#kaiju worldbuilding

[fortuitousrex]

The boys all together

[shinobicyrus]

One thing my brain keeps going back to about Pacific Rim (besides the rad giant robots) is the whole existence of kaiju organ harvesters and their implications.

Like, you have Hannibal Chau, a bizarre and interesting character, but we’re presented with a black market operation that seems mostly interested in the “alternative medicine” uses of kaiju parts.

But my brain demands to know: what does the corporate kaiju harvesting industry look like? Sure kaiju blood is toxic, but there are plenty of toxic materials that have useful applications. Are there chemical companies studying kaiju organs? Big-Pharma jumping on the kaiju bone-powder bandwagon? Are bio-tech firms studying kaiju hide to make tougher materials? Agribusinesses clamoring to acquire kaiju crap for fertilizer?

I’m picturing something like the age of whaling, when humans hunted giant animals and carved them up to feed insatiable industries. Whale-oil lighting lanterns for entire cities, whale-bone being used in everything from knick-knacks, tools, umbrellas, and corsets. Ambergris alone was used in perfumes, medicines, cooking. It was even added to wine as an aphrodisiac.

We glimpsed how kaiju affected pop-culture. Now picture a kaiju smashing a city, but the stock market going up for construction companies (rebuilding the cities), vulture real estate (buying the destroyed land cheap), and all the other corporations that profit from the systematic dismantling of a kaiju corpse and making money off of its parts. Sure, a city was roughed up and who knows how many thousands are dead, but it’s a better windfall when a kaiju makes landfall. It’s always less profitable when jaegers kill them too quickly; sea-based extractions are so much more expensive.

Imagine entire industries, entire economies that don’t just make money from the devastation of kaiju attacks, but grow dependent on them. And then the laws, the squabbles over those valuable, resource-rich kaiju corpses. If a kaiju attacks one country but keeps rampaging and is killed in the country next door, who has claim over the body? The party who was damaged more by it or the country where the corpse physically is? Bidding wars over “cleanup” contracts that cut corners and are only interested in collecting those sweet, sweet, kaiju parts as fast as possible, even if their official mandate is supposed to be the safe removal and cleanup of a toxic substance.

Once jaegers started getting efficient at killing kaiju, the people with all the money became less interested in solving the problem of kaiju attacks and switched to merely managing the industries that kaiju-killing feeds.

What? You want to put more resources into R&D to try and close the Breach? Whatever for? The kaiju comes out, jaegers kill it, and the “host country” gets the proceeds from the kaiju’s body. It’s a win-win for everyone. Why waste time, money, and effort solving a problem that isn’t a problem anymore?

Everything is under control.

[cicadaking]

Big ole demon bug dragon. Top image is its normal appearance, bottom is its courting plumage.

[giantmonsterpolls]

So, I might as well share the refs for Godzilla: Ascension's two other kaiju protagonists... say hello to Mothra Akane and Rodan Calderon!

Akane and Calderon are individual/identifying names. In Akane's case it's to distinguish her from the previous incarnations of Mothra (Mothra's reincarnation in Ascension works like the Avatar Cycle from ATLA and a little bit like regeneration from Doctor Who- each incarnation is their own person, though with access to the memories/knowledge of and ability to commune with the spirits of their forebears). In Calderon's case it's to distinguish him from his parents, Radon Amihan and Rodan Elio (both of whom are sadly deceased by the time of the main story).

[bethanythebogwitch]

Kaijubiology and the interior earth ecosystem

Monsterverse-inspired, but incorporates Toho movies and some other franchises.

Godzilla biology

Hyperfauna, known colloquially as kaiju, titans, giant monsters, etc, are massive organisms native to the interior earth dimensional space that can gain nutrition by absorbing radiation from their environment. The field of kaijubiology and study of the interior earth is young so quite a bit is still unknown about these organisms and the nature of the interior earth. Life appears to have existed both within the interior earth and the planet's surface for over a billion years. As many interior earth organisms are similar to surface life both in morphology and what limited genetic information is available, it is currently hypothesized that abiogenesis occurred either on the surface or in the interior and then spread to the other location. Interior earth life has a major advantage over surface life: the presence of effectively limitless energy in the form of interior earth radiation. This radiation promotes biological function, allowing interior earth life to develop faster and grow to sizes vastly greater than surface life. While on the surface the primary source of energy for life comes from the sun, in the interior earth the primary source of energy is interior earth radiation.

At some point (the fossil evidence is not yet clear on the exact time period), kaiju and subkaiju (a colloquial term referring to hyperfauna that do not reach 50 meters in height or length as adults) began to travel to the surface through the many tunnels connecting the surface with the Hollow Earth. While many species likely only visited the surface for brief periods, some species and individuals set up permanent residence. In prehistoric times, the levels of radiation on the surface were considerably higher than they are now, allowing for kaiju to sustain large populations on the surface. Species that are now known only from a single individual or small population once roamed the surface of the world in vast numbers. As the surface became less radioactive, most of the surface kaiju populations either returned to the Hollow Earth or died out, often leaving only exceptionally hardy individuals in hibernation across the planet. However, very few of these hibernating kaiju remained dormant for the millions of years that have passed, most would wake up and travel the planet for periods of time before returning to hibernation. Sightings of these kaiju inspired many of the legendary creatures and deities that can be found in the countless religions and mythologies from around the world. 

