#monsties

The Kinship Stone in Monster Hunter Stories functions as a multifaceted conduit, primarily designed to cultivate and amplify the profound emotional and intentional bond between a Rider and their Monstie. It is not a tool for control, as Monsties are sentient beings that follow Riders of their own free will, as evidenced by Avinia's natural emotional communication with Frostfang and the protagonist's continued partnership with Ratha even after their stone is broken. Instead, the stone's intricate mechanics ensure a deeper, more intertwined connection.

At its core, the Kinship Stone acts as a "psychic link" or "emotional translator," enabling a non-verbal understanding of intentions and emotions between Rider and Monstie. This is particularly vital during the hatching ritual, where the stone's presence helps nascent Monsties—even those with inherent aggressive tendencies like Deviljho or Brachydios—recognize the Rider as a benevolent parent figure or trusted companion, rather than a threat or prey. This initial "translation" facilitates the crucial early stages of bonding, explaining why the stone is so integral to raising a Monstie from an egg and why it's generally ineffective on adult, wild monsters who are already "set in their ways" and lack the foundational understanding of the stone's emotional cues.

The scientific basis for this emotional link lies in the Kinship Stone's unique bio-energy absorption and exchange capabilities. These stones are theorized to be empty crystals, akin to those found in the Elder's Recess that absorb residual bio-energy. Upon a Monstie's hatching, the stone absorbs a minute amount of its bio-energy. This transference imbues the Rider with a subtle energetic "label," signifying a shared essence with the Monstie, thus fostering initial trust and cooperation. While this initial "borrowing" of energy might slightly "stunt" the Monstie's physical growth, keeping it smaller for a longer period, it's a necessary step in forging a manageable bond.

Crucially, this bio-energy exchange is bidirectional and dynamic. Through shared experiences and coordinated actions in battle, the Rider and Monstie continuously build "Kinship energy." This energy is stored within the Kinship Stone. During powerful Kinship Skills, the stored energy, combined with the Rider's own human bio-energy, is temporarily "returned" to the Monstie, providing a significant power boost and allowing for synchronized, complex attacks. This regular transfer of both monster and human energy enhances the Monstie's intelligence and adaptability. The human energy, in particular, becomes integrated within the Monstie's own body, fostering an incredible familiarity and dependence, solidifying their unwavering loyalty to the Rider, even unto death. Conversely, the monster's energy, stored in the stone, creates a tangible representation of their connection, although it necessitates the Rider's conscious effort to show true respect and attachment, as the stone physically holds a piece of their Monstie.

This complex bio-energy exchange further explains why the bond of kinship must originate at hatching. A full-grown monster possesses immense bio-energy, making a safe and effective transfer to a stone nearly impossible without risking severe harm or death. Exceptions, like Avinia and Frostfang, illustrate that while the stone facilitates the initial energy transfer, a strong pre-existing emotional bond, forged from a young age, can lay the groundwork for a successful kinship, even if the formal stone-binding occurs later.

Monsterpedia: Velocidrome

Alpha monsters that lead the smaller Velociprey. Note their large size, impressive frill, and sharper claws.

Genus: Bird Wyvern

Kenship Skill: Velocirush

A continuation for a short little idea mentioned in a prior post for Monster Hunter Stories: Stormcaller, this post is about the version of “Ratha” who would appear in this concept.

Cloudwalker Rathalos is a name given to a special form (subspecies?) of Rathalos found only within the mountainous subregion of the area where this concept takes place (Not where the starting location is as I have the village in mind be located within a thick rainforest or maybe a swampy region, somewhere that wouldn’t be super cold or hot but enough to contrast where the first two games are set in).

These Rathalos have specially adapted for life in these high up peaks as they are much faster and even capable of flying at much higher altitudes compared to their more common variants who prefer the lowlands with their much larger wingspans..

Cloudwalker Rathalos somewhat resemble in color that of a cross between a Silver and Azure Rathalos, lacking their species usual distinctive red coloration for a much more bluish grey that helps them to blend in with both the sky and the rocky terrain of their home. Their wings also have a somewhat distinctive pattern compared to that of a regular Rathalos.

Their naming comes mainly due to their ability to fly at such high altitudes that people have sometimes described them as “walking on clouds.”

