The Annual Avatar Assembly!

     It's that time of year where we once again take a look at all the new avatars that have been released in the past year, and Koi has it been a doozy! From stamps to games, to toys and even some super secret random ones mixed in, this past year has allowed Neopians to express themselves in new and exciting ways (or to just add a few more numbers to their vast collections - I see you out there avatar collectors).

     You may be asking yourself "What is an avatar and who even cares!?". So before we dive into this year's new editions, let's have a quick refresher shall we?

     Avatars are fun, varied, and awesome icons that can be used to either express yourself or to show off your achievements from around Neopia when chatting to others on either the Neoboards or in your Guild. There are 100s of them to collect and flaunt, and each avatar has a unique way of being found and collected. Many Neopians from Meridell to Maraqua care about collecting them and working each day towards a new avatar goal, with there even a section on the Neoboards devoted to discussing them. If you weren't an avatar collector before, maybe this article will inspire you to nab some new ones or maybe you'll spot a specific avatar that you want to track down for yourself.

     Now that you're all caught up, lets dive into this years Annual Avatar Assembly! Whether you're an avid avatar acquirer or just curious on what new avatars you may have missed this past year, you need look no further as this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the newest avatars on the scene.

     The month of Sleeping

     I now know a little bit more why it's called the month of Sleeping as new avatars were in a slumber this month. There were no new sightings of any new avatars being released, so onto the next!

     The month of Awakening

     And awaken we did with 2 new avatars spotted this month. The second best annual event (after this one of course) took place this month, the Neopies! The award show that sweeps the nation each year took place starting at the beginning of the month, and for those savvy Neopians with their paws on the pulse of popularity - it wasn't just prizes being awarded but also a brand new fancy avatar. Oooh shiny! Also this month there was the discovery that those helping Luxinia rebuild Faerieland managed to uncover a new super secret (and absolutely adorable) avatar. I guess hard work really does pay off, great find guys!

     The month of Running

     It seems that Neopians were too busy running around this month to find any new avatars. Oh well. Next!

     The month of Eating

     Once again this month followed its theme and did not disappoint as avatars collectors managed to find 2 more avatars to sink their teeth into and satisfy their hunger. Starting off, those who braved a meeting with Nick Neopia weren't just given his spiel of void related conspiracy theories, *ahem* I meant to say totally valid, plausible and possible theories, sorry Nick, but they were also given a fancy new avatar. One for the freethinkers I say! We were also treated to yet another fabulous Festival of Neggs ran by my dear friend, Kari, where participants managed to snag themselves a totally rad new avatar featuring the one and only, Zaira. Thanks again Kari!

     The month of Hunting

     Next up I have heard a rumour that some avatar collectors like to be referred to as avatar hunters. However during the month of Hunting that self coined title took a blow as only 1 new avatar was hunted down. In fact it wasn't even really hunted for, as any new member of the Neopian Task Force was awarded this badge of honour! Maybe next year you avatar hunters will be able prove me wrong and hunt down some impressive avatars. Alas I can't quite remember if the Task Force was meant to be a secret or not, so lets swiftly move on before the Chia Police arrive.

     The month of Relaxing

     This month saw the return of the famed Altador Cup, except everything was a bit... grey? Unfortunately not even the Altador Cup could escape the grey curse spreading throughout Neopia this year, and thus the games were put on hiatus. Those travelling to watch the event instead got gifted some special souvenirs, including a totally dizzying avatar. If you are reading this before the next Altador Cup, then a little Lenny told me you can still grab yourself a souvenir, as well as the avatar over at the Colosseum while supplies last. We also were treated to 2 somewhat scary Skeith avatars; those who have visited King Skarl may know just how scary he can be when he doesn't like a joke you tell him. Now I can't just reveal ALL the secrets of obtaining these avatars, so you will have to discover how to collect these two on your own. Good luck!

     The month of Swimming

     Moving onto the second half of the year we saw an avatar awarded to only the most friendly of folks. Luxinia needed more help fixing up Faerieland than previously thought, and so Neopians were tasked with recruiting some of their dedicated and helpful friends to aid in the extraordinary mission of rebuilding Faerieland. So just keep building, building, building, or was it swimming?

     The month of Hiding

     Hiding was the name of the game this month, as some of these avatars were hidden in the scariest spookiest corners of Neopia. Traversing through long and windy dark caves, along with coming head to head with what at first appeared to be a big scary monster were just a few challenges that collectors had to overcome to earn a couple of these treacherous avatars. Yet it wasn't all doom and gloom, as another more fetching avatar was found in the style of an absolutely iconic (and nostalgic) bright pink flip phone. Slorg fans around the world rejoiced as their beloved petpet was featured on said avatar. That's one phone you will have to keep hidden unless you want everyone around you asking where you got it from.

     The month of Gathering

     Entering the last third of the year, avatars started appearing left, right and centre, with almost as many avatars being discovered this month as the rest of the year up until now combined. As brave Neopians carried on fighting back the onslaught of voidlings and shades, which were now attacking Altador, some canny fighters managed to strategically uncover a few rare avatars awarded for the valiance! Fans of the Storytelling Competition were elated as a few new avatars were also found in the pages of some of the newer stories written, with writers part of every 5th story from 1000 onward also receiving an even more extra special sleek avatar.