While the various species of kaiju and subkaiju are highly diverse, some common traits can be found amongst all of them:

All kaiju and subkaiju are able to feed off radiation absorbed from their environment. Many kaiju subsist mostly or entirely off of radiation, supplemented by the consumption of other food sources such as other kaiju, hyperflora, or geological elements. Subkaiju are more likely to regularly consume external food as their smaller size means they can more easily sustain themselves without needing radiation. For this reason, subkaiju are far more common than true kaiju and form a more recognizable food web.

All kaiju produce bioacoustics, extremely low frequency sound waves that can travel across the planet. Most surface animals are not able to hear these sounds, but kaiju can and use them to communicate. Most of this communication consists of territorial signaling or mate attraction, but some kaiju are intelligent enough to use more complex forms of communication. Studies on hibernating kaiju have shown that even while dormant, they are still capable of picking up bioacoustic sounds and responding.

Kaiju practice a strange form of interspecies dominance hierarchy in which most kaiju will recognize and submit to a stronger individual, known as an alpha. Most kaiju will only submit after some form of dominance is established, which is usually done either via threat displays, or, should both kaiju refuse to submit, a battle. These battles are known to end in the death of at least one participant should neither combatant submit. Known alpha kaiju active currently are Godzilla (Gojirasaurus colloseus), Kong (Titanopithecus kongii), Mothra (Gigatinea mosura), and Gamera (Hypertestudine pyrovoria).

All kaiju are known to constantly emit radiation in various quantities. This radiation is generated within energy-generating Yamane organs that act as biological nuclear reactors. Kaiju deprived of an external source of radiation are able to sustain themselves for long periods of time using their internal radiation, but will eventually require an external energy source or they will starve. Curiously, this radiation has immediate negative health effects to humans and other surface organisms, long-term exposure will actually begin to have beneficial effects. Many sites of kaiju battles have seen rapid growth of new plant and animal populations triggered by the leftover radiation. Some kaiju species have evolved to weaponize their radiation, most famously the Gojira genus and their “atomic breath”.

The interior earth dimensional space, often shortened to the "interior earth" and colloquially known as the "hollow earth", "Agartha", and a variety of other names, is a phenomenon akin to the sci-fi description of a pocket universe. It consists of a universal space distinct from the universe the planet exists in and is of unknown size. It can be accessed via wormholes that exist within fixed locations around the earth's surface. These locations are usually underground, leading to the misconception the the earth is hollow and the interior earth dimensional space is literally within the planet. These wormholes allow for interior earth radiation to reach the surface and allow for objects or organisms to pass between the surface and interior earth. Locations with wormholes are often described as wellsprings and are hotspots of hyperfauna activity and surface-dwelling kaiju will periodically visit them to absorb interior earth radiation. For unknown reasons, wormholes are found more prevalently around the Pacific Ocean and the north and south magnetic poles.

The interior earth consists of two surfaces suspended facing each other. Geological studies indicate that both surfaces have curvature consistent with each other, giving the impression that the interior earth consists of the surface of a sphere suspended within a larger, hollow sphere. It is currently unknown what would happen if one were to drill indefinitely through either surface, but both surfaces show clear signs of geothermal activity indicating the probable presence of a mantle and something akin to a planetary core. Gravity inverts between the two surfaces, meaning that if one travels far enough above the ground gravity will stop pulling them toward one surface and will start pulling them to the other. In between the two surfaces is a region of consistent microgravity where objects can float. Travel between the surfaces is done regularly by flying hyperfauna and via mountains large enough to connect both surfaces. Colossal crystalline structures are found throughout the interior earth. These crystals emit light in a consistent cycle, providing light for photosynthesis and creating a day/night cycle.

The interior earth is inhabited not just by kaiju but by humans. These humans are believed to have migrated into the interior earth from the surface via wormholes. It is not currently known if interior earth humans are descended from a single migration event or if there were multiple separate migrations. The majority of interior earth human cultures are extinct, known only from archaeological remains. Several surviving ones are known, most prominently the Iwi, who are also known to inhabit the surface's Skull Island and worship Kongs. Worship of kaiju, often a specific species or individual, is common among all interior earth cultures. Interestingly, some of those who do or did appeared to have methods of communicating with specific kaiju, who will then protect the humans from other kaiju. Known examples of this kind of human/kaiju relationship include the Iwi with Kong, the Seatopi with Megalon (Gigacoleoptera subterra) and the Muan with Manda (Kairyu manda). The Elias people of Infant Island have an almost identical relationship with Mothra, leading to speculation that they are descended from an interior earth culture that migrated to the surface. While all known interior earth cultures currently possess pre-industrial age technology, there are some indications that now extinct cultures may have had more advanced technology.

