MH Homebrew: Terraustralis

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-Summary: As part of my goal in this Jump, I'm going to be exploring a new continent and attempting to colonize it, as well as prevent one Zorah Magdaros level potential catastrophe from befalling it. This continent will be named Terraustralis, being the Monster Hunter equivalent of Australia, with all the dangers that involves. Below I'll be cataloging the different biomes, and what lives there.

-Note: Due to being based upon Australia, one thing I'll be requiring is that a large number of the creatures found here be toxic in some manner. Poison will be a common status effect, though venom that induces paralysis or sleep is also acceptable.

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(Biome 1: Labyrinth Jungle)

-Details: The North-Eastern coast that's originally touched upon once the expedition reaches Terraustralis. Storms rock this area often, caused by the cold air of the ocean combating the great heat produced in-land in the sky above it. In addition to the temperature war which makes the weather hectic, the ocean brings a bounty of detritus, while the inland pushes mineral rich soil into the area.
As a result, a conditions in a relatively packed area are perfect for a rainforest to spring up, a frankly bizarre one. In order to economize space on the rocky cliffs and plateaus without causing the whole jungle to collapse, flora has taken to growing around one another and supporting one another. Some communal brush filters salt water and carries it up hill, leaking it at high elevations to provide sustenance.
Some trees with massive leaves efficiently take in more sunlight than needed, before outputting some of that light through luminescent flowers. Vines produce supportive webbing that keeps the jungle from breaking and bending from the violent weather. So dense is the jungle that in some areas the only light is from the solar palm flowers that reach down into it.
In order to defend itself from hungry herbivores that could ruin the system, a number of sweet smelling plants with toxic properties grow alongside the other plant life. In spite of this, the Labyrinth Jungle is heavily populated by Neopterons who have adapted to the toxic conditions, and incorporated those poisons. Several especially hardy monsters that feast on those insects also live here.

(Classic Monster Natives)

-Classic Native 1: Lightenna

-Classic Native 2: Gogomoa

-Classic Native 3: Nerscylla

(Terraustralis Unique Monsters)

-Unique Native 1: Voxipudio - “A six legged neopteron. They are notable for their cooperation with one another upon meeting, great leaping ability, and colorful thorax with multiple toxic stingers. Voxipudio display the bizarre ability to manipulate their large, complex, feathery antennae in order to mimic sounds heard in their environment through the use of specialized organs within them.”
(Jack Jumper Ant/Lyrebird)

-Unique Native 2: Millegus - “Millegus are bizarre, soft boddied neopterons of great size. They have over a thousand legs which they use to crawl across all surfaces, even upside down if need be, as well as dig into the bark of large trees to eat them from the inside out. Their favorite foods are also toxic, but they divert the toxins into their skin, causing it to ooze out when hurt so as to deter predators. Millegus have armored heads which they sometimes use to smash into enemies. Quite delicious when skinned, apparently.”
(Giant Centipede/Witchety Grub)

-Unique Native 3: Derictuma - “A round, bulky fanged wyvern that asserts itself as the apex predator of this zone. Derictuma are easily noticeable by their large, spike covered body that leaves them looking like a prickly, blue pincushion. In daily life they use their prominent claws to dig up neopteron prey, and their large, wide beaks (almost a fifth of their total size) to crack even the hardest shells.
Derictuma are notable for their great resilience, ability to roll around as a prickly ball, and their roar sounding like a very ominous yet obnoxious laugh.”
(Echidna/Kookabura)

(Elder Level Threat)

-Elder Level Threat: Chameleos (Existing Monster)

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(Biome 2: Rainbow Gulf)

-Details: To the west of where we first land exists a massive gulf in the continent. This gulf supports a massive, thriving, coral reef based ecosystem. Everything that lives amongst the great reef is as colorful as the coral itself; combined with the varying shades of bioluminescence produced by other aquatic flora that can light it up at night, and the naming logic becomes apparent.
As beautiful as this place may be, the bright colors are themselves a warning of danger, or baited attempts. A number of local fauna either carry dangerous toxins, or mimic the appearance of the ones that do, with the amphibious monsters that live around here doing much the same. Leviathans, piscine wyeverns and carapaceons are most common, though other coastal monsters also live nearby.
There are a number of miniature sand bars and islands scattered about, having built themselves atop higher coral structures before being anchored by flora. Monsters can be seen sunning on these miniature beaches, and the hunters of this colony are able to make use of them as land bridges. There are coastal caverns on the coast around the gulf.

