Fathom File 006.1: Grorn (Midgard Form)

From the Files of Frank Womack, Kaiju Expert*

Kaiju File #  006

Grorn (Grawrn)

First Seen: Somalian Coastline, Africa
Last Seen: Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Current Location Unknown)


Primary Range: None


Dietary Preference: Unknown


Description: See Fathom File 006.0: Grorn for general information. Specifics below:

    -The form of Grorn dubbed the Midgard stage is lithe and serpentine anatomically, lacking in functional limbs and extremely flexible. Each of its two ends, one resembling a beaked anglerfish and the other a one-eyed draconic stag, function as a nerve center of their own, and when required are able to independently operate when facing multiple antagonists. The large crystal node between the two is able to shift and split its mass into two smaller thagomizers, and is believed to aid in the pair's coordination. Multiple spires resembling basalt in composition rise out of its hide, their appearance varying each time and able to amass in greater numbers when in physical combat. 

Defense Protocols: See Fathom File 006.0: Grorn for active Defense protocols.

Noteworthy Abilities: See Fathom File 006.0: Grorn for standard abilities shared between forms.

-EXCEPTIONS-

-Bilateral Control: An ability only shown to be utilized by the Midgard form, Grorn is capable of splitting its body into two separate pieces, each able to do battle separately with no visible signs of fatigue or strain from operating two bodies. They are even capable of using teamwork against troublesome enemies.

-Mana Pulse: The most iconic of Grorn's abilities, as well as its most frightening. It begins when the crystals atop its body begin to glow, and the world around it begins to change. Plants wilt, birds fall out of the sky, people experience several decades worth of aging, all in seconds. Grorn is able to drain the life-force of any unaltered terrestrial lifeform into itself, channeling that energy into one of the deadliest attacks any known kaiju possesses. Depending on its form, the delivery changes, (in the Midgard form's case, it is emitted by both ends of its body, each shooting energy at the central crystal protrusion) but the result is the same, the area is whited out in a bright light and a deafening shockwave, leaving a smoldering crater and, typically, no remains. Few things have survived this attack, and those that have rarely surface on earth. After utilizing this, Grorn typically returns to the earth to rest, as much of its reserves can be expended in the attack.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: During the initial Verminator attack in Rio de Janeiro, O.V.E.R. soldiers were driven to their wits end to remove the creatures, who simply kept growing and regenerating the harder they hit them. Three in particular had reached kaiju sized proportions, carnal chimeras of many different species that were, at least it seemed, not going anywhere. The high command of O.V.E.R. were beginning to consider more extreme options, even bringing nuclear weapons into the discussion, but they never got to finish. As I mentioned in the Verminator file, Grorn, in its Terra state we had always seen before, emerged from the nearby rainforest, causing a cacophony of birds to scatter in all directions. The Verminators did not take immediate notice, and the titanic guardian used that to its advantage, crashing its club tail into one of their skulls, and a nearby skyscraper, with mechanical precision. The creature fell to the ground, gurgling and creating a cloud of dust that got the attention of the remaining two, but before they could reach their 'comrade' (I'm not sure what sort of kinship verminators have, to be honest) Grorn disappeared into the ground, taking the corpse with it. No one's sure what happened to it, but I have a pretty good idea. Grorn has shown amazing heat and pressure resistance, so I think it actually dropped it down to the earth's mantle and left it there to burn, removing any chance of regeneration. I have no proof, and Grorn hasn't used this technique against a lot of its past opponents, but it would make sense. 

When Grorn reappeared, the two verminators were ready, and they double teamed the elemental with a precision you would not expect from creatures only a few hours old. They slashed, kicked and bit the creature, baiting and switching like they'd been doing it for millennia, and it was beginning to wear Grorn down. With a deafening roar, it slammed its tail into the ground, creating a shockwave that created some space between it and the genetic freaks. Then its body began to glow, and something no one expected happened. Grorn's body changed shape, shedding its rocky limbs and growing significantly longer. Its plain head became horned and elegant, and in a bright flash, a serpentine creature, the Midgard form, was ready to do battle. 

The Verminators went down remarkably quickly after this, unable to keep up with their newfound foe's increased agility and ability to be in two places at once. O.V.E.R. soldiers could only look on, in awe of yet another surprise from a kaiju unlike any other. Eventually, the pair fell, without the use of the mana pulse it used on the Amminots in Dubai, which left the entire city a crater of glass. No, these two fell from strength, cunning and teamwork, and when Grorn spirited them away under the earth, the people of O.V.E.R., despite their strict protocol, cheered. 

But only for a moment, they were all silenced moments later. Grorn, knowing more Verminators would spring up from the carnage, laid waste to the city, scorching the entirety of its perimeter, the survivors and O.V.E.R. soldiers, and even much of the neighboring rainforest, all in order to remove the threat of the Verminators. It was... a lot to take in. 

Grorn, to reiterate, cares nothing for individual species, only the equilibrium of nature itself. And the fact that it had destroyed two major cities, and not battled a single standard kaiju, said a lot about its priorities.

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Surprise! I managed to get another one done thanks to some new mastery of clipstudio! This one is hardly new, but I suppose you've never seen this sort of look for Grorn unless you've followed me actively since, like, 2012. Sans one sketchdump I've never really done another of Grorn's forms, but they've been sitting in my noggin since his 'verse was first introduced, and its only now, in the Fathom universe, that we have our first official look.

I've got a few more forms planned, but they emerge over time and there's no reason to rush things. For now, just take in Grorn's lack of compassion for humanity, despite its multiple attempts at saving them. He's a benign force in the Fathom universe, and one of the planned 'hero' kaiju, but he's not exactly benevolent. Its all black and white to him, and we often earn his ire. But don't worry, he's not the worst humanity has to deal with. That comes later.

Enjoy, and feel free to comment. The next file should come soon. We're now clear of the world building and right back into the main plot, so look forward to that. I've got an old classic coming soon!