Having a Spooky Halloween without Trick-or-Treating

To help you get in touch with your inner ghoul in a way that doesn't involve candy collecting, I've laid out some alternative plans you can make for Halloween night which are all just as much fun as trick or treating, and guaranteed to scare you senseless!

Of course, for our more sensitive readers, I've left a few suggestions of lighter things you can do to avoid being terrified half to death on October 31st!

Play Spooky Games

There's few better ways to get into the mood for Halloween than playing some horrific games! But which ones? Well, first of all, for your little nippers, you can play Kacheek Seek in the Haunted Woods. Just remember to bring a torch for every participant or risk getting eaten by the Shadow Usul!

Want to feel like the hero of the night? Try battling ghost Shoyrus and Hubrid Nox as MAGAX! For those who like to put their thinking caps on, Eliv Thade's spooky house full of anagrams should be right up your alley! Be careful you don't fall down any of those cracks in the floor, there's rumours about what evil lies in Thade's basement, but no one has survived to confirm...

If you're a native of Roo Island, and you're feeling very brave, then head out to Count von Roo's home for a game of Deadly Dice! Pit your levels against luck of the roll... I wish you luck. Oh, and think about taking a spare pair of pants along with you in case of, you know, accidents -- he's a very scary Blumaroo, after all!

Fancy something lighter? To escape from the horrors, try a bit of Snowrolling and a peaceful but thoughtful round of Kou-Jong instead.

Read a Book

Is there anything better at Halloween then a good book, read by a crackling fire? It's coming up for winter, and you might want to curl up at home instead of battling the cold outside!

For fiction, Kacheek Horror is sure to raise your fur, with ten horrifying stories to get your heart racing. Dark Gelert Rising isn't just scary - it looks the part too! No one will question your horror chops once they see you flicking through this tome. A lengthy tale about a young Gelert who is captured by an evil magi and is sent to corrupt all that is innocent in the world. Fascinating! And lastly, Webs of Death is a lighter collection of tales that might spook you, but at least you won't have to sleep with the hallway light on!

For something more educational, a bit of non-fiction, we have three recommendations. If you're planning a holiday soon, pick up Haunted Locations of Mystery Island, which outlines the long history of supernatural sightings on the isle. Pictures are included which, while blurry, are quite convincing in this author's opinion!

If you're too frightened to visit Count von Roo, perhaps you can read about him instead in the eponymous The Legend of Count von Roo. Find out about this mysterious Blumaroo, and read an academic's theories as to why he does what he does. Lastly, for practicality's sake tonight, you might want to try out Witch Hunting Techniques in case you're get caught in a tight spot with that nefarious Edna!

Maybe you actually want to be able to sleep tonight? If so, go for the whimsical Happy Times with the Rainbow Blumaroo, or The Giggling Quiggle, sure to have you in stitches of laughter!

Explore

Just because you don't want to trick or treat, doesn't mean you have to stay indoors tonight! Instead, here are some suggestions for the perfect tourism spots in Neopia!

The Deserted Fairground is an obvious must. Full of ghosts, creepy mechanical clowns, and some stall keepers who are... interesting, to say the least, you'll be entertained for hours! Plus, it's always packed on Halloween night, and the atmosphere is wonderful. I advise against going on any of the rides, however, unless you're a real adrenaline seeker, since some of them have not been repaired since before the fairground was deserted. Now that is scary!

While you're in the area, pop over to Neovia, and feel like your stepping back in time. That is, back to a scarier, more haunted version of Neopia! Check out the Abandoned Attic for some bargains, and try you're luck at bobbing for apples, a staple of Halloween tradition.

Is it just me, or does the water around the Ruins of Maraqua actually feel colder than the rest of it? There's a definite chill around these ruins, and I recommend hiring a tour guide to tell you of the fascinating history of this once thriving ocean dwelling. New Maraqua has its charms, but find out what it used to be like.

For the adventurous soul, if you don't mind a bit of rule breaking, hire a boat and sneak into a virtually deserted area of Krawk Island. Just off the mainland, you'll see a sign warning pets to 'KEEP OUT'. On whose orders? That's right, you might get lucky and have the place to yourself! The author can't be held responsible for any disease, piracy or mystical beings you encounter your explorations, however. You have been warned - but doesn't that just tempt you more?!

Lastly, Darigan Citadel has to be mentioned in any guide to Halloween on Neopia. The general atmosphere of misery is tantalising on this night, plus you can even make your way down to the dungeons (spooky!) for a spot of terrifyingly boring Cellblock with the local gaoler, Master Vex.

To visit somewhere not tainted by the Halloween spirit, try the ever-cheerful Happy Valley or the tropical Mystery Island, where you can enjoy a cocktail in peace while relaxing on the beach.

Sample Some Halloween Goodies

Candy isn't the only treat available over the Halloween season!

If you're feeling really adventurous, try a Tongue with Veggie. We hear it taste just like Chia - uuuh, I mean chicken. Apparently, strongly recommended by Lupes? For a nicer treat, instead consider a lightly spiced Pumpkin Pie - it even looks happy to see you!

Ghostly Apples are a great idea, especially if you're feeling gross after all those sweets, as is some salty Bone-Chilling Bacon. The perfect breakfast, since there's no way you'll be able to fall back to sleep after munching those rashers!

For dessert, Tombscones with a bit of jam and butter are a lovely way to round off the evening with a cup of tea, sitting by the fire. The other alternative is a 10th Birthday Evil Sloth Cupcake. Covered in delicious gooseberry frosting, who doesn't tremble at the sight of this evil would-be overlord?

For something a little less scary for your palette, try Pink Mashed Potatoes, Oozing Negg Buns and a Lemon Daisy Cake to finish. Sure to put you in a delightful mood even with the ghouls and wraiths raging outside!

So there we have it! A plethora of ways to enjoy Halloween, without ever having to don a costume! Unless you want to of course - no one will judge you for visiting Count von Roo in a Meuka suit, or reading your book indoors while wearing those dashing Earth Faerie Wings.

Enjoy your night, and have as much fun as possible! Just make sure, no matter what you do, to carry a little garlic with you wherever you go - you know, for anything that bites in the night!