Creatures From Afar: The Scorf

      Today, I venture off to someplace old in order to discover something new. Meridell: a kingdom rich in fertile farming land, woodland forests, mountainous mining regions, all with a gleaming white castle centered at its heart. You may have followed along with me when we ventured here previously, such as when I had awoken and angered the great Turmaculus with the aid of my Petpet Porkchop or when I kissed one hundred Mortogs and exploded all but three of them. For anyone wondering, no, Porkchop has refused to accompany me on my adventure to Meridell today. He’s still upset with me over almost becoming Turmy food. Please be rest assured that my beloved Tyrannian Snorkle is at home sleeping his day away safe and soundly. Hopefully there won’t be any hungry, enormous Petpets showing up in his dreams.

      Our subject today is something surprising in someplace so old-timey. Something that is brand new to everyone’s eyes in this year of Y27. There is always something new to be discovered in Neopia, folks! Today, we will see if we can observe a wild Scorf in its natural habitat.

      I’ve received two separate accounts of this species being seen. One by a reader who was deep in the woodland forest where rich Sniddberries grow (thank you Myrtle) and another surprisingly spotted scampering about within the Cogham mines. Let’s venture forth together and see what we can learn about this new Petpet species today!

      I currently come to you from the forest near Illusen’s Glade. Illusen, some would say the most notable of the Earth Faeries, must be using her magic to keep the soil abundantly rich in nutrients here. I’ve only walked five minutes into this lush grove and I’m already surrounded by colorful berries. I can spot shiny aquaberries, blue bomberries, the ever-adorable loveberries, ripe super juicy berries, even some Unguberries. Maybe Porkchop should have tagged along; he really loves to snack on those. Aha! There, I found a bush of thriving Sniddberries. One can recognize this berry from their brilliant blue coloring and large, rich red spotting. This must have been where my reader Myrtle had seen her Scorf. Please hold readers, let me set up camp and I will get back to you once something monumental happens.

          Well, it has been a few hours since my last writing and I can report there has been plenty of commotion near my tent. I witnessed a wandering Wocky knight play some type of game encompassing catching falling items from a tree. He balanced everything on one stack in his paws and walked this way and that with it. I also saw the iconic King Skarl himself do a healthy lap after eating what must be his third lunch of the day. Either that or perhaps he was on his way to his next banquet hall. I also had to hide from a fierce Bearog, however that will have to be another story for another time because I have finally set my sights on the elusive Scorf!

      It happened all too suddenly; I had almost taken a little nap from all of my hard work when I heard what could only be described as sharp claws crunching in the thicket. I peeked one of my eyes open and came almost face-to-face with a little green goblin as it was sniffing out the Sniddberries. This creature is a bit smaller than I imagined; the perfect size to cuddle on one’s lap. I would say the height is just a little larger than my Porkchop’s. This Scorf walks on all fours, has upright ears reminiscent of a Korbat’s, a scaley long tail, and the largest mane of fur around its neck. Look at the scruff on this Scorf! Its snout looks a bit sharp. I need to be careful because a nip will surely hurt. Its giant eyes are very cute on its little face, though. I can’t tell whether the eye color is a shade of orange or pink but they are definitely lovely. Okay, let’s see what this little one is going to do.

      Well folks, I stayed for five minutes to see the Scorf sniff out its snack and chomp on a Sniddberry. It used its sharp claws to dig a bit at the ground, chased its own tail, and then perked its ears completely upright on alert mode before it raced off into the tall grass. I have to say that I am indeed a fan of this new creature. Now, off to our next location which is the Cogham mines!

      Readers who have visited Cogham before know it to be a small village located south of the capital. The mayor of this village, Mayor Jurgin, has given myself and a few adventurers permission to enter Meriload Mine in an effort to clear it out of any dangers. Little does he know that I have only taken on this task to see if the Scorf does indeed call this location its home. I’m sure the other adventurers will do well with battling any raiders and such; I’m not worried for them at all.

      Alright my readers, I was not expecting this mine to be so treacherous. There are large spikes embedded in the cave’s ceiling and flooring that are almost reminiscent of sharp, pointy teeth. The pebble flooring is shaking beneath my hooves and making my little legs weak. I always say no place is too dangerous and this is just a testament of how far I’ll go for my job.

      Actually, the mine itself seems to be rumbling now and I’ve spotted many creatures making their way back towards the entrance: two purple Korbats in flight advising me to evacuate, a Splyke spouting nonsense as it moseyed past me as quickly as its little feet would carry it, and a Drackonack snorting as its gleaming red eyes glowed in the dark. I have to admit, that one makes me miss my Porkchop. Maybe I should turn back and return home. No, just a little longer; this is my mission.

      There! The encounter was only a matter of moments because it, too, was quickly streaking past for its survival. But I did see the same Green Petpet in this cave environment as well. Its eyes almost glowed yellow and red this time, perhaps to perceive in the dark with advantage like the Drackonack. Now folks, I have to get out of here. Hopefully the other adventurers have all evacuated by now as well. This has been such an exciting instalment to my series and I hope you’ll all tune in next time for my next exploration. I will never stop! Take care and Fyora bless each and every one of you!

     The End.