Welcome once again to Monarch: After Dark, the digital gateway between you and the organisation dedicated to understanding and navigating this troubled new world we live in.

We once more find ourselves in the face of a special report from us on the After Dark team, where we wish to cover a different aspect of the world we live in. For this report, now that we have started coverage of creatures other than the Titans, we felt it was best to cover this particular issue as early as possible to avoid misconceptions moving forward.

In recent times, there has been some confusion over what is classified as a Titan, what is classified as a superspecies, and how Monarch go about defining creatures as either term. So, for today, sit down and prepare yourselves for a lesson from Monarch directly on how to define a superspecies

(Pictured above: A chalkboard image with text on it...we like to have fun here)

Monarch Classification 101: How to Define a Superspecies

The short version, and the generally accepted definition within Monarch's ranks, is that the term "superspecies" is a general catch-all used for unique flora and fauna that have their origins within the Hollow Earth, with close association to the subterranean world itself and the Titans.

Titans are something of a higher order of superspecies, colossal creatures that serve specific functions in maintaining the balance of the planet. Size does not appear to be a qualifying factor in classifying a creature as a Titan. Rather, more unique attributes such as the range of territory they can cover, resistance to conventional weaponry, and unique abilities that aid them in their functions are taken into consideration.

Within the catch-all of "superspecies", there are further divides when it comes to classifying creatures. There are standard superspecies, which are typical biological megafauna, "florafauna", which encompasses creatures that have evolved with plant-like attributes within their genetic composition, and "magmafauna", which encompasses animals that have evolved hyperspecific traits that allow them to thrive in volcanic environments. Florafauna additionally consists of plants that have evolved to take on animal-like genetic traits.

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Part One: What Makes a Superspecies?

(Pictured above: A Humboldt squid. Its close genetic relation to the Shocker Squids of Skull Island disqualify the latter from being classed as a superspecies)

As is the case when it comes to defining Titans, there are no size qualifications to consider. Some superspecies, such as the Leafwings, are rather tiny creatures, while others such as the Warbats of Hollow Earth can reach sizes equivalent to those of the larger Titans.

One factor that does seem to strongly weigh on whether or not a creature is classed as superspecies is their genetic relation to existing fauna on the surface world. The immediate example of this are the Shocker Squids that live in Skull Island's waters. Study of these animals found that they were closely linked to the Humboldt squid genetically, and close enough that they were ultimately disqualified from being counted as superspecies.

Across the board, superspecies seem to be distantly related to existing fauna, but have undergone such radical evolution that they are almost entirely unique compared to their relatives. For example, the Psychovultures are classified by Monarch as belonging to the family Ctenochasmatoidea, despite that fact that they are virtually unrecognisable as pterosaurs. Other superspecies seem to have their own unique classifications, such as the Necroserpere group, which contains the Skullcrawlers (distantly related to amphibians) and Death Jackals (distantly related to theropod dinosaurs). A common thread between both species is a constant need to feed in an effort to satisfy a neverending hunger.

While there is much we are yet to understand about the specifics of the origins for superspecies and how exactly they come to be, behavioural traits, unique genetic anomalies (which will be covered in greater detail soon) and a considerable relation distance from existing flora and fauna are the current determining factors between a superspecies and more typical creatures that inhabit our world.

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Part Two: What are Florafauna and Magmafauna?

(Pictured above: A Tree Mimic, a unique reverse example of florafauna, where a plant has developed animalistic traits)

Underneath the catch-all umbrella of superspecies, there exist two additional subcategories that further push the boundaries of what sort of creatures can exist within our world. We will examine both, to showcase how an organism could be categorised within them.

We will begin with florafauna, the more widely known of the two subcategories. The concept is fairly simple to understand; florafauna covers all range of animals that have evolved to develop unique physiological traits that are very similar to those of plants. The largest known example of florafauna on record is the Titan Amhuluk, which uses plant material to construct bodies for itself, due to lacking a natural body of its own.

Most documented florafauna have been found on Skull Island, with many using their unqiue characteristics as a form of camouflage to blend in seemlessly with the environments of the island. Recently, however, there was the discovery of the Tree Mimic, a plant species that has taken on animal traits and behaves like an ambush predator. It is so far the only documented instance of "faunaflora", the reverse instance of florafauna.

Magmafauna, a more recently discovered sub-division of superspecies, is a far rarer occurence. This category encompasses superspecies that have developed physiological and physical traits that allow them to thrive within superheated and volcanic environments, places that most creatures would be unable to survive within.

Currently, only two examples of magmafauna are currently known to Monarch's database; the Magma Turtle of Skull Island, and the Titan Rodan (the subject of our previous communication). For the time being, this is all we are able to really report on the subject of magmafauna until more instances emerge.

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Part Three: What Makes a Titan?

(Pictured above: Godzilla in Pensacola, Florida. Godzilla is the most well-known and recognised of the Titans in the public eye)

Classifying the Titans, in comparison to more general superspecies, is a rather challenging task, even to those who have dedicated several years to studying them. While perhaps not always the case, Titans are generally gargantuan animals, with sizes ranging from 100 feet (roughly the height of Kong during his adolescence in 1973) to the 521-foot Monster Zero. Their impressive size, paired with a range of abilities seemingly unique to each Titan, makes each one a potentially catastrophic threat.