(Classic Monster Natives)

-Classic Native 1: Baruragaru

-Classic Native 2: Plesioth

-Classic Native 3: Hermitaur/Daimyo Hermitaur

(Terraustralis Unique Monsters)

-Unique Native 1: Madididia - “A bizarre leviathan that is difficult to track. Madididia are notable for their bushy coat of warped fins resembling bleached kelp and coral, which they use to hide until prey walks in front of their faces. Madididia are also known to feast on plant that grow at the bottom of the gulf, making them opportunistic omnivores. Although their decorations are extensions of their flesh, they have no sensation in them, and can regrow them with time. This causes some in the expedition to shaves them from time to time for coats of their own. Very shy creatures, quick to run away.”
(Wobbegong Shark/Sheep)

-Unique Native 2: Formibilus - “A great and terrifying brute wyvern known to wander the gulf. Formibilus tower over most other creatures and have bodies rippling with muscle even through layers of fat. Their head, legs and tail are easy to pick out for their leathery, bright blue appearance, while their torso is hidden under a layer of black, fluffy feathers. Formibilus have large, powerful jaws and equally large and powerful legs. Talons and fangs alike are able to threaten most prey, with potent water elemental abilities backing it. Equally adept in the water or on land. Surprisingly placid until provoked.”
(Crocodile/Cassowary)

-Unique Native 3: Barbatumx - “An odd looking yet extremely dangerous fanged beast adapted for the water. Their bodies are fat and flexible, their limbs formed into fins through evolution, and their water-tight coat of fur is a dancing combination of red, yellow and purple. They're rather small compared to most monsters, but avoided by all, including Formibilus.
The reason is their head, covered in numerous flowing, glowing whiskers that are semi-translucent, almost alien-like. These whiskers are extremely toxic, able to inflict incredible poison, paralysis, and dragonblight leading to feelings of helplessness and abject terror. Although not incredibly aggressive, to provoke them is dangerous in itself. They also have notably strong jaws.”
(Irukandji Jellyfish/Australian Sea Lion)

(Elder Level Threat)

-Elder Level Threat: Esurus - “An abominable Elder Dragon which has taken residence in the Rainbow Gulf. It's appears as a stitched together beast with body parts that don't fit with one another. Its chest and front legs are muscular, black as coal, devoid of fur. Its back half is blubbery, covered with metallic fur of a bronze color, tappering to a wide fin instead of legs.
It has a pair of large, leathery wings that are pale white and round around the edges. Its head is covered in smooth, moist skin the same color as its tail fur. Bright purple spots with black rings around them are scattered everywhere however. It has no ears, but a pair of curved horns that seem to function as such. It has a wide, fang filled maw, but it's hidden by eight elastic tentacles.
Esurus drag themselves with surprising intensity over land, and can swim with unsettling speed upon diving back into the water. They are both immune to most ailments and blights, while capable of doling out killer toxins to that which they attack. Most dangerous of all however is their voracious appetite. They can be seen eating during almost all sightings, and will actively attempt to consume attacking hunters.”
(Bunyip/Blue Ringed Octopus/Voracious Eater)

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(Biome 3: Rusted Dunes)

-Details: The wide portion of the continent is covered in red sand desert, dubbed the “Rusted Dunes” due to the iron oxide which leads to the red coloration of the sand. The Rusted Dunes are excessively arid, with only sparse shrubbery scattered about, specially adapted to retain moisture and endure great heat over long periods of time.
Volcanic activity is high in this region, pits within the sand exposing roiling magma and an expansive cave system just beneath the surface. The volcanic activity pumps minerals from within the planet up to the surface, which is also the source of the iron that colored the sands above. The only water in this great region is localized almost entirely in small springs, water surging to the surface from subterranean lakes.
The Red Dunes are populated exclusively by the most hardy and heat adapted monsters, nothing else being able to make its way out here. A number of them feast primarily on the ore common in the caves below ground, or on the monsters that do, but smaller monsters adapted to store resources are able to make their way from the small bushes and rare trees.
Due to the relatively flat landscape, strong winds and sandstorms are common. Very rarely, when the ocean winds and humidity are able to win out of the excessive heat of the Rusted Dunes, great storms are able to brew and shower the driest part of the continent. The water inevitably collects in the volcanic caves underground, producing hot steam which contributes to the hot storm.

