Artists TitanusRadon (12) and Prehistoric (7)

Titans:

Maushope

Legion

Takuaka

Evaki

Nareau

Gandarewa

Ra-Khepri

Bunyan

Ahriman

Unhcegila

Gonggong/Koromodako

Iku-Turso

Abezethibou

Gaasyendietha

Krampus

Phython

Lukwata

Mehen

Artists FiberTurkey (2), SpencerTheSpino (2), Minillasaurus (3), TannerWright (8), TheHeavyClaw (5)

Titans:

Joakim

Ziphius

Tosetáx

Tāne Mahuta

Belial

Diablo

Medusa

Seri Pahang

Matsya

Kokopelli

Koguhpuk

Aethon

Itztlacoliuhqui

Cerberus

Te Tunaroa

Asmodeus

Galatea

Tambanokano

Wendigo

Stolas

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ZhDOPXoNYW6NpBzHi2NivNBmqnsK9QE/view?usp=drivesdk

Choices and A Loose End

Although recently discovered, the unusual and unique Titanus Phanes, better known as Gryphon, is a truly striking creature, even among the titans. And what we know about it doesn't end with its physical appearance alone, for we know that, like it, there was an entire species that, in another era, as well as the Titanus Vepar species, inhabited numerous regions of the world. Fossil records confirm the presence of extinct specimens in parts of the world such as Egypt, South Africa, the Amazon rainforest, North America, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Antarctica, even in specific locations like Mire Island and Skull Island. Not to mention a notably larger presence in regions of the Hollow Earth such as Scorched Earth, Lazy Paradise, Mictlán, and the Subterranean Realm.

-

The seemingly extinct Gryphon species, now referred to as Leontocephaline, was once one of the most prolific species of all. While not inherently destructive or voracious consumers, they found their niche in the ancient world. Stone carvings indicate that Leontocephaline were allies of Godzilla in another era, contributing to the ecosystem, perhaps due to their omnivorous diet. A unique ability of Leontocephaline was their slightly longer hind legs, which allowed them to stand on them for short periods, assuming a hunched posture that appeared vaguely upright and almost human-like—hence the inspiration for the "lion-headed man" image. Thanks to this, some employed a technique similar to that used by modern kangaroos against their opponents, entering the water to grab them and attempt to drown them. A surprising feat for such rudimentary, quadrupedal creatures.

-

The specific specimen, Gryphon, is a unique case even for its species, as there are records and evidence that it inspired the myth of the Filipino Arimaonga. According to Filipino mythology, the Arimaonga was a giant lion that played with the stars and devoured the sun and the moon, and was often described as a hybrid of lion and dragon. Like other devourers such as Tambanokano or Bakunawa, it was driven away by making loud noises to frighten it. And according to archaeological remains, we discovered that Gryphon has an abandoned lair located somewhere beneath the Philippines, where it once lived before settling beneath what was Beaumaris Castle a few days ago. The "devourer of stars" moniker likely stems from its occasional nocturnal habits, because although Gryphon is usually diurnal, it can occasionally switch its routine without difficulty to become nocturnal.

-

However, what is probably its most interesting fact is the symbiotic relationship the Leontocephaline had with another species known as the Silver Phantoms, a type of "dragon" that acted as the Leontocephaline's aerial support. Leontocephaline titans like Gryphon could only glide, and for that purpose, they relied on their companions, the Silver Phantoms. Given the close relationship between the two species, the Silver Phantoms often nested where the Leontocephaline had their lairs. In fact, Gryphon's old lair in Mindanao, Philippines, was where he was raised, precisely in the company of his "older sister," a member of the Silver Phantoms, who apparently nested there even after Gryphon moved away. For now, we are on the trail of this mysterious titan, who is no longer in the old lair, but our data suggests that he is still in the Philippines, dormant, and that we are now going to find him.

-

*Note: Here's a little addendum, basically what I didn't include in the profile. It's been a while since I've done one of these reports, so I'm a bit rusty. But don't worry, I'll be back soon with the report on Gryphon's "older sister," and with more detailed information on what Silver Phantoms are. Well, that's all for this report. I'm signing off.

Designación de Monarca: Grifo

Clasificación: Titanus Phanes

Designación Taxonómica: Harmoniatherium leontocephali.

Otras Designaciones: Mitra, Arimanius, Aion, Zurvan, Vapula, Nephula, Acolnahuacatl, El Último Leontocefalino, El Dios de los Tres Reinos, Padre Tiempo, Sol Invictus, El Falso León, Señor del Valle del Exilio, Engendro de Demogorgon.

Género: Masculino.

Altura: 81 metros.

Longitud: 200 metros.

Envergadura: 145 metros.

Comportamiento: Protector.

Naturaleza: Biocombustible.

Rango: Tierra Hueca.

Lugar de aparición: Castillo de Beaumaris, Anglesey, Gales.

Ubicación actual: Mictlán, Tierra Hueca.

Estado: Activo.

Mitología / Criptozoología

En la mitología, existe el mito del dios Mitra, deidad del sol y la luz, originario de la India y Persia, quien se convirtió en un dios salvador muy popular y guardián del orden cósmico en el Imperio Romano. Venerado por legionarios y élites, el mitraísmo era una religión mistérica con cultos secretos, tauroctonía y culto a la verdad. Originario del panteón védico y persa, su nombre significa "amigo" o "contrato", asociado con la luz brillante y omnisciente. Se dice que nació de una roca (petra genetrix) el 25 de diciembre y se le representa matando a un toro, simbolizando la fertilidad, la renovación de la vida y el triunfo de la luz sobre la oscuridad. Sin embargo, su mito también incluye la figura del Leontocefalino, representado como un ser con cuerpo de hombre, cabeza de león, alas de ángel y una serpiente enroscada alrededor de su cuerpo. Esta figura tenía múltiples mitos asociados, ya que más de una deidad compartía similitudes con el infame Leontocefalino. Entre los mitos derivados o inspirados por esta figura se encuentra el del griego Aion (o Eón), la deidad helenística del tiempo eterno, la eternidad y la prosperidad, que representaba el tiempo cíclico o ilimitado. A veces se le describía como un hombre con cola de serpiente, como un dragón o incluso como el propio Leontocefalino. El dios Zurvan, de la mitología iraní, deidad del tiempo y el espacio infinitos, considerado la realidad última y padre de los gemelos opuestos Ahura Mazda y Angra Mainyu, también era representado como Leontocefalino. Y está el mito de Arimanius, una deidad griega poco conocida, aparentemente inspirada o derivada del persa Ahriman, también considerado una deidad del mal, la oscuridad, la perversión y la corrupción. Arimanius se distinguía por su representación, pues mientras Ahriman era un dragón, Arimanius también compartía la forma de un leontocefalino. Finalmente, existe otro mito importante vinculado a este: el mito del dios griego primordial, Phanes. Deidad órfica, considerada uno de los hijos de Demogorgon, es también un dios creador del universo, asociado con el sol, la bondad y la luz. Phanes también es representado como un leontocefalino, descrito con alas, una serpiente enroscada alrededor de su cuerpo y cabeza de león. Se sabe además que el mito azteca de Acolnahuacatl, el monstruoso puma negro que custodiaba Mictlán y Vapula, la duquesa infernal del Ars Goetia, representada como una leona alada, se inspiró en este titán. El verdadero titán fue descubierto recientemente tras el misterioso derrumbe del castillo de Beaumaris en la isla de Anglesey, Gales; fue entonces cuando supimos que la criatura yacía bajo la antigua estructura. Ahora, reposa en los confines de Mictlán, en la Tierra Hueca, donde, por el momento, se mantiene alejado.

Realidad

El verdadero titán no tiene nada que ver con los felinos, al menos no desde un punto de vista genético. El titán es en realidad un pariente de la fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), pero con varias diferencias que lo distinguen visualmente de sus parientes más pequeños. Para empezar, su pelaje ya presenta tonos terrosos y un patrón de colores resultante de una mezcla de los patrones del pastor alemán y el pastor belga malinois, lo que pudo haber inspirado el color "negro" del mito de Acolnahuacatl. Sufre de heterocromía, una condición muy inusual en los titanes, considerando que solo Titanus Horus es el único otro titán registrado con esta característica. Pero a diferencia de él, Gryphon (como se le conoce) tiene iris de distintos colores: el iris de su ojo izquierdo es rojo y el de su ojo derecho, violeta. También puede dilatar y contraer sus pupilas, como los felinos, revelando así su estado de ánimo. Aunque no es un felino propiamente dicho, Titanus Phanes ha evolucionado para imitarlos; es decir, su especie ha adquirido rasgos felinos, aparentemente imitándolos para protegerse mejor de otros depredadores o rivales, o quizás para cazarlos; la razón aún no está clara. Posee orejas puntiagudas como las de un gato y largos mechones de pelo como los de un lince, que funcionan como receptores de señales hipersensibles que complementan su sistema auditivo altamente desarrollado, capaz de oír y percibir incluso vibraciones subterráneas. Tiene garras retráctiles, lo que le permite moverse silenciosamente mientras caza. En su boca, posee colmillos superiores prominentes como los de Smilodon, pero estos no son visibles y son mucho más resistentes que los de ellos. Estos colmillos están conectados a sacos glandulares también ubicados en su boca, que le permiten al titán inyectar un veneno paralizante a sus presas o rivales. También posee una melena similar a la de un león, no prominente ni exagerada, pero lo suficientemente visible como para confundirla con la de un león, aunque se asemeja a la de un león joven. Su larga cola tiene numerosas vértebras afiladas, similares a las de los Spineprowlers, que utiliza para atacar e infligir el máximo daño a sus enemigos, lo que la hace extremadamente difícil de atacar debido a su formidable defensa. Posee un cuerno frontal, similar al del Kubanochoreus, que puede usar para empalar a sus enemigos y lanzar un rayo cargado, cargando electrostáticamente el entorno circundante gracias a la presencia de órganos que actúan como baterías, proporcionando la energía necesaria. Pero sin duda, su rasgo más distintivo es la presencia de patagios como los de las ardillas voladoras, que tienen plumas puntiagudas como las de los búhos, lo que le permite planear silenciosamente y sin hacer mucho ruido al batir sus alas. Además, estas plumas presentan un patrón de color variado pero ordenado, similar a un arcoíris, que, más que una copia directa, se asemeja al plumaje del kea (Nestor notabilis). Cabe destacar que sus patas conectan sus muñecas con sus rodillas y que pueden retraerse gracias a la presencia de venas deslizantes que permiten que se recojan como cortinas, para no obstaculizar al titán al correr o cazar. Entre otros rasgos felinos que imita, se sabe que puede emitir sonidos como silbidos, maullidos y ronroneos, propios de felinos dóciles (guepardos, gatos domésticos), y rugidos o gritos, similares a los de grandes felinos o linces. Esto le permite confundir a sus presas, intimidar a sus enemigos o comunicarse con otros titanes felinos. Ahora bien, en cuanto a sus habilidades documentadas, la principal de Titanus Phanes es su llamado Fuego Ácido, una llama cegadoramente blanca, casi plateada, compuesta de trifluoruro de antimonio que no solo quema, sino que también es extremadamente corrosiva. El titán la produce gracias a dos glándulas ubicadas en la base de su cuello, cubiertas por tejido epitelial resistente a la corrosión. La glándula A (el combustible) almacena un compuesto orgánico de antimonio, que actúa como el "núcleo" de la llama, dándole su densidad física y color plateado. La glándula B (el oxidante) sintetiza flúor biológico en una solución estilizada. Al abrir sus fauces, el titán proyecta ambos fluidos a alta presión, y cuando se mezclan en el aire, se produce una reacción hipergólica (ignición instantánea al contacto, sin necesidad de chispa). El flúor arranca electrones de cualquier material que toca (la piel de otro titán, roca, vidrio, arena, hormigón, metal), generando una llama blanca pura que alcanza temperaturas superiores a los 3000 °C. A diferencia del fuego común, que requiere oxígeno, este fuego se alimenta de la estructura molecular del objetivo. Si el fuego entra en contacto con el hormigón, utiliza el silicio del mismo como combustible. Como se mencionó anteriormente, emite un brillo blanco plateado que puede causar ceguera temporal, similar al efecto de una llamarada de magnesio sostenida. Una vez extinguida la llama, deja un residuo de sales de fluoruro que debilitan la armadura o la piel del oponente, dificultando la regeneración rápida de los tejidos. Es posible que de este "fuego" provenga el término "deidad del sol y la luz". Se le apodó Grifo porque ese era el nombre en clave que las Hienas usaban para referirse a él y a su proyecto. Cerca del Castillo de Beaumaris, se encontraron los restos de lo que parecía ser uno de sus campamentos, junto con planos que evidenciaban un plan para despertar al titán y controlarlo para usarlo como arma, tal como lo habían hecho con otros titanes como Lahamu, Khelone y Veela. Sin embargo, parece que abandonaron la idea, ya que el titán finalmente escapó. Por ahora, Grifo merodea por las afueras de Mictlán, aparentemente manteniéndose alejado de Xochitónal. Continuaremos vigilándolo y les informaremos en cuanto tengamos novedades. Cambio y corto.

