A Renewed Call to Arms in the Wraith War

     My Fellow Neopians,

     It would appear that we have stemmed the tide against our Wraith foes. At first, they had confounded us by breaching the Faeries’ magical barrier. As time went on, our work in fighting the Wraiths one by one, in conjunction with Faerie ingenuity, led to development of a cure for the possessed Neopians. Even Malum, one of the Wraiths’ leaders, was defeated and apprehended — we may yet learn what he knows. It would seem that the only thing left to do is to allow the Faeries, under the superb leadership of General Aethia, to maneuver their forces and deal the final blow to our foe.

     But it is not so. While games and celebrations have resumed across much of Neopia, the enemy is regrouping. Peace has been restored to many realms, but it is a fragile one. We cannot rest on our laurels just yet, as the Wraiths continue to possess Neopians to swell their ranks, almost as quickly as they can be defeated. Now is not the time to feast and carouse, but to press the attack in conjunction with the Faeries.

     Already, Aethia’s officers have seen the toll of this protracted war. The Wraiths seem to be of one mind, maneuvering with deadly efficiency and dealing powerful blows to the Faerie ranks even as they gain ground. Some of them even infiltrate the Faerie lines, sabotaging their weaponry and hindering their advances. I have no doubt of the Faeries’ prowess, but their enemy possesses cunning and ferocity, the likes of which have not been seen in many years. The Wraith army also has a clear advantage in numbers, and the Faeries are spread dangerously thin.

     Queen Fyora herself, who is still recuperating from her ailment, has urged us to embark on quests on behalf of the Faeries. She has told us that even the simplest of tasks, when carried out by devoted Neopians, will strengthen the magic barrier and ensure that such a calamity will never happen again. This is truly the ultimate goal of the present campaign, as this barrier will ensure a lasting peace in Neopia. I cannot stress enough the importance of fulfilling these Faeries’ requests, should they be bestowed upon you. But that is only one of several steps needed to ensure a meaningful victory.

     Those who are well-learned must lend their expertise to the Faeries in countering the fiendish formations. Taelia is in dire need of skilled tacticians who can match the Wraiths’ quick movements across the battlefield. Though the pieces on the enchanted map appear simplistic, their use in directing the troops is essential to our cause— for what use are powerful weapons and magic if they are not well-positioned to strike at the enemy? Raw power on its own cannot win a war; it must be paired with a keen mind and instinct, thinking many moves ahead of the enemy.

     Those who are strong and well-equipped for battle must continue to fight the Wraiths directly, one by one. As we have learned, each defeat not only removes an enemy from the battle, but frees an innocent Neopian possessed by the dark spirits. There are still countless Neopians trapped inside monstrous Wraith forms, and every moment for them is full of confusion and agony. Furthermore, the only way to completely cure them is to harvest the Wraith parts for potion ingredients. If you are able to fight, do not hesitate to enter the fray to save the innocent and protect others from being possessed. The Faeries need every last bit of help they can get, so do not be discouraged even if you can only manage the Snapjaws.

     If you are not quite strong enough, train! The Swashbuckling Academy and the Training School on Mystery Island have seen a recent influx of new trainees. Captain Threelegs and the Techo Master are always pleased to impart their wisdom and experience, and especially so in this time of strife. Even if you feel that you can never become a champion, or that your species is not exactly made for fighting, still consider it. You would be surprised at how quickly you can surpass those limitations. Of course, your abilities should be complemented with sturdy, reliable equipment, whether it be weapons, shields, or magic items. There are many suppliers in the realm who can help with this.

     There are probably some who have read thus far and are asking, "Why are you telling us this now? We already know all this!" That is true — any informed Neopian knows of the Wraith Resurgence and the toll it has taken on all of Neopia. But this war has gone on for months now, and many have grown weary of the drag it has had on the general mood. Some have set aside their worries to play games or go on other adventures. Others find comfort in the fact that the Faeries, protectors of the realms, will fight on their behalf and see no need to join in the fighting. Again, I say — do not think this is over!

     Should we choose to relax in the Faeries’ time of most dire need, Neopia will remain mired in war. The enemy, though diminished, remains strong in its resolve to consume all that stands in its path, and it does not seem to tire. The Faeries, though mighty and wise, suffer from massive attrition on the battlefield, and Neopian volunteers are needed to bolster their ranks. Do not hesitate; do everything in your power to protect the realm. There is no use in waiting for a hero to come and save the day, for we all must step up to the task. The true heroes are those who stand up and do what has to be done in spite of their doubts and fears. Think of those you love and care for, think of those amazing lands you’ve visited, and think of all the dreams and aspirations Neopians hold in their hearts. All of that hangs in the balance, now. Give no quarter, and fight until the end!