Difference between revisions of "The Faeries' Ruin"
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[[Image: | [[Image:Tfr faerie festival.png|thumb|550px|right|A curse turned all the Faeries to stone.]] | ||
'''The Faeries' Ruin''' was a [[plot]] that started on 20 September, 2010 and concluded on 24 December. Puzzles remained open for completion until midnight on 1 January, 2011, and an epilogue and prize shop was released on | '''The Faeries' Ruin''' was a [[plot]] that started on 20 September, 2010 and concluded on 24 December. Puzzles remained open for completion until midnight on 1 January, 2011, and an epilogue and prize shop was released on 26 rescue [[Faerieland]]. | ||
The plot | The plot opened | ||
The plot starred several new characters, including [[Brynn]], a female [[Kougra]] knight, [[Hanso]], an [[Ixi]] thief, and [[Xandra]], a [[Xweetok]] sorceress. It also | The plot starred several new characters, including [[Brynn]], a female [[Kougra]] knight, [[Hanso]], an [[Ixi]] thief, and [[Xandra]], a [[Xweetok]] sorceress. It also revisited several characters who have appeared in previous plots, including [[Jazan]] of [[Lost Desert Plot]] fame and [[King Altador]]. | ||
Players participated in The Faeries' Ruin through individual puzzles, cooperative puzzles, and the [[Battledome]] in roughly equal amounts. It also introduced [[wikipedia:Achievement (video gaming)|achievements]], termed "Fearless Deeds", which were awarded for certain miscellaneous accomplishments in each plot step. | Players participated in The Faeries' Ruin through individual puzzles, cooperative puzzles, and the [[Battledome]] in roughly equal amounts. It also introduced [[wikipedia:Achievement (video gaming)|achievements]], termed "Fearless Deeds", which were awarded for certain miscellaneous accomplishments in each plot step. | ||
Like [[The Cyodrake's Gaze]] plot, parts of the story had [[wikipedia:unreliable narrator|unreliable narrator]]s. | Like [[The Cyodrake's Gaze]] plot, parts of the story had [[wikipedia:unreliable narrator|unreliable narrator]]s. Beginning on 10 November 2014, the plot comics were [http://www.madefire.com/motion-books/Neopets-faeries-ruin-episode-1 re-released] on the Madefire platform, a [[Wikipedia:motion comics|motion comics]] [[wikipedia:app|app]]. | ||
The Faerie Festival would be disrupted by [[Wraith]]s again in [[Faerie Festival 2017|2017]] due to [[The Wraith Resurgence]]. | |||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
During the Faerie Festival, all the Faeries were turned to stone by a mysterious artefact. A band of a heroes came from across [[Neopia]] in order to find the culprit responsible and devise an antidote - but then the shadows came alive and began to attack. After retrieving a spell book and a second artefact, one of the heroes - [[Xandra]] - began a complicated ritual to restore the Faeries. | During the Faerie Festival, all the Faeries were turned to stone by a mysterious artefact. A band of a heroes came from across [[Neopia]] in order to find the culprit responsible and devise an antidote - but then the shadows came alive and began to attack. After retrieving a spell book and a second artefact, one of the heroes - [[Xandra]] - began a complicated ritual to restore the Faeries. | ||
However, Xandra betrayed them: Faerieland crashed east of the [[Haunted Woods]] and she turned most of the heroes to stone. Xandra, it was revealed, was the villain | However, Xandra betrayed them: Faerieland crashed east of the [[Haunted Woods]] and she turned most of the heroes to stone. Xandra, it was revealed, was the villain all along: she saw them as tyrants who kept their magical power to themselves instead of using it to help the rest of the planet, and turned them to stone to begin with. | ||
[[Hanso]] - one of the heroes who escaped the second petrification spell - stole the first artefact used it to absorb some of Xandra's spells. He smashed it, the magic was released, and he and Xandra were turned to stone as well. This broke the curse holding the Faeries, and [[Fyora]] was able to restore Hanso to life. The heroes returned to their nations, and the Faeries started work rebuilding their city in its new home. | [[Hanso]] - one of the heroes who escaped the second petrification spell - stole the first artefact and used it to absorb some of Xandra's spells. He smashed it, the magic was released, and he and Xandra were turned to stone as well. This broke the curse holding the Faeries, and [[Fyora]] was able to restore Hanso to life. The heroes returned to their nations, and the Faeries started work rebuilding their city in its new home. | ||
==Story== | ==Story== | ||
[[Image:Tfr_chapter_2_2.png|thumb|left|300px|"It's a pretty good story, actually..."]] | |||
At the Faerie Festival, all the Faeries had been turned to stone, and [[Hanso]] the [[Ixi]] was looking for things to steal. | |||
[[Image:Tfr_chapter_2_2.png| | |||
At the Faerie Festival, | |||
He was not the Festival's only visitor. Several [[Neopia]]n lands had sent representatives to investigate the crisis: from [[Altador]], [[King Altador]] and his guards, from [[Brightvale]], the knight [[Brynn]], and from [[Qasala]], King [[Jazan]]. | |||
Hanso explained that as he was on the way to the festival - "You mean you were going to steal from the faeries at their festival." - he saw [[Hubrid Nox]], who was holding a shiny artefact and chanting an incantation. After a blinding flash of light, Nox had vanished and all the faeries | Hanso tried to sell them information. Brynn and Hanso recognised each over from the time he had spent in Brightvale's dungeons, and neither she nor King Jazan were keen to trust him. He was, however, their own lead, so they agreed to hear him out. | ||
