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Description

Komodithrax

Intro: The first documented evidence of the superspecies Varanus obaki occurred in 1958 within a region between Egypt and Libya known as the Kebira crater. In 1962, it became apparent that two individuals hunted the area, preying on the arachnid superspecies Speiga sarcophagus which emerged from a suspected underground cavern system in the area. Over times, the two varanids became more morphologically distinct as they came to prefer certain hunting methods and habitats. The larger one, later recognized as a female, would be observed within the Kebira region throughout the latter half of the 20th century before officially be given the separate designation of “Komodithrax” in 1998.

Story: After kaiju become known to the general public, FATHOM’s base of operations within the region suffered heavy damage as Varan battled a reanimated Speiga specimen. The incident would prompt a joint expedition between FATHOM, Egyptian, U.S., and several other militaries into the central crater of the area to access the heightened kaiju activity. During this venture, both Varan and Komodithrax were seen actively hunting multiple surfaced Speiga, along with Baragon. After a subterranean nuclear strike was carried out, both giant varanids began migrating towards Cairo, where the spider goddess, Kumonga, had resurfaced. Komodithrax, Varan, and Baragon would all eventually manage to turn the tide and force Kumonga into a dormant state, but not without taking heavy damage themselves. Baragon retreated back within the earth, while Varan became comatose due to the arachnid kaiju’s venom. Komodithrax also received a bite to the tail, and was forced to detach it to avoid the same fate.

Afterwards, she would begin a journey that would take her through the Red Sea, around the South African coast, and into the Atlantic Ocean. Around this time, several other kaiju were detected and determined to be moving towards the same point, where the living biological continent of Mu was resurfacing. A definite change in behavior was noted in that while Komodithrax had never been actively aggressive towards humans before, she became a serious threat to any watercraft that strayed too close. She hunted extensively during her travels, avoiding a few attempted navel attacks, regrowing her tail, and building up energy for when she arrived on Mu to stake out a suitable territory.

Upon landing on the living island, Komodithrax took refuge within one of Mu’s dorsal volcanic spinal ridge valleys. A surprise attack by the troublemaking Gezora would draw the attention of another recent arrival, Zilla, who helped drive away the cephalopod. Though wary of one another at first, Komodithrax and Zilla seemed to take an interest in each other. Their bond was cemented by Godzilla’s arrival upon Mu, as both teamed up, along with the mated Manda couple, Gezora, Ebirah, and finally Titanosaurus, to drive Godzilla away. After several weeks, they were even observed sleeping together within a vertebral cave in their valley.

But the good times were not to last. The return of King Ghidorah to Earth threw kaiju into disarray across the globe. Passing over Mu himself, Ghidorah would take the lives of many native inhabitants. Though Komodithrax and Zilla were prepared to defend their nest, it would cost the varanid her life.

Abilities: As a member of the species Varanus obaki, Komodithrax underwent very different morphological adaptations from her supposed sibling, Varan, as she matured. Whereas Varan become more lithe and flight-capable, Komodithrax grew more heavy-set and terrestrially adept. Varan hunted along the cliffs and mountain tops, while Komodithrax stalked the canyons and valleys. It is speculated that such variation allowed for less interspecies competition and more effective niche partitioning.

Komodithrax was indeed larger than her fellow varanid, and built more for up-close melee combat. She would pin down smaller prey with her powerful claws, and tear them apart with serrated teeth. A mild venom gradually weakened most larger opponents, while her tail, though not as precise as Varan, made a highly effective battering instrument. Her reptilian hide was embedded with subcutaneous, interlocking scutes that acted like chainmail, granting her some of her brother’s flexibility. Her flank quills were also modified into defensive spines along her sides and hind legs. The limited membrane between these quills also allowed her to absorb and disperse solar and geothermal energy as needed. Her larger size also facilitated in the build up and storage of flammable gases within a specialized offshoot of the digestive tract. As a last resort, Komodithrax was able to spark and unleash these reserves as a mass of searing blue flame to ward off and stun attackers.

Character: Like Varan, Komodithrax was usually very reclusive, preferring to lay dormant between hunts, relying on her biogeological camouflage to avoid detection. Though she was more viscous during fights, she seemed less inclined to start them. While nesting on Mu, she became very aggressive towards anything that entered her territory. Her relationship with Zilla was therefore a puzzling development when first observed. Theories ranged from species misidentification due to both kaiju being derived squamates, a form of communal nesting symbiosis, or simply a desire for company. Whatever the reason, Komodithrax and Zilla formed a strong pair that successfully defended their nest until the end. As varanids are known to be capable of asexual reproduction, including Komodo Dragons, an expedition is planned to explore the nest to determine its contents…

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Many apologies for the extended delay for this one. A lot of things have been happening around me these last few weeks, including an old friend visiting town, helping my parents move to a new place, and doing some hard partying with visiting relatives. Next one should hopefully be out sooner.
Komodithrax is copyrighted by Fox.

