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Description

Ookondoru: These giant avians are among the primary scavengers of Skull Island’s ecosystem. Rarely hunting live prey, they can soar for hours, or even days upon the thermal currents of the island’s mountains and surrounding storm system in search of rotting carcasses. As they feed upon decaying kaiju bodies, their heads and necks inevitably become highly tumorous to the point where their own flesh is constantly sloughing off while continuously regenerating. They fuel this regeneration by rapidly assimilating the carrion they eat, literally becoming a patchwork of what they eat. If denied such food long enough, their heads will eventually rot to nothingness. Thus, they can be highly aggressive when securing a fallen kaiju as their own. As a last-minute defense, they are able to expel a burst of highly lethal radiation that contaminates their surroundings and forms a temporary “shield” upon their own bodies. Wingspan: 40-70 feet.

Chum Worm: These large worm-like creatures presented a mystery to those FATHOM scientists who first described the species. Though thought to have been an offshoot of the mollusk lineage, they are now believed to be a highly derived terrestrial sea-cucumber. They prefer to lurk in dark moist environments, such as super jungle understory or spider pits, where their large eyes can easily detect infrared radiation. Protected mainly by their tough hides, they also employ a particularly gruesome hunting and defensive system. Like their non-kaiju relatives, Chum Worms can self-eviscerate, spraying a mesh of their own intestines upon would-be attackers or prey. These guts, though, are highly automatic and equipped with lamprey-like maws that secrete digestive acids. These will entangle and begin consuming the victim as it is dragged back to the creature’s primary body. It may be that these “guts” were originally separate parasitic organisms before merging symbiotically with their host. Length: 15-25 feet.

Gehara: These rare creatures seem to be derived from therizinosaurs; among the many types of non-avian dinosaur survivors of Skull Island. They are among the few herbivores to regularly enter the large swaths of bamboo forests to feed without fear of the predatory arthropods of the regions. Occasionally, they may even attack such creatures themselves to supplement their diet. Their dense, shaggy feathers form a buffer against attackers, and possess large barbules that cause irritation and even lacerations under some circumstances. A Gehara’s primary weapons, though, are its carbon-fiber claws. These can be wielded to devastating effect against smaller or similarly-sized opponents alike. Fortunately, they are usually quite peaceful unless provoked. The largest individual has taken up residence within a temple ruin now surrounded by the deceptively tranquil bamboo. Height: 70-126 feet.

Malthus Shrew: These deadly predators display hyperdeveloped characteristics of eulipotyphla mammals, such as shrews and solenodons. Their hypervorous metabolisms are highly unstable, forcing them to hunt and feed constantly in order to survive. They are also extremely poisonous, with toxins being secreted within their saliva and the defensive quills along their backs. The poisons are so highly concentrated that even the slightest scratch from their teeth is fatal to many similarly-sized creatures. Their tendency to track prey in groups increases their threat. This deadliness, though, is also their downfall. The volatile toxins their bodies produce are so effective, they themselves eventually begin to succumb to the effects. If not able to find suitable prey on a regular basis, they also tend to turn against each other, consuming even more poisons which hasten the process. Usually, only a few such creatures manage to survive at any given time, but under the right circumstances, a population explosion can become a serious threat to the local ecology. Fortunately, such explosions rarely last long. Length: 7-11 feet.

Rhedosaurus: This reptilian kaiju is a highly adaptable predator. They have been sighted within the jungles and mountains of Skull Island, as well as diving along the coast to great depths. Their conservative body plan grants them access to many habitats, while their armored scales and quill-tipped tails protect them from other predators. Their saliva contains a radioactive venom which they utilize in a similar manner to Komodo Dragons to hunt large prey. They are certainly not picky eaters, though, and will consider most things smaller than themselves as potential meals as well. Though they hunt mostly on land, they often make their dens within a deep channel of water, whether in a lake, river, or the ocean. They seem able to respire oxygen partially through their skin, particularly through pores along their ventral neck region. Rhedosaurs’ adaptability has raised concerns over the possibility of one or more eventually settling away from Skull Island. There are some that suggest they have already done so on occasion. FATHOM archives site a particular incident involving the destruction of several small vessels and a lighthouse along the eastern cost of the Unites States. But this case cannot be fully verified as it was reported about a year before FATHOM’s official formation in 1954 after the definitive discovery of Godzilla. Length: 125-200 feet.

