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Description

Mothra

Intro: No one knows exactly when or where the name “Mosura” was first uttered by the precursors of modern man. It was an old memory even as the first written language was developed. The concept diffused from culture to culture, adopting new meanings and names, but the fundamental core remained surprisingly intact; telling of a time before the coming of people to the Earth, when a divine mother goddess ruled in harmony with nature. Most cultures were quick to anthropomorphize this figure into a more relatable form, yet there remained certain cults and whispered rumors that clung to the idea of the goddess’ true form. But, as previously stated, such beliefs were not taken kindly by the majority. Only the most obscure texts on accounts of old beliefs in remote places hold the name today. That name which is now most often translated as “Mothra”…

Story: The most recent resting place of the great lepidopteran was rediscovered in 1961 within the deep jungles of China. Searching the globe for traces of other lifeforms like Godzilla after his discovery in the 50s, scientists happened upon a remote valley about which many legends were whispered by neighboring locals. Legends of a fabulous underground world, of a hidden race, and a slumbering deity. Within this largely unexplored and historically avoided region, a large cave system was discovered, which held its’ own unique ecology of bioluminescent fungi, lichens and insects. Though mostly harmless, one species of carnivorous vine, colloquially dubbed “Vampire Plants”, was especially problematic for the earliest expeditions. The caves eventually led to a series of megalithic ruins that were dated roughly to the very earliest days of anatomically modern humans, possibly even older. What lay at the center of the complex was far, far older; an enormous chrysalis, dating back at least 66 million years. It seemed to both support and was being supported by the sealed ecosystem of the cave. Over the next several decades, this site would become a major focal point for covert kaiju studies, and many important theories on kaiju biology and their effect on the environment were formulated from the work done at the so-called “Temple of the Moth”.

The most significant and secreted discovery was that of two apparent survivors of the ancient culture that first found the chrysalis and built the ruins. They were remarkably miniaturized, but still humanoid and were both female, apparently twins. DNA and lingual analysis indicated they were remnants of a population that been isolated within the cave for hundreds of thousands of years and had been extensively modified by the dormant kaiju’s ecosystem over time. Their language was very hard to interpret, but were eventually referred to as “Shobijin”. They did not seem to age and were compliant and helpful in the study of them and their “deity”, so long as they were treated civilly and were promised that no harm would come to their home. According to them, this unique ecosystem was not only meant to sustain Mothra, but would also serve as a nursery…

The promise of safety, though, would ultimately prove impossible to keep. Ever since the attacks of Godzilla, Rodan, and others, the declassified Temple site came under great scrutiny. The hatching and migration of the Larvae into Chinese territory was the final straw that landed the site under control of the government of China. When strange outbreaks of an aggressive disease began to spread, it was all the motivation they needed to enact plans to destroy the young kaiju thought responsible, despite indications to the contrary. The Larvae were shipped out to sea to be killed via atomic bomb, the Shobijin were confiscated by the government and taken to a lab in Beijing, and the Temple cave complex was set to be napalmed. The entire ecosystem was burned to ashes, and the chamber of the chrysalis was dynamited and caved in for good measure.

All this was done before the true threat revealed itself. A blade-headed kaiju, designated “Jyarumu” according to dreadful tales the Shobijin had told, emerged and flew directly towards the trapped Larvae. Along the way, he left a trail of black scales which proved to be the source of the disease. The divine moth, though, was far from dead. The chrysalis hatched, and a reborn Mothra clawed her way from the rubble and sped across China to intercept one of her most dangerous enemies. She arrived just in time to save her Larvae, which escaped into deeper water during the battle. Mothra then led Jyarumu away on a chase across Asia.

The Larvae, instead of remaining in the relative safety of the sea, were instinctively drawn to what they sensed to be a remnant of their mother’s nursery biome; the Shobijin. They arrived in Beijing after all means of halting them proved useless, and began to encase large portions of the city in protective layers of silk. Meanwhile, Jyarumu caught up to Mothra and after a fierce but brief battle, felled her from the sky into the Himalayas, trapping her under a rockslide. He then proceeded to make his way to Beijing. He slashed his way through the silk-covered city, but Mothra caught up once more. During their battle, it was observed that Mothra’s scales acted as a nullifier to the prion disease of Jyarumu, as if evolved over millions of years specifically to counteract the effects of this monster.

