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Description

Pestillus Virus: Sanitation procedures are crucial when dealing with kaiju, as their bodies may carry various toxic and pathogenic agents. The deadliest of these agents thus far encountered is the Pestillus Virus. This “organism” seems to be kaijufied viroid strain, consisting of a single self-contained atomic cell, or G-cell; so named for the structures first being recognized upon studies of Godzilla’s microbiology. Pestillus is largely immobile except in highly radioactive environments, and can remain in a dormant state for millennia awaiting to infect any living body it comes in contact with. It passes on not DNA, but a virulent, self-replicating, yet inherently unstable pattern of radioactive elements, or “nuclear prion” as some refer to it. The body of the infected kaiju will gradually be converted to sustain and promote the replication of this deadly compound, mutating into a highly armored and aggressive shell of its former self. In this state, the host body is able to infect other bodies as well, spreading the strain and increasing the chances of successful reproduction. For the formation of another Pestillus cell requires absolutely perfect conditions, so that only a single cell in a host’s entire body may be fully converted. The host body eventually breaks down and decays completely, leaving behind any new Pestillus that may have been generated. Concentrated bursts of intense radiation seem to neutralize the virus. Larger kaiju also seem more resilient to the virus, perhaps due to their nuclear metabolisms being too advanced. It appears, then, that Pestillus prefers lesser kaijufied creatures, and sometimes even wholly biological ones. Diameter: 0.5 to 1 inch.

Pea Fern: These flightless avians appear delicate in combat, but are experts at concealment. Their feathers are in fact a type of symbiotic fern that grows within their porous skin. The fern’s spores are scattered wherever the birds forage, forming thick groves that the Pea Fern flocks taken refuge in. In addition to photosynthesis, the birds also feed upon the many insects attracted to younger ferns, so that they rarely need to leave their green bowers. If they should be spotted by a predator, they rely on speed and agility to lose them, while large clouds of shed spores may irritate a pursuer’s eyes and throat. If they are cornered, they will utilize the large sickle claws upon their feet for defense. But other than defense, Pea Ferns rarely act aggressively. Height: 10 to 15 feet.

Dragma: These strange ceratopsians represent a deadly combination of agility, strength, and aggressiveness. Herds will not tolerate any disturbances by predators or other herbivores while browsing among Super Jungle understories, only retreating if they are clearly outmatched. Their hindlegs have become fused into a single powerfully spring-loaded limb that propels them forward in a swift, bounding gallop. The imbalance of this gait is offset by hyperdeveloped vertebral tendons on either side of their bodies, which support gliding membranes, enabling them to move swiftly in difficult terrain. These creatures, though, do not seem to be the result of natural evolution. Certain sections of hieroglyphics found within the ruins of Skull Island’s bygone civilization indicate these animals as being selectively breed, or even directly genetically engineered, possibly as beats of burden, but more likely as warrior mounts. Indeed, Dragma herds commonly stake territories near such ruins. Modern populations are entirely feral, though, and display the same aggressiveness toward approaching humans as they do other perceived challengers. The larger dominant males are especially dangerous and stubborn, never going down without a fight. Length: 23 to 46 feet.

Maguma: These creatures are among the more docile giants of Skull Island’s turbulent coastal waters. At first believed to have been mammalian, molecular examination of shed skins has revealed a more reptilian-like morphology, leading to the suggestion that they could be a type of marine dicynodont convergently similar to pinnipeds. Regardless of ancestry, Maguma circumnavigate the island in small family groups, feeding on schools of fish and beds of kelp. They usually only become violent in defense of one another, especially the males who have larger tusks. Maguma seem to prefer breeding in isolated regions away from Skull Island. It is therefore possible that they could be behind some old sea monster myths. Some FATHOM agents also suspect that one such creature may have been responsible for the destruction of an experimental Soviet rocket launch facility in the arctic in 1962, noting the appearance of one large, lone male with burn marks along its back. Length: 60 to 90 feet.