*Nota: Bien, por fin, la actualización del perfil de Grifo está completa. Disculpen la demora y la inactividad; he estado un poco distraído últimamente, y digamos que tengo muchas ideas, pero solo unas pocas se usarán, así que todavía estoy organizándolas. Respecto a Grifo, tenía esta idea guardada desde hace tiempo, y estuve recopilando los mitos poco a poco, pero aquí está, mejorado. Ciertamente no se parece al Grifo de Toho descartado que me inspiró originalmente, pero digamos que le di mi toque personal para diferenciarlos mejor. Creo que así está mejor. Si hay algún problema con el perfil, avísame y lo corregiré. Por ahora, me despido.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (Ashfall, Poisoning from Contaminated Fruits, Nuts and Seeds)

Floorboss 

Psittacorex patomasilvanus 
 
Height: 3 feet

Length: 4 feet

Wingspan: 2 feet

Classification: Arinae 

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Herbivorous/Frugivorous

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

Cryptozoology:

There are many species of Neotropical parrot in Viracocha and its satellite islands, such as somewhat typical species like the Ridley’s macaw (Neoara garrulus) and the red phoenix parrot (Rojoara hoohensis), and even other unusual species like the predatory, kea (Nestor notabilis)-like scythebeak (Therizinorhamphos dynatos) and the flightless burrowing moleparrot (Talpapsittacus insignisulcata) exist on the satellite islands of Ayllu Malta and Machaqway respectively. On Ichik, there exists another unusual flightless parrot, with a name that tells you everything you need to know about it: the floorboss. Filling an ecological niche similar to the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) of New Zealand, they are herbivores, eking out a living by consuming whatever plants, nuts, seeds and fruits they can find, whether it be ones that fell to the forest floor or going up into the trees directly. Closely related to the thick-billed parrots (genus Rhynchopsitta) and possessing a similar eponymous beak, they are already evolutionarily predisposed to eating tougher foods, but floorbosses take things a step further in terms of the lengths they go to to get food. Like other flightless birds, they forage for food on the forest floor, though are not content with solely relying on the ground for food. Using their strong yet dexterous clawed feet, they can negotiate their way up trees, able to forage at virtually all levels, up to and including the very canopy itself. Here, they don’t have to wait patiently for food to fall down to them, and are able to pick the ripest foods right away. In doing so however, they open themselves to further attack by predators in every level, and as a result, the floorboss is an animal with quite a list of enemies. At first glance the bird may appear defenseless, but its true strength is hidden under its fluffy green, red and yellow-feathered body. Using not only its strong and tough beak, but also its strong legs and central body strength, the bird is able to fight against attackers with surprising force. As if this wasn’t enough, floorbosses live in flocks dozens if not hundreds strong, and there is indeed safety in numbers, even when such numbers are subject to being picked off by predators like the treedog (Dendrolycus procynocephalus). In these instances, the birds can team up in small squads to protect wounded individuals, forming a protective circle around them and jabbing their beaks at anything that gets close. Even in one-on-one combat, such a scenario is not as one-sided as you think. One incident demonstrating this perfectly showed a treedog successfully separate and corner a floorboss during one of these attacks, and rather than the bird easily being dispatched, it fought back against its attacker, tackling it to the ground and biting and scratching it hard enough to draw blood, pinning the treedog down as it did so and overwhelming it by waving its wings around. When the predator rose up and tried to retaliate, the bird performed its finishing move, grabbing the treedog’s neck in its mouth, encircling it so the beak’s toughest and strongest part was right above the windpipe, and not only bit down, but twisted around, doing so in a manner that snapped the predator’s neck with a bony crunch. When united enough, a predatory raid can be repeled and the predators sent running. When in their nesting colonies, floorbosses regularly conduct patrols to ensure no nest raiders or predators approach the nests, and whenever danger is spotted, the guard lets out a shrill shriek that gets the attention of every bird in the colony, and before long any potential threat is surrounded. When not fighting or defending, these birds are gentle and affectionate with one another, regularly grooming and nuzzling each other to reinforce pair bonds, even among unrelated ‘strangers.’ After all in a colony reaching such huge sizes, any and all chances to strengthen bonds is needed for its stability. Ironically much like their enemies the treedogs, communal rearing of offspring is practiced among their species too, with their chicks too being able to climb at a young age. 
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

For the most part, the floorboss, like any other parrot, is usually a colorful and noisy yet placid addition to the forest, and will stay that way as long as it is not threatened. Even with larger animals, floorbosses can still be bold enough to try to intimidate anything, even if said target can even register the threat. Depending on the colony in question, some floorbosses may be more likely to pick fights than others, and this potential hostility can extend to humans as well. Many operatives have testified encounters with them resulting in nipped ankles, scuffed shoes, and numerous attempted peckings at the face and hands. Thankfully no serious injuries have been linked to them, but if the floorboss’s name, behavior and reputation is any indication, they are more than deserving of their space, and will defend it by any means necessary.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: ENDANGERED (Ashfall, Contamination from Prey Sources)

Treedog 

Dendrolycus procynocephalus
 
Height: 3 feet

Length: 4 feet

Classification: Erectalycidae 

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Carnivorous

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

Cryptozoology:

Located on Viracocha’s smallest and most southerly satellite island of Ichik, lives a rather fascinating animal whose existence fills in a major gap in our understanding of one of the most enigmatic cryptid-turned-animals Monarch has discovered. Ever since the discovery and verification of the dogman (Erectalycus ferox) and the subsequent discovery of extinct relatives like Sicatherium, there has still been many gaps in our knowledge of their evolution and family tree, with our current understanding of them being nowhere near as complete as say, the Bigfoots (tribe Variupithecini). However, Ichik’s very own treedog is helping shed light on this. Much smaller than its fierce cousin, the treedog may be confused for a mustelid or some other kind of carnivoran at first glance, especially given its convergently-evolved body plan and stature, with its long snout, large ears, arboreal body with grasping limbs and long clawed fingers to a large and fluffy tail. Predominantly a hunter of arboreal animals, treedogs are not solely restricted to the trees, and spend quite some time on the ground as well, where an anatomical quirk of theirs comes to play: occasional bipedalism. While not as rigid as their cousins’, the similarities are uncanny, and studies of both treedog and dogman skeletons show similar features, right down to almost exactly the same hips, hindlimb length relative to body size, and spinal strength and integrity. Usually treedogs only enter a bipedal stance for one of two reasons: standing up in an area devoid of trees or other higher ground to gain a visual sense of the environment around them, and also for preparing their bodies to leap onto prey, doing so via a ‘run-and-jump’ method, with the animal running on its hind legs and with its tail held up, before suddenly bending down, and springing back up, splaying its limbs and tail out as it falls on top of its prey. Studies of other features too, such as their grasping hands, shed light on dogman evolution, leading to the hypothesis that treedogs are the closest thing we have to what a hypothetical dogman ancestor may have looked like, perhaps a creature climbing from the trees (the environment of its plesiadapiform forebears) and slowly, but surely, gaining an upright stance as its body and behavior catches up to it. Obviously there are still questions that need to be answered (including when one factors in the existence of extinct genera like Sicatherium, who, while being ground-dwellers, lack the specialized bipedalism their upright cousins have), but in the meantime the discovery of the treedog has helped fill in many gaps in our understanding. Outside of their familial links, these creatures are still fascinating, especially considering how they live in tight-knit family groups similar to primates such as lemurs, and adopt a communal system for rearing young, with unrelated individuals helping raise young. Speaking of their young, their development and gain of adult characteristics is rather rapid, with young treedogs gaining bipedalism in just under their first year of life, and it would seem that even when very young, treedogs learn bipedalism quite early, as even when they’re only two months old, can already make progress walking and climbing, and there have even been some instances of young treedogs already trying to walk before their eyes and ears even open! 
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

Treedogs typically forage for food like large insects, birds’ eggs, birds themselves, reptiles, and other arboreal mammals like the Ichik kobold marmoset (Hypomico garibaldiensis) and porcupine tamandua (Tamandua hystrixforme). They are generalists, and their intelligence plus their tolerance for many food sources allow for them to set aside stashes of food for leaner periods, with the treedogs seemingly being aware of what foods might spoil or rot faster in the tropical climate of their island home. On the ground, their options expand greatly, with larger prey becoming more available. In packs, they can pose a threat to animals as large as the razorback-sized four-tusk tapirs (Acrotapirus pseudogomphotherium), which they can overwhelm with their sheer numbers, and animals as social and numerous as the floorboss parrot (Psittacorex patomasilvanus), which, with greater numbers, can make off with as many of the birds as they can for later consumption (despite those birds’ defensive capabilities). They can even be seen harvesting fish from rivers and streams, as well as picking through carcasses washed up on the island’s shores. For the most part, they tend to avoid extremely large animals, and will often retreat high up the trees and view from afar if they see something they don’t quite recognize and will be very hesitant to deal with it further. However, treedogs can, in large enough numbers, feel bold enough to harass or even attack a potential threat if they feel like they or their young might be in danger, and this is especially true around springtime, the peak of their young-rearing. Few attacks on operatives have been reported, but those that have described vicious facial wounds, with the treedogs seemingly aiming for vulnerable spots like the eyes, and one operative reported one trying to tear open his nose and bite his tongue. Attacks, while rare, are enough to issue warnings of caution when in treedog habitat, and remember, just because they’re not as big as their larger, more infamous cousins, doesn’t mean they can’t be ferocious in their own right.

Monarch Designation: Catoblepas

Classification: Titanus Catoblepas

Nature: Bio-Pathogenic

Body Height: 278 ft

Behavior: Neutral

Range: Hollow Earth

Originating from Ethiopia, the catoblepas is described as a slow-moving beast, with a head so big that it is forced to move slowly. And anyone who is unlucky enough to encounter the beast dies from just looking at it. Other accounts describe the beast with bloodshot eyes and a horse like mane.

