Minutes from the Glade’s Monthly Planning Meeting

     Meeting was called to order by Illusen at approximately dusk. Lanterns were lit in the birch trees for a cosy atmosphere. Tea was served on the main stump of the meeting area in the clearing by the Mortogs’ pond.

     - Attendees Present: Illusen (Chair), Silas Blacktail (Senior Groundskeeper), Earth Faeries Verdessa, Faelith, and Thirra (Seasonal Advisors), The Western Birch (nonverbal, but always present), One Mortog (Ambiance Coordinator), Rowan Willowhart (Executive Assistant).

     - Attendees Absent: N/A

     - Note that the Mortog is not on payroll, but has voting rights.

     II. Approval of Previous Minutes

     Correction requested by Verdessa for her and her sisters to not be referred to as “Official Seasonal Advisors, Unofficial Frequent Dissenters.”

     - Mortog croaked in laughter, but voted in favor. Western Birch rustled branches and abstained. Striped Meerca Silas Blacktail opposed, stating the description was accurate. Illusen carried the vote in favor. Moving forward, the sisters will only be referred to as “Seasonal Advisors” in meeting notes.

     Outcome: Motion carried.

     III. Quest Difficulty Calibration

     Discussion Topics:

     - Whether 15 and 30 minute timers for questers are “character-building” or “unnecessary distress to mental health.”

     - Clarification on the use of r99s items after quest Level 36.

     - Proposal to slightly reduce quests involving items not found in Neopian shops, player shops, Auction House, or Trading Post.

     Discussion proceeded with Faelith mentioning starting r99 items at Level 36 is quite fair considering another faerie starts hers at Level 30. Silas Blacktail brought up that the timers keep the Glade lively and contribute to the highly sought after High Score Table and associated trophies. Thirra reiterated that the materials required for prize-crafting were not self-replenishing. In order to maintain both quality and quantity of rewards, she advised that certain high-demand items remain appropriately difficult to procure.

     Illusen waited for all discussion to commence before adding in her thoughts. Verbatim: “After the recent overhaul of the quests, I don’t see a need for recalibration so soon.”

     Motion to recalibrate quest difficulty was not adopted. The Chair declined endorsement. One Earth Faerie’s dissenting vote recorded. The Mortog leapt onto moss. Moss glowed faintly. Noted without interpretation.

     IV. Vine Overgrowth Complaints

     Complaints gathered and recorded by Silas Blacktail. Distributed via neomail prior to meeting by Rowan Willowhart.

     - Several questers have been gently entangled in vines after a failed quest.

     - One overconfident Neopian was temporarily suspended upside down.

     - Vines playfully poke and tickle successful questers after completing a level.

     Verdessa suggested installing signage. The West Birch dropped a leaf in Illusen’s lap. The Mortog croaked twice his opposition. Deliberation continued on whether the vines would become an insurance liability. Faelith said it wasn’t the vines’ fault for questers walking too close. Verdessa again pushed for “beware of” signage. Mortog croaked twice, aggressively this time. Illusen agreed with the Ambiance Coordinator. “The forest is its own signage.”

     Signage not approved.

     V. Illusen Day Logistics

     Since every year, the Glade sees record numbers on Illusen day, the discussion turned to the final preparations. Silas Blacktail affirmed the signed contract between the Glade and off-duty guards from King Skarl’s castle for security. The king also sends Illusen his warm regards and hopes the influx of visitors to Meridell brings a boost in economy to the local vendors.

     - Faelith and Thirra presented their guidance on crafting sustainable flower crows, which included biodegradable glitter.

     - Mortog croaked his reminder about wind chimes to be hung before dawn.

     - Illusen confirmed her entrance would occur “naturally.”

     Action Items:

     - Consult an Air Faerie for wind coordination and cooperative breezes for gentle hair movement. Western Birch to advise.

     - Review and approve phrasing for unsuccessful quest attempts. (“Growth opportunity” language preferred.)