Mother Longlegs: The Bamboo Seas of some of Skull Island’s drier valleys are stalked by many waiting predators. The most abundant of which, is likely the Mother Longlegs, though an accurate estimation of their numbers is difficult to formulate. These monstrous amblypygids are perfectly adapted for stealth within the dense bamboo groves they haunt. Incorporating bits of the bamboo’s DNA itself, the arachnid’s leafy abdomen provides energy via photosynthesis while they await any potential meals to wander beneath them. Prey may be skewered by the razor-sharp tips of their legs before being hoisted up by sticky, whip-like arms to be impaled by raptorial pedipalps whose large spines drain the victim of all fluids. Mother Longlegs reproduce asexually, and begin life upside-down. The main body matures underground while their bamboo legs grow towards the sun. At this stage in their life, each of their legs are able to absorb nutrition from skewered prey, sensed via vibrations through the ground. These creatures are why the Iwi tend to avoid the bamboo forests whenever possible, and there are rumors of an exceptionally large “Queen Longlegs” somewhere in their midst. Height: 60 to 85 feet.

Cicutasaur: Whereas many herbivores of Skull Island opt for expert camouflage or nigh-impenetrable defenses, Cicutasaurs employ a more potent tactic. Derived from hadrosaurs, these normally peaceful animals can often be seen mingling among other plant eaters. They stand out in their eating habits, favoring the more poison-laden plants, fungi, and the occasional venomous flizard, and their subsequent bright coloration. They are also quite vocal, using both their large crests and inflatable throat and nasal pouches to amplify their calls. Such brazenness can be afforded due to their flesh being highly toxic. If confronted, they are able to generate a cloud of poison mist with their throat pouch. Finally, their most direct attack involves mixing volatile chemicals within the chambers of their crests, similar to a Bombardier Beetle, to spray burning acids or even a napalm-like substance from a snorkel-like opening near the tip. Such toxicity ensures an adult Cicutasaur has little to fear. Length: 35 to 50 feet.

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Creature Inspirations:
Pestillus Virus: Bacillus Virus from Godzilla: The Series 1998.
Pea Fern: Unused bird creatures designed for Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Dragma: Creature of the same name in Godzilla: The Series 1998, elements of Sylvaceratops in The World of Kong artbook 2005, and Diablos of Monster Hunter franchise.
Maguma: Walrus kaiju of Gorath 1962, and Mee-Shee: The Water Giant 2005. (Am I the only one who remembers that movie?)
Mother Longlegs: Spider creatures of Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Cicutasaur: Essentially a hadrosaur version of Wroggi of Monster Hunter franchise.
Additional elements of inspiration provided by Lediblock2. Thank you, as always.

Description

Pestillus Virus: Sanitation procedures are crucial when dealing with kaiju, as their bodies may carry various toxic and pathogenic agents. The deadliest of these agents thus far encountered is the Pestillus Virus. This “organism” seems to be kaijufied viroid strain, consisting of a single self-contained atomic cell, or G-cell; so named for the structures first being recognized upon studies of Godzilla’s microbiology. Pestillus is largely immobile except in highly radioactive environments, and can remain in a dormant state for millennia awaiting to infect any living body it comes in contact with. It passes on not DNA, but a virulent, self-replicating, yet inherently unstable pattern of radioactive elements, or “nuclear prion” as some refer to it. The body of the infected kaiju will gradually be converted to sustain and promote the replication of this deadly compound, mutating into a highly armored and aggressive shell of its former self. In this state, the host body is able to infect other bodies as well, spreading the strain and increasing the chances of successful reproduction. For the formation of another Pestillus cell requires absolutely perfect conditions, so that only a single cell in a host’s entire body may be fully converted. The host body eventually breaks down and decays completely, leaving behind any new Pestillus that may have been generated. Concentrated bursts of intense radiation seem to neutralize the virus. Larger kaiju also seem more resilient to the virus, perhaps due to their nuclear metabolisms being too advanced. It appears, then, that Pestillus prefers lesser kaijufied creatures, and sometimes even wholly biological ones. Diameter: 0.5 to 1 inch.

Pea Fern: These flightless avians appear delicate in combat, but are experts at concealment. Their feathers are in fact a type of symbiotic fern that grows within their porous skin. The fern’s spores are scattered wherever the birds forage, forming thick groves that the Pea Fern flocks taken refuge in. In addition to photosynthesis, the birds also feed upon the many insects attracted to younger ferns, so that they rarely need to leave their green bowers. If they should be spotted by a predator, they rely on speed and agility to lose them, while large clouds of shed spores may irritate a pursuer’s eyes and throat. If they are cornered, they will utilize the large sickle claws upon their feet for defense. But other than defense, Pea Ferns rarely act aggressively. Height: 10 to 15 feet.

