Contests, Tribes

๐Ÿ’ช The Brawny Braniacs Bout: PHB Tribal Tournament 2024 ๐Ÿง 

*THIS ROUND IS CLOSED

Welcome, Poptropicans of all tribes, to the second round of the 2024 PHB Tribal Tournament! (Not sure whatโ€™s going on here? Check out our announcement post.) Note: The first round, Gifted Gladiators, continues for the rest of the month, so keep submitting your amazing works of art.

We are now starting our Brawny Brainiacs Bout, and believe me, you’re going to need your thinking caps. Thinking helmets? ๐Ÿช–

Unlike the Gifted Gladiators event, please send your answers for every challenge to your tribe representative on Discord through direct message, rather than your tribe channel on the Poptropica Help Chatโ€”as to not spoil the fun for your tribemates. If you choose not to participate on Discord, you can contact us through email.

In this round, all of the puzzles are not an all-or-nothing deal, meaning you aren’t required to complete them to be eligible for earning points. Points earned will depend on how much of a certain puzzle is finished.

This round ends in one week (Wednesday, August 21) and comes in four different parts, so you won’t want to wait long to get a start. Letโ€™s leap right into the games!


Poptropica Word Search Challenge

The rules here are pretty simple: locate as many Poptropica-related words on the grid as you can.

Each word you find will add 5 points to your overall score, meaning if you find all 24 words you’ll earn up to 120 points in this challenge, but no pressure! Here it is:

Tip: Open the image in a new tab to enlarge

You can submit your answers by bubbling/crossing out the answers or by simply listing them out. It’s up to you! ๐Ÿ‘


Character Crossword Challenge

Directions: Fill the empty grid of crossing words using the clues on the right.

Down clues have answers that stretch vertically while across clues have answers that stretch horizontally. The clues are numbered, corresponding to the number of the answer on the grid. Once you think you’ve figured out an answer, make sure the name fits within the space provided on the grid. Each answer is a Poptropica character worth 10 points apiece. Let’s see if you can figure them out. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Tip: Open the image in a new tab to enlarge

Like with the word search, it isn’t necessary to actually fill in the grid (although, you’re certainly welcome to!); Listing the answers will be just fine. ๐Ÿ™‚


Decode-A-Message Challenge

This one is a major brain exercise for sure. Below are 5 messages written in gibberish along with a clue on how to decode each one into something that makes sense. Most of these are actual bits of dialogue from Poptropica, and they become increasingly more difficult as you go along. This round is called Brawny Brainiacs for a reason. ๐Ÿ˜ Because of the difficulty of this challenge, each message you decode will earn you 20 points. And if you guess all five, you’ll earn a bonus 50 points!

Clue 1: A-M & N-Z, the first above and the latter belowโ€ฆ
Message 1: Gnyyl ub!

Clue 2: B is Y, G is T, and M is N
Message 2: Gvoo nv blfi hvxivg, zmw r’oo gvoo blf nrmv!

Clue 3: Take 8 steps backward (Tip: Use the alphabet as a clock, counterclockwise. When you pass โ€œAโ€ continue with โ€œZโ€.)
Message 3: Izm gwc twwsqvo nwz awumwvm?

Clue 4: Unscramble each word and follow the next step (#)
Message 4: steeh(7), lilw(1), frasn(9), idr(4), on(2), eon(3), fo (6), deomdeslem(8), em(5)?

Clue 5: Take 2 steps forward and reverse the message (Tip: Use the alphabet as a clock. When you pass โ€œZโ€ start again at โ€œAโ€.)
Message 5: ?rlckylpsmr jyzgpr cfr lg qsmgpmragt cz jjgu mfU


Pop The Difference Challenge

Another toughie! You may remember our Pop the Difference specials from many years ago here on the PHB. Well now, we’re repurposing the game for our Tribal Tournament as the last challenge in this round. Down below are the 8 common rooms of the Poptropolis tribes, but there’s a catch: there are two images for each one. Each pair contains 10 differences throughout. Some are easier to spot, while many others are more indistinct. Use the image compare slider to help you find all the differences.

You will earn 10 points for each difference you find. If you manage to find every difference from every photo, you will earn a big bonus worth 100 points!

