Guide For the Recently Ghost-ed

There are a few things about being Ghost that you likely have already noticed, screamed in reaction to noticing, and then wished you could go back to not noticing. We’ll begin by addressing any potential concerns about your lack of corporeality and physical changes in the form of an FAQ.

Can I still touch and hold stuff?

Yes and no. You have the ability to pass through solid objects like walls and other Neopians, but moving things is a little trickier. Of course, you can’t hold things quite like you used to. Instead of using your hands or feet or teeth to grip, you’ll need to use telekinesis. Many Ghosts choose to “grab” objects as they levitate them, as it’s familiar and less likely to freak out your friends. Once you get the timing down, you’re capable of anything a non-Ghost is. And remember: if you find yourself hovering, that’s perfectly fine.

Do I still need to eat?

Tangible objects are a challenge for Ghosts, and food is no different. You will need to eat like any other Neopet. Since you still have organs, food will stay inside your body instead of passing right through you. No one will actually see you digesting, which is one advantage you have over your Transparent fellow citizens.

Is that pink eye? Do I have pink eye forever now?!

No, merely your new red eyes. They come free with the grey-green “skin,” and, as a bonus, they glow in the dark. Enjoy them.

Can anyone see me?

Usually, yes. Consider postponing any major crime until you get your hands on an Invisible paint brush.

Can I walk through walls?

Certainly! You can pass through most objects. It can be frustrating, but hey, no more running face-first into doors, right? Imagine how much easier eavesdropping is going to be. Look forward to that.

What about clothes?

Um...well, that’s a little tricky to answer. Turns out, your ability to wear clothes is entirely separate from your new form. Most everything passes right through you like the air, but clothes stay put. It makes sense if you think about all the Baby, Maraquan, and Mutant pets that can’t wear most clothes, except that it still makes zero sense. Enjoy your shopping spree, new Ghost!

Does this mean I’ll start to decompose?

Not at all! If you find you are decomposing, please check back periodically for a soon-to-come related guide on Zombies.

Now that the FAQ’s out of the way, let’s get into the real stuff. By now, you understand the basics: you’re green, you glow, physics and logic no longer apply to you in almost every way. However, as with anything, the basics are not all you will need to know in order to adjust.

For example, many new Ghosts find that they have trouble gathering the energy to communicate with others. Speaking and interacting with those you used to can be incredibly draining, if not impossible, in the beginning. Because you are now a Ghost, your physical form is much more abstract, and therefore you will need to change how you spend your energy in your daily life. Experiment with this to see what works best for you.

Another area of your life in which you may have trouble is sleep. When you’re first painted, your mind will still behave as if you’re in your old body. Because of this, you will feel a need for sleep. However, your new Ghost form doesn’t actually need sleep. Finally, you can pull all-nighters and not feel the consequences!

We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the negatives and challenges, so I’d like to finish this guide by spelling out the pros of being Ghost! Of course, there’s the obvious: Halloween is going to be The. Best. You’ll blend in easily, and won’t scare that many others! And, contrary to popular belief, you won’t be stuck in one place forever, so you don’t have to miss that ski trip in Terror Mountain. If you need to make a quick getaway, like out of the Snowager’s path for instance, you don’t have any pesky doors or walls in your way.

Even if people are frightened by you, you’re one of the least scary things in Neopia. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t work that angle if you want! Haunting others can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to decide whether or not they see you. Try standing behind someone using a mirror, scratching on walls at night, or following behind people silently moving objects around. If your old haunts (pun intended) get boring, there’s loads of other places to lurk around. I’ve heard from many Ghosts that Krawk Island is particularly fun, due to all the fog.

Pro tip: Avoid the Haunted Woods, because this is honestly just expected there, and no one will even be that scared.

Now that you’ve read this guide, you’ll be plenty prepared for living your new, semi-corporeal life as a Ghost. For the most part, you should live your life in much of the same ways as any other Neopian! There’s also a huge community of Ghosts in Neopia who are more than willing to help any newbies. If you ever feel down about being Ghost, just think: you have it much better than Maraquans or Mutants!