Cloudwalker also rarely come near civilization, meaning that outside of Ratha, Cloudwalker Rathalos will not be an enemy encounter or an obtainable Monstie.

This variant of Rathalos has heavy ties to that of the legend of the Raincaller, a fabled Rider of legends who on the back of one of these Monsters as a Monstie helped to chase away the cursed rains that plagued these lands long ago. A legend that years later was said to repeat itself as the Raincaller never managed to fully “banish” the very thing that brought on these strange rainstorms to begin with.

This prophecy was said to have been foretold by a sage from the Rider Village that lives in the mountains that once the Cloudwalker retreat deeper into the mountains that the rains would make a return to flood the lands leading to the start of the story and how the the Protagonist gets their hands on Cloudwalker Ratha.

Ratha’s egg was found sometime after the Protagonist left their home village after being recruited to join a joint coalition of both Hunters and Riders setting out to investigate the Rainstorms after one happened around their village, leading to them having to face a Monster driven mad by the storm as well as members of their village growing mysteriously ill, including that of the chief.

The Rider, along with Navirou and a new Hunter-in-Training Companion who was paired with them as part of a collaboration effort soon get separated from the rest of the convoy on their way to the major Hunter settlement in that region, forcing them to go on foot solo through the mountains.

During the trek, they stumble upon an abandoned nest that seemingly had been destroyed. Most of the eggs are either missing or broken save for one single one.

Navirou mentions that he’s getting a strong odor from the egg, a sign that it’s still alive and whatever the Monster is that is inside of it must be quite powerful as the Protagonist picks it up, deciding to take it with them as it was very likely the monster inside would only die out here alone as the parents had long abandoned it.

Their Rookie Hunter companion is quite terrified at the idea of just taking the egg as our feline and Rider duo assure that it’s for the best and that this Monster would grow up to be quite a powerful Monstie.

Cue some traveling, our group gets ambushed by a wild Monster and rescued by a villager from the local Rider’s Village who agrees to bring them to safety so they can rest for the journey ahead.

So the three travel to the mountain Rider Village. Where during their stay the Protagonist ends up presenting the rescued egg to the Chief. After a brief glance, the Protagonist is almost instantly told to take the egg to the Sage that lives at the highest point of the village (This village was built on a cliff side and the Sage’s home is situated at the very top in a cave.)

Taking the egg to the Sage, the chief’s suspicions are confirmed with the egg being that of a Cloudwalker Rathalos which hadn’t been seen within the region in months. Afterwards, the Sage goes on to explain the prophecy of the Raincaller and how all of these recent events appear to be matching that of the legend.

Because of all the erratic behaving Monsters and unpredictable rainfall, the Protagonist is advised to remain in the village until the egg finally hatches just to be safe.

Cue some story missions for the villagers and finally the egg does hatch, revealing a little baby Cloudwalker. Navirou suggests calling him Ratha after two other people he had traveled with in the past who also had Rathalos that ended up doing pawsome things.

More Art and Ideas for my Monster Hunter x Gods of War AU.  AU infodump Nr.2:

-Since Modi and Magni are Brothers they would pick the same or a similar Monstie. That’s why he is now the proud owner of a Stygian Zinogre. 

-His S. Zinogre is called Frœken (Norse for brave) -Modi isn’t really all that good at Monster Hunting on his own, so he is usually hunting with his brother. But together they are incredible, and can get easily any job done. 

-Magni recommended Modi to switch his Mace and Schild for “Despot Thunderclap” a Guitar Axe, to make it easier for Modi to hunt Monsters. At first he wasn’t sure, having been used to hiding behind his Schield, but after he forged it, he immediately fell in love with it. 

-through his new Weapon, Modi discovered a new Hobby as a guitarist. Playing his Axe in the Drinking Halls every now and then.

-His Cat Companion is “Number Two”. Modi’s insecurities often get to him, so he often lashes out at people. Number Two’s Calm and Relaxed personality helps Modi control his anger and Emotions. Number Two therefore often serves as his therapist.

-Whenever He is actually fighting, Number two assists him with his ice powers.

-Modi’s and Magni’s Zinogre usually sleep together.