 Managing Mutants
by neom_777
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Mutants. Initially reviled by many, mutants are steadily being accepted into Neopian society and becoming more common. Perhaps you like pets that look a little bit sinister instead of cute. Maybe you are an avatar collector seeking the ‘Mutant JubJub’ avatar. Perchance Sloth graced you with his presence and gave you a strange potion. Or you could have finally got that colour zap from the secret laboratory after a year of ‘doesn’t change at all’. However you happened to ponder the task of raising a mutant, one must understand that mutated neopets have different requirements than other coloured pets. There is also a great variety in mutation across species. So before your pet downs that nasty concoction, you should find out if you and your neopets could manage a mutant.
Personality
Despite common belief, transmogrification potions do not change the persona of a pet in any way. However, any pet can become bitter if treated with revulsion. If your pet is overly shy and timid, becoming mutant will only make them worse. If your pet has good self-confidence and the support of their siblings, they may even be able to change the common mutant stereotype. Pets that frequent the secret laboratory find it much easier to adapt to being mutant, simply because they are used to change. Having more than one mutant pet, or even a mutant petpet, can also help. Species
As mentioned earlier, mutations are different for each neopet species. Some attributes listed in this article only apply to one type of mutant. This means some species will be harder to handle than others or may need more care. Mutant Lupes and Kougras are some of the easiest mutants to own since there is not much variance from regular Lupes and Kougras. Mutant Kaus and Peophins, however, are vastly different. They have a lot of mutant attributes and some pets may find it difficult to adjust. This also depends on the pet’s original species. Although mutant Kougras are easy to care for, a pet that has spent their entire life as a Kiko will take some time to get used to the change. Poison Drool
While the majority of mutants are immune to their saliva, to other pets it can be quite toxic, especially a mutant Jetsam’s or mutant Gnorbu’s saliva. These mutants also drool excessively, so it is best to encourage them to carry a towel with them to mop up any mess. For added precaution, invest in healing potions and various antidotes. Horns, Spikes and Claws
Some mutants are rather... prickly. The mutant Gelert is a prime example, with large twisted horns and many sharp spikes running down their back. Regular trimming and filing is a must. Smell
Mutants as a group tend to be one of the more stinky colours. Unless you like wearing a nose peg, regular bathing for non-aquatic mutants is essential. For some mutants, like Moehogs, no amount of bathing will reduce the stench, so it may be wise to invest in some strong perfumes, unless your pet enjoys smelling like they hang out at the Meridell Rubbish Dump. Eyes
Mutant Yurbles and mutant Unis both have only one eye, while mutant Quiggles and mutant Usuls have three. A mutant Kau will have up to four eyes! You should keep your newly zapped or transmogrified mutant at home for a couple of days until they get used to a different way of seeing the world. Mutants with a single eye can have difficulty with depth perception and will take longer to adjust. Limbs
If you're transmogrifying your pet into a different species, chances are they’ll have to get used to a different amount of legs, arms and wings. Even if your pet is zapped by the lab and thus remains the same species, they may end up with a varying amount of limbs (though being a lab pet hopefully they will be accustomed to this). Unlike most Kaus, who have four legs, a mutant Kau has only two front legs and serpentine tail. Mutant Krawks have an extra set of arms. While a little unsettling at first, like zapped or morphed pets, new mutants should adjust well if given time. Size
Most mutants are extremely large, particularly Grundos, Meercas and Boris. Make sure the doors in your house are big enough. Or just let your mutant create his or her own door. Exposed Brain
That’s right. The mutant Draik skull is cracked at the crown, leaving part of its brain visible. A mutant Kacheek’s brain is fully exposed. They can be rather tender and susceptible to damage on young mutants, but toughen with age. However, if you own a zombie pet, this may be tempting fate. Don’t let your pet wander through the Haunted Woods at night either. Tentacles
No other colour involves tentacles. While they can be classified as a limb, tentacles are more flexible and thus difficult to control. Avoid anything your pet may get tangled in for the first few days, and avoid brushing your mutant JubJub’s ‘hair’, until they’ve learned some self-control. Multiple Mouths
A mutation that is currently only occurring in mutant Aishas, this pet has three mouths and an insatiable appetite. Be sure to teach them early on that biting their siblings is a no-no. Two Heads
Another mutation only occurring in a single species, mutant Hissis can be quite a handful. Each head is said to take on aspects of the pet’s original personality. It is advised that the pet you wish to transmogrify has been a Hissi at some point in their life. They’ll have enough trouble adjusting to a second head without the added stress of a tail and wings instead of legs.
So do you think you have what it takes to own a mutant? If you do, head down to the trading post. There are many different transmogrification potions for sale from fellow Neopians. Be sure to by your pet an apple juice for afterward; those potions weren’t created with taste in mind.
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