     - Audit prize inventory.

     VI. Glade Creature Feedback

     Mortog presented the monthly report of Glade creature feedback. Collected anonymously.

     Feedback includes:

     - Symols requesting holes not be filled up in the northern clearing. Silas Blacktail acknowledged and would remind his staff.

     - A family of Zebies are being antagonized by a wandering herd of Drackonacks. Verdessa said she would cast a ward around the Zebies’ meadow to detract the Drackonacks from encroaching on the Zebies’ territory.

     - Gallions requesting more visiting questers to give them attention. They promised not to nip anyone if they felt ignored. Illusen approved.

     Matters closed.

     VII. Inventory Irregularities

     The Glade continues to see items left behind by questers. This month’s review of items included:

     - A leaking potion bottle labeled “probably safe.”

     - 10 apology letters to Illusen from failed questers. (Submitted to the archives as advised by Illusen.)

     - A confiscated map of Darigan Citadel with interesting annotations scribbled in the margins.

     - A 2/3 Twirly Fruit Omelette left behind on a mushroom.

     - One decorative wand that doesn’t appear to do anything. (Set aside to be tested.)

     - Expired coupon for 50% off one single-topping pizza at Pizzaroo.

     - A handful of neopoints that have already been sent to The Money Tree in Neopia Central for distribution.

     Recorded without commentary.

     VIII. Seasonal Advisor Disputes

     Verdessa, Faelith, and Thirra continued their debates from last month’s meetings.

     Topics included:

     - Whether roots and vines should be allowed to redirect pathways around the Glade spontaneously. (To which Silas Blacktail argued he has a dedicated gardener who attempts to wrangle the wayward roots and vines.)

     - Appropriate verbiage when correcting birch tree climbers. (Verdessa wants to spell them, to which Faelith and Thirra vehemently oppose.)

     - If celebrating the Glade outside of Illusen Day with another festival would increase quester attendance. (Thirra stated that due to cost containment efforts and limited year-to-end enchantment funds, the Glade does not currently possess the budgetary flexibility to support another festival initiative. Verdessa and Faelith argue a “woodland themed” festival would bring awareness to the wildlife and creatures in this habitat.)

     Discussion grows circular. The Mortog fell asleep. The Western Birch shed a few leaves. Illusen gently brought attendees back to the meeting agenda.

     Discussions are ongoing and will continue at the next monthly meeting.

     IX. Mortog Matters (Unscheduled)

     The Mortog hopped to the center of the meeting circle and stared at Illusen. Illusen stared back. The Mortog croaked and Illusen nodded. No explanation is given, but Illusen tells the Executive Assistant to note that, “Ambient alignment is confirmed.”

     Unscheduled agenda item added to meeting notes.

     X. Purple Atmospheric Interference

     Discussion carefully avoids the use of proper nouns, but a dialogue is started of the ongoing issue of “unexplained purple discoloration in the western trees near Illusen’s homestead.” Silas observes that his team has found an increase of poisonous mushrooms near the tree line that taunt his staff and faint violet pollen has been creating sinus problems for those who walk through it. Also noted that there appears to be Gruslen tracks stomping about the rose garden and consuming the petals… and thorns.

     Thirra suggests installing wards, but is shot down by Silas Blacktail, Verdessa, and Faelith. The Western Birch shakes branches in what also appears to be opposing of the wards. The Mortog croaks twice again. Everyone shifts to Illusen for guidance.

     Illusen says she will handle the matter on her own.

     No further action needed.

     XI. Closing Remarks

     Illusen thanked all attendees for their time and candor. She expressed hopeful excitement for the upcoming Illusen Day celebrations and the hard work that is being put into a successful event.

     Meeting is adjourned when moonlight hit the Western Birch.

     Mortog remains.

     Recorded accurately and faithfully by Executive Assistant of Illusen’s Glade, Purple Ixi Rowan Willowhart.

     The End.