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Description

Umihebi: The mazes of twisting caverns beneath the jagged coastlines of Skull Island harbor many waiting predators. Giant Umihebi serpents are among the deadliest, although they are quite rare. Evidently evolved from sea snakes, these ambush predators lurk amid the deepest crevices of the rockier shores, such as the Skeleton Coast. Rows of highly developed photoreceptors along their sides are attuned to other kaiju’s distinct radioactive biological processes, and allow them to sense potential prey from all directions as they slither through their dark marine passageways. The neurological network of these “eyes” can also store electrical shocks which the snake uses to further immobilize prey during constriction. Length: 80 to 150 feet.

RBSM (Rat Bat Spider Monkey): Though not a very large creature, an RBSM is among the most vicious of hypervores. The hind digits of this mutated rodent-like creature have become long, spider-like appendages which it uses to scurry swiftly and nimbly among trees and underbrush. It will attack anything that moves within its territory, paralyzing its victims with venomous saliva before hauling it back to its lair, usually within hollowed trees, for easier consumption. Their unchecked aggressiveness often results in severe mutilations, but RBSMs are able to regenerate even with over 50% of its body mass destroyed. Individual severed body parts may continue to react violently hours after separation, and sometimes spawn entire new RBSMs. Such recovery is tied to an unusually decentralized nervous system capable of self-sustainment even while most other organs cease metabolic activity. Indeed, the creature seems to operate entirely via offensive reflex, as the actual brain appears to be largely vestigial, rendering them practically braindead. This also results in a distinctive spasmodic locomotion which some describe as similar to stop-motion animation. Though some have suggested studying the creature’s resilience, most FATHOM operatives highly advise against it. Length: 2 to 3 feet.

Pop Toad: These monstrous amphibians infest the most radiation-saturated springs and rivers within the northern mountains. They use jagged outgrows of bone around their mouths, which serve as teeth, and their grasping tongues up to five times the length of their bodies to capture the few fish and arthropod-like creatures also capable of tolerating the nuclear waters. As unstable nuclear elements accumulate within their bodies, they become more inedible to most other predators. They also tend to become more aggressive, and are driven to attack any creatures that venture near their lairs. It is at this point in their life cycle that Pop Toads earn their name, as their increased metabolisms reach critical mass, resulting in a violent explosion. This spreads their tadpole larvae across the area, which burrow into the flesh of other creatures, which they rapidly assimilate to metamorphize into miniature froglets before making their way back to the boiling waters they haunt. Length: 4 to 12 feet.

Oodako: It is impossible to estimate the population of these cephalopods. Oodako are giant octopods native to the freshwater and coastal ecosystems of Skull Island. Their adaptable skin can make them nearly indistinguishable from their surroundings despite their bulk, making them superb ambush predators. Individual tentacles are more than capable of handling smaller prey, which their serrated beaks make short work of. In more open water, they use all tentacles to create vortexes that draw in whole schools of fish. Should their stealth be compromised, they can spray burning oil upon attackers or even sever a few arms that will continue to engage the enemy while the Oodako escapes. Though most commonly observed in the waterways of Skull Island, they seem able to tolerate seawater, lending to the possibility that occasional migrations of these beasts may be responsible, at least partially, for kraken myths around the world. Armspan: 175 to 280 feet.

Venatoraptor: These intelligent, pack-hunting dromaeosaurids are common in jungles all across the island. Despite their reptilian appearance, the small, overlapping scales that coat their bodies are in fact derived from feathers. This flexible outer layer grants added protection in their hazardous lives. Other feathers along their arms have developed into sharp quills used to ensnare smaller prey. When latching onto larger game with quills and claws, they often begin the feast while the unfortunate target is still alive. There are several tightly-knit tribes, each potentially qualifying as subspecies, spread over the island. One tribe in particular, possessing of more traditional feathers, known as the “Deathrunners”, is more secretive and violent than the others, and are rumored by the Iwi to serve a mysterious rival god of Skull Island. Length: 14 to 20 feet.

Bladeback Boar: Bladebacks are among the more common mid-sized herbivores of Skull Island. Though, in addition to a variety of plants, they will also sniff out fungi and even carrion when they get the chance. They are named after the sharp quills forming a razor-edged spine over their backs. Living in groups for added protection, they can become very fierce when threatened, goring opponents with their horns and tusks. They also consume a variety of toxic plants over their lives, culminating in large sores and blisters, particularly around the facial region, which can cause serious infections when leaked into a would-be predator’s wounds. They are especially protective of their piglets, and older individuals seem willing to sacrifice themselves. The resulting infections often discourage predators from hunting Bladebacks on a regular basis, giving their young better chances at survival on Skull Island. Length: 12 to 15 feet.

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Creature Inspirations:
Umihebi: The giant sea snake from King Kong Escapes 1967.
RBSM: The rat-bat-spider of The Angry Red Planet 1960, and the Sumatran Rat Monkey of Dead Alive/Braindead 1993.
Pop Toad: Swamp Wing of The World of Kong artbook 2005, and Samael from Hellboy 2004.
Oodako: The giant octopus originally seen in King Kong vs Godzilla 1962, and the Mire Squid of Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Venatoraptor: Velociraptors of Jurassic Park III 2001, and Venatosaurs of King Kong 2005.
Bladeback: The killer pig of Razorback 1984.