Eventually, Jyarumu was defeated via venomous sting through the skull, and Mothra was reunited with her Larvae and Shobijin. When offered a chance to stay in better care, the tiny women declined, stating that there was but one place now that could sustain the divine lepidopteran family. A place of which they’d never seen, but often dreamed of. A far away land where myths and monsters never lost hold. A land where creation was never finished…

Abilities: Mothra is a goddess unlike any other. Though physically far less massive than other powerful kaiju, she makes up for this in mobility and precision. She is highly agile in the air, able to twist and turn at high speeds and in unpredictable patterns. Each of her six limbs end in retractable talons which she wields with great accuracy. She also possesses a long, sharp stinger normally kept sheathed within her abdomen. This sting has proven to be highly toxic. But as production of this toxin seems to be highly taxing to her metabolism, she only uses this weapon as a last resort.

The dense fur covering most of her body contain refractive silicon-based elements which help to buffer against other energy-based attacks. This buffering system is carried to the extreme in the scales of her wings. Each wing in coated with billions of feathery scales that are constantly being shed and replaced. When released in great quantities, the scales create a sort of static energy field which nullifies and deflects other kaiju’s energized abilities. In high concentrations, particularly around the eyes and mouth, these scales can also have sedative effects.

Mothra herself generates luminescent energy that she can send out as a pulse through her scales, or as a series of lightening-like strikes. The level of control over how this energy is directed is still under investigation. Mothra’s scales also possess prion-like substances at the microscopic level. When attuned to certain frequencies, these particles seem to encourage growth and regeneration of other biological matter.

Character: Mothra is considered unusual among kaiju in light of her aversion to conflict. When fighting, it is usually not with intent to kill. Instead, she is highly tolerant of lifeforms that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. She will, however, not hesitate to come to the defense of her offspring or those she considers her allies. Indeed, her parental instincts are highly developed for an arthropod, being able to track and locate her young over vast distances via some kind of harmonic resonance detected with her antennae.

According to the Shobijin, there were once many like her. Studies point to this super-species once thriving during what humans have deemed the “Mesozoic”, but died off suddenly along with 70% of all other life. Mothra’s is now the last lineage of the Alpha Lepidopterans. She seems to reproduce asexually, but will only do so once. It also seems that, while she is extremely powerful in her imago form, she is also relatively short-lived for a kaiju. Though she can absorb concentrated radiation, she lacks a true digestive system. After laying her single egg, all energy is dedicated to the protection of her realm and the next generation.

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Mothra is copyrighted by Toho

Description

Mothra

Intro: No one knows exactly when or where the name “Mosura” was first uttered by the precursors of modern man. It was an old memory even as the first written language was developed. The concept diffused from culture to culture, adopting new meanings and names, but the fundamental core remained surprisingly intact; telling of a time before the coming of people to the Earth, when a divine mother goddess ruled in harmony with nature. Most cultures were quick to anthropomorphize this figure into a more relatable form, yet there remained certain cults and whispered rumors that clung to the idea of the goddess’ true form. But, as previously stated, such beliefs were not taken kindly by the majority. Only the most obscure texts on accounts of old beliefs in remote places hold the name today. That name which is now most often translated as “Mothra”…

Story: The most recent resting place of the great lepidopteran was rediscovered in 1961 within the deep jungles of China. Searching the globe for traces of other lifeforms like Godzilla after his discovery in the 50s, scientists happened upon a remote valley about which many legends were whispered by neighboring locals. Legends of a fabulous underground world, of a hidden race, and a slumbering deity. Within this largely unexplored and historically avoided region, a large cave system was discovered, which held its’ own unique ecology of bioluminescent fungi, lichens and insects. Though mostly harmless, one species of carnivorous vine, colloquially dubbed “Vampire Plants”, was especially problematic for the earliest expeditions. The caves eventually led to a series of megalithic ruins that were dated roughly to the very earliest days of anatomically modern humans, possibly even older. What lay at the center of the complex was far, far older; an enormous chrysalis, dating back at least 66 million years. It seemed to both support and was being supported by the sealed ecosystem of the cave. Over the next several decades, this site would become a major focal point for covert kaiju studies, and many important theories on kaiju biology and their effect on the environment were formulated from the work done at the so-called “Temple of the Moth”.

