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"Dragons & Monsters" Update: List of monsters

Title says it all, but for nearly a year now, I've been revisiting one of my shelved fics; Dragons & Monsters — Game of Thrones crossover AU with Godzilla. Being a Canon Divergence, the story splinters off from the end of season four, before really diverging from the end of season six.

Dragons & Monsters story covers what would happen when Westeros has monsters on their hands during the war between Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister, as well as the looming threat of the Long Night.

While I am unlikely to write a full story, I am working on several docs for a timeline covering the history and lore of this AU — which will include an updated scriptment for what the full story would have been. So far, the doc is over two hours long!

And with House of The Dragon season two, I have been expanding Dance-era lore for this AU. So I decided to share a list and descriptions I have in mind for this timeline as a preview.

— — — —

1. Gojira/Godzilla I: Named after a legendary sea dragon in myths pertaining to the Long Night — and is quite possibly that exact monster —Gojira's current claim to fame is bringing about the Doom of Valyria. Because of atrocities and abominations committed by Old Valyria, Gojira's habitat was destroyed, along with his kin and congregation. As recompense, Gojira went on a rampage that razed Valyria, and spent the next century tracking down and picking off the survivors where they fled.

Thought to be the last of his kind, Gojira reaches Westeros either during or shortly after Aegon's conquest. Soon after, Gojira was slain by an expedition led by Aegon beyond the Wall. The story goes that Gojira was destroyed by a mysterious creation by Daisuke Waters, a Maester/rumored sorcerer of Valyrian and Yi Ti descent. After Gojira's death, Daisuke killed himself after destroying all his research of his creation, believing it too dangerous for mankind to have. Gojira's current resting spot is at the bottom of a frozen lake in the Land of Always Winter.

2. Godzilla II: Another of Gojira's species, and considered his surviving offspring; serving as the Godzilla of the Dragons & Monsters outline. Unlike his vengeful and hateful father, Godzilla II was ambivalent and aloof towards mankind; rarely intentionally attacking humans, save for defence or retaliation. He first appeared in Westeros in 112 AC, along with numerous monsters over the years, before departing after the Dance of the Dragons.

However, these encounters were muddled in hearsay and rumors, and not properly documented by the Citadel; in part because some of the stories told were considered too absurd to be part of a serious historical record — especially the “nonsense” about a flying, fire breathing turtle that appeared during the Dance.

Centuries following his departure, Godzilla returned in the year 301 AC, making landfall in King's Landing; just before the trial of Cersei Lannister by the faith militant. It is soon discovered that he arrived in response to something else...

3. The Hatchling: A juvenile of Godzilla's species, and a survivor of a destroyed nest, born from a submerged egg just in the sea off of Eastwatch. Dormant for centuries, upon hatching in 300 AC, the infant made landfall, soon appearing during — and disrupting — the Battle of Castle Back. The Hatchling quickly breaches the Wall, and spends about a year wandering the North, initially considered a nuisance by the people and a frequent hunting target of Ramsay Bolton — despite their weapons doing little serious damage to the infant.

After encounters with the Stark family, the Hatchling is normally docile towards people. However, he gradually begins to attack in self defense. especially as he grows and matures over time. In fact, there are worries that the Hatchling may outgrow his attachment towards humans. Besides Godzilla II, the Hatchling's presence draws the attention of other monsters in Westeros.

4. Ghidorah: Also known as the “God of the Void”, Ghidorah was worshiped as the god of Old Valyria before their pantheon became the dominant religion. Being the Greater Scope Villain of this setting, Ghidorah was first alluded to in Empire of the Dawn myths; implicitly tied to the “black rock” worshiped by the Bloodstone Emperor. After the Long Night, the founders of Old Valyria uncovered Ghidorah's remains. Despite being “dead”, Ghidorah's body constantly healed and restored itself; feasting on his flesh and blood granted the Valyrians “revelations”.

It is through Ghidorah, that the Valyrians were able to practice blood magic and other abominations. Through this Ghidorah was not only the progenitor of their dragons, but was tied to the dragon lords by putting Ghidorah's blood into their genome. Despite being obscured over the centuries, Ghidorah was the ultimate source of Valyria's power, which lived on through its people.

Even their present descendants — including Jon and Daenerys — have unwitting ties to Ghidorah's lingering spirit. Some fanatics believe that the Long Night will herald the return of Ghidorah in his full form. And these fanatics don't mind bringing it about themselves.

5. Baragon and Varan: Two reptilian monsters that appear in Westeros in 301 AC, alongside Godzilla II. Their origins are unclear, but it's assumed they are among the last of their respective species from the World Below. With greater threats on the horizon, Varan and Baragon serve as the initial monster antagonists in the Dragons & Monsters plotline. Driven by animalistic instinct, the two invade Westeros in response to the Hatchling's presence in the North, acting as predators.

Taking parts of Westeros as their territory, Varan claims the Westerlands, while Baragon claims the Reach. Both monsters regularly attack the smallfolk and occupying armies, causing turmoil in the south; especially during Daenerys' and Cersei's war. Both monsters aim to reach the North in search of the Hatchling, putting them on Godzilla's warpath...along with six of the seven kingdoms.

