Baragon
Intro: The first kaiju activity in the Kebira region of the northeastern Sahara was documented in 1958. Since then, the most commonly monitored kaiju in the area were two members of the species Varanus obaki. Since 1965, though, numerous seismic recordings have indicated the existence of a much different sort of creature; one that seemed to move almost exclusively underground as opposed to the more cursorial Varanids. Large patches of scorched earth and so-called “Libyan Glass” also came to be associated with this phenomenon. Though sought after for decades, it would not be until after Godzilla’s reemergence ignited a new age of kaiju that the “rose dragon” would reveal itself…
Story: Following the disclosure of FATHOM’s Kebira research outpost, several government officials, reporters, and scientists were admitted to the facility for official documentation and inspection. During their visit, though, a presumedly-deceased specimen of the arachnid super species, Speiga sarcophagus, returned to life and destroyed much of the outpost before being attacked and killed by Varan.
After this incident, a joint military and scientific operation was carried out to follow the lizard kaiju back into the heart of the Kebira region. Should the opportunity arise, its’ coordinates would be pinpointed and targeted for nuclear strike if determined to be of considerable hazard to nearby populations. Over the next few days, Varan was tracked moving southward on a path of convergence with Komodithrax. Both kaiju were finally intercepted in the central Kebira region, near a large cave, from which emerged a horde of arachnid kaiju of the Speiga species. Both varanids were observed killing and consuming many of these creatures, though they quickly overran the recon team.
It was at this point that the long-rumored subterranean kaiju, Baragon, erupted from the ground. This new creature effectively killed off the remaining spiders and aggressively fended off both varanids as well. It also briefly turned on the recon team as a barrage of missiles was launched against it. Afterward, it burrowed into the cave, leaving a clearer path behind it. After recuperating and resupplying, the recon team followed Baragon’s trail, which lead to a large series of natural and excavated caverns deep below the desert.
This underground ecosystem was soon found to be a hotbed of kaiju activity, especially for the arachnid Speiga, which Baragon seemed to feed upon. The deeper caves held larger and larger specimens, eventually leading to two especially huge Speiga which threatened to follow the stunned explorers back to the surface. They were intercepted by Baragon, though, which managed to flight back and eventually kill both giant spiders. But seismic readings had detected an even larger mass approaching from even further underground, which Baragon responded to. As he descended to face the upcoming threat, a nuclear strike was authorized by both the Libyan and Egyptian governments, and the Kebira ecosystem was destroyed. At least, it was assumed to have been…
Abilities: Baragon is a biolithic kaiju superbly adapted for a fossorial existence. His hide incorporates various strands of metamorphic and volcanic elements, making him extremely durable and heat-resistant. He is coated in a series of interlocking scales which may be derived from hair-like structures, similar to a pangolin, which allow for a greater degree of flexibility. They are also easily shed and replaced by new growths.
Baragon makes his way through solid stone and bedrock with the aid of his immensely powerful foreclaws and horn-like protrusion on his head. These are also wielded as effective weapons during fights with other kaiju, especially while charging. One of his only softer parts, his ears, seem to play a role in thermoregulation, and are normally folded tightly upon his face beneath his horn for protection. This does not impair his senses, as his eyesight is poor. Instead, he relies on heat-sensing pits along his snout as well as a form of echolocation generated from the horn, which may be akin to a cetacean’s melon. By sending infrasonic pulses through the ground, as well as passively detecting vibrations, Baragon is able to pinpoint targets and locations from many kilometers away.
Baragon is also able to generate large amounts of heat when agitated, and can transfer this heat across his body. This can manifest as a full-body aura of intense heat, which can be used to shake off and immolate smaller opponents and can be maintained for several minutes. A more precise variant of this ability channels the heat specifically into his claws and horn to inflict more damage to larger enemies. He also generates lava-like bile within his body, which burns with napalm-like intensity when vomited forth.
Character: Baragon appears to be a derived type of therapsid, in lieu of his mammalian traits. It is speculated that his adaptations to an underground life allowed his kind to survive two of the most devastating mass extinctions in Earth’s history. This hardwired determination is evident in his behavior, as he is a ferocious fighter despite his relatively small stature for a major kaiju. Nonetheless, he is more reserved than many other kaiju as well, as he spends the majority of his time underground away from larger kaiju. His main prey seems to be the arachnid species Speiga sarcophagus, though he has also been observed eating rocks and sand to satisfy his biolithic biology. He also seems to be spending much time around Anguirus in recent years, the larger kaiju tolerating his presence as he feeds upon smaller creatures.