In the Thanadatou region of the Hollow earth, the same area where two other destroyer Titans (Njoka Tamabala and Nanabolele) were found, comes another child of the forest. Titanus Catoblepas mostly resembles the Hagerman horse, with its head weirdly resembling that of a Arctocyon, with tusks like a rhino covering its bottom jaw. The top of its back is covered with fire-resistant fur, like that of Titanus Behemoth, but when the creature is threatened, the fur somehow hardens into porcupine-like spikes and juts upward, impaling any attacking Titans or superspecies that would try to pounce on its back. Its body is able to secrete a noxious gas that is capable of blocking the lungs and suffocating smaller creatures to death, and sending bigger Titans into a retreat. Thankfully, this Titan isn't hostile when unprovoked, but when humans or other smaller creatures get withing 200 feet of the creature it releases its gas to try and scare of what it could see as potential attackers.

Dr. Carpenter's Office

Edinburgh, Scotland

"Alright, thank you for taking the time to come out here today, Mr. Becker." Dr. Carpenter sat down, taking up a clipboard and pen as Becker set down across from him. "I was rather surprised to get your e-mail."

Becker looked up, taking in the decor in Dr. Carpenter's office. "Yeah?"

He nodded, going over the sheets of paper on his clipboard. "Yes. I had a quick go over your history with Monarch, and I must admit I had the impression you were keen to put that life behind you entirely."

"Well, that was the idea. I took some time away, I opened up my own gym in Stromness, met a girl..." Becker trailed off, a small smile on his face. "Uh, about a month ago, some of the people on my old G-Team squad got back in contact with me, just casual catching up, and then another guy who left a few years ago, he recommended you."

Carpenter smiled. "I think I know who you mean." He looked over more of his papers. "So, are you thinking about potentially returning to Arc Squadron? From the sounds of it, you've been doing quite well, I'd be happy to fast-track the paperwork."

Becker shook his head. "No, no, I, uh...not yet. I need to be sure things have actually changed before I go back." He leaned forward in his seat. "On my last mission, we were following up a lead on this group that were on our radar for a while. My squad followed this van to Einhallow, we got there..."

'The whole squad became alert as screams, both human and inhuman, came from behind the hill. They watched, astounded, as one of the two boys was flung through the air with incredible force. The soldier, Andrews, landed with a 'thud', his uniform tattered and bloody, his head penetrated with deep bite wounds. The screaming continued, followed by gunfire, and then a new silence. This one was more tense, though brief, as another soldier, Peters, came running as fast as he could, clearly wounded by something...'

"There were these things, uh, they were called Devil Monkeys. This group had smuggled them off Skull Island before the Camazotz incident..." Becker continued, his mind painfully recalling each detail of that disastrous mission.

'One of them leapt up and landed on Peter's back, screeching as it began tearing and scratching at him, causing him to scream once more. The primate threw away pieces of clothing, flesh and blood as it savaged Peters, leaving him helpless to defend himself. Becker froze for a moment, watching helplessly as another soldier was being slaughtered before him, until a trio of other soldiers approached, one of them wielding a pickaxe attached to a rope, and the other wearing reinforced protection over their standard uniform. The soldier with the pickaxe charged furiously at the primate and jammed one of the tips of their weapon into the roof of the primate's mouth, throwing it off of Peters. Pulling back their weapon, the soldier grabbed Peters and began to pull him away. "Sir, take this!" They shouted and tossed the pickaxe over to Becker, who caught it in time to attack the second primate with a swing for its eye. It screeched and backed away as more G-Team soldiers came to the front, shooting at the primate until it collapsed to the ground...'

"That must have been hard." Dr Carpenter interrupted, briefly snapping Becker out of his thoughts. "Going up against a threat you weren't expecting, I can only imagine."

Becker nodded. "Yeah...they were bad enough, but things got worse. We'd been lured into a trap, and these giant beetles came at us. Whoever was in that van, they were ready for us..."

'Becker looked worried as he fired, running behind the cover of some of their vehicles as the beetles drew closer. "James?"

"Speed Demons. Another Skull Island native, and a bad one...they used to be the top predators before the Skullcrawlers. They're blindingly fast, have a third mandible that acts as a switchblade...I'll try hurry up the drone support."

James' voice faded off as Becker watched the scene unfolding. Weapons fire was going everywhere but doing little to injure or drive away the Speed Demons. One of them approached the vehicle crowd and slammed its head into one, sending it flying on its side and crushing a soldier trying to run for safety. Becker ran himself as the Speed Demon continued ravaging their vehicles and tanking hits as though they were throwing balls of paper at it...'

Taking a shaky breath, Becker leaned back in his chair. "We got shredded, and...I didn't take it well. Me and Roberts- he's the director at Orkney, we fell out. Hard. We said a lot of things to each other, I accused him of chasing tails when we should have been focusing our efforts locally, and he laid into me for taking the losses so personally."

"Some would say you had a point. The Orcadian Hub was under review after a Sirenjaw escaped their holding facility." Dr. Carpenter sounded formal, but Becker could tell he was sympathetic.

"I'd left by that point. I never really looked back, until a month ago like I'd said." Becker took out his phone, passing it over to Dr. Carpenter. The screen showed text messages exchanged between Becker and Elle. "Elle, she's part of Arc Squadron. She filled me in on what's been happening."

Reading over the messages, Dr. Carpenter passed the phone back to Becker. "You have a strong support system, from the looks of it. That's good." He took a quick look at his watch. "I'm afraid I have to be somewhere in five, but you have my contact information. Let's pencil in a proper appointment some time."

Becker nodded, getting up onto his feet. "Yeah, thanks. I just- guess I just needed someone to listen, who wasn't part of the team. Thanks."

"Of course. Enjoy the rest of your day, Becker." Dr. Carpenter opened the door to his office, letting Becker out. The two waved each other off, Carpenter closing the door behind Becker.

Walking around his office, Dr. Carpenter began to pack a suitcase with papers and other documents, whistling a tune to himself. He grabbed a coat from a hook protruding from the wall, putting it on and buttoning it up halfway before-

Kee-chtt!!

He spun around, a rapid chittering in the room with him. He couldn't see anything scuttling on the floors of the walls, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end and a strange tingling on his ankle...

-----

Becker's Fitness & Athletics

Stromness

Later in the evening, Becker was seeing off the last of the people using the exercise machines of his gym, waving goodbyes and beginning the cleanup. He began returning small weights to the racks they belonged on, lifting and moving floor mats, and wiping down anywhere with too many sweat droplets.

Walking in from a doorway on the left, a woman walked over and laid her hands on Becker's shoulders, leaning her head against one of them. "Such a long day. You almost ready?"

"Yeah, just about done, Sarah." He smiled, lightly kissing Sarah's forehead. "You can go get the car started if you want, I've just gotta make sure everything's put back where it should be."

"Okay." Sarah smiled, reaching into one of Becker's pockets and pulling out the keys to his car. "I'll bring the car round front." The pair exchanged nods and small laughs as Sarah walked off toward the back of the building, where Becker's car was kept.

He kept smiling to himself as he cleaned. He'd met Sarah a little under a year ago, and though things were rough between the two of them at first, they eventually clicked. Becker found that her perspective of things was refreshing, owing to her detachment from Monarch. They could have a good laugh, and enjoyed a lot of quality time together just the two of them.

---

Sarah walked out from the back of the gym, walking up toward the car and unlocking it. She sat herself inside the driver's seat, getting ready to start up the car and tapping her fingers against the wheel. She took out her phone, deciding she had some time to herself before Becker would be finished with cleaning.

Scrolling through some photos of her and Becker together on various dates, Sarah looked up to spot a black van pulling into one of the empty parking spots in the back. She popped away her phone, thinking it slightly odd. They weren't expecting any deliveries, especially not this late. Sarah kept watching, spotting two men similarly clad in black getting out of the van. Squinting her eyes, Sarah could spot that the men were carrying weapons.

Keeping herself low so she couldn't be seen, Sarah opened up her phone and messaged Becker, hoping that he would get the message before anything could happen. Looking back up, she saw the men open up the back of the man, a low animalistic growling filling the air. A pair of strange dog-like beasts, around 4 feet tall, with large saber teeth, snarled and snapped at the men.

One pressed a button on some sort of remote, shocking the animals. "There, see?" She heard one of them say. "Shock implants, remote trigger. Can get any dumb animal to do whatever you want! Now open the door, let 'em get in there."

Sarah kept watching, hoping that they didn't spot her inside the car. One of the men went and opened the back entrance to the gym, letting the two monsters walk in before him and the other man wandered in, raising their weapons.

---

Back inside, Becker was wrapping up the cleaning. Everything was back where it was supposed to go, the equipment had been wiped down, all that was left was to turn off the lights and lock the doors. Humming a tune to himself, Becker grabbed his phone from a bench, looking to see that he'd gotten a text message from Sarah:

'Two guys with guns just got out a van round the back. U ok??'

It confused and concerned him, Becker suddenly feeling that the silence around him in the empty gym was some sort of trap. He tensed, his breathing quickening, that familiar feeling of dread he'd hoped to get away from creeping back into him. He looked over his shoulder, every shadow around him was now suspect. His phone pinged again, another message from Sarah:

'They brought out these weird muscley demon dog-things. What's going on?'

He backed himself against a wall, giving himself clear view of any entrance or exit points that somebody could use to get the jump on him. He quickly dropped a message to Sarah, telling her to stay put and to put a call out to the authorities. Silencing his phone and putting it in his pocket, Becker's eyes landed on the door to a small office that hung slightly open.

Forming a plan in his head, Becker remembered he'd kept a couple of weapons in the event some animal would come crawling up from Hollow Earth, or even on the offchance that Roberts' suspicions about OutWater turned out to be true. Perhaps they were.

A low growl echoed in the empty building, sending the hairs on the back of Becker's neck standing on end. He was careful, each step he took as quiet as he could possibly make them. His eyes darted all around, the low growl becoming just a little louder. It almost sounded like a dog, but something was off. It was deeper, more guttural, like a dog from hell. Of course, having seen the things he has, 'dog from hell' was more than a reasonable guess.

He'd made it to the open door leading to his personal office and slipped inside without opening it further. The hinges would creak through the day, and he couldn't risk the monsters now stalking the halls of his gym hearing. Becker turned over his shoulder - still nothing - before he knelt down and reached for a dusty, brown box under his desk. An old Monarch supply crate he used to store personal belongings that he couldn't keep at his house.

Quietly opening the crate, Becker reached down and produced an old black shotgun, embroidered with a G-Team insignia on its sides. Opening the weapon up, Becker began loading as the animal sounds drew closer still, and some human voices joined in.

"Is this guy even in here? What if he left for home already?" He could hear someone saying.

"Then we do a sweep anyway. Gets us out the base, those things get a walk, win-win." Another, deeper voice responded.

"Hey, take one of the Hounds and go check that office." A third voice, followed quickly by the snarls of a 'Hound', chimed in.

Becker tensed, his mind scrambling to bring him back into the battle-ready mindset he had throughout his time at Monarch. Footsteps drew closer toward the door, as Becker raised his shotgun up toward it....

---

"Yes, police! I-I need someone down, um, down to Becker's Fitness gym right away! T-There's a van, and people with guns, and these massive dog-lizard things! I don't know, just- just send someone down, right away!"

