The Purtle represents a new step in monster evolution, possibly stemming from a lab-based experiment or the signal of an unexpected twist in the evolution of monsters.
Recently, monster-seekers increasingly report sightings of monsters adopting technology, but the Purtle stands out as the first to mesh mechanical parts with organic.
The Purtle exists to experience art in all its forms, often wandering slowly through art galleries and studio spaces or connecting its body to the internet to explore art at high bandwidth speeds.
With a near-limitless capacity for detail, the Purtle can accurately recreate any piece of art it encounters with stunning precision, allowing the Purtle to produce what would take a painter hours in mere seconds.
It displays these artworks across its body with a chameleon-like pigment that shifts to showcase its creations. Some artists appreciate this as a source of inspiration or a collaborative opportunity to approach artistic challenges from new angles.
This act the Purtle enjoys, but not all share this noble intent.
Sadly, the Purtle is among the first monsters to be actively exploited by humans and are routinely captured and forced into recreating artworks they've seen for their captor to pass off as their own.
With each exploitation, the Purtle begins to distort. Growths emerge from its body as the moral decay of plagiarism seeps into its core. Each distortion is small, but the sheer volume of art it is made to recreate causes these growths to accumulate rapidly, preventing healing and leaving the Purtle in a state of unhappiness.
Fortunately, dedicated groups now focus on locating captured Purtles to restore their quest for artistic exploration and assistance, without imitation, of other creatives.
Before purchasing any artwork, take a moment to inquire whether it truly comes from a 'free-range' origin or results from the forced labour of a captive Purtle.
It is a telling question, as technology advances, it grows increasingly difficult to distinguish art from machine, mirroring the Purtle itself.