     The Faerie Festival started at the end of the month, but before the festivities could begin Illusen and Jhudora both decided to release their own competing avatars to only their truest devotees. However Jhudora not to be outdone, decided to hand out another avatar to those who could make it halfway through her quests before failing when she started to ask for the EXTREMELY rare items she needed. Better luck next time getting her Scimitar of Secrets questers. Owners of Baby Neopets were also reporting to just happen upon a new avatar when playing with their cute little pets. How adorable! Finally a handful of stamps were put into production which completed two more stamp albums, both awarding their own expensive... I mean amazing avatars. You'll find me over at the Wishing Well wishing for a Baelia Charm to finish off my Charms II album. Truly a month of Gathering that's for sure.

     The month of Collecting

     This month additionally uncovered almost as many avatars as the month prior, as avatars were truly being gathered and collected in this time period. Starting off we saw the finale of the aforementioned Faerie Festival, where attendees received a fresh new avatar for helping out upon the conclusion of the event. Meanwhile only the most talented of gamers managed to find themselves this next glossy avatar highlighting their achievements in trophy hunting, and at the same time some gifted guessers over at Krawk Island's famed Food Club managed to win themselves an avatar too. It really was just gold, gold, and more gold on the menu. Visitors to Maraqua were in for quite the surprise as when they spotted a random Maraquan Lupe swimming away, they realised that they had also obtained a new avatar out of nowhere. Very fishy indeed. It seemed like nautical related avatars were all the rage this month with those playing on some sandy beaches with their Neopets also found a stunning and slightly wet avatar for their collections, and Doglefox owners grooming their adorable little critters found one to boot!

     This years spooky season was in full effect as 4 more ghostly and ghoulish avatars were frightfully found. Beginning with the infamous "Lab Ray" causing patrons shock and confusion as those unlucky enough (or lucky for some) to get their poor pet zapped into a Snotty mess were given an avatar for their troubles. Over in Neovia we also heard murmurs that an avatar was found in the dim damp catacombs below, as heroic petpets returned from those spooky tunnels with said gift in tow. That is one mission that I would not want to be doing alone. Carrying on the with the spookiness, ghost stories were back in fashion this year with their terrifying tales leaving listeners with both deeply unnerving new fears, as well as an unsettlingly unique avatar. Finally finishing off the month we were treated to the inaugural edition of the Festival of Fears! Two festivals in one month? Someone get the party planning committee on the line. Anyway, the Esophagor joined in with the celebrations by awarding those who could complete enough of his quests during the Festival with an absolutely gruesome avatar featuring his terrifying self.

     The month of Storing

     As the year was coming to a close, it didn't seem to slow down Eyrie eyed Neopians who managed to discover even more avatars, including two cosmically cool avatars by observing some shooting stars. What a rare sight to behold! There was cheering and raucous celebrations from the Thieves Guild as they got even more representation on the avatar front with one of their very own fighters managing to steal a spot on the avatar list. Speaking of villainous behaviour, The Darkest Faerie also appeared with their very own avatar, bringing even more darkness to the end of year. Ending the month off we saw a few vibrant avatars dedicated to Neopias newest creature, the Varwolf. As adventurers travelled deep into the Haunted Woods to discover the secrets of this elusive new creature, some walked away with both a new friend and a rather gross avatar to memorialise the momentous occasion.

     The month of Celebrating

     Rounding off the year there was still plenty to unearth as a cryptic message in the news led many on a wild Goopie chase to find 2 new avatars unveiled during the Winter Starlight Celebration. One of these avatars is rumoured to be found in the newly refurbished Igloo Garage Sale which unfortunately at the time of writing this article hasn't had its secrets uncovered. Maybe this avatar is a bit too icy and needs some thawing before discovery... Close by at Mr Chipper's Ice Cream Cart there have been reports of Neopets eating their ice creams too fast and getting a brain freeze from eating their trets too fast but at least they were handed an avatar to ease their pain. Moving over to the Lost Desert there was a buzz as a few very lucky Neopians managed to win the jackpot at the Fruit Machine, and not only did a Paint Brush fall out of the machine but patrons were bewildered to also find an avatar as part of their prize. I don't know what's spinning faster, the Fruit Machine or my head with all these spectacular avatars being found so quickly. If you are not much of a lucky person then perhaps the next avatar will be one you would rather try to track down. Calling all artists - The Art Gallery has decided to award winning entrants with their own exclusive avatar. So paint the town red, blue, or even green and snag yourself this aspirational avatar. Last but not least Borovan drinkers around Neopia woke up on Borovan Day with their freshly brewed drink to find a new avatar added to their collections. What a treat!

     Thank you all for coming along with me on this journey of discovery and I hope it gave you some insight into the magical world of avatar collecting.

     Note: Although the Avatar Assembly has tried to verify all reports of successful avatar acquisitions, we can't know for sure what secrets have been missed along the way. If you've found a new avatar in the past year that wasn't listed here, then feel free to reach out to our Avatar Authentication Team and make a report today, and good luck to all avatars collectors with tracking down all the avatars to come this next year!