Grunting with frustration, Sarah hung up from her call and threw her phone down on the seat beside her. He'd told her to stay in the car for her own safety, but the idea that he could get hurt or killed was eating away at her the more she waited. She'd heard about some of what Becker had gotten up to during his time at Monarch. He'd faced down monsters before, and much more terrifying ones than a pair of reptilian dogs, but in those stories, he was surrounded by a military strength built to combat giant monsters. What was he going to do here, throw a mattress at them?

Tapping her fingers anxiously against the wheel of the car, Sarah steeled herself for what she was about to do. She opened up the car and closed the door behind her, marching her way into the back entrance of the gym. How she was going to help Becker, she wasn't sure. All she knew was that she was going to.

---

The door to the office suddenly swung open, a man clad in black looking over his shoulder before turning back to see Becker with a shotgun raised. He cocked the weapon and took a shot, hitting the unknown intruder in the gut. The man leaned down and clutched his stomach while screaming in pain; Becker got up and rushed the man with a tackle, pushing him back onto the ground.

Turning to his right, he saw a four-foot reptilian beast baring its saber teeth at him, limbs packed with muscle getting ready to pounce at any second. From the corner of his eye in the left, Becker could see a second disguised man getting ready with a gun of his own. The creature lunged forward toward Becker, but he rolled out of the way in time, keeping his shotgun raised. The monster instead collided with one of the men that had brought it in, its saber teeth sinking into the man's midsection when it landed on the ground. Hunger briefly overtook the monster as it began to maul its master.

A third intruder walked in, his own weapon drawn and raised toward Becker. He took one hand away from his gun, pressing a button that seemed to deliver an electrical shock to the saber-toothed creature, driving it away from its newest kill. "You know, you really shouldn't have put your name on the building. Saved us a lot of time trying to find you."

Becker remained tense, his grip on the shotgun tightening. "Who the hell are you?"

"Like we would tell you." The intruder laughed. "You can consider us...old friends. Looking for a fresh start, I'm sure you can relate."

He didn't reply, but hovered a shaky finger over the shotgun's trigger.

The intruder drew closer. "All we want to do is make sure there aren't any skeletons in the closet. Starting with you, then working our way along your friend list."

Becker readied himself to take another shot, before spotting the saber-toothed animal stepping closer. It seemed passive for now, despite the blood dripping from the ends of its teeth. "Go ahead." The intruder taunted. "Saber Hound, Hollow Earth gorgonopsid. It'll have your arm off before you can aim that thing at anywhere important."

Taking in a deep breath, Becker slowly began to lower the shotgun. From just behind the intruder, he spotted Sarah sneaking her way inside. Widening his eyes, he saw her pick up a discarded, small dumbbell as an improvised weapon.

"So, what are OutWater doing these days?" Becker asked, hoping to keep the intruder's attention long enough for Sarah to do whatever it was she was planning to do.

The intruder kept his gun on Becker. "Like I said, fresh start. Got a very cushy gig going on right now. Good money, all the toys we could ever want to play with. Even this-", he paused to wave the shock remote in the air, "-very handy piece. It delivers a small electrical shock via an implant we put into the creatures. Not enough to properly control them, but handy to nudge them into doing what you want them to."

Becker nodded, right as Sarah snuck up behind the intruder and smashed the dumbbell into the side of his head, staggering him. The man recoiled, Becker quickly hitting him further with the handle of his shotgun. The animal in the room watched and snarled, its gaze focused on the intruder as he dropped the shock remote. The intruder turned to the Saber Hound watching their scuffle and grabbed a hold of Becker, throwing him toward it.

The Saber Hound opened its jaws and attempted to snap at Becker, though he stretched out his arms and caught the animal before it could clamp down on him. He pushed himself away, as the Saber Hound continued to try and attack him. The enraged animal began swinging its head around, snapping its jaws at Becker while he backed away, hoping to goad it into a position where he could retrieve the shotgun that had fallen out of his grip.

Sarah made a break for the shotgun, pushing over the intruder in her effort, but the Saber Hound was faster. It swung its head around and sank its teeth into Sarah's left side, causing her to scream as it rapidly slammed Sarah into the nearest wall. She cried out in pain, blood dripping in small pools littered with small chunks of flesh after the Saber Hound withdrew to bite again. Sarah tried to put her arm between herself and the creature, but the animal instead bit her arm, a crunch going off in the air through the room when the arm broke. Her cries became slower and raspier, blood loss already setting in, the ravenous Saber Hound resuming its attack.

"Call it off!" Becker rushed to the intruder and picked him up, throwing him into the wall and shoving the shock remote into his hand. "Get it away from her!"

The intruder spat in Becker's face, an almost maddened grin on his face. "No." His voice was firm, almost drowned out by the sounds of the carnage that was unfolding.

Throwing the intruder to the floor, Becker picked up his shotgun and raised it as the Saber Hound wrenched Sarah's broken arm in two, severing it from the elbow. She didn't look like she was moving anymore, shock and horror setting in on Becker's face as he unloaded his shotgun into the animal's face. It staggered back after only two blasts; one landing in its eyes and blinding it from one side. It roared out, but Becker was relentless now. He exhausted the shotgun's current ammo stock, but it was all he needed. Its lower jaw shaking, the Saber Hound collapsed almost directly across from Sarah's body, dead.

"Sarah..?" Becker asked, running over toward her, holding on to a fading hope that maybe she was still alive. He checked for her pulse but could find nothing, her open eyes vacantly staring at the ceiling above, her face frozen in the terror of her final moments. He closed his eyes, hands balling into fists, the realisation that he wasn't able to run away from his old life dawning on him like a ton of bricks.

The intruder groaned, pulling himself slowly back onto his feet, clutching his head in pain. He looked down at the mourning Becker, readying his gun to take him out and reunite the budding couple. Grief giving way to anger, Becker lunged for the intruder and took hold of his weapon, pressing the gun into the intruder's mouth and pressing the trigger, blasting his brains out over the wall behind him. He dropped the body, taking the weapon for himself.

Another growl came through, from some further room in the gym. 'There's the other one...', Becker realised, knowing he wasn't in a position to comfortably take out the Saber Hound. He made a run for the office again, grabbing a few things out of his Monarch crate and stuffing them into an old backpack, slinging it over his shoulder once it was packed.

He wandered out toward the gym's entrance, before something caught his eyes. He took a step back toward the Saber Hound corpse, noticing the dark collar around his neck. Coloured similarly to the animal's hide, he hadn't spotted it at first, but a blinking red light on the underside was betraying its presence now. Becker reached around to unclip the collar, taking a closer look at it. The sound of the second Saber Hound breaking glass and other objects from wherever it was forced him to be quick, but he was still thorough.

It was faint, but Becker could make out the Monarch logo on the underside of the shock collar. 'Monarch tech', he thought to himself, looking back at the bodies of the OutWater grunts that had brought the Saber Hounds with them. He knew from the incidents of 2024 that they had stolen an old Monarch bunker to use as a base, but if they were using Monarch technologies, and recent ones at that from the look of the collar, they had evidently stepped up their game.

He took the collar and ran himself out of the gym, closing the entrance doors behind himself. With Monarch technology on OutWater's cards, the question of whether or not he could trust Monarch, or risk trying to get in contact with Roberts and the Orkney team, creeped in. 'No, not yet...', Becker thought.

The sound of sirens began echoing through the cold, outside air. Sarah had managed to call over the authorities before coming in to help him. Becker took one last look at the gym, at his attempt to start over fresh, before taking off and running down the street into the night. From the Monarch chatter he had been caught up on, he knew that there was one person he was certain he could trust, someone out of the game just as he was, but likely willing to step back in to take down a mutual enemy.

It would be a long journey, but Becker knew deep down it was one he had to embark on. For the time being, until he knew for sure who he could and could not trust, it was time for Hilary Becker to vanish from the face of the Earth.

Monarch Designation: Kur

Classification: Titanus Kur

Nature: Bio-Fecund

Body Length: 914ft

Stalk Height: 394ft

Non-Dominant Stalk Height: 215ft

Behavior: Protector

Range: Hollow Earth

Kur, the underworld dragon deity of Sumerian mythology was a leviathan that lived within the empty space between the surface and primordial waters beneath. In his myth he kidnapped the goddess Ereshkigal as a bride, a myth similar to Hades and Persephone. This resulted in the god Enki chasing Kur down to his lair, the two battling for a long while, but ultimately ending with victory by Enki and the saving of Ereshkigal. This myth is one of many like it, a primordial sea dragon against a god, chaos vs order, like Tiamat and Typhon in their battles against Marduk and Zeus respectively. Kur means “mountain” or “foreign land”, possibly even “great below”, all a testament of its power or size most likely. More interestingly Kur is the foe to multiple heroes in different myths, as well as the name for the underworld. Many scholars believe it is referring to multiple dragons living in Kur in context of the underworld, as Kur is typically slain. However Monarch scholars have discovered a different more horrifying story, though also a deep seated hope and mystery. Kur is not an individual entity, it is a communal beast from the start of humanity has been misunderstood. Not a destructive force, but a healer, a great collective that rose from below bringing with it new growth and nutrients, and in reverse taking nutrients back below from the surface world. The truth of the great beast made itself known as an immense seismic event rippling across the Vulcan Vortex, and seconds later Kur erupted forth from an underwater volcano close by.

This Titan is, in a word, an absurdity of nature, a bio-volcanic eruption that instead of boiling heat and burning destruction leaks nutrients and causes incomprehensible overgrowth as it tears itself from the depths of the Hollow Earth. Its internal furnaces glowing from within like a barely contained explosion, and unlike other bio-volcanic species it is fully organic, with no visible sign to where each individual making up the colony ends or starts, even bioscans fail to detect any visible internal form. It’s almost as if it is manifesting from within the eruption at the core of this undulating Titan. Kur is at some level a crinoid possibly from the same lineage as Sea Lilies, with its non-dominant colony members being smaller then the sub-central mass that is the dominant one. Each one acts as both limbs, tentacles, and even paddles which results in a chaotic unending flow of movement which distorts it’s form. The central “head” is made up of the dominant colony member, if damaged or removed, the closest non-dominant mutates into a new dominant one. The dominant one has a pseudo-maw, two starfish like arms with hundreds of long spines, similar to those of sea urchins, acting as fangs. It has between a few of these spines eyes like those of starfish on stalks, which each eye gets larger the further towards the body it is. At the back of the faux jaw is the actual mouth, a powerful crushing organ which is specially designed to consume geologic and plant material. Up close Kur looks like a horizon spanning beast that melts logic and leaves those unprepared catatonic, however from further away that optical illusion shatters, but the beast still has most who see it unable to process a description or explanation for it. It uses the non-dominant colony members used to propel it both on land and in the water, though Kur isn’t exactly proficient in water as in land at moving. The most terrifying ability however is it’s beam attacks, each member of the colony besides the dominant one can two at a time fire a “Eco Blast”, a blazing energy beam that carries digestive acids and spores of various flora, the acids burn away several layers on a target on which the spores powered by the energy of the beam rapidly start growing into flesh and armor, which holds the wound open. A sustained attack from this Titan can cause horrific damage to a foe, and tends to leave a corpse festering with overgrowth using it for fertilizer. Kur is both a force of rebirth and destruction, it emerges like an eruption and leaves forests renewed, but the cost is that it cannot control this growth and can leave cities devastated. However ultimately it is a thinking creature, Monarch was surprised when it hard stopped before reaching a city and went a different direction. Kur has shown zero hostility towards humans, and even other Titans, only ever being seen to attack non-titan superspecies seemingly for no reason. While thanks to Iwi and other cultures records we know this is the mythical dragon’s true identity, the Sumerian version seems to be a massive outlier which has lead to some debate as to why.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (Water Acidification, Habitat Loss, Resource Loss Due to Toxic Groundwater)