Vine Strangler: These man-sized creatures may not be giant predators, but are stealthy hunters not to be underestimated. Most likely derived from chameleon ancestors, these reptiles are able to alter the color and texture of their skin almost on par with cephalopods. With this ability, they blend seamlessly into the canopies and vine-entangled understories of Skull Island’s jungles. They are able to remain motionless for months at a time, using algae-like cells to respirate and photosynthesize along with the trees they hide upon. When a suitable target is detected, their rib-derived jaws open to an enormous degree and unleash a barrage of several long, muscular tongues. Each tongue is coated in millions of tiny bards whose venom paralyses the unfortunate victim, allowing the Vine Strangler to pull its prey within its torso to be digested. Such a meal can sustain them for years to come, making feeding events a rare occasion. Length: 18-30 feet.

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First in a series featuring the creatures of Kaiju Revolution's Skull Island until the main series can begin again. I'll try to upload one of these on a somewhat weekly basis as well.
Creature Inspirations:
Ookondoru; giant condor from Godzilla vs The Sea Monster 1966, and The Giant Claw 1957.
Chum Worm; The Monster that Challenged the World 1957.
Gehara; the quintessential monster of the same name in the short film Gehara 2009.
Malthus Shrew; The Killer Shrews 1959.
Rhedosaurus; The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms 1953.
Vine Strangler; creature featured in Skull Island: The Birth of Kong comic 2017, and Chameleon monster from Godzilla: The Series 1998.
Inspiration was also taken from suggestions by fellow Deviant, Lediblock2. Thanks for the ideas, man.

Description

Ookondoru: These giant avians are among the primary scavengers of Skull Island’s ecosystem. Rarely hunting live prey, they can soar for hours, or even days upon the thermal currents of the island’s mountains and surrounding storm system in search of rotting carcasses. As they feed upon decaying kaiju bodies, their heads and necks inevitably become highly tumorous to the point where their own flesh is constantly sloughing off while continuously regenerating. They fuel this regeneration by rapidly assimilating the carrion they eat, literally becoming a patchwork of what they eat. If denied such food long enough, their heads will eventually rot to nothingness. Thus, they can be highly aggressive when securing a fallen kaiju as their own. As a last-minute defense, they are able to expel a burst of highly lethal radiation that contaminates their surroundings and forms a temporary “shield” upon their own bodies. Wingspan: 40-70 feet.

Chum Worm: These large worm-like creatures presented a mystery to those FATHOM scientists who first described the species. Though thought to have been an offshoot of the mollusk lineage, they are now believed to be a highly derived terrestrial sea-cucumber. They prefer to lurk in dark moist environments, such as super jungle understory or spider pits, where their large eyes can easily detect infrared radiation. Protected mainly by their tough hides, they also employ a particularly gruesome hunting and defensive system. Like their non-kaiju relatives, Chum Worms can self-eviscerate, spraying a mesh of their own intestines upon would-be attackers or prey. These guts, though, are highly automatic and equipped with lamprey-like maws that secrete digestive acids. These will entangle and begin consuming the victim as it is dragged back to the creature’s primary body. It may be that these “guts” were originally separate parasitic organisms before merging symbiotically with their host. Length: 15-25 feet.