[[Image:nox.png|right|thumb|300px|Nox uses the stolen artefact.]] | |||
Hanso explained that as he was on the way to the festival - "You mean you were going to steal from the faeries at their festival." - he saw [[Hubrid Nox]], who was holding a shiny artefact and chanting an incantation. After a blinding flash of light, Nox had vanished and all the faeries had become stone. Although Jazan and Altador doubted Hubrid Nox would be powerful enough to curse all the faeries, Brynn vouched that he would have no reason to lie, and that the artefact Hanso claimed to have seen may have something to do with it. | |||
The group headed in to Faerie City to see [[Xandra]], a [[Xweetok]] who too was investigating the curse. On seeing Hanso, however, she became enraged - he had stolen several valuable artefacts from her hut earlier. | The group headed in to Faerie City to see [[Xandra]], a [[Xweetok]] who too was investigating the curse. On seeing Hanso, however, she became enraged - he had stolen several valuable artefacts from her hut earlier. | ||
[[ | [[File:Flashb.png|thumb|300px|left|Hanso looted Xandra's library.]] | ||
Hanso confessed that while he didn't lie about seeing Hubrid Nox, it wasn't the whole truth - he had broken into Xandra's hut, too. | Hanso confessed that while he didn't lie about seeing Hubrid Nox, it wasn't the whole truth - he had broken into Xandra's hut, too. | ||
Hanso explained that after he had stolen from Xandra, he put the word out that he had four magical artefacts to fence. He was contacted by a buyer who wanted to meet in Faerieland - Hubrid Nox. Nox was only interested in one of the artefacts, and Hanso tailed him to see what he would do with it: as Hanso had already explained, he chanted, there was a flash of light, and all the faeries turned to stone. Xandra still didn't trust Hanso's word, but Brynn and Altador were convinced, and went to recover the artefact from Nox before he could do any more damage with it. | Hanso explained that after he had stolen from Xandra, he put the word out that he had four magical artefacts to fence. He was contacted by a buyer who wanted to meet in Faerieland - Hubrid Nox. Nox was only interested in one of the artefacts, and Hanso tailed him to see what he would do with it: as Hanso had already explained, he chanted, there was a flash of light, and all the faeries turned to stone. Xandra still didn't trust Hanso's word, but Brynn and Altador were convinced, and went to recover the artefact from Nox before he could do any more damage with it. | ||
The group - Hanso under guard - arrived at [[Castle Nox]] in the [[Haunted Woods]]. As they formed their plan to storm the stronghold, Hanso slipped away. Brynn went after him - as Nox could appear any second, they couldn't afford to delay their plan. | The group - Hanso under guard - arrived at [[Castle Nox]] in the [[Haunted Woods]]. As they formed their plan to storm the stronghold, Hanso slipped away. Brynn went after him - as Nox could appear any second, they couldn't afford to delay their plan. | ||
Brynn found Hanso climbing over the wall away from the front gates - he said that he would find his own way in. | Brynn found Hanso climbing over the wall away from the front gates - he said that he would find his own way in. | ||
{| style="margin:0 auto;" | |||
| | |||
{{cq|And how do I know you're not going in there to tip [[Hubrid Nox|him]] off?}} | {{cq|And how do I know you're not going in there to tip [[Hubrid Nox|him]] off?}} | ||
{{cq|Well, if you don't trust me, you could always stop me.}} | {{cq|Well, if you don't trust me, you could always stop me.}} | ||
|} | |||
[[Image:Tfr_chapter_5.png|right|thumb|300px|Nox has a close encounter with a familiar face.]] | |||
As soon as Hanso snuck in through one of the castle windows, he was spotted by Nox. Hanso asked Nox about the artefact - but Nox didn't seem to know what he was talking about. At that moment, an alarm went off, and Nox saw through his crystal ball Altador and the others storming the gates. Nox opened a secret passageway, threw the crystal ball at Hanso, and made good his escape. | As soon as Hanso snuck in through one of the castle windows, he was spotted by Nox. Hanso asked Nox about the artefact - but Nox didn't seem to know what he was talking about. At that moment, an alarm went off, and Nox saw through his crystal ball Altador and the others storming the gates. Nox opened a secret passageway, threw the crystal ball at Hanso, and made good his escape. | ||
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Meanwhile, out in the Haunted Woods, Hubrid Nox ran away from his castle, gloating over his escape - before running straight into another Hubrid Nox, who blasted him to the ground. | Meanwhile, out in the Haunted Woods, Hubrid Nox ran away from his castle, gloating over his escape - before running straight into another Hubrid Nox, who blasted him to the ground. | ||
After Brynn and Hanso used the control panel to help the rest of the heroes escape, Jazan accused Hanso of letting Nox escape and blamed him for getting trapped in the castle. Although Hanso protested that he helped them get out of the castle, they overruled him, and decided to proceed without him. They argued over where Nox could have gone, when [[Faerieland]], surrounded by sinister purple clouds and crackling lightning, appeared overhead. Altador suggested that the faerie's condition had adversely affected the city, when the group was attacked from all sides by shadowy monsters. | After Brynn and Hanso used the control panel to help the rest of the heroes escape, Jazan accused Hanso of letting Nox escape and blamed him for getting trapped in the castle. Although Hanso protested that he helped them get out of the castle, they overruled him, and decided to proceed without him. They argued over where Nox could have gone, when [[Faerieland]], surrounded by sinister purple clouds and crackling lightning, appeared overhead. Altador suggested that the faerie's condition had adversely affected the city, when the group was attacked from all sides by shadowy monsters. | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:shadows.png|left|thumb|300px|A new threat emerges from the shadows.]] | ||
