 A Battledomer's Guide to Common Courtesy
by horsegirl_68
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THE BATTLEDOME - Many of the pets in Neopia, no matter what species (I do, however,
find it hard to see how a Kiko or Koi fights a Moehog on land…) are Battledomers.
Unis, Peophins, Yurbles, Krawks, Lupes, the lot! Some simply compete every so
often for a nifty and shiny trophy for their cabinet or just as a random match
against a friend. Others, however, spend much of their day training, chugging
down various healing potions, warming up and strengthening muscles. Overall, they
are generally preparing for war against Neopia’s finest fighters, seven days a
week. The pets mentioned above often lack courteous behaviour in social outings,
as they do not know how to act otherwise. In the knowledge of good behaviour,
many pets find themselves a little lost. Outlined in the following article are
tips and guidelines to keep the peace among Battledomers when out in public and
how all pets should act. Just putting four golden rules into act in everyday life
are all it takes to become a gentleman or kind lady outside in Neopia Central.
Rule one: Learn the difference between fighter and friend.
When shopping in the Neopia central markets, at the bazaar or otherwise, it
is a sure thing to come across other pets spending their hard earned dough.
Some of these pets may acknowledge your presence with a greeting, smile or wave.
THIS IS NOT A CHALLENGE. It is strictly friendly, and is not an excuse for you
to practise your skills by leaping upon them in frenzy and drawing a Lost Desert
Dagger out from behind your back. Keep the peace between you and others. A criminal
record will not look good if you apply for a job at the Faerieland employment
agency.
Key points to remember:
Learn the difference between fighter and friend.
A friend will smile, wave, nod etc.
A fighter will challenge you with perhaps a snarl, growl, and sneer or outright
shout. (Take note that for key point two, if a pet does happen to challenge
you in Neopia Central, they obviously have not read this article on courtesy.
Either turn your head and walk away or arrange to settle the matter in the dome
later. A public place such as the markets is not the place designed for an undignified
scuffle).
Rule two: Weapons
Take careful note of this one, Battledomers. Imagine a situation such as this:
you are walking calmly through Neopia’s many shops, only to find that other
frightened pets are shying away from you rapidly and retreating to the Soup
Kitchen to ask the Faerie for protection against the hideous beast lurking around
outside . Maybe it’s your bad breath? The fact that you ran out of soap this
morning? A few teeth from a comb became stuck in your wild and tangled fur?
No. It’s the fact that one of your swords of varying sorts has been tucked into
your belt for safekeeping.
What’s wrong with that?! I hear you exclaim. It is all well and good to keep
a simple weapon with you at all times for emergency usage, but please, for everyone’s
sanity, keep it hidden. Pets do not want to have a look of complete and utter
shock and/or horror plastered over their face for school photos later that day.
And you wandering around with a large weapon at easy access won’t calm anyone’s
head.
Key points to remember:
Feel free to carry a weapon or two around with you for urgent situations, but
keep them discreet and tucked away.
Rule three: A continuation from rule two
Continuing on from rule two, yes, it is okay to carry weapons around. However.
(Yes, there are always strings attached, nothing is free in this world). Weapons
should be kept for emergency purposes only! This cannot be stressed enough.
DO NOT offer to demonstrate your skills on another pet, or whip out your weapon
at random, use it to poke around on the toy shelf to find something you like,
etc. Emergency. Purposes. Only. For example, it would be acceptable use if the
infamous General Kass suddenly appears on the path and threatens you, challenges
you to a fight or the like. It is acceptable use if another pet is in trouble
for some reason or another and a weapon is needed to defend yourself and the
helpless pet. It is NOT acceptable for any of the reasons that were listed earlier
in this rule section. Check back if you are not certain.
Key points to remember:
Weapons are strictly prohibited to be used only in urgent situations. No exceptions.
Rule three: Control of arrogance levels
Nobody likes a gloater. Going by this, it can be safely said that pets generally
don’t want to hear of your heroic battles against fearless opponents whilst
you noisily slurp a strong java over a table in the coffee shop. Quite frankly,
it sounds only slightly conceited, bigheaded, or whatever else you would want
to call it. Don’t retell the tale of how you condemned that nasty Mootix warrior
to a life of defeat every time you see your non-battle obsessed mates. Keep
it to yourself. However, in certain situations, recounts of your battles can
be acceptable. If, for example, a pet is looking for advice, by all means, help
them out – just without great gusto, exaggeration and banging the table with
a well muscled fist, that’s all.
Remember your four golden rules:
-Fight only those who are up for it.
-Keep weapons at hand discreet.
-Use weapons in everyday Neopian life in emergency uses only.
-And keep arrogance levels to an absolute minimum.
Four simple rules that many frequent Battledoming pets may, at first, find
just a little bit hard to grasp at their concept. However, with a little dedication
and some thought before action in public situations, these will eventually come
naturally to you in everyday life, from a warrior in the Battledome to a regular
good guy outside! =) Yes, you can be both! Now get out there and fight the good
fight!
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