(Classic Monster Natives)

-Classic Native 1: Agnaktor

-Classic Native 2: Basarios/Gravios

-Classic Native 3: Brachydios

(Terraustralis Unique Monsters)

-Unique Native 1: Lamnabsit/Lamnaelum - “Large, heavily armored neopterons with long bodies. Lamnabsit start life burrowing and feasting upon ore, with remarkable heat resistance and resilient armor that only grows with time. Upon reaching a certain stage of their life, they will begin to molt and pull their former shell into a giant cocoon of rock and metal.
Their body will melt, resembling magma itself, until they finally reform into a large, green and orange serpentine creature. Lamnaelum have four pairs of black and green wings, each baring unique spotted patterns and allowing them to fly quickly. At this point in their life, they feed upon ore as well as the meat of other monsters, hunting via high speed divebombing tactics and green fire breath.”
(Cairns Birdwing Butterfly/Golden Dartlet Dragonfly)

-Unique Native 2: Praqua Dulqua - “One of the few herbivorous monsters within the Rusted Dunes. Praqua Dulqua are large, fat monsters with disorienting patterns of red and brown that are meant to help them blend in with their environment. Their bodies are covered in bizarre armored plates with special thorns and ridges capable of attracting moisture while redirecting heat, causing the monsters to emit a cooler area around them. Fittingly, Praqua Dulqua have ice based abilities to further help them cool down. Their heads are covered in dense fur, giving them a surprisingly cute appearance.”
(Thorny Devil Fanged Wyvern/Wombat)

-Unique Native 3: Clattonbitet - “A terrifying temnoceran known to wander around the underground caves of the Rusted Dunes. These creatures have gray bodies and distinctive, bright red heads, along with eight legs ending in multiple digits each. Webbing between their legs allows them to float to an extent, and large eyes provide great vision during hunts.
Their thorax is on the end of a segmented, more flexible tail structure than most temnocerans have, allowing them to spray their glowing, explosive webbing in a frontal cone. They're known to give off a horrendous screech and charge potential prey, shocking them long enough to web up and detonate in the initial charge.”
(Mouse Spider/Sugar Glider)

(Elder Level Threat)

-Elder Level Threat: Deusolis - “A gigantic Elder Dragon known as the God of the Rusted Dunes. The body of a Deusolis is covered in feathers with bizarre coloration and structure. They have a wavering yellow, orange, red, and black pattern that is almost psychedelic in aesthetic. These feathers frequently break apart and scatter into the air around Deusolis, regrowing just as quickly.
Deusolis are just small enough to face without siege weaponry, with long yet muscular bodies standing on four legs. They have great wings with larger feathers than the rest of their body and allowing them to fly. Their tail is long and whip-like, eventually becoming void of coverage. Their head is round, yet long, with small teeth for its scale inside its maw, and a flicking tongue covered by fire.
Deusolis is immune to the threat of heat, swimming through lava or flying through the clear skies of the rusted dunes without concern. The scattered remains of their feathers are actually one of the sources for the heat in the Rusted Dunes, staying under its control and acting as microscopic lenses that amplify the sun's rays. With this power, it can call down searing beams of hot light from the sky at will.
Something extremely notable about the behavior of the Deusolis, is its rivalry with Procaellest. It fights a constant battle with its fellow elder dragon, drying out and intensifying the heat in the center of Terraustralis as its rival causes water to surge and provides sustenance to life. They will fight from time to time, evenly matched, the fate of the continent depending on there being no winner.”
(Goanna/Black Kite/Sun's Intensity)

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(Biome 4: High-Low Woods)