The interior earth ecosystem is apparently recovering from a recent (within the past few thousand years) mass extinction. Many of the largest hyperfauna species were driven to extinction of vastly reduced in numbers during this event, to the extent that many species are now known only from a single individual. The same event is likely responsible for the extinction of the majority of interior earth human cultures and the survivors losing much of their previous technological advancements. The cause of the mass extinction is unknown. Curiously, many ruins of interior earth cultures dating to this time depict a common visual motif: that of an unknown winged kaiju with three heads.

[radstarsaur]

The Wandering Mountain. Dromia Gaius. Teracarci.

The massive island-crab that wanders the Southern Continent has many names, but to the people of Craback Ridge, it's known only as "Home". 

Teracarci has been the subject of much study to the Crab-Sages of Craback, who wish to understand the beast that ferries their city. The crab's age is unknown, but is estimated to have been around since well before the dawn of civilization. Massive discarded exoskeletons scattered around the Coral Basin make it clear that the island-crab was once of many, and may in fact be the last in a dying species.

Of particular note to the Crab-Sages, however, are the eye spots on the claws, which are generally used to scare off predators. Teracarci is the largest known terrestrial creature alive today.

What is it afraid of?

[beveverage]

Nuclear power plant security when I start eating the uranium fuel rods

More of Dark Tide. Goji at this point is actively seeking that warm yummy radiation, and is currently enjoying a dip in the (reactor) pool, much to the dismay of the staff (who are probably receiving a lethal dose right now).

Still pretty small at this point in time. Not sure what the max size of this concept would be, but I imagine no larger than the 50m of 1954.

[draconesmundi]

Apologies for the second question, but I've been meaning to ask; do you have anything planned in Dracones Mundi based on the kaiju genre? Godzilla and his like are ultimately modern-day 'descendants' of the dragon myth, after all!

I mean, I'm certainly a fan of Godzilla, and of interpreting him as a dragon (big fire breathing reptile, spirit of nature from the sea, roar of thunder, he's the whole shebang!) and I have drawn him in the Dracones Mundi style (see above).

I cannot add anything too directly referencing any specific kaiju from media, even old Gojira himself, to the Dracones Mundi roster of dragons as I don't want to infringe on copyright.

However, I find the wani/wanizame, crocodile/shark sea monsters from Japanese mythology, have some similarities to the kaiju, even if they aren't as absolutely gigantic.

In my mind I do think there's one determined wani that keeps coming ashore in Tokyo and being a pest at fish markets, absolutely trashing the place and needing to be relocated far out in the Pacific every time. This little Godzilla, whether I mention him in the finished book or whether he's just a wani character that lives in my brain, is my nod to kaiju characters.

[amadillo96]

Personal Ideas for International AKDFs - Particularly US

Just Brainrot mostly.

This mostly revolves around the idea of an America/US based AKDF. Because, while in the story, Japan seems to have one of the biggest Anti-Kaiju forces.

It is implied in multiple chapters that there are other nations with similar agencies dealing against Kaiju. The US, and California , specifically, being one of them. Though I'd imagine the West Coast would have heavier Kaiju defense measures. (For example, in Chapter 4 of Kn8, it's revealed that Kikoru graduated from California Neutralization University.)

In my mind, given the US's history of military prominence. Uses of Kaiju to military agencies and as weaponry would probably be much more common. Though the exact strength of these weapons may be less than any japanese counterparts.

Nonetheless, kaiju forces in the US would be very prevelant. Bc of Pacific Rims' influence of the Kn8 series, I'd figure that it'd be interesting if a US agency would primarily use bulkier armor and weaponry. Similar to a much smaller single person Jaeger from Pacific Rim.

Other than that a US agency could also go the route of extreme implementation of kaiju. For instance in one of the meetings where the higher ups discuss Kn8 after Kafka's capture. It's revealed there's rumors that a country has been experimenting with Kaiju-Human hybrids. (Chapter 33)

Which while vague would be a perfect option for a US secret AKDF unit. Plus, the US's already huge budget in military spending. As well as their large influence in other countries, which would make sense with what is said in the pannel.

All that said, I'd imagine the units in a US based AKDF would be similar is not exactly the same as the JAKDF.

With only slight variations based on what route you'd follow with a USAKDF. I'm preferable to a Kaiju-Human secret squad that'd follow the platoon ranks already established in Kn8. The Kaiju-human stuff I'll post more about later on, and this might even eventually develop into its own thing. But for now, I'm thinking Kaiju no. 8 terms.

Feedback and ideas would be appreciated. I already have a few outlines for myself, tho, and I might make write this into a series of pics. If anyone's interested. :]

[thenixkat]

unless the mangaka throws a curveball later… it looks like the kaiju in the setting are sentient mineral-based organisms that generate meat mechs to perform their biological processes

Being mineral-based organisms would explain how geologic processes can spontaneously make them.

This knowledge feels cursed. Like it's a very interesting way to design yer monsters in a setting even if it's not the takeaway that the mangaka intends. I'm just basing it on the info we have available.

-> Kaiju are psychic rocks piloting meat mecha as part of their biological processes. Some of these psychic rock monsters are sapient. One forced a dude to eat it and turned him from being a meat-based organism to a psychic rock piloting a lump of meat that is capable of mimicking his original body.

