Destruction of Maraqua

Early investigators were unable to find any survivors.

On 18th August 2001, the largest whirlpool even seen in Neopia caused the destruction of Maraqua.

This came the day after the King of Maraqua, King Koi, had an ignored ultimatum from Captain Dread, who on behalf of the pirates had sailed with his Mynci first mate and Blumaroo helmsman, in the submarine The Revenge, to demanded their annual 'protection money'. King Koi had refused to pay, standing up to the pirates on account of Maraqua's recent misfortunes (bad kelp harvest, declining popularity with tourists, coral tax and stock depressions), to which the Captain had ominously declared he'd see the King, "in HELL!".

The full extent of the damage was not known until almost a year after the whirlpool began, when it finally stopped turning (31st May 2002). Divers began to explore the area, and the ruins of Maraqua began to emerge.

This was intended to be the start of a new Maraqua plot, however it was abandoned shortly after Maraqua was destroyed. It was later revived as The Curse of Maraqua plot.

Trivia

• With the destruction of Maraqua, many changes took place:
  • Koi became Limited Edition.
  • The Flotsam Underwater Chef of Maraqua moved to Mystery Island, making Kitchen Quests available again.
  • Maraquan recipes washed up onto the shore of Mystery Island early in the morning and were being sold in the Tropical Food Shop.
• The Rock Pool opened on August 29, 2001, selling Maraquan Petpets which had begun swimming towards Mystery Island. Slight redesigns were given to a few of these Petpets.

External Links

• Maraqua - flash movie showing the visit from the pirates.
• News Reports of Maraqua's Destruction: An Eyewitness Report, Into the Abyss
• The Whirlpool