When you submit your answers for this specific challenge, using pictures where the differences are circled would be preferred. If you can’t get a picture, try listing out each difference in detail so we know exactly what you’re talking about, otherwise you won’t get the points. This won’t be easy. You’ve been warned. ๐Ÿ˜… (Tip: open both images for each common room in separate tabs by clicking on both sides of the slider & switch between both tabs to see smaller details)

Seraphim

Yellowjackets

Pathfinders

Wildfire

Flying Squid

Black Flags

Nightcrawlers

Nanobots


Believe it or not, you alone can earn a grand total of 1,150 points from this round if you complete every challenge! Can you imagine if two team members were able to accomplish this feat? That’s a lot for your tribe! But again, no pressure. With that said…

๐Ÿค“ Have fun, and good luck to you all! ๐Ÿค“

โ€“ the PHB tribe representatives โ€“

LJ, Gentle Dolphin, Purple Paw, Smart Bubbles & Smart Icicle

Join us on the PHC Discord to get more involved!

Tribes

Ranking the Poptropica Tribe Uniforms ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅ‹

Greetings, Poptropicans!

The PHB’s 3rd quadrennial Tribal Tournament is going strong. To celebrate this momentous event, I’m going to rank the tribes’ uniforms. No, not the palette-swapped jerseys from Poptropolis Games… I’m talking about custom themed suits. ๐Ÿ‘ผ๐Ÿ๐Ÿงญ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฆ‘๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿค–

Yes, the Pop Creators made eight unique uniforms for each tribe, but they were never released for some unknown reason. Nowadays, you can show your tribal pride with the aid of the ASG machine. That’s cool, but how well do the uniforms represent their respective tribes?

While you are reading this list, please keep in mind that I don’t mean any disrespect to the tribes themselves. I’m just saying that some of these looks could have been better. Let the ranking begin!

#8. Black Flags

idkBlackFlagsASG

What about a pile of junk makes one think “team spirit”? Not even the gold coins in the chest make this look enticing. I guess the designers were going for a shipwreck theme for the uniform, but it looks so haphazard. Also, for a tribe named “Black Flags“, there is a startling lack of black on display. A dark and spooky buccaneer costume would be A LOT cooler in my opinion. I give the Black Flags uniform 2 out of 10 doubloons.

#7. Pathfinders

idkPathfindersASG

Now we’re getting to the actual outfits. The colors match the Pathfinders logo, but the uniform itself doesn’t. Looking at their motto and common room, the Pathfinders seem to be about navigating the world and searching for treasure. While scuba divers explore the ocean, they don’t fit the broad navigation theme that the tribe represents. And why no compass motif? I give the Pathfinders uniform 4 out of 10 diving helmets.

#6. Seraphim

idkSeraphimASG

As a proud Seraphim member, I have mixed feelings about my tribe’s uniform. I really like the design of the hood and the fact that the uniform includes what appear to be stone wings. Those are certainly cool, but I don’t fully get some of the choices here. The designers were probably going for an athletic look with the poncho-cloak and pants, but I prefer a longer cloak for a traditional look. I’m also surprised that blue is a prominent color here. The blue and gold combo looks good, but there’s no black (one of the tribe’s main colors). I give the Seraphim uniform 6 out of 10 angel feathers.

#5: Nightcrawlers

idkNightcrawlersASG

Here’s a very cool suit fitting of the Nightcrawlers. The mechanical insect legs fit the tribe’s insect inspiration, and the crystals on the helmet resemble the ones found in their common room. The rendering on the helmet is stellar! However, the one thing that’s bugging me is the plain suit and belt; they clash with the detailed helmet and chest piece and throw the whole look off-balance. Adding a bit more detail to the body would have bumped this up further on the list. I give the Nightcrawlers uniform 7 out of 10 crystals.

#4: Yellowjackets

idkYellowjacketsASG

Ah, yes. Some of you may recognize this uniform as the inspiration for Omegon’s design. Aside from inspiring an awesome villain, the Yellowjackets uniform represents its respective tribe in spades. The black and yellow mech suit fits the Yellowjackets’ high tech headquarters. Plus, I like that the jetpack is pointed like a stinger. While it’s not as flashy as some of the other uniforms, it’s a simple but effective look appropriate for the tribe. I give the Yellowjackets uniform 7.5 out of 10 honeycombs.