Jazan reasoned that the monsters they were fighting could not belong to Nox, as his minions are ghosts. Hanso and Altador realised that the wraiths were distracting them from the sinking Faerieland, and between waves, they resolved to split up. Brynn would go to [[The Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives|Brightvale's library]] to see if there was anything they could use, and take Hanso to the dungeons there. Xandra said she should research more on faerie artefacts as well. The rest of the team would remain to see if the wraiths led them to Nox. | |||
Brynn and Hanso reminisced as to the first time they met, and after a while Xandra excused herself to go to her own books. When they reached Brightvale, they noticed the colour seemed to have gone from it. Brynn dutifully locked Hanso up, but promised she would return after going to the library. | Brynn and Hanso reminisced as to the first time they met, and after a while Xandra excused herself to go to her own books. When they reached Brightvale, they noticed the colour seemed to have gone from it. Brynn dutifully locked Hanso up, but promised she would return after going to the library. | ||
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Brynn met Xandra in the cave, who said she had also been captured. The other people in the cave seemed ill: Xandra thought the Spectres were feeding off them somehow. She wanted to know if Brynn had found a solution, and suggested the writing in the book may have been a puzzle of some kind. With the help of Hanso, who had snuck into the cave by piggy-backing on one of the Spectres, the trio managed to escape. | Brynn met Xandra in the cave, who said she had also been captured. The other people in the cave seemed ill: Xandra thought the Spectres were feeding off them somehow. She wanted to know if Brynn had found a solution, and suggested the writing in the book may have been a puzzle of some kind. With the help of Hanso, who had snuck into the cave by piggy-backing on one of the Spectres, the trio managed to escape. | ||
[[Image:arte2.png|right|thumb|300px|The group finds the second artefact.]] | |||
On examining the book, Xandra stated that it did not contain a counter-spell, but a map to some ruins. Hanso recognized them - they were one of the safe houses when he was a member of the [[Thieves' Guild]]. As it was their only lead, the trio travelled to the ruins, hoping to find something they could use. Within the ruins, they ran into more ghouls and split up. Xandra and Hanso found another artefact that looked like it was connected to the one used against the Faeries. | |||
Hanso was wary of traps and [[Wikipedia:Raiders of the Lost Ark|asked Xandra if she had a bag of sand]], but she rolled her eyes and just grabbed the artefact, which didn't seem to be booby trapped after all. They met up with Brynn again and decided to head back to the Haunted Woods, hoping the second artefact could undo the spell the first one cast. | Hanso was wary of traps and [[Wikipedia:Raiders of the Lost Ark|asked Xandra if she had a bag of sand]], but she rolled her eyes and just grabbed the artefact, which didn't seem to be booby trapped after all. They met up with Brynn again and decided to head back to the Haunted Woods, hoping the second artefact could undo the spell the first one cast. | ||
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{{cq|It's worse than just Faerieland sinking. King Altador, I think all of Neopia is in terrible danger...}} | {{cq|It's worse than just Faerieland sinking. King Altador, I think all of Neopia is in terrible danger...}} | ||
Brynn explained that it seemed all of Neopia seemed drained, and everything was decaying or dying. Jazan wondered if the Faeries were more involved in the well-being of the planet than they had realised. With time running out, they needed to reverse the spell as soon as they could, and Xandra resolved to try. They moved out in to the open, and Brynn and Hanso held the artefact up for Xandra while the heroes defended them against the renewed forces of the wraiths. | Brynn explained that it seemed all of Neopia seemed drained, and everything was decaying or dying. Jazan wondered if the Faeries were more involved in the well-being of the planet than they had realised. With time running out, they needed to reverse the spell as soon as they could, and Xandra resolved to try. They moved out in to the open, and Brynn and Hanso held the artefact up for Xandra while the heroes defended them against the renewed forces of the wraiths. | ||
[[Image:Tfr_crash.jpg|left|thumb|400px|Xandra had no intention of ever saving Faerieland.]] | |||
As the ritual was completed, there was a shockwave from the artefact. Hanso picked himself up, and saw Brynn lying on the ground, while outside of Xandra's magical barrier, the heroes had been turned to stone. The Phantoms closed in on Xandra, who scoured them away with green flames. Hanso stared in shock as the Xweetok stood with an evil glint in her eye and Faerieland crashed behind them in a shower of fireballs. It was at this point that Hasno and Brynn had learned the horrible truth: Xandra ''wanted'' Faerieland to fall... | As the ritual was completed, there was a shockwave from the artefact. Hanso picked himself up, and saw Brynn lying on the ground, while outside of Xandra's magical barrier, the heroes had been turned to stone. The Phantoms closed in on Xandra, who scoured them away with green flames. Hanso stared in shock as the Xweetok stood with an evil glint in her eye and Faerieland crashed behind them in a shower of fireballs. It was at this point that Hasno and Brynn had learned the horrible truth: Xandra ''wanted'' Faerieland to fall... | ||