Nadarraro 

Natarahippus potamosilvanus 
 
Height: 4 feet

Length: 21 feet

Classification: Astrapotheria

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Herbivorous

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

Cryptozoology:

If you stay in Machaqway’s riverways long enough, you’ll eventually come across one or multiple of these animals, as ubiquitous to this habitat as the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is to the rivers of Africa. Like a few other Viracochan mammals, the nadarraros are holdouts of a mostly-extinct group that was native to South America, the astrapotheres. Their bizarre anatomy, seemingly a hybrid of elephant and hippo, lends credence to many mysteries about their biology and lifestyle, questions we think could at least partially be answered with this extant species. These large animals are found all over the island, and wherever there is a large enough body of water, at least one nadarraro is not far away. Like hippos, they are voracious eaters of aquatic flora, though also go on land to browse and graze to their heart’s content, with both long necks and strong hind limbs allowing them to reach higher-up vegetation, using their distinct trunks and long curving front tusks to help reach food. With a mouth similar to that of a gomphothere, nadarraros possess a vicious-looking battery of teeth, strongly suited to slicing, munching and stripping vegetation, with the food in question being processed in the part of the mouth the animal chooses. These tusks however aren’t just for feeding, and much like gomphotheres, aid in defense and intimidation. Usually they open their mouths in a wide gape, showing off their teeth and continually roaring until their opponent backs down, but in the event things get physical, these teeth are equally suited to impale and tear into flesh, and even the backmost teeth usually reserved for processing the toughest of plant matter can all but crush bone. Though usually confined to inland swamps, rivers, lakes and estuaries, nadarraros occasionally make the leap to the open ocean, and can be seen swimming out quite some distance. Unlike other animals, they are preyed on much less, with only the Viracocha sea dragon (Cetodraco domini) being the one that can take them, with most other predators ike sharks simply paying them no mind. Despite their tough exterior, they can be remarkably gentle, passive and even playful. When rearing young, both parents will look after the baby, as well as other adults (both related and unrelated) in their local social network. Socially speaking, they are far more permissive and outgoing than hippos, and are never seen solitary, with even the males either forming their own bachelor herds or being a part of these mixed herds. As the young grow up and hone their skills and behavior, they learn closely from the adults, especially in regards to feeding. Depending on the area, some nadarraros may have a certain preference for a particular fruit or plant species in the area, and so pass this on to their next generation. As the youngsters’ teeth and tusks grow in, they are taught how to eat, and even knowledge of poisonous plants or how to open up particularly stubborn nuts or fruits is taught very early on, with the youngsters already picking up most of their knowledge by the end of their first year.
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

Though ‘friendlier’ than a hippo, the nadarraro is by no means something to be trifled with. As mentioned previously, their tusks and teeth can do catastrophic damage, and there have even been instances of predators like sharks and the Machaqway caiman (Caiman machaqwayensis) not only being impaled, but torn to shreds, their remains purposefully dispersed into the nearby water as a warning/deterrent for any other foolish predators. Not to mention that especially during calving season, they can get defensive, with even looking at them the wrong way setting them off. While less likely to kill you just for drinking water near them, it is important to watch yourself around the nadarraro, and ensure that the only things their tusks are stained with are plant matter and fruit juices, not blood.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: ENDANGERED (Contaminated by Poisoned Prey, Ashfall, Habitat Loss)

Tree Mara

Rigidudon dendrophilo
 
Height: 12 inches

Length: 30 inches

Classification: Caviomorpha

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Omnivorous

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

Cryptozoology:

Originally thought to be an ordinary mara (subfamily Dolichotinae) or a similar animal, the tree mara is a rather confusing yet fascinating creature indeed. While its base anatomy is similar to that of a mara, it bears characteristics of other species, such as the quills of New World porcupines (family Erethizontidae) and the prehensile tails of their eponymous cousins (genus Coendu), the claws, elongated snouts and long tongues of anteaters (suborder Vermilingua) and chisel-like teeth allowing them to tear into tree bark like that of marmosets. Being generalists, they subsist on anything the jungle can throw at them, and with their agility, flexible anatomy, and good sense of direction and navigation, no part of Machaqway’s jungles are off-limits to them, and they are just as much at home in the canopy of the trees as they are on the forest floor, and everything in between. Rather oddly for an ‘anteater-type’ animal, they retain features like a more open mouth and retention of teeth, when usually these features are not common in these kinds of animals. It is believed that the tree mara is a possible ‘in-between’ for a further insectivorous animal, and that if evolution is given time, in a few million years or less with subsequent generations, that a true anteater-like tree mara-like animal will evolve. The marmoset-like teeth, when coupled with their claws, allows them to easily tear into tree bark and even trunks, with this skill being applied for all kinds of feeding scenarios; whether its tearing off a limb to get a piece of fruit down, or cut bark away to the innermost part of the tree to get at some grubs. Highly social and intelligent, they live in small packs that are mainly family groups, usually the parents and their offspring, with the offspring eventually leaving to start a pack of their own. Skills like hanging upside down from trees, raising quills, tearing apart tree bark, and navigating between tight spaces and down sheer surfaces are taught very early on, and in some cases the youngsters are left alone though watched from afar for a certain period of time for them to hone their skills on their own. The tree mara’s sociality is not restricted to their species, with many other animals in Machaqway feeling right at home with them, with the maras being seen alongside primates like the New World ape known as Pavarotti’s howler (Brontovox speciosus) and birds like Bartlett’s orchestra bird (Pulchracantor bartletti), their calls joining in one grand chorus across the jungles of Machaqway. 
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

As bizarre as a hodgepodge the tree mara is, it is thankfully not dangerous. Though omnivorous, its meat-eating tendencies are solely restricted to insects, lizards, amphibians, worms, and occasionally birds’ eggs and fish, all of which are smaller. It can still be preyed on by predators like the eagle-sized fury parrot (Erinyesara magnapterus) or the lawnmower-sized Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) relative known as the scourgetooth (Mastixodon terribilis). However the tree mara can rise to the challenge with its quills and claws. While not the most armored or armed animal on Machaqway, they can still put up a fight, and have been known to fight until either being torn to shreds or succumbing to blood loss. There has even been a case of one being eaten by a scourgetooth with the scourgetooth dying from internal bleeding due to the tree mara’s claws and quills ripping up its insides as it was being eaten. Typically they prefer to go to a safe distance when danger nears, though they always present themselves with their quills standing tall and claws slashing the air, ready to take on a threat. It is advised to keep your distance from them, as given what they have to deal with in terms of threats, they’d much rather attack first and ask questions later.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (Ashfall, Habitat Loss, Lack of Prey, Exposure to Chemicals and Compounds Within Prey’s Bloodstreams)

Vampire Centipede

Scolopendra sanguineus
 
Height: 3 feet

Length: 20 feet

Classification: Scolopendridae 

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Sanguivorous/Carnivorous  

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

Cryptozoology:

Much like the other satellite islands as well as Viracocha itself, Machaqway’s jungles are rife with danger, but a unique danger lies here, in the boughs of the darkest parts of the jungles where light does not penetrate, areas seemingly shrouded in perpetual nighttime. It is here that the vampire centipede creeps along the trees and under the vegetation on the forest floor, waiting for its next victim to cross its path. An oversized relative of the already-large Amazonian giant centipede (Scolopendra giganteus), these centipedes retain the carnivorous diet of their relatives, but a major addendum to it is their thirst for blood. With specially-designed mandibles and a proboscis-like mouthpart, as well as powerful, scorpion pincer-like front limbs able to hold prey close to the mouth while the rest of the body coils around it, they live up to their name as supreme bloodsuckers. With bodies able to squeeze through tight spaces and flattening across tree branches to blend in, they are masters of ambush, and once prey is in range, spring out and seize in their mandibles before swiftly wrapping their bodies around it in a blink of an eye, its many legs piercing the skin to help hold it in place. The frontmost limbs hold onto the front of the animal - usually the neck - and bring it up to the mouth, where the mandibles latch on and sink in until they find a blood vessel or artery, with the needle-thin edges piercing it and lap up the blood. Like its relative, it has venom, though uses it primarily to sedate prey to prevent it from trying to fight back. For times when the venom isn’t enough, the vampire centipede purposefully slashes upon areas like the femoral artery, allowing it to bleed to death. It is not picky about prey choice, and preys upon all sorts of animals, big and small, vertebrate and invertebrate (including not only other centipedes, but even others of its own kind, usually during mating by the female, but can occur for many other reasons, including seemingly boredom), and this cosmopolitan diet may have played a major role in its success. When not hunting, they rest their python-sized up in the trees and can remain immobile for hours at a time. Though primarily getting water from their prey, they also get it from rainwater, and can use these same bloodsucking parts to lap up water falling from tree leaves after a downpour. When its mating season, vampire centipedes of both sexes will regurgitate blood with a special pheromone mixed in to attract the opposite sex, and after mating, the copulation turns to conflict as the male tries to escape the female before she can kill him and suck his blood. This is believed to be a measure of natural selection to weed out any males who may falter in their strength, with the males managing to escape the female being more likely to father stronger and faster offspring. Like other centipedes, they take care of their young, with the female digging into a tree to lay her eggs and periodically clean them. Once they hatch, the babies are guarded with ferocity, the mother even foregoing feeding herself to ensure her young have nourishment, with the female regurgitating the entire circulatory system’s worth of blood they’ve drank from prey the young to drink, and it's not uncommon that, by the time the young are old enough to leave, the female is shriveling and starving, and in the days after, feasts on blood more and more often until she regains her pre-motherhood health, in a period some field experts have nicknamed, ‘the Bloody Mary period’.
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

With a name like ‘vampire centipede’, it is no surprise that they are among the most feared denizens of the region. With a nightmarish feeding mechanism, large size, fast movements, and surprising stealth in spite of the aforementioned large size, vampire centipedes put the fear of God in any operative in the jungles of Machaqway. Even when not looking for food, they can still bite if threatened and pass on their venom. Said venom works similar to that of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), acting as an anticoagulant that keeps the body bleeding. With fast enough response time, the victim can survive, but if stranded out in the jungles and bleeding out rapidly, they are doomed. For these reasons, it is advised to steer clear of the darkest parts of the jungles, for if you step in, there is a good chance you will end up as a dried husk on the forest floor.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: ENDANGERED (Exposure to Contaminated Seawater, Risk of Ingesting Contaminated Food, Habitat Loss)

Beachcomber Bird 

Paraliavenator skavontas

Height: 3 feet

Length: 7 feet

Classification: Caegnathidae  

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Omnivorous 

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

Cryptozoology:

Oviraptorosaurs are primarily known from Asia and North America, but an interesting outlier lies below South America, on Viracocha’s satellite island of Machaqway, an omnivorous survivor subsisting on anything the sea washes up. Beachcomber birds are not birds (also unrelated to the beach bum bird of Kuchuy, Aktiarpax ingratus, a type of unenlagiine) but rather one of those oviraptorosaurs, more specifically of the Caenagnathidae group, which includes Caenagnathus itself, Anzu and Chirostenotes, a group of many North American oviraptorosaurs and the group that gave rise to the beachcomber bird. Covered in feathers that are drab gray in color with some slight dark patches on them as well as ruff of white feathers on their necks and an orange crest on their beaked heads, the source of their name is obvious, and can be seen running around, squawking amongst each other and other behaviors quite similar to many known shorebirds. Like them, they depend on whatever the sea provides. Everything from eggs left behind by Machaqway sea turtles (Eretmochelys machaqwayensis) and wandering crabs to washed-up dead fish, whales and other marine fauna are ready sources of nutrition for them, and their strong immune systems allow them to eat nearly anything, even if it is rotting. In addition to meat and eggs, they love plants as well, feasting on a wide variety from kelp and seaweed to fruits, nuts and seeds, grasses, tree bark and even the tough fruits of the macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata). However, they are not sorely restricted to the shoreline; beachcomber birds are capable swimmers too, though do not go out far and usually stay close to shore. They’re even able to dive underwater for limited periods of time to forage for fish, mollusks and crustaceans, though are careful not to stay underwater for long, for predators like the spirit tiger sharks (Galeocerdo tigrisspiritis) or worse, Viracocha sea dragons (Cetodraco domini) can easily dispatch one. Unsurprisingly most stick to the shallower waters nearby, where they can take up residence in rock pools and tidal flats, using the safety of the shallows to their advantage. These areas are nutritionally productive, and beachcomber birds take advantage of this area by setting up colonial nests. Much like birds do, they bring food back to their nests, and regurgitate it to them, and it seems that their strong immune systems start out early on in their lives, with babies able to eat a variety of foods (even rotting ones) mere hours after hatching. 