-Details: In the more temperate, western lands of Terraustralia, there exists a great and bizarre forest. For reasons still being researched there are two kinda of flora there: shrubbery and bushes that are small but make up a dense undergrowth; and massive trees that stretch into the sky, have flowers larger than a man, and have trunks wider than most monsters are long.
The giant trees are toxic, containing chemical compounds within every bit of their constitution which fends off herbivorous monsters and microbes alike. As such, even the dead giant trees will remain for decades, veritably untouched. Because of their resilience, some odd landmarks and structures have formed within the forest from some trees having fallen on others, or growing at odd angles.
The forest grows on land that varies heavily in elevation, with some parts growing amongst the clouds and other parts growing at the bottom of deep ravines. The forest is lush, with regular rainfall and large rivers passing through here and there. In addition to all else, there's a super massive cave within the region with a ceiling taller than the trees, and enough holes that the forest has spread inside.
The forest has high horizontal visibility due to the spacing between giant trees and the short height of the underbrush, but it's difficult to see the sky or one's own feet while walking through it. Many herbivorus monsters call this place their home, feeding on the brush and undergrowth. Meanwhile, particularly agile predators leap or fly between trees and strike from above.

(Classic Monster Natives)

-Classic Native 1: Maccao/Great Maccao

-Classic Native 2: Duramboros

-Classic Native 3: Gigginox

(Terraustralis Unique Monsters)

-Unique Native 1: Stoligigno - “A large but mostly harmless fanged beast. These monsters are the sole herbivore within the High-Low Woods to partake in the leaves of the local trees. Despite being fat and slow, they're quite good at climbing, and possess large, leathery wings in order to get from tree to tree. They're quite resilient, which is good because they're poor fliers and often fall out of the sky.
Stoligigno, who have a habit of sleeping upside down at the top of these trees, have built up great resistance to lightning as a result of being frequently shocked. In fact, their large, round ears act as lightning rods as well as allowing them to discharge captured electricity at predators. It should go without saying, but their bodies are highly toxic due to their diet of choice.”
(Koala/Spectacled Flying Fox)

-Unique Native 2: Confugumen - “A bizarre fanged beast native to the rivers of the High-Low Woods. Their bodies are covered in orange fur, but they have wide, green beaks. They have wide, flat, yellow tail yet it ends in a large fan of multi-colored feathers. Most bizarre of all, they have webbed feet that have extremely toxic talons. Despite the danger they pose, they primarily feed on moss that collects on stones at the bottom and sides of the rivers in the High-Low Woods, and are normally quite docile. ”
(Platypus)

-Unique Native 3: Ictulox - “Fanged wyverns that associate themselves at the top of the local food chain. Ictulox are extremely fast quadrupeds that race through the High-Low Woods, capable of darting between trees and leaping over obstructions with ease. They have bright blue bodies with black tiger stripes starting at their mid-back and going all the way to the tip of their excessively long tail.
 This tail reaches over three times the rest of their body length, and is often seen whipping around behind them. Their smooth scales allow them to positively glide through the underbrush. These creatures have very powerful jaws and toxic bites, and leave behind a terrifying impression due their main diet being in the form of the blood of other creatures, normally sucked out their their prey's necks.”
(Taipan/Tasmanian Tiger)

(Elder Level Threat)

-Elder Level Threat: Valstrax (Existing Monster)

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(Biome 5: Corpse Rock)

-Details: Off in the southern reaches of Terraustralis sits a relatively temperate flat land with waterholes and plentiful grass. This area is notable for the great sandstone mountain standing up on the horizon, so called “Corpse Rock.” Due to the iron rich composition of the sandstone mountain and the nearby soil, both the mountain and the grass are a vibrant red in color.
The mountain's naming stems from two odd features of the stone that composes it, in addition to the coloration. The mountain, despite the heat of the area, is cool to the touch at all times of the day. Additionally, during sunrise and sunset, light will appear to shimmer and bend around the mountain, causing it to appear more liquid than solid.
The cold touch and appearance of red fluid is evocative of a bleeding corpse, thus the name. Researchers of our expedition note that Lightcrystal and Ice Crystal in the composition of the mountain are the cause. Past its ominous naming however, it's a paradise for local creatures due to the large number of caves that provide a cool escape from the flatland sun.
Ore deposits and light bending holes leading between the outside and inside allow most of the cavern systems to stay illuminated during daylight hours. Although difficult, it's possible to trek to the top of the mountain through a specific cavern route, allowing one to reach a high elevation with great winds and no obstructions. At noon, the top of the mountain shimmers.
There's a large hole going through part of the mountain, encrusted with crystals, exiting at a large cavern at the bottom with ankle deep water that filters in and out through underground streams. Certain monsters are known to frequent this area, traveling between the mountain's damp basement and distant underground lakes through submerged tunnels.