That's some wild shit and I'm still processing this conclusion.

[zrllosyn-art]

Colored sketch based off of frozen lighting by @izfaish!!

ITS. ITS GOOD AND GOT FUN WORLDBUILDING AND CHARACTER EXPLORATION GIVE IT A READ (if youre caught up. you know who you are)

[sixfootart]

Society Portrait

Soon after their creation, owning thralls became a status symbol among the Savic aristocracy. Ever since, high society portraits have often depicted mages with their favourite thralls, among other luxury possessions. In this painting a young female sits in major form in her owner's drawing room. Her jewellery and other signs of her owner's wealth surround them. During the revolution many of these paintings were destroyed (along with their owners homes). The remainder were kept by those aristocrats fortunate enough to escape the war unscathed. It's rare to find one hanging in pride of place though; more often they're packed into storage rooms, an uncomfortable reminder of the Empire's fragility.

The Loyal Ones Project  |  Patreon |  Prints  |  Brush and Base Store

[twisted-wonderland-shenanigans]

I sent an ask earlier and I am so sorry for spamming but I've been having brain worms for the Kaiju!au.

Like we sad Vargas and Kalim being all friendly but imagine little baby Cheka playing with Yuu.

Also, just imagine Cater, Vil, or Rook doing dancing from some music player that Yuu found. Which also makes me ask if they get their own little hideaway for their human buisness. (God Crowley when his hatchling leave the nest...)

And finally, when Yuu finally gets to cook, meat or fish, are the Boys gonna try to demand they have some. I just imagine Yuu giving a piece to grim and his pupils blow out from how good it is....and then words goes around and it's all over for any peaceful cooking with Yuu.

I'm actually in the process of answering that one! I just gotta figure out a few scenarios for it to make it fun~! >v< And please don't worry about spamming me with asks if you have ideas or thoughts you wanna share about my AUs! I love receiving these kind of asks! :D

Putting under a read more because I got a little carried away 😂

----

Oooh my goodness, someone teach lil’ kaiju Cheka to be gentle with the tiny human! X’D To be honest, I almost didn't put him or Falena in the AU...buuuuut now that I think about it, that would be a crime against adorableness, and I will not stand for this! Ò.Ó I shall rectify this~!

In the AU, Cheka would be a little bigger than Grim would be in terms of height. Not quite twice his height, but still pretty big! Now imagine the lil’ ragamuffin sweetheart just trotting along with Yuu perched on his back, playfully marching across a log bridge with Grim trotting behind singing “Hakuna Matata” while Ruggie and Jack have to keep an eye on them (because we know Leona would be taking a nap and hiding from his nephew even in this AU). The only difference between this version of the two is that whenever Cheka pounces on his uncle in a play fight, Leona actually will react as though he got hurt to encourage the hunting instinct.

Hey, he may not be happy having his nephew bugging him, but he knows it’s important to know how to survive (and he’d never hear the end of it from his brother or his brother’s mate)!

When it comes to doing “human business”, it’s agreed that there is a need for privacy even amongst kaiju, so if the human disappears for a short time behind a rock or in a bush, it’s not going to be questioned by curious kaiju. Luckily Yuu won’t have to worry about poison oak or poison ivy! Most of the poisonous plants that can cause an itchy reaction are too high up for them to reach, so it’s mainly the kaiju who would experience the terrible itchy curse. Good thing they’ve got Crewel to mix up some natural medicine for them—good luck making most of them take it though! XD

Anyway, moving on: music! One of the best ways to soothe the soul and calm the savage beast. When Yuu manages to get near one of the other abandoned facilities and gets to explore it with Grim (who is literally the only one small enough to fit inside with them), it was actually Grim who stumbled across a music player. He thought it was some weirdly shaped snack or chew toy.

This resulted in a bit of a tug-of-war between Yuu and Grim, and now Yuu has a new (slightly chewed) music player! Let’s see how it transpired and what resulted afterwards, shall we?

//

“Let’s see…junk, junk, trash…wow, did they really even leave anything worth using in this place?”

Digging around in the pile, Yuu sighed as they sat back and stared at the room. Of course, this place had been ransacked already…though by who exactly was unclear, but it seemed like things had been torn apart and whatever components or guts the tech had before was now gone. But there had to be something they could use in this place, right?

Crunch!

“Pleh!”

“Grimfang, no! Stop trying to eat the plastic you lil’ gargoyle!” Yuu scolded, sighing as Grimfang spat out a few shards that got stuck in his teeth. “Ugh…one of these days you’re going to eat something you shouldn’t, you know that? Don’t come crying to me when you get a tummy ache.”

He shook his head with a snort, giving Yuu a look that suggested he was offended by the very notion that he might get a tummy ache…or at least, that’s how Yuu interpreted it. It was odd how expressive the kaiju seemed to be, seeming almost…human-like in a way, though sometimes Yuu wondered if it was just their mind humanizing them to have company.

“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Turning back, Yuu scanned the wreckage to try and find something they could at least bring back. Even a writing utensil would do! “Okay…maybe we should try the next room and see what we can find.”

As they turned to go, they heard the familiar sound of tooth scraping against metal and sighed. What has he found this time?

