A Clash of Giants in The Deep Jungle

WARNING HUGE PILE OF TEXT BELOW:

'Tis the second morn' after Christmas, and I submitted the deviation that I was editing way, WAY before the holidays, but never had time to complete it because (a) It did beating on my computer, (b) School assignments.

It's also my first try at completely digital art. I started doing this mid September, and did it mostly by mouse (never has my wrist and index finger been in so much pain). Tablet work was only for finishing touches and texturing for moss/grass. The rest (outlining, coloring and filtering) were all done by mouse. Last time I'll try THAT again...

This is the first of the images of a my completely revamped and fleshed out kaijuverse that I've been preparing seen March. I had a lot of discussion with my brother, who's in college studying film writing. Right now I'm much more satisfied by the overall work of the Kaijuverse, I can actually write plots now!

Here are some of the changes:

Alia Terra is renamed "Gaea", but it won't be the title just yet. "Teratodis" is the real title, meaning "Mounstrous". This title will be how I reference my kaijuverse from now on.

The time period after the Mutation event is called the Terastiozoic era. This will be quite a relevant term in future submissions. It implies the complete impact that kaijus and other mutations as well on the world culture set in place. It implies both a kaiju story, as well as a story that delves into other parts of science ficiton.

The mood is also going to be simultaneously bleak, but as the story goes on, also mildly optimistic, rather than pitch dark black as was the original intention.

WARNING: Down below is a long, long, LONG profile of the Lacertan Rainforest, the topic of the Pic. This setting is the single most important in the 'verse. Most of action, macguffin and history references the rainforest.

For those new to my Kaijuverse, the above kaiju are Krugoth (the guy with the split jaw) and the other Barbaedus (the one with the club tail) a new creation filling in for the status of "old experienced predator"

Below will also list down the history of the Island and the role of both versions of Earth in the Kaijuverse as well.
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The Lacertan Rainforest
Aliases: The Deep Jungle, Lizard Forest, The Lizard Pit
Location: Gaea, Western Hemishpere, Lacerta

When the Other Earth, commonly known as “Gaea” was discovered via a sub-Atlantic tear in the dimensional plane known as “The Gate”, the first continent to be identified and named was Lacerta, “Land of Lizards”, and its forests were considered the crown jewel of the island-continent. It offered hope, opportunity and discovery during a time when our own Earth suffered from amongst the worst chain of environmental and economic disasters of the modern era, the Rainforests of Lacerta offered a window of opportunity to tap into new resources, discover new organisms and for people to start new ways of life.

The Rainforest was well known for its wildlife. Unlike our Earth, which is mostly ruled by mammals, Lacerta was ruled mostly by reptiles, and none was a better example than the forests. Almost all large and small organisms that filled every niche from predator, herbivore and scavenger were filled by reptiles. Different variations of crocodilians, lizards and turtles lived there with some looking so different to their Earth counterparts people questioned if they really were the alternate versions of our own reptiles. Some reptiles were unique only to Lacerta, with little genetic similarity to Earth animals.

Resilience is perhaps what defines Lacerta and its forests than any other word. Its wildlife is hard to kill, hard to capture and adept to many environments. Even when its grasslands and mountains were exploited and prone to habitat loss, Lacerta’s famed reptiles were able to survive. The biggest threat it ever endured however, was an international conflict simply known as the “Wars of the Rebellions” where factions of Earth’s colonies rebelled against their respective governments. The rainforest was a hotly contested ground by numerous factions considering its importance, and thus heavy bombardment and firefights ensued. It was here, Gaea’s darkest secret was uncovered.

Deep within the earth of Gaea, existed a strange substance known as “Yggdrasil”. Named after the World Tree, at first glance it appeared no different from diamonds or gems from Earth. The difference however, is the monumental amount of energy that radiated, known as “Ether”. Initially scientists were eager to explore more on this mysterious. Problem was that it was the most volatile thing ever encountered. Sensitive to kinetic force, a 1 cm cube could cause considerable damage to the surrounding, and not many wanted to know how it might affects living beings. Coincidentally, the rainforest of Lacerta was sitting on top of one of the biggest concentrations of it. When conflict made its way to the mines that harbor the mineral, a few firefights with heavy weaponry were all that were needed to trigger the greatest environmental disaster that both worlds would ever see.

The Lacertan rainforest became the epicenter of a Worldwide Mutation Event known as “The Ethereal Nightmare” or The Nightmare for short. Violent eruptions of Ether began pouring from the entire world. When things were not being blasted away from the sheer force of these Eruptions, they were horrifically mutated to become altogether different lifeforms. In the case of animals at least… they were the kaiju, creatures so massive and nigh-indestructible their mere presence instills fear to even the most hardened warrior. Being the epicenter, Lacerta’s rainforest has a considerable amount of kaijus.

Now, the Lacertan Rainforest is an absolute nightmare for humans to go through. Being the center of one of the “The Ground Zeroes” of The Mutation Event, the Lacertan Rainforest is home to all kinds of kaiju, fiercely competing with one another. It’s famed reptiles amongst the strongest of all kaiju in the world. Krugoth, the first kaiju known to attack man is among them, his split jaw and saw-like limbs has become a symbol for the danger of kaiju to the entire world. Jovis, named after the King of the Roman Pantheon is famous for his incomprehensible physical power. A Kaiju from The Deep Jungle is capable of wiping out an entire battalion all on its own.

The plants of the forest are no friend of man either. Its trees are all tall and strong, even the smallest root could appear to be a fallen log. Sometimes moss is so thick that it is difficult to tell if one is on soil or on one of the trees many roots. Getting lost is an enormous hazard here, with starvation, thirst and disease claiming the most lives of soldiers on expedition. In certain areas, vines are so prevalent that entire companies of armed personnel can get ensnared, becoming easy prey for the smaller predators of Lacerta.

Margin for error is slim in Gaea. Heavy machinery, be it tanks, mechs or armored personnel carriers are of little comfort against the monstrosities that inhabit this hellhole. Many animals have the power to bite through solid steel with little to no effort. The combination of moisture, soil and plant life makes corrosion and jamming an everyday concern.

Since the beginning of operations to reclaim lost territory after The Nightmare, reclaiming the Lacertan Rainforest was top priority, but even after 3 decades worth of fighting, it still remains largely untouched. Most efforts to secure what was lost mostly ended up becoming disasters. It appears as if though nothing can ever get past The Deep Jungle’s beasts and treachery. In spite of this however, people still hope… that one day, the land that first welcomed man will once again be theirs again…
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Well that was a big one wasn't it?
I hope you enjoy the pic, as well as read the profile (if you felt like it of course, I understand if it's too long).

And remember! Give constructive criticism, I feel like there's a lot of stuff in the pic I can improve on (like lighting) but if you have any suggestions to improve on it, I'd be happy to listen.

Also, Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Year folks!