{{cq|It was a symbol, Brynn. That's all. Symbols have power, and getting rid of that symbol is something that Neopia has needed for a long, long time...}} | {{cq|It was a symbol, Brynn. That's all. Symbols have power, and getting rid of that symbol is something that Neopia has needed for a long, long time...}} | ||
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Hanso remembered the 'Nox' he saw cast the spell called Faeries "winged tyrants" - and realised 'Nox' must have been Xandra in disguise. Xandra said the world would be better off under a Neopet ruler: her. The artefact Hanso had stolen and the sibling they found in the ruin had both served to amplify her magic so she could overwhelm the Faeries. The shadowy wraiths, spectres, and phantoms, who had been plaguing Brightvale and the Haunted Woods, were a side-effect from the petrification spell unintended by Xandra. | Hanso remembered the 'Nox' he saw cast the spell called Faeries "winged tyrants" - and realised 'Nox' must have been Xandra in disguise. Xandra said the world would be better off under a Neopet ruler: her. The artefact Hanso had stolen and the sibling they found in the ruin had both served to amplify her magic so she could overwhelm the Faeries. The shadowy wraiths, spectres, and phantoms, who had been plaguing Brightvale and the Haunted Woods, were a side-effect from the petrification spell unintended by Xandra. | ||
Xandra hoped to rebuild Neopia with Neopets and their own strengths, not through the blessings of the faeries. Seeing their potential, she offered Brynn and Hanso a chance to join her: Brynn refused at once, but Hanso listened. Xandra said that if Hanso helped her rebuild, he would be remembered as a hero, not a thief. Recalling the distrust from his fellow heroes - including Brynn - and despite Brynn begging for his help, Hanso instead seemed to agree to Xandra's offer. | Xandra hoped to rebuild Neopia with Neopets and their own strengths, not through the blessings of the faeries. Seeing their potential, she offered Brynn and Hanso a chance to join her: Brynn refused at once, but Hanso listened. Xandra said that if Hanso helped her rebuild, he would be remembered as a hero, not a thief. Recalling the distrust from his fellow heroes - including Brynn - and despite Brynn begging for his help, Hanso instead seemed to agree to Xandra's offer. | ||
[[Image:chase.png|right|thumb|Hanso steals the | [[Image:chase.png|right|thumb|300px|Hanso steals one of the artefacts.]] | ||
However, it was a ruse! Hanso snatched the smaller artefact from Xandra and threw it to Brynn, telling her to destroy it. Brynn hesitated in the confusion, which gave the Xweetok witch enough time to summon it back. Hanso grabbed the artefact from the air as he and Brynn fled. | However, it was a ruse! Hanso snatched the smaller artefact from Xandra and threw it to Brynn, telling her to destroy it. Brynn hesitated in the confusion, which gave the Xweetok witch enough time to summon it back. Hanso grabbed the artefact from the air as he and Brynn fled. | ||
Enraged, Xandra summoned a giant Wraith called Oblivion to kill Brynn while she dealt with Hanso. The Ixi absorbed her attacks into the artefact while goading her with insults, and when it was full of energy, he shattered it with his dagger. There was a burst of green light, and the clouds parted. Brynn defeated Oblivion, and rushed over to Hanso - but both Hanso and Xandra had been turned to stone. | Enraged, Xandra summoned a giant Wraith called Oblivion to kill Brynn while she dealt with Hanso. The Ixi absorbed her attacks into the artefact while goading her with insults, and when it was full of energy, he shattered it with his dagger. There was a burst of green light, and the clouds parted. Brynn defeated Oblivion, and rushed over to Hanso - but both Hanso and Xandra had been turned to stone. | ||
[[Image:price2.png|left|thumb|300px|Hanso's plan comes at a price.]] | |||
Not long after, King Altador and his guardsmen, King Jazan, the Ogrin Master, and even Queen Fyora arrived as the dust settled; all free from Xandra's petrification spell. The Faerie Queen freed Hanso from the effects of the broken mirror. After everyone congratulated the thief for his heroism, Fyora explained that Xandra had underestimated the Faeries' involvement in Neopia, as their magic was needed to protect the world from the wraiths. She then disappeared with the petrified Xweetok, asking Hanso to meet up with her later. | Not long after, King Altador and his guardsmen, King Jazan, the Ogrin Master, and even Queen Fyora arrived as the dust settled; all free from Xandra's petrification spell. The Faerie Queen freed Hanso from the effects of the broken mirror. After everyone congratulated the thief for his heroism, Fyora explained that Xandra had underestimated the Faeries' involvement in Neopia, as their magic was needed to protect the world from the wraiths. She then disappeared with the petrified Xweetok, asking Hanso to meet up with her later. | ||