The most significant and secreted discovery was that of two apparent survivors of the ancient culture that first found the chrysalis and built the ruins. They were remarkably miniaturized, but still humanoid and were both female, apparently twins. DNA and lingual analysis indicated they were remnants of a population that been isolated within the cave for hundreds of thousands of years and had been extensively modified by the dormant kaiju’s ecosystem over time. Their language was very hard to interpret, but were eventually referred to as “Shobijin”. They did not seem to age and were compliant and helpful in the study of them and their “deity”, so long as they were treated civilly and were promised that no harm would come to their home. According to them, this unique ecosystem was not only meant to sustain Mothra, but would also serve as a nursery…

The promise of safety, though, would ultimately prove impossible to keep. Ever since the attacks of Godzilla, Rodan, and others, the declassified Temple site came under great scrutiny. The hatching and migration of the Larvae into Chinese territory was the final straw that landed the site under control of the government of China. When strange outbreaks of an aggressive disease began to spread, it was all the motivation they needed to enact plans to destroy the young kaiju thought responsible, despite indications to the contrary. The Larvae were shipped out to sea to be killed via atomic bomb, the Shobijin were confiscated by the government and taken to a lab in Beijing, and the Temple cave complex was set to be napalmed. The entire ecosystem was burned to ashes, and the chamber of the chrysalis was dynamited and caved in for good measure.

All this was done before the true threat revealed itself. A blade-headed kaiju, designated “Jyarumu” according to dreadful tales the Shobijin had told, emerged and flew directly towards the trapped Larvae. Along the way, he left a trail of black scales which proved to be the source of the disease. The divine moth, though, was far from dead. The chrysalis hatched, and a reborn Mothra clawed her way from the rubble and sped across China to intercept one of her most dangerous enemies. She arrived just in time to save her Larvae, which escaped into deeper water during the battle. Mothra then led Jyarumu away on a chase across Asia.

The Larvae, instead of remaining in the relative safety of the sea, were instinctively drawn to what they sensed to be a remnant of their mother’s nursery biome; the Shobijin. They arrived in Beijing after all means of halting them proved useless, and began to encase large portions of the city in protective layers of silk. Meanwhile, Jyarumu caught up to Mothra and after a fierce but brief battle, felled her from the sky into the Himalayas, trapping her under a rockslide. He then proceeded to make his way to Beijing. He slashed his way through the silk-covered city, but Mothra caught up once more. During their battle, it was observed that Mothra’s scales acted as a nullifier to the prion disease of Jyarumu, as if evolved over millions of years specifically to counteract the effects of this monster.

Eventually, Jyarumu was defeated via venomous sting through the skull, and Mothra was reunited with her Larvae and Shobijin. When offered a chance to stay in better care, the tiny women declined, stating that there was but one place now that could sustain the divine lepidopteran family. A place of which they’d never seen, but often dreamed of. A far away land where myths and monsters never lost hold. A land where creation was never finished…

Abilities: Mothra is a goddess unlike any other. Though physically far less massive than other powerful kaiju, she makes up for this in mobility and precision. She is highly agile in the air, able to twist and turn at high speeds and in unpredictable patterns. Each of her six limbs end in retractable talons which she wields with great accuracy. She also possesses a long, sharp stinger normally kept sheathed within her abdomen. This sting has proven to be highly toxic. But as production of this toxin seems to be highly taxing to her metabolism, she only uses this weapon as a last resort.

The dense fur covering most of her body contain refractive silicon-based elements which help to buffer against other energy-based attacks. This buffering system is carried to the extreme in the scales of her wings. Each wing in coated with billions of feathery scales that are constantly being shed and replaced. When released in great quantities, the scales create a sort of static energy field which nullifies and deflects other kaiju’s energized abilities. In high concentrations, particularly around the eyes and mouth, these scales can also have sedative effects.

Mothra herself generates luminescent energy that she can send out as a pulse through her scales, or as a series of lightening-like strikes. The level of control over how this energy is directed is still under investigation. Mothra’s scales also possess prion-like substances at the microscopic level. When attuned to certain frequencies, these particles seem to encourage growth and regeneration of other biological matter.

Character: Mothra is considered unusual among kaiju in light of her aversion to conflict. When fighting, it is usually not with intent to kill. Instead, she is highly tolerant of lifeforms that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. She will, however, not hesitate to come to the defense of her offspring or those she considers her allies. Indeed, her parental instincts are highly developed for an arthropod, being able to track and locate her young over vast distances via some kind of harmonic resonance detected with her antennae.

According to the Shobijin, there were once many like her. Studies point to this super-species once thriving during what humans have deemed the “Mesozoic”, but died off suddenly along with 70% of all other life. Mothra’s is now the last lineage of the Alpha Lepidopterans. She seems to reproduce asexually, but will only do so once. It also seems that, while she is extremely powerful in her imago form, she is also relatively short-lived for a kaiju. Though she can absorb concentrated radiation, she lacks a true digestive system. After laying her single egg, all energy is dedicated to the protection of her realm and the next generation.

----------
Mothra is copyrighted by Toho