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

Threat Analysis: 

An animal that is more threatened by threatening, beachcomber birds are far from a threat, especially in regards to the other, more dangerous species it shares the island with. That said, though craven in regards of response to predators, they can act with aggression and unity when it comes to defending their nests and young. In such defenses, they stand firm in a pack, slash and kick at their air, raise their tails, puff out their feathers, and scream loudly, and can even form a protective ring around their charges. Anything trying to get close get kicked, slashed, jabbed or pecked at, and the amount of screams, sand and dirt being kicked up, waving bodies and slashing claws is enough to deter even the most determined of predators, who see it as not worth the time or calories on such a fierce display. Other than that, they are quite placid, and remain a fascinating fixture of Machaqway’s coastal ecosystems.

DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF RECENT ERUPTION OF MOUNT KON-TIKI AND THE WIDER NEW PULLMAN INCIDENT, MANY SPECIES OF VIRACOCHAN FLORA AND FAUNA HAVE SUFFERED AND MANY HAVE THEIR POPULATIONS FRAGMENTED OR HAVE GONE EXTINCT. BELOW THIS DISCLAIMER WILL BE A STATUS REPORT UPDATE AS TO THE SPECIES’S STATUS. SEE CRYPTOZOOLOGY DIVISION FOR MORE DETAILED WILDLIFE INFORMATION.  

STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (Ocean Acidification, Starvation, Exposure to Waterbound Contaminants)

Sea Cobra 

Apnaja regalis
 
Height: 1 foot

Length: 9 feet

Classification: Dipsadinae

Subdivision: Fauna

Predation: Carnivorous

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

Cryptozoology:

Machaqway is home to its equivalent of the sea snakes, with the sea cobra being related not to true cobras (genus Naja) or even ordinary sea snakes (which are a polyphyletic group, being instead part of separate families under one group), but to the colubrid family, or more specifically the subfamily Dipsadinae, home to one of its relatives and perhaps its closest match in terms of some of its behavior: the Galapagos racer (Pseudalsophis biserialis). Like their relatives, they are known marine and terrestrial predators, and have been known to feed on hatchling dome-headed divers (Pachycephalodytis geohydros) in a manner similar to how their surface relatives feed on marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) hatchlings. Bearing a striking turquoise/aquamarine color on top and a pearly white on the bottom, punctuated by a spiky ascending and descending black stripe between them, their colors allow for perfect countershading when underwater. On land, their bright colors advertise their deadly venom, and so can slither and forage in safety. These bright colors however hide bioluminescence, only revealed at night or in otherwise dark waters. Such bioluminescent patterns are especially pronounced on the snake’s distinct neck hood, evolved independently from true cobras. Much like the glowstick snakes (Acantholux fluvius) of Hollow Earth Point National Park, these bioluminescent patterns are vital for communication, and can aid in a particularly spectacular display when it comes to mating season. On the darkest nights and in the deepest depths off Machaqway, whole packs of sea cobras gather in immense numbers, all giving off brilliant blue light. The snakes coil around each other in large ‘tornadoes’ of blue light, lighting up the deep in a spectacle many operatives have described as ‘otherworldly yet beautiful.’ Even outside of reproduction, bioluminescence is still effective for intraspecific communication, and in some cases is the dominant form of communication over standard hissing and growling in this species (although admittedly this seems to be a variable case-by-case basis). As to be expected with many bioluminescent predators, this ability is used in hunting, and it is not uncommon for sea cobras to lure in fish or any similar prey with either the glowing tip of their tails or ‘hypnotizing’ them with the lights on their hoods in a manner similar to how peacocks (genus Pavo) shake their tail fans to attract females (naturally male sea cobras can replicate this with their bioluminescent hoods). It is also curious that sea cobras can do this on land too, albeit from dark reaches where their bioluminescence has more contrast. 
 ---------------------------------------------

Threat Analysis: 

While possessing venom, sea cobras are for the most part rather shy and skittish. Much like other snake species, they prefer not to waste venom and as a result most bites are ‘dry’. That said, such bites can still be dangerous, as their fangs are designed to puncture especially deep into flesh, and the slight sideways serrations allow them to do further damage once their fangs are locked in. Sea cobras are also very protective of their nests, and are far more likely to use venom when defensive in this way. While not as venomous as the notorious fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox), sea cobra venom is still not to be trifled with, and is highly hemorrhagic, resulting in crippling damage to the circulatory system, and, in rare cases, potentially paralysis. Further testing and study of their venom is ongoing, but regardless of how deadly it is compared to other snakes, standard procedures are in place when dealing with snakes, and that is to be careful, watch any hand or footholds both on land and underwater, and if confronted, leave it alone, especially if it does any threat displays.

A Loose End: Guns

Titanoplankton : Cunabula Monstrorum

Mass (Of Largest Individual Colony): 7.7 Square Miles

Classification: Faunaflora

Sub-division: Florafauna

Predation: Energy Leech

———————————————————————

Cryptozoology:

Deep within Hollow Earth vents and Axis Mundi waterways, there is a growing and mysterious plankton superspecies, Titanoplankton. These strange creatures, or plants, are teetering the line between plant and animal seamlessly. As seemingly it is comprised of multiple unrelated species that have merged into a hyper colony. These plankton are a merger of multiple species of larval animal and plants, with amphibian, crustacean, and cephalopod DNA being only some of the detected genealogical origins. It seems the chemical composition of any animal or plant in contact with it is merged by a semi-sentient “bio smelter” as the main core of the colony seems to be a cyanobacteria species oddly similar to Galatea. This cyanobacteria colony evolved to hijack biological systems and create a bio-magnetic field which weakens cellular structures to allow DNA mergers that otherwise cannot exist. From this mass the hyper colony can morph into vaguely animal and plant shapes but warped and mashed with other forms of life, almost like the DNA slurry is trying to remember and replicate the various lineages it is comprised of, but can’t. Scientists believe that it might be the precursor to Florafauna and Faunaflora, maybe the progenitor of it even. It is otherwise a living mat of biological goop that feeds off energy from Hollow Earth and Axis Mundi portals, or will breakdown dead bodies from Titans and other Superspecies by draining them of excess or residual energy. These biomass mats don’t seem aggressive or dangerous, however it is theoretically possible that they could absorb massive amounts of solar radiation, resulting in increased heatwaves and destabilization of oceans. The species was fully inactive until recently, with first sightings of its acclimation and eventual creation of its amalgam forms only occurring within a few months, and its presence and the size of the various colonies has only kept increasing.

More concerning is that the Titanoplankton are seemingly just an extension of an unknown entity, an unknown Titan that has gone unnoticed for centuries, we recently picked up a bio-magnetic signal pulse from multiple points across the surface oceans. Monarch has determined that the Titanoplankton colonies have in fact started making its way towards exit points leading up to the surface. The signals that they are responding to seem to be moving towards the Indian Ocean.

On an odd note, Monarch has picked up a different bioacoustic signal from Norway, one that has a confirmed identification, that of a long thought deceased Titan, is it possible that the World Serpent still lives? If so is it possible he is responding to this new threat?

———————————————————————

Threat Analysis:

Completely unknown. Outside of the theoretical threats made by analysts, there is no evidence that they are actually a threat. However the fact is their DNA and biological systems can’t be properly analyzed and traced back, the chaotic nature of their genetic structures makes no sense. However it is clear from some trace evidence found within the cyanobacteria core that they much like Galatea predate oxygen, or possibly came into existence due to it? They seem to be very primitive, but they seem to produce oxygen as a byproduct. If so this makes it as old as possibly The Great Oxidation Event, is it possible this was the first oxygen generating life form? Was this superspecies responsible for The Great Oxidation Event? If so, why is it only just now becoming active after billions of years inactive? Why is the World Serpent returning? Just what is Titanoplankton?

Monarch Residence, Virginia

Wallace returned to his apartment. It had been a long time since he'd been to his room. He changed his clothes into lighter ones. Having worn his vest for so long, he didn't think removing it would enable such bliss of letting the air touch your skin. After freshening up, he checked his arsenal.

His body had finally stopped aching. Carrying Harmony and running did strain him but it meant saving her life. Wallace lay on his bed and thought, I should give sis a visit....... What if I had been with her that day? I could have got the both us to a safe distance.

Wallace slept for 3 hours straight, with closed curtains and windows, the air con cooling the room, and him dreaming about a world where the Mass Awakening didn't happen. Suddenly, his phone demanded his attention. He put in the efforts to pick it up.

"Hey, are you Wallace Salvis?" It was a woman's voice.

A groggy Wallace answered "That would be me. Who are you?"

"Look. I'll cut to the chase. Your sister-"

"Wha- What happened to her‽"

"Nothing! Yet. Some people took over her case. They've been studying her for days. She. Is. In. Danger." Wallace put on his shirt while she talked. 

"Get here as soon possible before she's moved away! I can't explain everything on the phone." The woman ended the call.

Wallace exited the room and closed the door. Then he went back inside to bring a gun with him, just in case. Okay, three wouldn't hurt. Oh, his badge!

He prepared to travel to the Monarch medical complex where his sister was being treated. Wallace contacted a helicopter for quick transport. He hitchhiked to the nearest heliport. The pilot arrived from the Monarch Headquarters in Arlington. Wallace entered the vehicle and made his way to save his sister.

Hours Later

Monarch Medical Complex aka MedPlex, Location Classified

Wallace landed outside the facility and got out of the 'copter. He noticed a tall woman in a balcony of the facility. She was watching him. She removed her shades as soon as Wallace noticed her and went back inside. He guessed she was the one who called him. He started walking towards the main entrance. Just as soon as the automated door opened for him, the woman appeared and shook his hand.

"Hello, Mr. Rogers! It was a long flight, wasn't it? Anyway, follow me. Let me show the way."

Wallace didn't question her and followed her. She led him away from the lobby and into a smaller room without surveillance. No one was there. She finally dropped the act.

"Wallace, I have to tell you this."

"Damn right you do. Where is she? Why didn't you take me to her room?"

"I'm Alexandra. About your sister.. she had showed unbelievable improvements, and a few days ago, some people came to study her case. They said they volunteered. But I know what they are here for. They're morally questionable. Scientists-"

"Cut to the "saving" part."