Hanso revealed to his allies that beforehand, he saw something in the book from Brightvale that helped him break the spell, freeing everyone from their stone predicament. He then confessed that he was lucky that Fyora freed him. The group began to go their separate ways: Altador and his men returned to [[Altador|their own kingdom]] to see if there was any damage done from the days past, while Jazan and Hanso discuss buying some of the jewellery Hanso had stolen for [[Nabile]] as a gift. | Hanso revealed to his allies that beforehand, he saw something in the book from Brightvale that helped him break the spell, freeing everyone from their stone predicament. He then confessed that he was lucky that Fyora freed him. The group began to go their separate ways: Altador and his men returned to [[Altador|their own kingdom]] to see if there was any damage done from the days past, while Jazan and Hanso discuss buying some of the jewellery Hanso had stolen for [[Nabile]] as a gift. | ||
===Epilogue=== | ===Epilogue=== | ||
Hanso told a young [[Wocky]] named Timmy about the events that followed Xandra's downfall. | Hanso told a young [[Wocky]] named Timmy about the events that followed Xandra's downfall. | ||
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==Participation== | ==Participation== | ||
The player | The player could participate in this plot, like in the [[Tale of Woe]], by solving puzzles that are released after certain chapters of the story. Solving puzzles, and solving them in specific ways, earns the player achievements called ''Fearless Deeds''. Achievements are often named after internet memes. | ||
The first puzzle was linked to at the bottom of the second chapter. The second puzzle, by contrast, had to be found in the [[Deserted Fairground]] of the [[Haunted Woods]], like the puzzles in the [[Tale of Woe]] plot. All subsequent puzzle steps had to be found by the players as well. The third, fifth, and seventh steps were battles which took place in the [[Battledome]], and had a dedicated page to keep track of their progress. | The first puzzle was linked to at the bottom of the second chapter. The second puzzle, by contrast, had to be found in the [[Deserted Fairground]] of the [[Haunted Woods]], like the puzzles in the [[Tale of Woe]] plot. All subsequent puzzle steps had to be found by the players as well. The third, fifth, and seventh steps were battles which took place in the [[Battledome]], and had a dedicated page to keep track of their progress. | ||
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|[[Image:Tfr_art4.png]] | |[[Image:Tfr_art4.png]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
If Hanso is hit, or if he leaves the library without getting all the artefacts, it is indicated as an error in the story - Xandra or Hanso will answer that it didn't happen as such, and the user can try again. | If Hanso is hit, or if he leaves the library without getting all the artefacts, it is indicated as an error in retelling the story - Xandra or Hanso will answer that it didn't happen as such, and the user can try again. | ||
Also in the library are three items that are not glowing. These are bonus items, and can be collected in addition to the artefacts. If Hanso escapes with all the artefacts and with one or more of these bonus items, the bonus items will appear in the player's [[inventory]]. | Also in the library are three items that are not glowing. These are bonus items, and can be collected in addition to the artefacts. If Hanso escapes with all the artefacts and with one or more of these bonus items, the bonus items will appear in the player's [[inventory]]. | ||
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===The Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives=== | ===The Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives=== | ||
Refreshing at the map of [[Brightvale]] eventually causes a text link to appear beneath it, reading "You notice a strange door on one side of the castle... how odd." - some people have reported having to turn [http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865/ Adblock] or [http://noscript.net/ NoScript] off in their browsers before it would appear. The link leads to [ | Refreshing at the map of [[Brightvale]] eventually causes a text link to appear beneath it, reading "You notice a strange door on one side of the castle... how odd." - some people have reported having to turn [http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865/ Adblock] or [http://noscript.net/ NoScript] off in their browsers before it would appear. The link leads to [[The Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives|the Brightvale archives]], where a relative of the grumpy [[Yurble]] [[The Foreman|foreman]] is trying to get the library organised for Brynn. Mistaking the player for a library intern he requested, he orders them to get to work sorting out one of the archive's many rooms. | ||
The user must access the archives by clicking on the link beneath the Brightvale map first before they will be able to use the direct link above to get there. After it has been accessed, the link will appear above the Brightvale map, reading "Visit the Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives". | The user must access the archives by clicking on the link beneath the Brightvale map first before they will be able to use the direct link above to get there. After it has been accessed, the link will appear above the Brightvale map, reading "Visit the Finneus J. Scrollbottom Auxiliary Surplus Archives". | ||
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{| style="margin: 0 auto;" | {| style="margin: 0 auto;" | ||
| | |- style="vertical-align:bottom;" | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc1d.png|Kali]] | |||
| | |[[Image:Tfr npc2d.png|Mike]] | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc3d.png|Victor]] | |||
