Meridell vs. Darigan: A Retrospective Through Stamps

     The Meridell vs. Darigan Stamp Album itself was introduced in the News on January 15th, 2003. That was way back in Y5! In a bit of foretelling, the tag line for this introduction was “Own a piece of history!” The first five stamps were released this day as well, setting a basis to begin our story. First are our protagonists featured on the Meridell Heroes Stamp: Lisha the Acara, Kayla the Zafara, Morris the Quiggle, and Boris the Blumaroo. Two later stamps would commemorate some of our heroes, with Morris Stamp and Count Boris Stamp.

     This was Neopia’s first introduction to the land of Meridell and the ominous floating Citadel. Our settings for this tale are immortalised in the Meridell Castle Stamp and Darigan Citadel Stamp. Some of our beloved icons also made their first appearance, including Turmaculus Stamp and Illusen Stamp. Illusen in particular plays a part in protecting Meridell in its multiple wars from her glade right outside the castle.

     Every good war needs two rulers to lead their charges. Meridell had King Skarl Stamp, and Darigan Citadel had Lord Darigan Stamp. The disagreement between these two leaders was over a special item found on the Golden Orb Stamp. When Meridell was suffering through a famine, King Skarl sent his knights to steal the orb from Lord Darigan. He then lied to his people about the orb’s appearance, saying a helpful seer had pointed the knights in the right direction to recover it. Lord Darigan, however, sent his army from the Darigan Citadel to attack Meridell Castle and rightfully return the orb to its owner.

     The plot began in July of 2002, following our soon-to-be heroes playing a game with a NeoQuest board. After a scuffle with some bullies, the group went on a school trip to a museum where they found an old painting of a Lupe that looked suspiciously like Lisha’s missing brother. The group travels to the ruins of an old castle where Lisha’s brother went missing during a game of Hide and Seek. Upset that they could not find any clues or traces of her brother, Lisha lashed out at her friends with her magic wand. But something strange happened! The group was instead transported back in time to when the castle was new, King Skarl ruled, and war was about to break out.

     When the initial stamps were released, the battle between Meridell and Darigan was raging on with Neopians choosing sides to battle with. Depending on this choice, different sets of opponents were available to face in the Battledome. Two of the initial five released stamps showcased the Green Knight Stamp, fighting on the side of Meridell with artwork featuring a battle with a Draconian Skeith, and Lisha vs Zombie Lisha Stamp, representing our heroes fighting with Meridell and the Zombified versions fighting as their counterparts for the Citadel.

     If you had chosen Meridell in the initial conflict, you would remember quite a few of your adversaries by looking through your stamp album. The Darigan Moehog Stamp, Drackonack Stamp, Darigan Eyrie Stamp, and Darigan Elemental Stamp are all lower-level waves of enemies. Conversely, on the Darigan side, you would have fought some warriors like Skeith Defender Stamp, Draik Guard Stamp, Zombified Heroes Stamp, and Jeran Stamp. Fun fact not many people remember, but Jeran is Lisha’s missing brother!

     With some assistance from Hubrid Nox, Darigan Citadel were the victors of the Meridell vs. Darigan war. Lord Darigan took the orb back into his possession. However, it did not heal the people as it did Meridell during the famine. Lord Darigan took the orb and its power for himself in an effort to destroy Meridell once and for all. Both the Yellow Knight Stamp and Master Vex Stamp, though imprisoned by each of their own sides, teamed up to convince the Darigan troops that Lord Darigan was a danger to all of Neopia. Defectors from Darigan teamed up with the Meridellian warriors to fight against the final mad form of Lord Darigan. This is found in the rarest and (editorially speaking) the coolest stamp of the album, the Darigan Spectre Stamp.

     You probably know how this story ends, but the orb was split in two and an uneasy peace pact was formed between the lands. Our heroes would eventually again defend Meridell against the forces of Lord Kass in the Battle for Meridell. Kayla stayed in Meridell and set up her own shop, selling magical potions she makes herself. For a while, Lisha played in her own game of Meriball, but unfortunately, that game did make its way to the Game Graveyard. Master Vex still plays Cellblock, which he invented, in the dungeons of the Citadel. A thriving world was introduced to Neopia with many more things to see and do in the land of Meridell.

     Unfortunately, this was not the end of the troubles for Meridell, but it does mark the end of the Champions of Meridell plot! Participants were awarded points, prizes, and trophies for their user lookup so everyone will know of their hard work and dedication. The trophy for Meridell fighters was put on the Meridell Shield Stamp, and the trophy for Darigan fighters being represented on the Darigan Shield Stamp.

     There we have it! After 25 stamps, a completed album page, and a Stamp Collector avatar, the Meridell vs. Darigan war lives on every day here in Neopia. We should never forget the past we fought for and do our best to remember those past sacrifices every day.

     Or you can add the stamps to your album because they are pretty. Whatever your motivation, I hope you enjoyed this Meridell vs. Darigan Stamp Retrospective!