“Grim, if I have to pull another pipe out of your gullet again, I’m gonna-” Yuu began before freezing, eyes growing wide at the familiar shape between Grim’s paws as he tried to gnaw on the corner: a music player. “H-hey, hey! No! Grim! Drop it!”

“Rrraowl!” he rumbled in response, his paws pulling the player into his chest fur protectively.

“Grimfang, no! That’s not a chew toy—hey! Get back here, you malevolent little gargoyle!!”

“Nyaarr!!”

“GRIIIIIM!!!!”

//Later//

The sound of static filled the den as Yuu sat in the nest, using Grimfang’s side as a pillow while they fiddled with the large and heavy music player. It had been one helluva chase around the facility, but eventually they triumphed and claimed their prize! Aside from a slight chewing on the frame, the kaiju’s fangs hadn’t really penetrated the shell and everything seemed to be in working order. To their disappointment though, they couldn’t get a radio signal no matter how many buttons they pushed or how much they turned the dial.

“Hey, MIRA? Does this island have any sort of radio signal or something?” they asked the computer around their wrist. “I can’t get anything on this player.”

“Greetings, Uhm Yuu. Answer: negative. This particular system cannot receive the signals from radio transmissions. Due to the nature of the island and its inhabitants, it is difficult to build and maintain any semblance of a tower to transmit signals across the terrain, requiring different methods to communicate with other facilities.”

“Darn it! So that means I can’t do anything with this hunk of junk?”

“Negative. As it is in proximity, I am able to access the system wirelessly and play music from the database.”

Eyes growing wide, Yuu asked, “There’s a music database…?”

“Affirmative. I have access to a wide selection of music from all manner of media pre-downloaded from the Dark Mirror Server. Dr. Willows was an avid enjoyer of music and always kept an up-to-date selection for her playlists to aid in her work. Would you like to create your own playlists?”

“Yes!”

“Mrr…?”

//End Scene//

And thus began Yuu’s task to set up their musical playlists…much to the kaiju’s confusion even when Grim tried to explain what he could translate. For the most part, they just figured it was a weird human thing…until Yuu played the first song. Was it some beautiful, soothing song, or an excitable bop that made them excited? Nope. It was neither: what was meant to be a fun introduction to a song turned into what essentially boils down to a warped death metal demonic screech and garbled static. The sound was so terrifying that Grimfang looked like a puffy ball of daggers, and Nevermore flared up his wings like some puffy shield in a panic.

That’s why it’s important to check the volume of the music before you play it first!

It was after that when Yuu noticed a difference in the kaiju when they played certain songs—namely instrumentals. For some like Pridefang, they noticed how much more relaxed he was when harp music was playing, while when it came to wind based music like flutes or chimes, Crystalflayer/Vil would croon and sing along and the more canine-like kaiju would practically fall asleep.

Then there were the silly moments with the music.

When Goldmaker/Kalim was visiting, Yuu was playing the song “Cus I’m Happy” at random…when they noticed the shiny beetle/dragon kaiju doing the tippy-tap dance like a dog on all six legs, bouncing here and there in time to the music like a kid jumping on the bed.

And then there was the time that Bruiser/Deuce and Feralfang/Epel were tugging on something that looked somewhat like a giant leather ball that had been popped (or at least, they thought it was a ball, though it could be a bit of carcass too). It didn’t seem like they were fighting over food and more like they were just…playing. It wasn’t until they had stood frozen in place for a moment that Yuu played the song “Cotton Eyed Joe”—

And they both tugged in time to the beat. (A/N: click link for doggos in reference to the song/scene!)

Aaaah, the joys of music!

Now as for the food, as good as fruit and the vegetables were, it was a little harder to find sources of protein that were safe for human consumption on the island…or at least, sources that didn’t want to eat or swallow them whole or were out of reach. Plus, they had a continuous source of fresh meat brought to them and Grimfang throughout the day with no hassle. They just needed a way to…prepare it.

When Yuu manages to light a fire in a makeshift firepit (guided by MIRA’s survival database), Nevermore was certainly surprised to find that his hatchling had finally accepted the meat offering and confused at what they were doing with it near the fire. It’s incredibly rare for any kaiju to actually “cook” their meat, and whatever constitutes as cooked meat would be little more than chewy charcoal, so if it turns out that’s what the little human likes then so long as they eat their fruits and veggies, he’ll allow it.

//

“Aaaaand…done!” Yuu uttered, tugging one of the sticks bearing individual chunks out of the ground. They could feel the juices from the meat that had dripped down the makeshift skewer, forcing them to take care as they adjusted it in their grip to avoid the hot parts before they took a tentative bite.

Just like the fruit, the meat was tender and full of flavor as the juices dripped down their chin with each bite. It wasn’t perfect, but it was so good to have a cooked meal again that Yuu didn’t care. They’d even been lucky to find a wall of salt when they’d gone exploring with Grimfang, so at least the meat had a little extra flavor to it! MIRA had mentioned before that the island had many herbs and spices that could be used for cooking. If they could get a hold of some of these, then their meals would be so much more fulfilling!