Description

Umihebi: The mazes of twisting caverns beneath the jagged coastlines of Skull Island harbor many waiting predators. Giant Umihebi serpents are among the deadliest, although they are quite rare. Evidently evolved from sea snakes, these ambush predators lurk amid the deepest crevices of the rockier shores, such as the Skeleton Coast. Rows of highly developed photoreceptors along their sides are attuned to other kaiju’s distinct radioactive biological processes, and allow them to sense potential prey from all directions as they slither through their dark marine passageways. The neurological network of these “eyes” can also store electrical shocks which the snake uses to further immobilize prey during constriction. Length: 80 to 150 feet.

RBSM (Rat Bat Spider Monkey): Though not a very large creature, an RBSM is among the most vicious of hypervores. The hind digits of this mutated rodent-like creature have become long, spider-like appendages which it uses to scurry swiftly and nimbly among trees and underbrush. It will attack anything that moves within its territory, paralyzing its victims with venomous saliva before hauling it back to its lair, usually within hollowed trees, for easier consumption. Their unchecked aggressiveness often results in severe mutilations, but RBSMs are able to regenerate even with over 50% of its body mass destroyed. Individual severed body parts may continue to react violently hours after separation, and sometimes spawn entire new RBSMs. Such recovery is tied to an unusually decentralized nervous system capable of self-sustainment even while most other organs cease metabolic activity. Indeed, the creature seems to operate entirely via offensive reflex, as the actual brain appears to be largely vestigial, rendering them practically braindead. This also results in a distinctive spasmodic locomotion which some describe as similar to stop-motion animation. Though some have suggested studying the creature’s resilience, most FATHOM operatives highly advise against it. Length: 2 to 3 feet.

Pop Toad: These monstrous amphibians infest the most radiation-saturated springs and rivers within the northern mountains. They use jagged outgrows of bone around their mouths, which serve as teeth, and their grasping tongues up to five times the length of their bodies to capture the few fish and arthropod-like creatures also capable of tolerating the nuclear waters. As unstable nuclear elements accumulate within their bodies, they become more inedible to most other predators. They also tend to become more aggressive, and are driven to attack any creatures that venture near their lairs. It is at this point in their life cycle that Pop Toads earn their name, as their increased metabolisms reach critical mass, resulting in a violent explosion. This spreads their tadpole larvae across the area, which burrow into the flesh of other creatures, which they rapidly assimilate to metamorphize into miniature froglets before making their way back to the boiling waters they haunt. Length: 4 to 12 feet.

Oodako: It is impossible to estimate the population of these cephalopods. Oodako are giant octopods native to the freshwater and coastal ecosystems of Skull Island. Their adaptable skin can make them nearly indistinguishable from their surroundings despite their bulk, making them superb ambush predators. Individual tentacles are more than capable of handling smaller prey, which their serrated beaks make short work of. In more open water, they use all tentacles to create vortexes that draw in whole schools of fish. Should their stealth be compromised, they can spray burning oil upon attackers or even sever a few arms that will continue to engage the enemy while the Oodako escapes. Though most commonly observed in the waterways of Skull Island, they seem able to tolerate seawater, lending to the possibility that occasional migrations of these beasts may be responsible, at least partially, for kraken myths around the world. Armspan: 175 to 280 feet.

Venatoraptor: These intelligent, pack-hunting dromaeosaurids are common in jungles all across the island. Despite their reptilian appearance, the small, overlapping scales that coat their bodies are in fact derived from feathers. This flexible outer layer grants added protection in their hazardous lives. Other feathers along their arms have developed into sharp quills used to ensnare smaller prey. When latching onto larger game with quills and claws, they often begin the feast while the unfortunate target is still alive. There are several tightly-knit tribes, each potentially qualifying as subspecies, spread over the island. One tribe in particular, possessing of more traditional feathers, known as the “Deathrunners”, is more secretive and violent than the others, and are rumored by the Iwi to serve a mysterious rival god of Skull Island. Length: 14 to 20 feet.

Bladeback Boar: Bladebacks are among the more common mid-sized herbivores of Skull Island. Though, in addition to a variety of plants, they will also sniff out fungi and even carrion when they get the chance. They are named after the sharp quills forming a razor-edged spine over their backs. Living in groups for added protection, they can become very fierce when threatened, goring opponents with their horns and tusks. They also consume a variety of toxic plants over their lives, culminating in large sores and blisters, particularly around the facial region, which can cause serious infections when leaked into a would-be predator’s wounds. They are especially protective of their piglets, and older individuals seem willing to sacrifice themselves. The resulting infections often discourage predators from hunting Bladebacks on a regular basis, giving their young better chances at survival on Skull Island. Length: 12 to 15 feet.

----------

Creature Inspirations:
Umihebi: The giant sea snake from King Kong Escapes 1967.
RBSM: The rat-bat-spider of The Angry Red Planet 1960, and the Sumatran Rat Monkey of Dead Alive/Braindead 1993.
Pop Toad: Swamp Wing of The World of Kong artbook 2005, and Samael from Hellboy 2004.
Oodako: The giant octopus originally seen in King Kong vs Godzilla 1962, and the Mire Squid of Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Venatoraptor: Velociraptors of Jurassic Park III 2001, and Venatosaurs of King Kong 2005.
Bladeback: The killer pig of Razorback 1984.