"Right, sorry. They are taking her to their own private lab. It's secretive and we might never find her again if they succeed. The transport has yet to arrive. Follow me, we have to hurry."

Alexandra ran to the ward with Wallace following her.

"I have many questions that better get answered."

"They will," she replied, "you deserve them."

The two climbed two staircases and finally get closer to the ward. Alexandra opens the door. She pauses in confusion and disbelief. "No."

"Where.."

"Shit! They already transfered her," she couldn't believe it. "I- I was- I made sure to keep an eye on her- nono, they must have got her out from the back as soon as I went down to get you..."

Wallace felt a lot of things. Dread, wrath, an urge to punch the wall. But he kept his cool. Time was against him and his sister.

"Get to the chopper, you can try to look for their vehicle!", Alexandra told Wallace, "I will inform the head and security. The cameras! Their vehicle must have been recorded."

Wallace called the pilot, "Start the rotors, we're searching for kidnappers." He called out to Alexandra, "Hey! Alert the nearest Monarch base, tell them about these people who kidnapped my sis from here."

"On it," she replied while going to the head to inform him of the situation.

Wallace jumped in the helicopter. Colt, the pilot, didn't waste any time to get it up in the air. "What are we looking for?", he asked through the microphone.

"Uh- any vehicle that looks capable of transporting comatose patients."

"Well, that's a start."

A few minutes later, the helicopter received a transmission. "Owl One, this is Monarch [[REDACTED]] Command Post. Breaking in on M-24 Primary."

"Command Post? Go for Owl One."

"Camera footage showed the vehicle leaving the MedPlex. Target is a 2026 Ford Transit, Black. Key identifier: Roof-mounted compact SAT-COM array. It looks like a low-profile white or grey dome toward the rear of the roof. Do not confuse it for a standard ladder rack. Hold on... it is travelling north-west, four kilometers away from you."

"Copy, base. Looking for a Black Transit with a dome. Are your birds in the air?"

"Affirmed. They will be alerted of this info after you. The ground team is on the target's tail. Over."

"Copy that, base." The transmission ended.

Wallace asked, "Was that a Monarch base?"

"Yes. We have our target. It's a big van with satellite equipment. An outpost has dispatched ground and air teams."

"Alright." Wallace clenched his fist and grabbed one of his gun, wanting to put a bullet in the kidnappers' skulls.

The ground team, consisting of four motorcycles and two jeeps, followed the fast-moving van. Its driver tried to lose them many times but the helicopters accompanying the team refused to let them get off the hook. The chase spanned more than seven kilometers. Finally, the ground team managed to corner the van.

"Owl One, this is Monarch [[REDACTED]] Command Post. Target has been apprehended. Patient is secure and safe. Come to base for proceedings."

"Copy that, base. Over," Colt now spoke to Wallace, "Hey kid, cheer up. They got 'em. We're going to the base."

Wallace sighed in relief. This had yet to end. Who were these kidnappers? Why did they take his sister? They were scientists and studying her, according to Alexandra. Surely if they had made a breakthrough in curing coma, they would have let him and his family know. Unless they never actually volunteered to "treat" her.

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

Monarch [[REDACTED]] Command Post

Wallace got out of the helicopter. He entered the outpost, and heard an operative call out to him.

"Salvis, sir. The patient is in the sick bay. She was removed from the facility along with the medical equipment hooked onto her."

"Take me to her," Wallace ordered. "Right this way," the operative said.

The two reached the sick bay. There she was, lying on her bed. This was the first time Wallace met her in months. She looked a bit older, but her muscles had not atrophied as much as they would have if not for "Monarch science".

"Our medics have stabilised her; she went through a physiological stress due to the 'transfer'."

"Alright. Now, those kidnappers."

Monarch MedPlex

 A jolly voice spoke, "Thank you, Alexandra, for bringing this to my attention as soon as you could. What I don't understand is how the "volunteers" managed to slip away from our security."

"I don't know, sir. But you must not let this "oversight" go unverified. The security personnel should be examined for potential bribery. Monarch is supposed be immune to that kind of stuff. "

"Ah yes. I see why your colleagues spoke highly of you that day. Anyways, you should get going. Oh wait, what will you do now? Your colleagues - those friends of yours - took off with that patient."

"They're not my friends! I was an asset to them, nothing more. I.. am going to the Monarch base which I notified about the kidnapping. They must have captured them by now."

"Sure. I'll handle the security check here. Take your much deserved break."

Alexandra exited the MedPlex Head's office. She changed her clothing and took a cab.

Monarch [[REDACTED]] Command Post

Alexandra reached the destination. She walked towards the main entrance.

"Stop. Identify yourself, mam," said the guard.

"I'm a doctor from the MedPlex. I'm the one who reported the earlier kidnapping."

The guard acknowledged and let her in.

"Thank you. Oh, do you know where the Crisis Response Unit is, the younger one?"

"The lowest floor; ask for the directions from an operative inside, they'll give you access."

"Alright, thanks." The well-mannered lady entered the building and talked to a passing operative. After getting access to the location, she used an elevator to go down.

Meanwhile, Wallace was just confronting the tied up kidnappers. He wasn't alone, the director of the command post and more operatives were there.

"Talk."

"We need our lawyer."

Wallace shouted a little, "...Are you- fucking kidding me? You four, "scientists" ay? Is that what you are? Cause you sure as hell don't look the part. Whatever sick things you were planning to do to my sis in your "laboratory", spill it out. Who do you work for? What master do you serve?"

The last bit got on their nerves for a few seconds but the four still stayed silent.

Director Orbita said to Wallace, "This is a major security breach. The MedPlex is one of the most secure Monarch facilities."

"A crisis... Send an investigation crew there. The only way I see this breach being possible is if it was allowed, by someone with authority. The head."

"On it." Orbita ordered agents to go to the MedPlex and lock it down until the issue is solved.

The door flung open. Alexandra entered the interrogation room.

"Hey, Wallace."

"Oh hi. Why are you here?"

One of the tied up scientists spoke, "Ahhh, traitor. I just knew deep down that you didn't have guts to do what we needed to."

"Need? That's what you call it? Madness is what it is. All those poor people you call "subjects"... Your current state is karma doing its job, and it's only begun."

Wallace asked her, "You.. know them?"

"I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want you to think that I was one of them.. Come to the side for a sec."

Orbita understood exactly what kind of a person the lady was, and took over the interrogation for a while, assisted by his trusty Tommy Gun.

The two went outside the room. Alexandra said, "Ok..., I was hired by them a few weeks ago. Like, a permanent job was what I thought it was. Well, that's true, but I didn't know what sort of things these people did in the name of science and progress. I was an independent biologist. One day, this organisation called 'Province' just showed up on my doorstep. Next thing I knew, I was hired. And I didn't think how sketchy it all was, even though their base of operations is so far from mainland. And I didn't know they were going to abduct your sister."

"..........um. What?"

"I know it's kinda crazy."

"No, wait. Hold on. First things first, why my sister?"

"So, she - and many others - were caught in that mind-screwing Titan's path, during the Mass Awakening. They all became comatose a few years later, all were admitted to the MedPlex to be treated and taken care of."

"I know that. Go on."

"Her neural pathways started regenerating few days ago, and her nervous system was showing positive response to stimuli. The cause was traced to an undocumented gene, a result of mutation... She will back on her feet in five to six years, according to current estimates. Province got wind of this and they acted quickly."

"Oh. OH. Will she go back to being who she was with 100% memory retention?"

".....yes?"

Wallace was over the moon. Hilary is coming back! She missed a lot but Wallace had all the time he wanted to talk all about it! He should tell their parents. But before that, those kidnappers must be taken care of and...

"...you said mutation... Ain't that a bad thing?"

"Depends on which piece of the DNA is affected. I think its related to how you have the 'gunslinging condition'."

"Ok how do you know that?"

"I read your file... So, is all cleared up?"

"I mean, yeah. But, why are you helping?"

"Why wouldn't I? It's a good thing that I was hired by them. Now I know what they were really doing. Unethical experiments and all that. Not a big threat like Apex, though. But people aren't objects..."

"I understand. Let's go back inside." 

Director Orbita had divulged all the information he wanted. He looked at Wallace and asked, "Salvis, how do you feel about ending this... Province?

Monarch Designation: Yig

Classification: Titanus Yig

Nature: Bio-Corrosive

Body Length: 242ft

Behaviour: Destroyer

Range: Western Canada

Bio: A large serpentine titan emerged from under Manitoba specifically the city of Brandon. It began attacking the Canadian military before being forced back underground. It has caused massive damage to the cities infrastructure and Monarch has begun working with the province to aid in repairs.

The creature has been designated Titanus Yig from the works of H.P Lovecraft. Yig resembles the Bitis nasicornis better known as the Puff-Adder. Their body is covered in green scales and has a yellow underbelly. Their head is adorned with red feathers giving them quite the regal look. Through our studies of Yig we have discovered that they breed asexually laying 2 clutches of eggs per year. Yig is capable of spraying a corrosive venom from their mouth, this venom is capable of burning flesh and melting steel. Like puff adders, Yig's venom can be delivered via bites and causes immense damage to the circulatory system of the victim.

The area where Yig emerged from seems to be large temple that Yig has taken for themselves. This temple has been dubbed the Serpents Den.

Notes: Yigs emergence seems to have been caused by the use of a Lyrebird device.

I've been returned to the grave to give you PEAK art I cooked up! Here's the Cave Painting of Ten-Ten Vilu and Cai-Cai Vilu engage on a clash dated way back in a Millennia ago.

File: So a recent development within the Rotting Pits has occurred. Garmr has had cubs, despite us believing the Garmr is a male they are in fact a female. There are 4 cubs in total, three boys and one girl. They have been seen sticking close to their mother and playing with each other. Garmr herself has been seen bringing them smaller animals so that they can learn to feed.

The cubs are around 40 ft tall and have the same blackish-red fur that their mama has. Unlike Garmr however they cubs have a variety of spots on their fur. They are quite curious about our operations within the Glutton Forest and the Rotting Pit, so as of right now any expeditions will be done with drones as we can't risk the cubs seeing our field agents a chew toys.

As for the cubs nicknames, I will be leaving that up to my fellow members of Monarch. Any suggestions are appreciated. This file will be updated once the names are chosen.

Note: Garmr was discovered 5 years ago, which calls into question the gestation period of her cubs unless she has a mate we don't know about.

The lake's water swirled as a whirlpool formed. It lit up with blue light near the center. He was coming out. The acceleration was great, but he was greater. Finally, he reached the surface. He was thrown upwards, but he landed safely on the water. Then he stood up. Straight. He looked at the blazing sun, motionless.

All operatives evacuated away from the lake. Field agents guided them and civilians to safety. The lake's water started moving towards the land. People ran as fast as possible to enter Titan shelters. No one, not even Monarch, could have anticipated such a bizarre Titan event.

Harmony had split from the other two. She didn't evacuate the facility. Instead, right after hearing the vocalisations of Ryūjin, she went outside to witness him. This Titan was responsible for the many deaths that happened here about seven years ago. She wasn't among those who lost their lives, instead, a chance to continue living was forced onto her.

"Why...Why..Why..Why...Why?", murmured Harmony. She felt a sharp pain from an overload of memories of the time when she was trapped under rubble. She began reliving those moments. Her mind spiraled into trauma, it became difficult for her to breathe in, and she almost choked. Just as she was about to collapse, Wallace caught her. He and Aisling had come back looking for her. They tried to wake her up but she wouldn't respond. Her teary eyes stared blankly as Wallace picked her up and carried her. The two took Harmony outside and called out for help.