Curious sniffing caught their attention as they turned to see Grimfang, cerulean eyes staring at the chunks still cooking on the sticks around the fire. He’d long since finished his portion, so there was no way that he should still be hungry…right?

“Mrrlh?” he grumbled, carefully pawing at the dirt near one of the sticks but not actually touching it before giving Yuu a look.

“No, this is mine. You had yours already,” Yuu told him, turning their attention back to their food.

“Prrrrrr…”

‘…oh no…’ Slowly they turned their attention back to Grimfang…and immediately they found themselves struck by the biggest, brightest pair of kitten eyes they’d ever seen, the kaiju’s forelegs curling up to his chest as he rolled over onto his side to reveal his soft, fluffy tummy. ‘…darn it, why did I have to watch those kitten videos around him!?’

His paws began to open and close, mimicking the kneading motion that the kittens in the video had done earlier.

“…augh! Fine! But just this once, got it?” Yuu said, heaving a sigh as they took another stick out of the ground and—after playing hot-potato with the cooked flesh—tossed it into Grimfang’s waiting jaws with a snap. He was purring in triumph, giving Yuu a smug looking grin…

Before he froze, pupils growing so wide that they nearly engulfed the blue of his eyes. His whole body began to shiver, jaw slack as drool began to drip from his maw. Then—rearing back on his hind legs—his paws pressed against his cheeks as he swayed almost in pure bliss, a series of trills and chirps coming from him.

“Huh. Well, uh…glad you like my cooking, Gri—hey! Hey, hey, hey, hey! NO! Grim! You had yours, the rest are mine! Stoooop! Nevermore!!”

//The next day//

“Okay, here’s what’s going to happen: I’m going to cook some of this meat using the ingredients we just picked from the forest, and while the big hunk cooks on the spit, we’ll snack on the smaller pieces. This side is yours, and this side is mine. Got it so far?”

“Mrp!”

“Good. Don’t even think about stealing my share, or I’m never cooking anything again. Got it?”

“Myah!”

Shniff-shniff…

“Huh…? Wha-!? Scrapper, no! This is mine! I-wait, I-! What are you all even doing here!? Guys!”

//The next day//

“……did you guys know that Scrapper, Shellshock, Ashsong, and Heartbinder could even cook, or is this new?” Yuu asked, watching as Ashsong’s tentacles moved the herbs and spices across the cooking meat, Heartbinder’s claws and teeth ripping chunks off and handing them to the clover-marked Shellshock as he put them on skewers. Ashsong’s wings would occasionally flap, causing the flames to flare up with new life. Scrapper used his jaws to turn the makeshift spit that one of the kaiju had carved to turn the meat in a slow circle.

“Nyawr.”

“Thaaaat’s what I thought…more please!”

//

As it turns out, once the kaiju learn the secret to amazing food, it becomes one of the few things that keeps them from bickering and fighting and even have them cooperate together just to get a taste. It was a strange sight to see, and even MIRA commented that this was highly unusual behavior that hadn’t been recorded by scientists before. This raised far more questions than answers. Sure, the kaiju were dangerous, but they were intelligent.

Too intelligent…

[fortuitousrex]

working on some worldbuilding for my Kaiju project, decided to set it on an alternate (earth like) planet so I can make up locales and backgrounds as I please

[bethanythebogwitch]

Kaijubiology: Mothra and the Elias

Intro to Kaijubiology

Godzilla biology

Monsterverse inspired, but incorporates the Toho movies and other giant monster media.

While Godzilla is unquestionably the most famous of all hyperfauna, likely the most beloved by the general public is Gigatinea mosura, commonly known as Mothra. This is due to the fact that, more than any other kaiju, Mothra is known to intervene on humanity's behalf when other kaiju threaten us and is response to ecological disasters. For her power and influence, Mothra has been given the title "Queen of the Monsters" in common parlance.

Gigatinea mosura is a species of insectoid hyperfauna bearing a strong resemblance to insects of the order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). All known members of the species are female and reproduce through parthenogenesis. Upon reaching adulthood, a Mothra will lay eggs (usually one, but occasionally more) and can lay additional eggs shoudl an existing egg or larva be destroyed. In the larval stage, Mothra resembles a large caterpillar with a brown, undecorated exoskeleton, small compound eyes sunken into the head, and a set of mandibles that open and close vertically. Inside the mouth are silk glands that can produce a fluid that can be ejected from the gland in a powerful stream. This fluid rapidly condenses into a sticky and extremely strong silk. This silk spit is the primary means of defense that larval Mothras have. They will attempt to immobilize a threat in silk before fleeing. Larval Mothras are self-sufficient from birth, but will typically associate with and be protected by their mother. Larval mothras consume large quantities of both vegetation and radiation in preparation for metamorphosis. When not in the presence of an adult, larval Mothras will metamorphose as soon as they are able to. An adult can direct larvae to remain in the larval form, possibly as an adaptation to prevent competition or prevent metamorphosis until conditions are optimal for it. Metamorphosis begins with the larva using its silk glands to build a cocoon for itself. Metamorphosis takes place over the course of several days, though the process can be hastened at the cost of internal energy stores. Even while in metamorphosis, the larva appears to remtain some awareness of its surroundings and can continue to communicate with other hyperfauna using its bioacoustics.