#3: Nanobots

idkNanobotsASG

Now this is a cool suit to wear! It’s vibrant, funky, and fits the musical elements of the Nanobots common room. While it matches the tribe’s music theme, it doesn’t exactly match the Nanobots image. Please pardon the sound puns, but the uniform’s colors are super loud compared to the common room’s muted color scheme. How about making the uniform reddish-pink like the Nanobots flag? The suit would still be colorful while matching the tribe’s colors. Nitpicks aside, this is a sweet look for Nanobots members. I give the Nanobots uniform 8 out of 10 bass drops and the bronze medal for Best Poptropica Tribe Uniform. ๐Ÿฅ‰

#2. Wildfire

idkWildfireASG

While the Yellowjackets uniform inspired Omegon, the Wildfire uniform may have been inspired by Sir Pelasus from Astro-Knights Island. Notice the similar color scheme and knobs on the helmet? It’s not a total copy-paste, fortunately. This suit replaces the knightly cape and plume with mechanical rivets and pipes, and the bird-like helmet is a cool nod to the phoenix organ in the tribe’s common room. I’m sure any Wildfire member would love to sport this awesome armor! I give the Wildfire uniform 9 out of 10 torches and the silver medal for Best Poptropica Tribe Uniform. ๐Ÿฅˆ

#1. Flying Squid

idkFlyingSquidASG

The Flying Squid uniform features a wonderfully strange mashup of aquatic and aerial elements fitting of the tribe’s equally strange name. The awesome tentacle mask is squid-tastic, and the aviator goggles and wings are a funny way to emphasize the flight aspect of the Flying Squid. Speaking of wings, the red wings immediately pop in this primarily green and brown uniform. Let’s wish the Flying Squids a safe flight! I give the Flying Squid uniform 10 out of 10 squiddy high-fives and the gold medal for Best Poptropica Tribe Uniform. ๐Ÿฅ‡


And that’s my ranking of the eight Poptropica tribe uniforms! How would you rank these uniforms? Do you view the Black Flags uniform as an underrated treasure? Did the Flying Squid wrongfully take the gold with their slimy tentacles? Let us know in the comments below!

Speaking of tribes, join us for our 2024 Tribal Tournament! All you have to do is enter the PHC, pick a tribe, and earn points by competing in each round! Read the announcement post for more details about the tournament and rules, and stay tuned for Round 2 on Wednesday, August 14!

Thank you for reading, and have a good day!

โ€”Gentle Dolphin ๐Ÿฌ

Contests, Tribes

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿšฉ The Flags Have Risen: PHB Tribal Tournament 2024 ๐Ÿšฉ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Bienvenue, Poptropi-lympians, to our 3rd quadrennial Tribal Tournament! (Throwbacks to our 2020 and 2016 tourneys.) While the Paris Olympics are wrapping up, the fun at the PHB is just beginning. ๐Ÿ˜„

It’s time for the 8 tribes of Poptropica to once again compete for tribal supremacy in a series of riveting challenges. If you don’t belong to a tribe yet, check out our Tribes page to see which one is just right for you.

The games will take place here on the PHB and our moderated Discord server, the PHC (Poptropica Help Chat). On the PHC, we’ll have special chat channels for each tribe. To join yours, visit the #rock-n-role channel on the PHC and select the emoji of your tribe of choice to join the tribe. (If youโ€™re having trouble, message or tag a PHC staff member.)

Once you add your tribe role, youโ€™ll be able to see your tribeโ€™s exclusive chat channel. No one outside your tribe can see your tribe’s channel besides the staff. This space will act as a sort of headquarters where you and your teammates can hype each other up, discuss strategies, and help one another with any challenge you may be having trouble with.  ๐Ÿ™Œ

Plus, each tribe will have a representative (a PHB staffer) who you can message with questions and concerns anytime. They are:

Let’s kick things off with our premier roundโ€”the Gifted Gladiators event!

Round 1: Gifted Gladiators ๐Ÿ–๐ŸŽถ

To compete in this round, you must showcase your creative prowess by creating Poptropica fan art and sharing it with us.

  • ๐ŸŽจ All forms of art are eligible, whether it be literary, visual, musical, or architectural โ€” ideas include poems, drawings, in-game costumes, crafts, food creations, etc. We’ve seen a bit of it all before!
  • โฌ†๏ธ Anything you can dream up, share it in your tribe’s chat channel on the PHC as soon as possible. If you can’t join the chat, you can contact us in other ways as well.
  • โœด๏ธ Each creation will be worth 20 points. The more you send in, the more points you’ll rake in for your team! ๐Ÿ‘Œ We won’t be giving points based on technical skill or expertise, but rather the spirit and effort put into your work.
  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ This round will take place throughout the entire month until the conclusion of the tournament, so you have lots of time to produce as many creations as you’d like.