| | |[[Image:Tfr npc4d.png|Charlie]] | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc5d.png|Oscar]] | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|colspan="5" style="text-align: center;"|From left to right, Kali, Mike, Victor, Charlie, and Oscar. | |colspan="5" style="text-align: center;"|From left to right, Kali, Mike, Victor, Charlie, and Oscar. | ||
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{| style="margin: 0 auto;" | {| style="margin: 0 auto;" | ||
| | |- style="vertical-align:bottom;" | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc1.png|Kali]] | |||
| | |[[Image:Tfr npc2.png|Mike]] | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc3.png|Victor]] | |||
| | |[[Image:Tfr npc4.png|Charlie]] | ||
|[[Image:Tfr npc5.png|Oscar]] | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|From left to right, Kali, Mike, Victor, Charlie, and Oscar, free at last. | |colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|From left to right, Kali, Mike, Victor, Charlie, and Oscar, free at last. | ||
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{| style="margin: 0 auto;" | {| style="margin: 0 auto;" | ||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr gemstone.png|Gemstone]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr lens.png|Lens]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr crystal.png|Odd crystal]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''gemstone'', ''lens'', and ''odd crystal'' are all '''focusers'''.</small> | | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''gemstone'', ''lens'', and ''odd crystal'' are all '''focusers'''.</small> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr cane.png|Fancy cane]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr duster.png|Feather duster]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr ladle.png|Soup ladle]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''fancy cane'', ''feather duster,'' and ''soup ladle'' are all '''handles'''.</small> | | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''fancy cane'', ''feather duster,'' and ''soup ladle'' are all '''handles'''.</small> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr rope.png|Length of rope]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr belt.png|Old belt]] | |||
| | | | ||
[[Image:Tfr pipe cleaners.png|Pipe cleaners]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''length of rope'', ''old belt'', and ''pipe cleaners'' are all '''bindings'''.</small> | | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<small>The ''length of rope'', ''old belt'', and ''pipe cleaners'' are all '''bindings'''.</small> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
When challenging Oblivion in the Battledome, two icons are shown either side of his name. These change every few hours. The icon that appears ''before'' his name indicates to what | When challenging Oblivion in the Battledome, two icons are shown either side of his name. These change every few hours. The icon that appears ''before'' his name indicates to what element Oblivion is weak: dealing this element of damage to him, using a weapon or ability that deals ''only'' that element, will reduce his total hit points. However, the icon that appears ''after'' his name indicates the element that will be his strong suit; using a weapon or ability dealing ''only'' that element, will increase his total hit points instead. | ||
This version of Oblivion was no longer available to fight following the release of chapter 13, but it is not clear if he had been defeated by this time. | This version of Oblivion was no longer available to fight following the release of chapter 13, but it is not clear if he had been defeated by this time. | ||
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|http://images.neopets.com/faerieland/tfr_fa61c26562/p8_974fde1c81/symbols_small.png | |http://images.neopets.com/faerieland/tfr_fa61c26562/p8_974fde1c81/symbols_small.png | ||
|} | |} | ||
At the top of each enciphered spell is a title with seven symbols. Players decipher the page by | At the top of each enciphered spell is a title with seven symbols. Players decipher the page by clicking the three symbols in the title that correspond to the three ''least''-used symbols in the page of text below. This can be done quickly by estimation - the three correct symbols are quite rare, and the others in the title are quite common. The order the symbols are selected does not matter. When the page is deciphered, Xandra can decide if it is the right one or not. | ||
<br clear="all"> | <br clear="all"> | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|style="background-color:#000000; color:#FFFFFF"|1 | |style="background-color:#000000; color:#FFFFFF"|1 | ||
|style="background-color:#FF0000 | |style="background-color:#FF0000"|2 | ||
|style="background-color:#00FF00"|3 | |style="background-color:#00FF00"|3 | ||
|style="background-color:#0000FF; color:#FFFFFF"|4 | |style="background-color:#0000FF; color:#FFFFFF"|4 | ||
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*'''Xandra''' - ''Xandra, having revealed her true nature, tries to entice Hanso into joining her in ruling Neopia. Will he give in, or try to free Neopia from Xandra's control? Meanwhile, Brynn faces an old foe once again...'' | *'''Xandra''' - ''Xandra, having revealed her true nature, tries to entice Hanso into joining her in ruling Neopia. Will he give in, or try to free Neopia from Xandra's control? Meanwhile, Brynn faces an old foe once again...'' | ||
:Complete the puzzle. | :Complete the puzzle. | ||
*'''[[wikipedia:Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog|Triumph]]''' - ''[[Wikipedia: | *'''[[wikipedia:Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog|Triumph]]''' - ''[[Wikipedia:The Secret of Monkey Island|How appropriate. You fight like a kau.]]'' | ||