An adult Mothra resembles a moth or butterfly, but has similar mouthparts to that of the larval stage. The most notable feature of an adult Mothra is her wings. The wings (two per side) are brightly colored and each individual's wing patterns are unique. This implies that there is some unknown mechanism that results in greater genetic diversity between parent and offspring than would normally occur in parthenogenesis. The wings are also bioluminescent. Patches on the wings can produce light in many colors and varying brightness. It is believed that at least some of the colors and patterns are used for communication or to express mood. Fascinatingly, there are multiple variants or morphs of adult Mothra that are specialized for different circumstances. The determining factor for which morph a larva will metamorphose into appears to be epigenetic, triggered by differing circumstances during the larval and cocoon stages of development. Known morphs are listed below. Elias art suggests the presence of more morphs that are not known to modern science.

-The morph most commonly observed is referred to as the primary morph. This stage features short, grasping legs and large, rounded wings more specialized for sustained flight than speed and maneuverability. The primary morph is believed to be the one a larva will metamorphose into when conditions do not require a more specialized form. Most abilities possessed by the primary morph are also possessed by other morphs. Like other winged hyperfauna, Mothra can cause windstorms created by flapping wings. he wings can also grow and release scales in the form of a brightly-colored powder. These scales have a soporific effect on most kaiju when inhaled. Additionally, primary morph Mothra has been shown to be capable of releasing scales with other effects. On one occasion, a Mothra assisted with the cleanup of an oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean by releasing scales into the water that bonded with the oil and triggered a chemical reaction that caused the oil to clump together and become buoyant and non-reactive, greatly limiting the damage caused by the oil and making cleanup easier. Another ability shared in all forms is an outgrowth of Mothra's bioluminescence that allows her to project a beam of ionized particles from the base of her wings. The Elias people's term for these beams is "god rays" and they are used as a long-range weapon. The primary morph is less able to use god rays than other morphs, often only being able to perform the action once before requiring time to rest.

-The combat morph appears when a metamorphosing larva is exposed to hostile kaiju. This morph is specialized for combat and speed, but is not as durable as the primary morph. In this morph, Mothra's body is slimmer, the legs are longer and possess sharpened grasping edges, and the wings are angular. This is also the only morph which retains the silk glands of the larva. The combat morph is also able to use god rays more effectively than the primary morph and has a stinger that can extend out of the abdomen. The stinger delivers a venom that is believed to have intoxicating and soporific effects on other kaiju.

-The armored morph also appears when a metamorphosing larva is exposed to hostile kaiju. It is unclear which stimuli trigger the armored morph to appear instead of the combat morph and vise versa. As the name suggests, the armored morph possesses a seemingly metallic armor over the body and leading edge of the wings. In addition to providing extra stability, the armor also appears to be able to reflect "beam" type attacks from other kaiju, such as the Gojira genus's a"atomic breath". The armor makes this morph slower than the other morphs, but it is extremely durable even by kaiju standards.

-The aquatic morph has only been observed by science on one occasion, when Infant Island was threatened by the amphibious kaiju Dagarah (Okaenodraco dagarah). The aquatic morph is the most different from the other morphs. The four wings are arranged differently and are too small for flight. Instead, they act as fins, allowing for swimming. The body lacks the fur that other morphs have, instead having smooth scales to reduce water resistance. The legs are small, resulting in slow movement on land. The head has armor plating which is streamlined in a way that reduces water resistance.

Unlike most hyperfauna, which have extremely long lifespans, Gigatinea mosura rarely live longer than four years once they reach their adult forms. Because they lay eggs after reaching their adult form, there will always be another generation barring the death of the larva before more eggs can be laid. Presumably the species was more numerous prior to the interior earth mass extinction and therefore at less danger of extinction due to the death of the larvae. All known Mothras have originated from the same place: Infant Island, located to the east of the Philippines. Infant Island is a wellspring of interior earth radiation, making it a prime habitat for hyperfauna. Indeed, several of the recorded battles between a Mothra and another kaiju have apparently been territorial battles with the other kaiju seeking to claim Infant Island for themselves. Infant Island is currently a place of concern to conservationists as the only known remaining habitat of the species.