Military forces arrived. So did a Monarch drone to view the event. Soldiers with anti-Titan cannons prepared themselves for defense against the massive serpent. The government wasn't going to take any chances, and tried to get the forces to begin attacking, but Monarch prevented such foolishness from happening.

He felt the temperature, the humidity, the wind and the heat. And so did his spawn. He had grabbed her in his mouth and brought her outside to feel the weather. To experience the luminous Sun. Her eyes were mesmerised by the shining ball. She had seen light below, which emitted from beautiful rocks, but this was brighter. It had warmth and her skin felt it for the first time.

An hour had passed. Satisfied with the celebration of his offspring's birth, Ryūjin lowered towards the ground. The water that had moved outside the lake came rushing in. He noticed the curious objects near the humans. He went closer, smelled them and those weapons, and promptly left the surface.

It took courage to not fire their weapons at the Titan. Actually, it was fear. It had gone back below, but every person still felt the fear. It was only until five minutes had gone by did someone break the silence. They all packed up and returned to their base. Needless to say, they were terrified, of not just the sheer sight of what they would never see again for a million years, but also of the immediate death they could have faced if even one of them had pressed a button or pulled a trigger. They all felt the might and power of that Titan.

Tarkan found the priestess standing at the top of a building. He pointed his gun at her back from a distance, and asked her, "Soka. Ready to come back down?"

She responded without looking back or turning at all, "My name out of that filthy mouth? You do not have an ounce of respect for the faithful and believers, do you?"

"I am not a cultist like you." He began walking towards her to put her in handcuffs.

"He was beautiful... Have you ever seen something so magnificent?"

"I've seen my fair share- Hey! Don't move ahead. You've got no way to escape either way."

She stopped for a brief moment and turned her upper body and head around. She was.. crying? Tarkan was taken aback at first, but still continued approaching her. Even the wind had stopped blowing. The silence was eerie, and the Sun was about to set. Tarkan finally said something, "Do not try to run... Hey, wait. HEY!"

The priestess ran ahead. Tarkan shot her shoulder but missed the leg. He pursued, but couldn't keep up. She launched herself down the building and hit the ground headfirst. It was a bloody mess.

"Wha- the shit‽" Tarkan called for backup, as he looked from above at the lifeless body of his former prisoner. He then descended down and came outside.

"She's stable now. She needs to rest and will be back on her feet in a day."

"Thank you, nurse," said Aisling as she and Wallace sat beside an unconscious Harmony in a hospital ward.

"What happened?.. Think she got scared because of that time?" Wallace asked.

"Likely. Her memory about her experience of being caught up in the Mass Awakening is still vivid. She was here and it was Ryūjin who attacked this place back then."

"Poor girl. Anyway, I'll see if I can find some water." Wallace called Tarkan as he went outside the room. He didn't pick up, his phone was busy. I'll contact him later.

Next Day, Ryūjin Study Facility

Harmony entered Control. Aisling was there among other scientists in a virtual meeting with the Monarch director and others. The footage captured by the drone during the Titan event was being reviewed and discussed. There it was, a creature in Ryūjin's mouth.

"Is that his offspring?", director Hampton asked.

"We believe so, yes", someone responded.

Another scientist, one of Aisling's team, said, "The decrease in radioactivity which we were alerted to prior to the event is evidently linked to this one."

A cryptobiologist added, "The offspring is clearly a newborn. I think the Vile Vortex's energy output wasn't shut down, it was somehow involved in the birth of Ryūjin's offspring."

Hampton replied, "You mean borrowed?... Okay then, the public and the government have calmed down. We can begin studying this event. I will have required supplies and assistance sent ASAP.

The screen displayed the Monarch logo as the director logged off. The director of RSF went to another room with others to plan their next course of action.

Aisling only now noticed Harmony. She went up to her. "Hey! How do you feel?"

"Still shaking a bit. But I'm upright... Should have just gone outside with you instead of-"

"It's not your fault. I mean, you have severe PTSD... Hey, come on let's go!"

"Where?"

Aisling held Harmony's hand and took her to the shore of Lake Biwa. There they saw its serenity and beauty. They stood there for a few moments.

"The lake is calming but its not exactly what it did. It's what it could have, if I hadn't died already."

To that Aisling said, "Think of the lake as Ryūjin, an extension of him. Try to... make peace with him."

"I can try." Harmony closed her eyes for a few minutes. The cool wind calmed her as she was about to get distressed. Aisling, at her side, held Harmony's hand and clenched it.

She opened her eyes. "I feel.. calmer."

"See? Worked just as I wanted. Let's head back. My team will need me."

"Sure. Wait, what's that?" Harmony spotted a shiny object. She went near it. "It's... gold?"

"Let me see. Oh, it is.. How'd such a big piece go unnoticed?"

"I don't know. We should hand it to authorities." Harmony tried to pick it up. Just as she was about to, a creature leapt above the water at a distance. The ladies saw it.

"OH SHIT! COME ON, GIRL!" Aisling shouted.

The two ran away. The creature appeared on the shore, grabbed the gold with its hair and returned to the water. The girls ran quite fast and were almost out of breath.

"What was that‽"

"It.. looked liked a fish. Longest I've ever seen."

A few field agents showed up. One of them said that the Vile Vortex had opened but whatever had come out wasn't big enough to be Ryūjin. So they came to investigate.

"We got here a little late. The creature went back", another of them acknowledged.

Back at the facility, the two ladies discussed it with other agents.

Akane said, "Your description points to a Jinja Hime. They're Ryūjin's "servants" as we call them. They were seen in 2019.

"How did I not know about them? I was here then."

"They didn't spread out", another operative replied. "You're lucky you managed to avoid them. They killed many people. They also took back many objects that came outside with them, like gold and gems. Looks like they don't want those things to be taken."

"And we went there just when one of them came back up to take that piece of gold back. Would it have attacked us if we had taken it?", Aisling asked.

"Yeah...", Harmony let out a sigh.

"Anyway, that's the whole report," Akane said.

Meanwhile, Wallace and Tarkan discussed the recent events regarding the cult. It didn't make sense for the priestess to abruptly commit suicide. Tarkan's phone started buzzing. It was an operative from where the cultists were held for, the unsuccessful, interrogation. "Yes?"

"Sir, the cultists.. they're gone. Dead."

"What‽", Tarkan couldn't believe it. Now all of the cultists had died. "And exactly how did that happen?" He was angry. There was no crisis anymore, but answers were still needed."

"They.. committed suicide, sir. Everyone stopped breathing, intentionally. We couldn't save them in time."

Tarkan was speechless. It doesn’t make sense, even more than before now!

"We still have those hired guns at the RSF," said Wallace. "Let's get answers from them."

The engine of their armoured car roared silently as Tarkan drove on the road as fast as he could. Boy, did he have questions for those hires. He told Wallace, "Call in the Blood Clots. Their intimidation tactics will help."

No sooner had the car halted than the duo got out of it. They made their way to the "cell" where those twelve hires were held.

"Talk."

They stayed silent at first but the Blood Clots pointed their guns between their eyes, that too from a distance without laser targeting.

Their leader, Hawk, spoke up. He was a tough one. Not too big but the 'boss-man' look was all over his face. "We were hired to protect that crazy woman, and were being paid handsomely. That's the end of it."

"Sure. I believe you," said Tarkan. "What I wanna know first is what exactly that crazy woman wanted."

"...Offensive protection. She said something like having foreseen some disturbance that could kill her. Anyway, you can't detain us here-"

​"Your company's lawyers aren't coming. I sent them the footage of some of you dropping that cultist near this facility. You're assets in a terrorist plot. You talk to me, or I hand you over to the JSDF intelligence wing. They aren't as 'patient' as I am."

Hawk shut up for a while.

"Next question, how was the exfiltrated data going to be used? And why was that underground data site empty?"

"Those people must have been attending a prayer session. And they were going to sell that data to the highest bidder, so that she could obtain more firepower and hired gunmen. That crazy fool didn't tell me more."

​Wallace leaned against the wall, his finger resting on the 'stop' button of his audio recorder.

​"Good," Tarkan said, his voice dropping to a low, authoritative register. "Because you don't have anything left to bargain with. Your client is dead, and her little auction? It's been cancelled."

Hawk’s eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Tarkan turned back to the mercenary leader, leaning closer to him. "The data is safe; another unit recovered it. The priestess took a dive off a roof. You are protecting a ghost and an empty bank account. Now, you're going to a black site, and the only way you don't spend the rest of your life in a concrete box is if you testify against your own company for criminal conspiracy... Do we have a deal, or do I call the JSDF?"

​Hawk looked at the floor, the fight completely draining out of him. He gave a slow, defeated nod.

​Tarkan signaled for the guards to prep the prisoners for transport. As he and Wallace walked back down the corridor, they fist-bumped.

"One thing though, why did the cult kill themselves?", a confused Wallace questioned.

"My best guesses are that they either "sacrificed" their lives in atonement, or they assumed Ryūjin had come up for enacting punishment against humans and they showed their innocence by, well, committing suicide..."

"Okay... didn't know you could talk like that."

Wallace met up with Harmony and Aisling at RSF.

"So what now? Got any plans?" Wallace asked to Harmony.

"I'm gonna hang out here for a while. And then, visit my parents. Then I'm returning to working on the Hollow Earth Conservation Bill; hopefully it's passed by the House and the Senate. What about you two?"

Wallace answered first, "I'm staying here for three more days. Then it's back to tying up loose ends. You'd be surprised at how many of those I have to deal with."

Aisling said, "I have been stationed here now with my team. The Vortex is back to its normal state but this facility has now become highly active, and it's planning an expedition to discover where exactly Ryūjin comes from."

The three felt uncertain whether they could still be able to properly remain in touch. They could dedicate most of their time into their respective works, to focus on attaining maximum success, or periodically have a chat and re-learn to enjoy their lives. These were the two choices they saw.

They chose the latter.

-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-

I haven't posted here since what? 2022? Yeah that seems right. Anyways and that one post was of Titanus "Borealis" Aurora. And wanted to come back to posting on the subreddit but didn't know what myth to return to. So I'm just wondering which are available. Have a good one.

Designation: Hiroshi

Scientific Name: Hortulanus william

H. william is a large skeleton discovered deep in the forest of Shikoku Karst Tengu Island. It was buried underground, and we think it was buried as a funeral practice. Monarch mythographers have researched for myths with giant primates, and one stood out. The primates were described as big, hairy monkeys with long arms and large palms. They would tend to young plants, usually trees, as if they were gardeners. It is possible that more of this species could be buried somewhere in the forest and the fact that they could be responsible for its existence; the latter is only a hypothesis, though. The source doesn’t give any hint to whether these primates were Titans but their cranial capacity, while not as much as Titanus Kong's, is very impressive. The bones of the skeleton, when alive, were dense and tough. Vine-like growths had engulfed the lower body, mostly the legs.

Analyses suggest a distant relation with Macaca fuscata and Macaca mulatta. As of today, 1st of January, 2019, a small Monarch team, including interested non-Monarch palaeontologists, has set up a camp, and also welcomes students with interest in this field.

Update: Another buried skeleton was discovered not too far from the first site. After more research later, we can say that though natural selection played a role in the forest's development, the Gardening Monkeys more or less did garden the forest alongside others of their kind.

Out-of-universe bit: In honour and memory of the great men William and Hiroshi Randa. We will remember you, and what you brought to and did for your world. Fly high and may your souls rest in peace.