(Classic Monster Natives)

-Classic Native 1: Bullfango/Bulldrome

-Classic Native 2: Gurenzeburu

-Classic Native 3: Doragyurosu

(Terraustralis Unique Monsters)

-Unique Native 1: Camira - “Dangerous fanged wyverns that prowl the flatlands around Corpse Rock at night. They have lithe bodies dominantly covered in black, white, and sand colored feathers; with scales appearing on their thin tails and lower legs. They're fast, and usually communal for the first half of their lives before eventually taking up a solo lifestyle.
Camira have flat faces and large eyes, along with a small but powerful beak that's curved in shape and hides a few large fangs in the back. Their toes are specialized to conceal large talons for them to more easily run, slicing apart flesh once they've caught up to prey. When enraged, Camira are able to make use of the volatile dragon element in sweeping breaths and shockwaves.”
(Dingo/Powerful Owl)

-Unique Native 2: Gelabor - “A kind of short, stocky fanged beast compared to some of the other monsters around here, but one of the most ferocious. They are quadrupeds with relatively thin limbs, but very muscular torsos and large heads. Their wide mouths can open up significantly, revealing numerous fangs and a sticky tongue that can project great lengths. Some smaller herbivores can be eaten whole.
Gelabor have abilities relating to ice, able to open wide and breath a girthy fog in the direction they desire. Their icy why and blue fur is also able to inflict ice blight, and a chemical in their skin can be released when they're hurt to put enemies to sleep. They are a highly aggressive and vocal species, capable of making quite a racket. Oddly, though solitary, they have little aggression for other Gelabor in them.”
(Tasmanian Devil/Cane Toad)

-Unique Native 3: Fulsultos - “A bipedal fanged beast with great power. Fulsultos have a short layer of white fur over most of their body, which does nothing to hide rippling muscle that appears as if trying to escape the body its housed in. Fulsultos use their incredible muscular power in addition to oddly shape legs and large feat to leap large distances, thrusting into the air with ease each time.
Their arms are quite well developed, ending in five long digits that each bare a curved claw. Their fur is more dense on their arms, and are often used both offensively and defensively in territorial fights with other Fulsultos. Although these monsters are technically omnivores and exist at the top of the food chain, quirks in their anatomy cause them to far prefer an herbivorous lifestyle unless in dire straights.
Fulsultos have long faces and powerful jaws. They also possess long, round ears, which give them superb hearing and makes them hard to catch off guard. Their bodies are remarkably resilient to several elements, including both fire and ice. Lastly and one of the most notable traits of all, these monsters like some others in this land have built in pouches in which they carry their young.”
(Kangaroo/Polar Bear)

(Elder Level Threat)

-Elder Level Threat: Procaellest - “A gigantic Elder Dragon known as the God of Storms. The body of Procaellest is covered in white, crystalline scales with several semi-translucent layers. Under direct sunlight, the scales refract the light, creating the appearance of Procaellest being every color of the rainbow. Even when discarded, these scales have a way of rooting themselves and growing somewhat.
Procaellest are just small enough to potentially face without siege weaponry, but only just. Their long, serpentine bodies have only a pair of great, scaled wings to call limbs. Their head is wide, flattening out with an arrowhead shaped, black beak that appears to have an edge sharper than most weapons employed by hunters. Their vocal chords are uniquely formed, giving off a rumbling tone when angered.
The body of these dragons is under immense pressure, with the help of their armored rainbow scales. It contains vast amounts of water collected at sea with the help of an ability to manipulate air currents, which is then purrified with an extreme electrical charge through its form. With the aid of its beak, Procallest glides through stone while releasing its water creating underground lakes each day.
When taking to the air, Procaellest is also able to use its abilities to manipulate the weather to an extent, creating spontaneous rain clouds. As noted in the profile of Deusolis, it and Procaellest have a long standing rivalry as they jointly shape the continent in contradictory ways. If one should ever beat the other, it would only be a matter of time before the land is burned to dust, or sunk under the waves.”
(Rainbow Serpent/Bringer of Storms)

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