I hope you’re excited, because I sure am! We can’t wait to see all of the spectacular works of art that our talented community always has to offer. ๐Ÿ˜ For inspiration, check out this Community Creations post!

“Seraphim for the Win” by happyclonetrooper – for the PHB Tribal Tournament 2020

The next round will be announced on Wednesday, August 14, so stay tuned for that! Nowโ€ฆ

๐ŸŽ† LET THE GAMES COMMENCE! ๐ŸŽ†

Blast from the Past, PHB Series, Poppies

10 Years of Poppies: Looking Back ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ†

Hello, Poppie-tropicans! ๐ŸŒŸ

If you’ve been around for a while, you may know about this beloved tradition here on the Poptropica Help Blog: the Poppies, our annual Poptropica fan awards. Since 2015, we’ve been inviting the community to vote for their top Pop picks every July, marking the PHB’s birthday as well. Time flies, and we’ve now celebrated 10 Poppies! ๐Ÿฅณ๐Ÿ”Ÿโœจ

So we thought we’d take a look back at the past decade of Poppies shenanigans… starting with the Poptropica parties! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽˆAt the end of each awards season, we’d always go out with a bang by coming dressed to impress in multiplayer rooms on Poptropica and hanging out on our Discord server, the PHC. Check out the recap photos from over the years!


But there’s more to the picture-perfect memories! Every year, the PHB team would dress up for the Poppies, and one of our team members would create artwork that would serve as the event’s visual for that year. ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Enjoy our many designs from the decade! (Click to enlarge.)


Next, taking the Pop art to a whole new level are all the top pieces voted as winners of the annual Best Fan Art award category. ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ† Feast your eyes on the talent that lies within our fandom โ€” they’re truly incredible!


And now for some special highlights! โœจ๐Ÿ† Below is a selection of some of our favorite award categories from over the years, and the winners. You can click on the years to check out the yearly recaps to find more award categories, watch the awards shows, and more! ๐Ÿ‘€

Just for fun, here are a few more iconic moments from the past decade of Poppies. Good times! Thank you, truly, for being part of the ride. ๐ŸŽˆ


That’s a wrap for our recap on 10 Years of Poppies! How many of them did you join in on? What are some of your favorite Poppies memories? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. ๐Ÿฉต

Thanks for joining us on the blue carpet, and keep on poppin’ on! โœจ

Fanfiction, Guest Posts

Fanfic: The Black Hare, Part 2

Hey Poptropicans, this is a guest post by Pink Star. Enjoy!

High on the Hog: Eat, drink, and be merry.

THE BLACK HARE, Part 2

(Continued from Part 1 here)

I combed my hair. (Which is a near impossible task, since I have Mom (Black Widow)โ€™s hair.) I looked into the mirror and said, โ€œI can do thisโ€ฆ I can do thisโ€ฆ I can do-โ€

I heard Dad (Dr. Hare) calling me. โ€œCOMING!!!โ€

I trudged to the kitchen. Mom and Dad started singing the birthday song. I thought about my wish for a while. โ€˜Mom and Dad will understand that Iโ€™m good, right?โ€™ I thought. โ€˜Or should I not trust themโ€ฆ? After all, they ARE villainsโ€ฆ Should I wish for them to understand? But I also wanna be more than good, I wanna be a hero! So should I wish to become a hero?โ€™

โ€œHurry up, sweetie!โ€

โ€˜Iwishtobecomeahero!โ€™ I thought quickly. I blew out all 13 candles.

โ€œGood job sweetie!โ€ Mom said. โ€œNow itโ€™s time to eat the cake before the pizza! Just like you asked!โ€ (I know. Only little kids eat cake before pizza. But itโ€™s my birthday, and who doesnโ€™t want cake before pizza?!) 

Mom and Dad talked about what my first crime would be now that I was an official villain. I bit my tongue at first, but finally blurted, โ€œI DONโ€™T WANNA BE A VILLAIN!โ€

Continue reading “Fanfic: The Black Hare, Part 2”