Mothra's existence was revealed to the world at large in 1961 when billionaire Clark Nelson arranged a trip to Infant Island, the inhabitants of which had until then only been contacted a handful of times. He ultimately abducted several of the native Elias people and took them back to his home in Rolisica, a small and notoriously corrupt nation in the Indonesian islands, where he treated them as zoo animals and exhibited them off to guests. Because of his political and monetary power in Rolisica, police did not intervene. Mothra, still in her larval state, swam from Infant Island to Rolisica and travelled through the island. While footage and testimony from the event indicate Mothra did not actively attempt to cause any destruction, but ultimately did so as a consequence of her sheer size. The larva ultimately cocooned herself and emerged several days later as an adult. By this time, riots had begun and the Nelson estate was stormed by a group consisting of civilians, police, and former Nelson employees. Nelson was killed in the struggle and the captive Elias were freed. To get Mothra's attention, a group pf people painted the symbol used by the Elias to represent her on an airport runway. Mothra landed on the runway and the captive Elias were presented to her. Mothra allowed the Elias to climb onto her and carried them back to Infant Island. In the aftermath of the incident, Infant Island was declared a no-go zone by international agreement, to prevent a possible future attack by Mothra. The only exception are scientific expeditions with the permission of the Elias. Since then, Mothras have left Infant Island several times. These are often to confront another kaiju or to prevent or help repair ecological disasters. Of all known hyperfauna, the Mothras are the most benevolent to humans, actively going out of their way to avoid collateral damage and even acting to prevent human death for seemingly no benefit to themselves. They also tend to avoid killing other kaiju if given an opportunity to avoid it. It is not clear if these are traits the species developed in response to their long association with the Elias, or if these traits were what drew the ancestors of the Elias to the species.

Gigatinea mosura is one of the four known alpha species: species that can command the obedience of other hyperfauna species. The other alpha species are Godzilla (Gojirasaurus collosseus), Gamera (Hypertestudine pyrovoria), and Kong (Titanopithecus kongii). A closely related species is Gigatinea battura (Battra) and a more distantly related species is Micromosura fairi (fairy Mothra), a species of subkaiju that resemble miniature primary morph Mothras reaching up to 38 centimeters in length. The Elias refer to these as "Mosura fai'rii", meaning "little Mothra" and often keep them as pets while protecting them from their natural predators, the garugaru (Microdraco garugaru).

Mothra is central to the culture of the native people of Infant Island, the Elias. The Elias worship the species as a goddess of life and rebirth and refer to the species as Mosura. The common name Mothra comes from a poor transliteration of Mosura. In Elias belief, there is only a single Mothra who is reincarnated through her larvae. Some scientists hypothesize that the species has a form of genetic memory that allows memories to be passed down from parent to child. Mothra is viewed as a goddess of life who protects the delicate balance of nature and who taught the Elias to live in harmony with the natural world. Mothra is believed to speak to the Elias through a pair of identical twin priestesses called the Shobijin, meaning "twin beauties" in the Elias language. The Elias people have an unusually high incidence of identical twins and twins are considered special. The Elias believe in reincarnation and believe that identical twins are the result of Mothra choosing to incarnate the same soul twice at the same time. All identical twin girls are sent to the Shobijin for instruction, though only one pair will be chosen as the next Shobijin. The Elias believe that the Shobijin can commune with Mothra and there is evidence that some form of communication between the Elias and Mothra is possible, but how this is done is not currently known. The relationship between the Elias and Mothra is almost identical to a trend often seen in interior earth cultures where a culture will bond with and be protected by a kaiju. Examples of this are the Iwi with Kong, Seatopi with Megalon (Gigicoeloptera subterra), and Muan with Manda (Kairyu manda). It is currently hypothesized that the Elias are descended from an interior earth culture that migrated to the surface, possibly along with a population of Mothra. Other hyperfauna also feature in Elias beliefs, most prominently Battra, who is seen as a dark mirror to Mothra who wishes to return the world to a state before humanity appeared. Another piece of evidence that the Elias are descended from an interior earth culture is the use of a cultural motif found in several known interior earth cultures: an unknown winged kaiju with three heads. The Elias refuse to speak about this motif with outsiders and seem to fear the symbol. Anthropologists refer to the three-headed kaiju motif as monster zero.

Out of universe notes: the different morphs are my way to incorporating the different forms Mothra has taken in the franchise. The primary morph is the classic Toho Mothra, the combat morph is the Monsterverse Mothra, and the armored and aquatic morphs are forms taken by Mothra Leo in the Rebirth of Mothra movies.

In the original movie, Rolisica is somewhere in Europe. I moved it to Indonesia largely to give the larva a shorter trip and let its entry to the city be a surprise as it can swim instead of walking across Asia in a world where Kaiju are known about and feared. If Rolisica was in its movie location, the larva would have been seen and attacked by multiple militaries long before reaching the city to pick up the Elias and its arrival would not have been a surprise.

I debated whether I wanted to have the people who live on Infant Island be the Elias (Rebirth of Mothra name for the Shobijin) or Houtua (from the anime trilogy). I ultimately picked Elias mostly because I liked Rebirth of Mothra and didn't like the anime movies, but I think my Elias would take a lot of inspiration from the Houtua in terms of dress, body art, etc.

Gigatinea (tinea means moth) is a shout-out to Gigamoth, a scrapped concept for an evil twin Mothra that was later revised into Battra.

[radstarsaur]

Luminous Silkdrakes are not an uncommon sight in the night skies above West Arcadia, but that does not lessen the wonder of seeing a swarm. These large insectivores tend to travel in groups, and generally pose no threat to humans.

During the Winter months, when the nights are long, Silkdrakes begin to shed their fur and let off a powerful luminescence. Due to this, Winter nights in West Arcadia can be almost as bright as the day. With the recent boom in the city's population, however, the brightness of the downtown district has begun to cause a decrease in the number of Silkdrakes, leaving some experts concerned.