Gehara: These rare creatures seem to be derived from therizinosaurs; among the many types of non-avian dinosaur survivors of Skull Island. They are among the few herbivores to regularly enter the large swaths of bamboo forests to feed without fear of the predatory arthropods of the regions. Occasionally, they may even attack such creatures themselves to supplement their diet. Their dense, shaggy feathers form a buffer against attackers, and possess large barbules that cause irritation and even lacerations under some circumstances. A Gehara’s primary weapons, though, are its carbon-fiber claws. These can be wielded to devastating effect against smaller or similarly-sized opponents alike. Fortunately, they are usually quite peaceful unless provoked. The largest individual has taken up residence within a temple ruin now surrounded by the deceptively tranquil bamboo. Height: 70-126 feet.

Malthus Shrew: These deadly predators display hyperdeveloped characteristics of eulipotyphla mammals, such as shrews and solenodons. Their hypervorous metabolisms are highly unstable, forcing them to hunt and feed constantly in order to survive. They are also extremely poisonous, with toxins being secreted within their saliva and the defensive quills along their backs. The poisons are so highly concentrated that even the slightest scratch from their teeth is fatal to many similarly-sized creatures. Their tendency to track prey in groups increases their threat. This deadliness, though, is also their downfall. The volatile toxins their bodies produce are so effective, they themselves eventually begin to succumb to the effects. If not able to find suitable prey on a regular basis, they also tend to turn against each other, consuming even more poisons which hasten the process. Usually, only a few such creatures manage to survive at any given time, but under the right circumstances, a population explosion can become a serious threat to the local ecology. Fortunately, such explosions rarely last long. Length: 7-11 feet.

Rhedosaurus: This reptilian kaiju is a highly adaptable predator. They have been sighted within the jungles and mountains of Skull Island, as well as diving along the coast to great depths. Their conservative body plan grants them access to many habitats, while their armored scales and quill-tipped tails protect them from other predators. Their saliva contains a radioactive venom which they utilize in a similar manner to Komodo Dragons to hunt large prey. They are certainly not picky eaters, though, and will consider most things smaller than themselves as potential meals as well. Though they hunt mostly on land, they often make their dens within a deep channel of water, whether in a lake, river, or the ocean. They seem able to respire oxygen partially through their skin, particularly through pores along their ventral neck region. Rhedosaurs’ adaptability has raised concerns over the possibility of one or more eventually settling away from Skull Island. There are some that suggest they have already done so on occasion. FATHOM archives site a particular incident involving the destruction of several small vessels and a lighthouse along the eastern cost of the Unites States. But this case cannot be fully verified as it was reported about a year before FATHOM’s official formation in 1954 after the definitive discovery of Godzilla. Length: 125-200 feet.

Vine Strangler: These man-sized creatures may not be giant predators, but are stealthy hunters not to be underestimated. Most likely derived from chameleon ancestors, these reptiles are able to alter the color and texture of their skin almost on par with cephalopods. With this ability, they blend seamlessly into the canopies and vine-entangled understories of Skull Island’s jungles. They are able to remain motionless for months at a time, using algae-like cells to respirate and photosynthesize along with the trees they hide upon. When a suitable target is detected, their rib-derived jaws open to an enormous degree and unleash a barrage of several long, muscular tongues. Each tongue is coated in millions of tiny bards whose venom paralyses the unfortunate victim, allowing the Vine Strangler to pull its prey within its torso to be digested. Such a meal can sustain them for years to come, making feeding events a rare occasion. Length: 18-30 feet.

----------

First in a series featuring the creatures of Kaiju Revolution's Skull Island until the main series can begin again. I'll try to upload one of these on a somewhat weekly basis as well.
Creature Inspirations:
Ookondoru; giant condor from Godzilla vs The Sea Monster 1966, and The Giant Claw 1957.
Chum Worm; The Monster that Challenged the World 1957.
Gehara; the quintessential monster of the same name in the short film Gehara 2009.
Malthus Shrew; The Killer Shrews 1959.
Rhedosaurus; The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms 1953.
Vine Strangler; creature featured in Skull Island: The Birth of Kong comic 2017, and Chameleon monster from Godzilla: The Series 1998.
Inspiration was also taken from suggestions by fellow Deviant, Lediblock2. Thanks for the ideas, man.