Dragma: These strange ceratopsians represent a deadly combination of agility, strength, and aggressiveness. Herds will not tolerate any disturbances by predators or other herbivores while browsing among Super Jungle understories, only retreating if they are clearly outmatched. Their hindlegs have become fused into a single powerfully spring-loaded limb that propels them forward in a swift, bounding gallop. The imbalance of this gait is offset by hyperdeveloped vertebral tendons on either side of their bodies, which support gliding membranes, enabling them to move swiftly in difficult terrain. These creatures, though, do not seem to be the result of natural evolution. Certain sections of hieroglyphics found within the ruins of Skull Island’s bygone civilization indicate these animals as being selectively breed, or even directly genetically engineered, possibly as beats of burden, but more likely as warrior mounts. Indeed, Dragma herds commonly stake territories near such ruins. Modern populations are entirely feral, though, and display the same aggressiveness toward approaching humans as they do other perceived challengers. The larger dominant males are especially dangerous and stubborn, never going down without a fight. Length: 23 to 46 feet.

Maguma: These creatures are among the more docile giants of Skull Island’s turbulent coastal waters. At first believed to have been mammalian, molecular examination of shed skins has revealed a more reptilian-like morphology, leading to the suggestion that they could be a type of marine dicynodont convergently similar to pinnipeds. Regardless of ancestry, Maguma circumnavigate the island in small family groups, feeding on schools of fish and beds of kelp. They usually only become violent in defense of one another, especially the males who have larger tusks. Maguma seem to prefer breeding in isolated regions away from Skull Island. It is therefore possible that they could be behind some old sea monster myths. Some FATHOM agents also suspect that one such creature may have been responsible for the destruction of an experimental Soviet rocket launch facility in the arctic in 1962, noting the appearance of one large, lone male with burn marks along its back. Length: 60 to 90 feet.

Mother Longlegs: The Bamboo Seas of some of Skull Island’s drier valleys are stalked by many waiting predators. The most abundant of which, is likely the Mother Longlegs, though an accurate estimation of their numbers is difficult to formulate. These monstrous amblypygids are perfectly adapted for stealth within the dense bamboo groves they haunt. Incorporating bits of the bamboo’s DNA itself, the arachnid’s leafy abdomen provides energy via photosynthesis while they await any potential meals to wander beneath them. Prey may be skewered by the razor-sharp tips of their legs before being hoisted up by sticky, whip-like arms to be impaled by raptorial pedipalps whose large spines drain the victim of all fluids. Mother Longlegs reproduce asexually, and begin life upside-down. The main body matures underground while their bamboo legs grow towards the sun. At this stage in their life, each of their legs are able to absorb nutrition from skewered prey, sensed via vibrations through the ground. These creatures are why the Iwi tend to avoid the bamboo forests whenever possible, and there are rumors of an exceptionally large “Queen Longlegs” somewhere in their midst. Height: 60 to 85 feet.

Cicutasaur: Whereas many herbivores of Skull Island opt for expert camouflage or nigh-impenetrable defenses, Cicutasaurs employ a more potent tactic. Derived from hadrosaurs, these normally peaceful animals can often be seen mingling among other plant eaters. They stand out in their eating habits, favoring the more poison-laden plants, fungi, and the occasional venomous flizard, and their subsequent bright coloration. They are also quite vocal, using both their large crests and inflatable throat and nasal pouches to amplify their calls. Such brazenness can be afforded due to their flesh being highly toxic. If confronted, they are able to generate a cloud of poison mist with their throat pouch. Finally, their most direct attack involves mixing volatile chemicals within the chambers of their crests, similar to a Bombardier Beetle, to spray burning acids or even a napalm-like substance from a snorkel-like opening near the tip. Such toxicity ensures an adult Cicutasaur has little to fear. Length: 35 to 50 feet.

----------------

Creature Inspirations:
Pestillus Virus: Bacillus Virus from Godzilla: The Series 1998.
Pea Fern: Unused bird creatures designed for Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Dragma: Creature of the same name in Godzilla: The Series 1998, elements of Sylvaceratops in The World of Kong artbook 2005, and Diablos of Monster Hunter franchise.
Maguma: Walrus kaiju of Gorath 1962, and Mee-Shee: The Water Giant 2005. (Am I the only one who remembers that movie?)
Mother Longlegs: Spider creatures of Kong: Skull Island 2017.
Cicutasaur: Essentially a hadrosaur version of Wroggi of Monster Hunter franchise.
Additional elements of inspiration provided by Lediblock2. Thank you, as always.