Description

Komodithrax

Intro: The first documented evidence of the superspecies Varanus obaki occurred in 1958 within a region between Egypt and Libya known as the Kebira crater. In 1962, it became apparent that two individuals hunted the area, preying on the arachnid superspecies Speiga sarcophagus which emerged from a suspected underground cavern system in the area. Over times, the two varanids became more morphologically distinct as they came to prefer certain hunting methods and habitats. The larger one, later recognized as a female, would be observed within the Kebira region throughout the latter half of the 20th century before officially be given the separate designation of “Komodithrax” in 1998.

Story: After kaiju become known to the general public, FATHOM’s base of operations within the region suffered heavy damage as Varan battled a reanimated Speiga specimen. The incident would prompt a joint expedition between FATHOM, Egyptian, U.S., and several other militaries into the central crater of the area to access the heightened kaiju activity. During this venture, both Varan and Komodithrax were seen actively hunting multiple surfaced Speiga, along with Baragon. After a subterranean nuclear strike was carried out, both giant varanids began migrating towards Cairo, where the spider goddess, Kumonga, had resurfaced. Komodithrax, Varan, and Baragon would all eventually manage to turn the tide and force Kumonga into a dormant state, but not without taking heavy damage themselves. Baragon retreated back within the earth, while Varan became comatose due to the arachnid kaiju’s venom. Komodithrax also received a bite to the tail, and was forced to detach it to avoid the same fate.

Afterwards, she would begin a journey that would take her through the Red Sea, around the South African coast, and into the Atlantic Ocean. Around this time, several other kaiju were detected and determined to be moving towards the same point, where the living biological continent of Mu was resurfacing. A definite change in behavior was noted in that while Komodithrax had never been actively aggressive towards humans before, she became a serious threat to any watercraft that strayed too close. She hunted extensively during her travels, avoiding a few attempted navel attacks, regrowing her tail, and building up energy for when she arrived on Mu to stake out a suitable territory.

Upon landing on the living island, Komodithrax took refuge within one of Mu’s dorsal volcanic spinal ridge valleys. A surprise attack by the troublemaking Gezora would draw the attention of another recent arrival, Zilla, who helped drive away the cephalopod. Though wary of one another at first, Komodithrax and Zilla seemed to take an interest in each other. Their bond was cemented by Godzilla’s arrival upon Mu, as both teamed up, along with the mated Manda couple, Gezora, Ebirah, and finally Titanosaurus, to drive Godzilla away. After several weeks, they were even observed sleeping together within a vertebral cave in their valley.

But the good times were not to last. The return of King Ghidorah to Earth threw kaiju into disarray across the globe. Passing over Mu himself, Ghidorah would take the lives of many native inhabitants. Though Komodithrax and Zilla were prepared to defend their nest, it would cost the varanid her life.

Abilities: As a member of the species Varanus obaki, Komodithrax underwent very different morphological adaptations from her supposed sibling, Varan, as she matured. Whereas Varan become more lithe and flight-capable, Komodithrax grew more heavy-set and terrestrially adept. Varan hunted along the cliffs and mountain tops, while Komodithrax stalked the canyons and valleys. It is speculated that such variation allowed for less interspecies competition and more effective niche partitioning.

Komodithrax was indeed larger than her fellow varanid, and built more for up-close melee combat. She would pin down smaller prey with her powerful claws, and tear them apart with serrated teeth. A mild venom gradually weakened most larger opponents, while her tail, though not as precise as Varan, made a highly effective battering instrument. Her reptilian hide was embedded with subcutaneous, interlocking scutes that acted like chainmail, granting her some of her brother’s flexibility. Her flank quills were also modified into defensive spines along her sides and hind legs. The limited membrane between these quills also allowed her to absorb and disperse solar and geothermal energy as needed. Her larger size also facilitated in the build up and storage of flammable gases within a specialized offshoot of the digestive tract. As a last resort, Komodithrax was able to spark and unleash these reserves as a mass of searing blue flame to ward off and stun attackers.

Character: Like Varan, Komodithrax was usually very reclusive, preferring to lay dormant between hunts, relying on her biogeological camouflage to avoid detection. Though she was more viscous during fights, she seemed less inclined to start them. While nesting on Mu, she became very aggressive towards anything that entered her territory. Her relationship with Zilla was therefore a puzzling development when first observed. Theories ranged from species misidentification due to both kaiju being derived squamates, a form of communal nesting symbiosis, or simply a desire for company. Whatever the reason, Komodithrax and Zilla formed a strong pair that successfully defended their nest until the end. As varanids are known to be capable of asexual reproduction, including Komodo Dragons, an expedition is planned to explore the nest to determine its contents…

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Many apologies for the extended delay for this one. A lot of things have been happening around me these last few weeks, including an old friend visiting town, helping my parents move to a new place, and doing some hard partying with visiting relatives. Next one should hopefully be out sooner.
Komodithrax is copyrighted by Fox.