The Beauty of Krawks

Beauty. The qualities that comprise beauty certainly exist in the eye of the beholder. As a Krawk owner and fancier—I find them absolutely gorgeous critters. I tend to believe, however, on the spectrum of beautiful Neopets, there must be several other species that get the nod ahead of Krawks. Indeed, many consider them to be closer to the bottom of the beauty spectrum—shudder.

Brains. While a dim-witted Krawk is the exception rather than the norm, I have no awareness of Krawks as having any greater innate intellectual ability. It is quite true that they, in general, take to learning with a more positive spirit than many, such that they quickly surpass the average. Nevertheless, I cannot believe they are created more intellectually able than another species.

Brawn. It’s true many Krawks relish the thrill of the Battledome. It’s also true that a large group of battle-trained Krawks live in and defend Neopia. However, all things being equal, it doesn’t appear that Krawks have any edge in the Battledome by virtue of their species. There are a multitude of high-rarity, Krawk-specific weapons such as Full Krawk Armor, Ruby Krawk Shield, Ruby Krawk Stun Ray, Ruby Krawk Sword, Wooden Krawk Mallet, Wooden Krawk Staff, Emerald Krawk Boots and Emerald Krawk Jacket, except that all the data points to them being more expensive than their non-species counterparts, and therefore, not worth purchasing. Even the less expensive Krawk-specific weapons--Emerald Krawk Shield, Jagged Krawk Blade and the Krawk Battle Claw, to name a few, are not considered by the experts to be worth choosing over the more generally recommended weapons. In fact, if any species has an edge in the Battledome, experts point to the Elephante, Kacheek, Kau and Lupe—all of whom have high quality species-specific weapons. Krawks do have the species abilities—Krawk Bite, Death Stare and Fire Breath. These special abilities come in handy in many battles but are certainly not Battledome essentials.

Fungus Caves. I quickly discarded this idea as ludicrous and only later came back to it. Hmm, maybe there is something to this. I mean they are the only species that mutates from a Petpet into a Neopet—AFTER eating the fungus. I still doubt it could be the lingering smell that makes them so unique, but has the fungus ever been scientifically analyzed?

Quite possibly, Krawks are popular based on public perception of their personalities. Dasher Soley, Yooyu player extraordinaire, is undoubtedly the most famous Krawk in Neopia. His proposed retirement was met with dismay from Krawk Island supporters and non-supporters alike. He has displayed nothing but the highest character while excelling at Yooyuball these past seasons. Soley displays the verve, affability and tenaciousness that Krawks are known for.

Other well known Krawks cannot boast such stellar reputations. Dorak, best known for his creation of the game Dubloon Disaster, is remembered as a scoundrel raider and pirate. Swabby, a pirateer who was involved in the attack on Maraqua, is now remembered for the game Deckswabber. Grimtooth, another pirate, exemplifies the stereotypical ramblin’, gamblin’, rough-around-the-edges Krawk as does the infamous Krawk Braggart.

Mr. Krawley, the Tale of Woe culprit, is a step below in character from the endearing but unrefined Pirates. Krawley is remembered for assisting Sophie and offering the Neovian citizens potions that granted their wishes but turned them into monsters. Then there is Lady Frostbite. She, the only female of the famous Krawks, is a genuine enemy of Neopia. She sits in a place of repute as a Defenders of Neopia opponent.

So what are Krawk owners seeking to replicate when they create their Krawks? It seems rather obvious to say that many Krawk owners initially want a Krawk for the prestige. Being the elite pet of Neopia, they do tend to dress up a lookup and they have a way of saying, “I’ve arrived at Neopian success.” It takes a healthy dose of motivation to scrimp and save, seemingly forever, to be able to afford one of these pets. I don’t begrudge an owner for having wayward motivation. I’ve been there myself.

That changes quickly, though, once you have a Krawk in your household. Krawks have a unique way of putting their existence into perspective. Once you’ve seen a Krawk in action, you’ll never view them in quite the same way again. It’s their personality, really, and a bit of an intangible mystique. Whether they are pirates or regal beauties, Krawks have a way of targeting in on the object of their desires. Occasionally they may be demanding and pretentious but they are never arrogant. They have a class and a charm about them that is intriguing and compelling. Krawks are gregarious, risk-takers with a tireless fortitude that is uplifting to everyone around them.

Krawks come in 44 colors including Desert, Maraquan, Pirate, Robot, Royal boy and girl, Zombie and two of my favorites, Darigan and Faerie. Ask any Krawk owner and they will espouse how marvelously fun Krawks are to customize. In addition to the wearables that are paintbrush related, there are many superb outfits that are specifically for Krawks such as:

Axe Wielder Costume (includes Krawk Axe Wielder Costume Arm Bands, Krawk Axe Wielder Costume Hood, Krawk Axe Wielder Costume Toy Axe, and Krawk Axe Wielder Costume Trousers)

Sleuth Outfit (Krawk Sleuth Hat, Krawk Sleuth Magnifying Glass, Krawk Sleuth Jacket, Krawk Sleuth Trousers, Krawk Sleuth Shoes)

1920’s Look (Krawk Flapper Dress, Krawk Flapper Headband, Krawk Flapper Necklace, Krawk Flapper Necklace, Krawk Flapper Shoes)

Hiking Outfit (Krawk Climbing Rope, Krawk Rock Pick, Krawk Hiking Trousers and Boots, Rock Krawk Protective Helmet, Warm Krawk Utility Jacket)

Lounging at Home (Krawk Blue Bath Robe, Tacky Krawk Shower Cap, Yellow and Blue Krawk Slippers)

Summer Fun (Jagged Purple Krawk Trousers, Pink and Purple Krawk Shoes, Pink Krawk Hair, Purple Krawk Cloak, Purple Krawk Top)

Neovian Attire (Sinister Krawk Neovian Jacket, Sinister Krawk Neovian Shirt, Sinister Krawk Neovian Shoes, Sinister Krawk Neovian Top Hat, Sinister Krawk Neovian Trousers)

A few other wearables they look stellar in include:

Butterfly Mask, Carved Walking Stick, Charred Steam Wings, Daring Adventurer Hat, Dueling Decks Purple Head Bandana, Jazzmosis Hat, Krawk Island Adventure Sword, Spooky Skull Mask, Steam Jacket, Vintage Krawk Island Alt Cup Jersey.

Considering a Krawk? Whether you think it’s the fungus, the persona or the whole package, you will not regret your choice! They are the elite for a reason.