Y24 Economic Report: A Year of Change

     Dreams Come True at the Advent Calendar

     The Advent Calendar has always been one of Neopia’s most popular events, bringing in a record number of visitors to Terror Mountain during the month of Celebrating. While the initial re-gift of the Baby Holiday Scarf on the first day seemed unusual, most went on their merry way. (It’s a free gift, after all!) On the second day, Neopians found themselves with a brand new Snow Faerie Doll, previously retired from the Hidden Tower with a market value of approximately 5,000,000 NP. On the eleventh day came the elusive Sticky Snowflake Stamp, a much sought-after stamp that fetched over 150,000,000 NP, and is a requirement for completing the Snow Valley stamp album page. At the time of writing, other notable gifts included the paintable Christmas Meowclops (Day 15), a popular spooky Petpet available in many colours and was valued anywhere from 10,000,000 NP to 20,000,000 NP.

     Given the long-standing value and popularity of these items, it is unsurprising that this year’s Advent brought both endless praise and criticism for Reina, the Advent Calendar's organizer Most will acknowledge that many rare or retired items needed to be brought back into circulation, and took the opportunity to wish for their own dreams. Others were disappointed with the deflation of hard-earned goods.

     One Neopian, owner of the "Meowclops & More" gallery, expressed mixed feelings on the matter, "Of course, I'm happy for others, Meowclops are amazing and the best companions too. But all I can think of are the years I spent earning the Neopoints to finish my complete gallery. All those endless nights, analyzing Food Club pirates, sniping auctions alone.”

     Regardless of whether one is happy or horrified, this trend had Neopian questioning what to stock pile in their Safety Deposit Box and what constitutes a “safe” investment, or if such a thing even exists anymore. Stamps were historically a safe investment vehicle that were tucked away (or some may say “hoarded”) to benefit from capital appreciation, but simply put, there is no reward without the risk. Meanwhile, this has sparked a boon for related businesses such as the Neopian Post Office, as completing various collections seemed just a bit more within reach.

     Hidden Tower Sells Retired Stamp

     In the realm of other luxury goods, Queen Fyora shocked Hidden Tower shoppers, who spotted the Neopets 22nd Birthday Stamp for a relatively affordable price of 3,000,000 NP. One could say the stamp is not technically retired as it can still be obtained when opening a Neopets 22nd Birthday Goodie Bag. However, with the goodie bag’s retirement, the price of the stamp seemed poised to only increase.

     Many Neopians stayed overnight in Faerieland in order to buy multiple copies of the reprinted stamp due to the Hidden Tower’s one-per-day purchase limit, covering their bases should the stamp retire from the Hidden Tower like wares of the past. This brought back memories for older Neopians who remembered purchasing the popular Faerie Paint Brush at the Tower. Currently while Baby, Darigan, Royal and Maractite Paint Brushes are stocked daily, the ever-popular Faerie colour has never returned and is, unsurprisingly, one of the most expensive paint brushes on the Trading Post.

     An aide to Queen Fyora commented on the reasons for the addition, "The monthly Wednesday discounts and coupons which the Queen personally handed out brought in revenue, but mostly, customers only bought Baby Paint Brushes to use at the Trading Post, and the Grimoire books to unlock avatars. There is also the overarching challenge we face regarding the perception and relevance of Queen Fyora's monarchy. This move shows Queen Fyora is, and always will be, in tune with the needs of ordinary Neopians."

     When pressed about whether this meant that Queen Fyora would use her purchasing power to stock any other retired stamps, books, or even expand the paint brush offerings, the royal aide said they would “continue to seek out opportunities aligned with the overall strategy”, but could give no specifics.

     Trudy Surprises Neopians with Old Favourites

     Y24 was already a fantastic year for daily visitors to Trudy’s Surprise Slot Machine, with four sets of new item prizes released. Faithful visitors loved the books and wearables but were truly surprised when they received retired prizes such as Bubbles in the Lake, instead of another Seaside Sundress. Some of these older prizes became so hard to find that even if one had the Neopoints, it was no guarantee they would be able to find one for trade.

     Shortly after this, Neopets who wanted to look their finest were excitedly showing off their new clothing and accessories, adventurously matching old favourites such as the Trudys Head Wreath with the new free-spirited Skater set.

     Trudy gave her insight on the matter, "Well, it seems many Neopians have gone on 'hiatus' - I don't now what that means actually - but I've gotten so many requests to bring back the Ball Gown, and I thought, why not bring back everything? Every prize I give is a reflection of my life experience as a traveller and my ongoing passions, so to see these loved and appreciated by more is something that fills my heart with joy! By the way, have you read 'Trudys Tales of Nightly Neopian Walks' yet? Here…"

     NC Mall Re-Releases Bonus Items, Collectibles and More

     Over at the NC Mall, shoppers have never been a stranger to re-releases, which usually come by way of retired mystery capsules. But if Y24 re-releases, or “RRs” as regular NC shoppers call them, had a theme, it would be called “RRs we thought would never RR”.

     Retired Costume Superpack Mystery Capsule brought back an elusive item shoppers were pining for: the Spyder Web Staff, originally released over a decade ago and reaching a legendary status amongst those dressing to impress. NC Mall 15th Tutti Fruitti Birthday Capsule highlights included the ethereal Cloak of the Night Sky (previously an exclusive bonus for shoppers), and Hot Air Balloon and Cloud Garland (previously a gift for donating at the Backpack Packing Centre). Petrifying Pumpkin Phantom Retired Mystery Capsule had the Spooky Haunted House Foreground, originally available through a Limited Edition KeyQuest Token. This led to public speculation that it’s only a matter of time before other token items, like Rich Golden Eye Makeup and Fabled Silvery Lake Background, will see the inside of a mall again.

     All the RRs during the past year could not have prepared shoppers for the re-introduction of Dyeworks original items though. The seasonal Dyeworks is a popular activity that allows Neopians to make a copy of their original wearable items in new and interesting colours. Oftentimes, the original items were quite difficult to track down; that is, until the NC Mall made them available again. Neopians were able to purchase items such as Caylis Collectors Wig, Prissy Miss Snowflake Dress, and Winter Faerie Wings at 250 NC or less.

     Re-releases were never subject to rules, even if Neopians tried to find some semblance of it; Neopia Central looks more vibrant with stylish Neopets wearing the clothes they wish listed a long time ago and never gave up on finding.

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     At the Neopian Times office, reports continued to come in non-stop: the Yooyu Trading Card from Altador Cup XV can now be added to the Stamp album! Well-dressed Neopets woke up with completely different and mismatched outfits as NC items are rezoned! Will the next big change will be a favourable one? And there is the question of, favourable to whom? These are unchartered territories, but the palpable sense of optimism and excitement can be felt everywhere as Neopia enters Y25.