and I would have enjoyed further examples of that, maybe in the form of anecdotes, bouquets and flower combinations that would have worked in some situations, and other bouquets that could have gone horribly wrong. This list works very well as a reference guide, but its format might look a little intimidating to some readers, and perhaps some anecdotes could have broken it up a little.

Overall I love how you brought many nifty old Neopian items back into the spotlight through something as cool and meaningful as flower language that fit so neatly into the issue theme.