*:Use all the different insults at least once. It doesn't matter how many puzzles the player needs to play use all the insults, and insult used in failed puzzles count. | *:Use all the different insults at least once. It doesn't matter how many puzzles the player needs to play use all the insults, and insult used in failed puzzles count. | ||
*'''[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/its-over-9000 Over 9000]''' - ''What, are you in a hurry? Because clearly we're not. '' | *'''[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/its-over-9000 Over 9000]''' - ''What, are you in a hurry? Because clearly we're not. '' | ||
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|} | |} | ||
==Neocash | ==Neocash activity== | ||
The Faeries' Ruin is the second plot to include an additional [[Neocash]] element, after the previous year's [[Atlas of the Ancients]]. As in the previous plot, [[The Neopets Team]] reported that "it in no way affects your plot score." | The Faeries' Ruin is the second plot to include an additional [[Neocash]] element, after the previous year's [[Atlas of the Ancients]]. As in the previous plot, [[The Neopets Team]] reported that "it in no way affects your plot score." | ||
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Once the lever on the Transfabulator is pulled, the key used to enter the Corridor is used up. | Once the lever on the Transfabulator is pulled, the key used to enter the Corridor is used up. | ||
== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
*After the release of the first chapter, a [[wikipedia:meme|meme]] began on the [[Neoboards]] as to the fate of a pie, which had also been petrified along with the faeries. This was referenced in [[Lenny Conundrum]] [http://www.neopets.com/games/conundrum_feature.phtml?round=375 round 375], [[Random Contest]] [http://www.neopets.com/random_contest.phtml?place=201 number 201], and the [[Neopian Times]] [http://www.neopets.com/ntimes/index.phtml?section=editorial&week=462 Editorial number 462]. Ultimately, a stone pie was released as a plot prize. | *After the release of the first chapter, a [[wikipedia:meme|meme]] began on the [[Neoboards]] as to the fate of a pie, which had also been petrified along with the faeries. This was referenced in [[Lenny Conundrum]] [http://www.neopets.com/games/conundrum_feature.phtml?round=375 round 375], [[Random Contest]] [http://www.neopets.com/random_contest.phtml?place=201 number 201], and the [[Neopian Times]] [http://www.neopets.com/ntimes/index.phtml?section=editorial&week=462 Editorial number 462]. Ultimately, a stone pie was released as a plot prize. | ||
*The Faeries' Ruin plot was chosen as the Best Plot in the [[Neopies|3rd Annual Neopies]] - although it was the only nominee in that category. | *The Faeries' Ruin plot was chosen as the Best Plot in the [[Neopies|3rd Annual Neopies]] - although it was the only nominee in that category. | ||
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=== Site changes during the fall === | === Site changes during the fall === | ||
* | Several site elements were altered during this plot: | ||
*The shops both at the [[Healing Springs]] and the [[Hidden Tower]] remained open without their owners present, presumably relying on an honesty-box system, even after Faerieland crashed. | *Although the Faeries were petrified, the [[Healing Springs]] had some "residual magic" to be used at the user's own risk. Before the release of ''Into the Fray'', if the user tried to "Heal my Pets", they were told there was no-one there to heal them; during and after ''Into the Fray'', it generated one of the Water Faerie's item events - either a low level snowball or a healing potion. | ||
*The shops both at the [[Healing Springs]] and the [[Hidden Tower]] remained open without their owners present, presumably relying on an honesty-box system, even after Faerieland crashed. New items were released as normal: the Maractite Paint Brush began to be sold at the Hidden Tower on the same day that Faerieland crashed. | |||
*The [[Soup Kitchen]] was still usable during the plot, as the [[Soup Faerie]] had made an extra large cauldron of soup. | *The [[Soup Kitchen]] was still usable during the plot, as the [[Soup Faerie]] had made an extra large cauldron of soup. | ||
*Beginning around 10 November, the height recorded on Faerieland's main page dropped from 10,000 feet to 9,000 feet in line with the events of the plot. It had dropped another 1,000 feet by the 15 November, and another by 18 November. It was down to only 3,000 by the 23 November - Oblivion's release date. Later on that day, it was | *Beginning around 10 November, the height recorded on Faerieland's main page dropped from 10,000 feet to 9,000 feet in line with the events of the plot. It had dropped another 1,000 feet by the 15 November, and another by 18 November. It was down to only 3,000 by the 23 November - Oblivion's release date. Later on that day, it was down to 2,000 feet, and by the 24th it was at 1,000. | ||
*By the end of 24 November, the description on Faerieland's main page was gone, replaced by a link to the picture of Faerieland crashing to the ground. At the end of the plot, the map was remade to show that nearly all the activities and damaged infrastructure were being rebuilt in a lush landscape on the ground, and most activities were accessible again with new art | *By the end of 24 November, the description on Faerieland's main page was gone, replaced by a link to the picture of Faerieland crashing to the ground. At the end of the plot, the map was remade to show that nearly all the activities and damaged infrastructure were being rebuilt in a lush landscape on the ground, and most activities were accessible again with new art - an exception was the [[Faerie Quest]]s, which remained closed during rebuilding until 7 February. Faerieland was never rendered inaccessible at any point of the plot. | ||
