The True History of the Darigan Citadel

Ever since the first Meridell War, we've been seen as "evil" by most of Neopia. Even mutants are treated better than we are - they're usually pitied because many of them are viewed as innocent victims of Dr. Sloth. My people... We are not as fortunate. When they see us with our twisted features, they judge us by our appearances - when I'm visiting my friend Sir Hunter Penn in Meridell, I've been insulted by many of the Neopians who live there. It still hurts, but I've gotten used to being a "freak" or a "monster." Many of my people refuse to leave our home, fearing the persecution we've suffered. No one truly trusts us - in the Altador Cup, the Citadel's team has been accused of cheating one too many times simply because we LOOK suspicious.

Meridellians are by far the most biased, blaming us for the two wars. I agree that the second Meridell War was entirely our fault - I tried to rally the people of the Citadel against Kass, but I was imprisoned for sedition. I was lucky that I wasn't executed! The first war, on the other hand, was when my people were attempting to take back what rightfully belonged to us in the hopes that it would restore our land to peace and prosperity. When it failed, we knew we would be considered as outcasts from the rest of Neopia. I've actually learned that the history books even paint Meridell as heroic and completely innocent of any crime!

Despite what I've said about Meridell, I harbor a deep love for the land itself - looking at the humble farmers tending their crops reminds me of how things were when I was a child. I miss that, and I'm actually happy to see them prosper. I've forgiven the people as well, although they clearly haven't forgiven us. I can't forgive Sir Claudus, though. He started this whole mess!

Claudus was the former commander of Meridell's knights. He was a White Kougra who hailed from a noble family that had served the Meridellian kingdom for a long time. He was a hero to most Meridellians - he deeply loved his home, and would do anything to protect it. Hunter's father, the famed Sir Arthur, was his second-in-command - and his closest friend. The two were like brothers.

Unfortunately, Claudus's devotion to Meridell blinded him to the needs of other lands. He was told of a mystical Orb by a Kyrii seer. I firmly believe that seer was a manifestation of The Three, the beings who corrupted Darigan and gave Kass his power. In all likelihood, they had corrupted Claudus, as well. When he arrived, he saw it belonged to us. He was accompanied by other knights, including Sir Arthur. At first, he acted peacefully towards us. I had a bad feeling about him the moment I saw him, though - I had nightmares that a warrior serving The Three would attack our land, and his silhouette looked just like the warrior from my dreams.

He wanted the Orb, but Darigan repeatedly told him that we could not give the Orb away. Claudus grew tired of this and ordered the knights to attack our people. I will never forget that day. My parents... I lost them in the attack. However, I was protected by Sir Arthur, who stood up against his friend and tried to protect us. He was arrested for treason for doing so, but was able to explain to Skarl the crimes Claudus had committed when they returned to Meridell - at least, that's what my close friend Hunter told me.

Things were never the same for me, unfortunately. Many of the people I knew and loved were gone, lost forever because of the attack. Darigan himself took pity on me and decided to raise me like a daughter. Morguss, the court mage, could sense my magic, and opted to teach me. Darigan, who had no reason to suspect Morguss of being evil, let her become my teacher. I never truly trusted her, but she taught me well. I honed my magic and became a powerful mage. However, I found myself more interested in healing than fighting.

When the first Citadel War started, I joined the front lines. I became one of the Citadel's greatest warriors, healing soldiers on the battlefield while keeping opponents at bay with offensive magic. Eventually, though, I began to suspect Morguss and General Kass of treachery. I eventually found them making a bargain with The Three that would get Darigan out of the way so Kass would rule. I tried to warn Darigan, but it was too late - the Orb had corrupted him, and we were forced to fight him.

Under Kass's rule, I could tell that corruption was spreading among the Citadel's leaders. Kass was a tyrant who oppressed anyone who dared to insult him - I remember seeing a young boy playing Kass Smasher being dragged away and imprisoned. After the second Citadel War, I personally brought him back to his parents.

After Darigan returned and defeated Kass, I hoped that Neopia would finally acknowledge the truth. Unfortunately, that never happened. While Galgarroth and Vex are rightfully where they belong in the Gallery of Heroes, Darigan is still in the Gallery of Evil. I'm pretty sure Qasalans are upset Jazan hasn't yet been placed in the Gallery of Heroes, so I hope they can empathize with us.

Ultimately, what I wanted to do with this essay was to tell Neopia that the perspective of my people is virtually unknown to most Neopians. We wish to be treated as kindly as everyone else, and I strive to be a good example to try and teach others that my people aren't wicked monsters - we're simply Neopians, just like you, and we wish to be viewed as peers and friends. Thank you for reading this.

- Lady Ashlynne, Court Mage of the Darigan Citadel