One factor in classifying a Titan is the territorial range that they cover. Godzilla, for instance, heavily patrols the world's oceans as his territory, often responding violently to those he percieves as trespassing (e.g. Kong during the 2024 Hollow Earth expedition). The Mire Squid of Skull Island, while growing to sizes rivalling small Titans, is disqualified from being classed as a Titan itself due to its territory only covering Skull Island, among other factors.

A second factor to consider is the creature's vulnerability to conventional weapons. To use the Mire Squid again as an example, its vulnerability to conventional weapons is another disqualifying factor. Most Titans are heavily resilient to military weapons, and even attacks from other Titans. Notable feats of Titan durability include Rodan's survival of Godzilla's thermonuclear attacks on Monster Zero, or Godzilla enduring multiple nuclear detonations over the decades.

A third factor is that each Titan fulfils a specific function aiding in the overall balance of our world's natural order, with special abilities to help them do so. Behemoth can regrow damaged forests in an instant, Scylla had the power to cool down the global climate (though she began warming it instead whilst gorging on radiation sources), Amhuluk destroys forests and acts as a check for Behemoth, and Godzilla maintains balance by going after direct threats to the natural order, be they manmade or from monsters that threaten the world. Creatures that do not serve a function in balancing the natural order (e.g. Skull Devils or Snarehunter Queens) are not Titans, even if they may meet other qualifying factors.

All Titans are deeply entrenched in Earth's mythologies, dating back thousands of years. Worshipped as gods by multiple ancient civilisations, even dating back to humanity's days as dwellers in the Hollow Earth, the Titans have left a distinct mark on history that no other superspecies has. Many Titans are even directly named after the mythological dieties they inspired.

Unlike other superspecies, Titans are difficult to classify into suborders relating to existing fauna. Recently, a development has shown itself providing evidence that there is an element of genetic hybridisation involved with the Titans, that they take in DNA from other organisms across the years. Godzilla's slaying of Tiamat, Monarch uncovered, resulted in Godzilla absorbing some of her DNA as well as the radiation from her domain. Further investigation into this phenomena is required.

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Concluding Remarks

(Pictured above: Monarch's superspecies profile on the Mire Squid, a large superspecies that is prevented from being classed as a Titan due to multiple disqualifying factors)

And, that's our lesson concluded! We hope all those who have read until the end have enjoyed learning more about the specifics of how Monarch go around identifying superspecies and Titans as we discover them.

As our understanding of these magnificent creatures and their world grows, the information we have presented here may change if new discoveries go against our current understanding. Of course, the After Dark team will be on-hand to keep you all updated.

Thank you, and until next time,

Welcome once again to Monarch: After Dark, the digital gateway between you and the organisation dedicated to understanding and navigating this troubled new world we live in.

Continuing our coverage of the unique fauna of Skull Island, we take a look at a denizen of the deep that falls just short of becoming something far greater; the Mire Squid.

(Pictured above: Sketch of a Mire Squid grappling with Kong by Stephanie Levallois, based on a description found within the notes of Jack Chapman)

Monarch Database File: Mire Squid

Monarch Designation: Gigantus leviapus

Length: 90-110 feet

Species Designation: Architeuthis hybrid

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One of the larger superspecies that reside on Skull Island, the Mire Squid is a gargantuan cephalopod that lurks in the island's inland waters. Labelled "the Red Devil" by some of those who have survived encounters with it, the Mire Squid has an extensive reach, able to target land-dwelling and low-flying fauna as well as those who also call the waters their home.

Initially suspected by Monarch to be a distant cousin of the Pacific Giant Octopus, the current theory behind the Mire Squid is that it is the end result of geothermal gigantism seen in Skull Island's fauna. Further investigation and geothermal studies were due to be conducted to further look into how environmental factors contribute to this, but following the destruction of much of the island's ecosystems in 2021, it is unknown where this research led.

The Mire Squids have been known to compete with Sirenjaws, often preyed upon by them in their youth. Older Mire Squids, however, tend to come out victorious in these encounters, though even they are helpless against Kong. When hunting, Mire Squids can rotate their jaws and generate whirlpools to trap prey, making it easier for the creature to swallow its kill.

While at their largest, the Mire Squids can rival smaller Titans in size. However, as discussed at length in our "How to Define a Superspecies" report, other major factors disqualify the Mire Squid from being classed as a Titan.

(Pictured above: Artistic depiction of Kong feasting on a Mire Squid, circa. 2021)

When separated from the rest of the Sky Devil squadron, soldier Jack Chapman watched as Kong came to drink from a nearby river and clean his wounds. According to his notes, Kong then grappled with a Mire Squid, struggling against its tentacles for a few moments before killing the animal by stomping on its head and sending ink flying everywhere. Tearing off some of its tentacles to eat, Kong dragged the Mire Squid away to parts unknown.

According to one account from Lin San, a Monarch biologist who was part of the 1973 expedition, a smaller Mire Squid had attacked the Grey Fox, a makeshift boat made by Hank Marlow. Attempting to eat Slivko, the squid was warded off by San cutting off one of its tentacles and killed by a flare igniting its ink sac.

By 2021, Kong had grown to such sizes that he could effortlessly pick up Mire Squids and eat them with little issue. Houston Brooks witnessed this himself as a helicopter took him to Skull Island to oversee the first Monarch expedition to Hollow Earth.

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And that's all she wrote for the Mire Squid! While far from dominant, they were still an imposing force in Skull Island's waters for any small vessel floating along their surface. Unfortunately, with the destruction of much of Skull Island, there are no known Mire Squid populations left on the island, though it is believed they still live in Hollow Earth.

Until next time,