=== | === Cameos and references === | ||
The titles and descriptions of the Fearless Deeds often contained jokes or references to other media. These are linked to in the walkthrough above. Additionally: | |||
*Reference was made in the plot to the fate of [[The Darkest Faerie]]. | *Reference was made in the plot to the fate of [[The Darkest Faerie]]. | ||
*Both this plot and the video game [[Neopets: The Darkest Faerie]] had the scene of Faerieland dropping to Neopia. | *Both this plot and the video game ''[[Neopets: The Darkest Faerie]]'' had the scene of Faerieland dropping to Neopia. | ||
*[[Captain Rourke]] made a [[wikipedia:cameo appearance|cameo]] in chapter three as a patron at the bar. | *[[Captain Rourke]] made a [[wikipedia:cameo appearance|cameo]] in chapter three as a patron at the bar. | ||
*[[Kanrik]] made a cameo in chapter | *[[Kanrik]] made a cameo in chapter seven in a flashback as one of the people [[Hanso]] robbed. | ||
*The foyer of the Brightvale Archives has [[wikipedia:Roman numerals|Roman numerals]] hidden in [http://images.neopets.com/faerieland/tfr_fa61c26562/p4_e784d30682/intro2_aae72f2d43.png the design], including an 'X' on the floor. This may be a reference to the similar scene in ''[[wikipedia:Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade|Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]''. Also, in the eleventh chapter, Hanso mentions swapping the artefact with a bag of sand, referencing the famous idol swap scene in ''[[wikipedia:Raiders of the Lost Ark|Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''. | *The foyer of the Brightvale Archives has [[wikipedia:Roman numerals|Roman numerals]] hidden in [http://images.neopets.com/faerieland/tfr_fa61c26562/p4_e784d30682/intro2_aae72f2d43.png the design], including an 'X' on the floor. This may be a reference to the similar scene in ''[[wikipedia:Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade|Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]''. Also, in the eleventh chapter, Hanso mentions swapping the artefact with a bag of sand, referencing the famous idol swap scene in ''[[wikipedia:Raiders of the Lost Ark|Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''. | ||
*The Neopets in the Wraiths' Cavern have names from the [[wikipedia:ICAO spelling alphabet|ICAO spelling alphabet]] (aka the NATO phonetic alphabet) - Charlie, Mike, Oscar, and Victor, meaning the letters C, M, O, and V. Kali's name is not in the alphabet - but it is very close to the keyword for K, "kilo". | *The Neopets in the Wraiths' Cavern have names from the [[wikipedia:ICAO spelling alphabet|ICAO spelling alphabet]] (aka the NATO phonetic alphabet) - Charlie, Mike, Oscar, and Victor, meaning the letters C, M, O, and V. Kali's name is not in the alphabet - but it is very close to the keyword for K, "kilo". | ||
*In the Archives step, the orange Meowclops symbol was originally thought to be an orange cat (i.e. [[wikipedia:Garfield (character)|Garfield]] himself) | *In the Archives step, the orange Meowclops symbol was originally thought to be an orange cat (i.e. [[wikipedia:Garfield (character)|Garfield]] himself) - this was repudiated by the official solution to the plot. | ||
=== Goofs and inconsistencies === | === Goofs and inconsistencies === | ||
*The [[Wikipedia:English in the Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth English]] spelling of ''art'''e'''fact'' is used throughout the plot, although ''art'''i'''fact'' is used elsewhere on the [[Neopets]] site. | *The [[Wikipedia:English in the Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth English]] spelling of ''art'''e'''fact'' is used throughout the plot, although ''art'''i'''fact'' is used elsewhere on the [[Neopets]] site. | ||
*Some faeries were not shown as petrified during the plot, including [[Siyana]] of Altador or [[Bree]] the Keyquest Faerie, | *Some faeries were not shown as petrified during the plot, including [[Siyana]] of Altador or [[Bree]] the Keyquest Faerie, this was not a clue but an [[wikipedia:Goof|oversight]]. | ||
*The [[Ogrin Master|Ogrin]] is never named at any point during the plot - and he was simply referred to as "The Ogrin Master" in the epilogue. | *The [[Ogrin Master|Ogrin]] is never named at any point during the plot - and he was simply referred to as "The Ogrin Master" in the epilogue. | ||
*In the [[Games Master Challenge 2010]], several qualifying games were unavailable since they were set in Faerieland. However, there were no challenges that required those games to be played. | *In the [[Games Master Challenge 2010]], several qualifying games were unavailable since they were set in Faerieland. However, there were no challenges that ''required'' those games to be played. | ||
*No statue is shown to have fallen over after being petrified - even ones in the middle of movement (walking, dancing, battling, etc.), even though it would be very unlikely that they would have been balanced enough to stay on their feet at the moment they were frozen. | *No statue is shown to have fallen over after being petrified - even ones in the middle of movement (walking, dancing, battling, etc.), even though it would be very unlikely that they would have been balanced enough to stay on their feet at the moment they were frozen. | ||
*Even after the Water Faerie returned, the [[Healing Springs]] still failed to grant anything other than items until the first workday of the new year (3 January 2011). | *Even after the Water Faerie returned, the [[Healing Springs]] still failed to grant anything other than items until the first workday of the new year (3 January 2011). | ||