6. Anguirus: A monster that first appeared in Westeros following Aegon's conquest. For centuries, Anguirus slumbered beyond the Wall, not far off from the Three Eyed Raven's cave. In the story outline for Dragons & Monsters, Anguirus first encounters Bran, Meera and Hodor during their stay at the Raven's cave. As the Raven, Brynden Rivers kept Anguirus asleep through warging with him on a regular basis.

While Anguirus shows no immediate aggression towards humans, it's unclear if he's naturally docile or if Rivers ended up taming him through warging. However, Anguirus will go on the defensive if provoked. During an altered version of The Door, Anguirus awakens to fight off the Army of the Dead as they attack the Raven's cave, soon becoming overwhelmed, and fleeing southwards. Anguirus would then wander into Westeros being a regular presence when the Long Night approaches. After initial hostilities with Godzilla II, the two monsters develop something like a kinship the following year.

7. Mothra: Formerly known as “Mosura”, a “Mother Spirit” worshipped across different cultures, but was most prominent in the Infant Islands off of Essos. She is seen as a benevolent nature deity, or an angel-like being, represented by butterfly or moth iconography. Some believe she is associated with the Maiden Made of Light of Empire of the Dawn myths.

Due to Valyrian colonization of the Infant Islands, her religion is considered extinct in Essos; her temples were burned, her people enslaved; image replaced with that of a three-headed dragon. Though some surviving fringes of her followers may be found in Naath. In Dragons & Monsters, Missandei brings up Mothra in discussions of benevolent titans — but she herself is unsure if Mothra actually exists — as well when she talks about returning to Naath.

— — — —

The next part of the list is monsters considered for this timeline; including other monsters that may have attacked Westeros during "The Dance" era.

They're either not set in stone, still in the "idea" stage, or I can't talk too much of them without going too far into spoilers. Hence why their descriptions are more vague.

1. Zilla: Following the Doom of Valyria, the remains of dragons and theirresidual cursed blood polluted many of their shores and bays. Marine iguanas regularly nest on these shores, and mutate as a result of centuries of exposure. These mutations include the iguanas growing to the size of Komodo dragons or crocodilians; developing draconic traits, and carnivorism — luckily for observing humans, their preference is fish. However, there soon came a specimen with more drastic mutations.

This creature mutated into something vaguely like Godzilla. In fact, many initially thought it was Godzilla. The creature made landfall in Meereen, were it was reportedly killed with Wildfire — albeit at the expense of exhausting military manpower and resources. It was soon discovered the creature asexually reproduced, spawning hundreds of eggs in the city. While considerably weaker than most monsters, this breeding aspect is what makes this creature and its spawn such a threat.

2. The Great Apes: Besides Skull Island being located in the Summer Sea, along with Basilisk Isles, tales were widespread further south; spanning from the Zamoyos river, and especially the Green Hell. Pirates, slave traders and such often hear or share stories of these lands and their wildlife. They would describe the “lesser dragons” (dinosaurs) along with numerous fantastic species; the most dreadful of them being the “lizards snakes” (Skullcrawlers). Most prominently, the Great Apes; with different accounts of how big they actually are. Though they may refer to different species of these apes.

It is said many of these apes had this bond with their human charges, while others were tyrant “gods” towards them. At the time of Dragons & Monsters, no one seriously buys into their existence...at least until an army of these apes are said to have reached Essos. These apes were war-hawks, living alongside the people of Essos and ostensibly protecting them from the growing presence of other monsters, such as the growing Zilla species. Later, it would seem these apes were domesticating or enslaving these creatures — including the “snake lizards” — in the same way mankind uses animals for war and labour.

3. Shimo: A legendary Ice Dragon in myths and folklore of the First Men, thought off as being worshiped by the Children of the Forest. She is said to be the source of their power, much like Ghidorah with the Valyrians. In fact the way Shimo is revered could be compared/contrasted with the Valyrians worship of Ghidorah. During their stay in the Raven’s cave, Bran and Meera see Shimo's image among the paintings and carvings. Meera notes a resemblance to an ice dragon illustration she uncovered at Greywater Rush, claiming that the tale of the Ice Dragon is a children’s story that is especially popular with Northern girls.

In a rare moment of wonder following her brother's death, Meera remarks she’d like to see this Ice Dragon, if she still exists. Leaf ominously warns Meera that she wouldn’t. According to Leaf, Shimo was a benign if not benevolent creature, before turning on the Children of the Forest as a “punishment” for reasons they keep vague and refuse to elaborate. Because of this, in the present day, the Children of the Forest no longer call upon Shimo.

4. Biollante: A creature said to have emerged following Ghidorah's appearance in Westeros, and nicknamed “The Monster of Tyrell”. The story goes she was born from ashes of a deceased Tyrell Lady or Queen, and the blood of her living kin, from which roses grew; what was supposed to be a symbolic ritual, keeping the latter’s spirit with her family. But it is said Godzilla's blood in that soil tainted these roses, thus giving the ritual an actual source of power. From these roses, a monstrosity was created. One can say, she brought a whole new meaning to “Growing Strong”.

Despite her frightening appearance, she is seen as a normally benign monster. She is described as recognizing, showing affection and protecting those she knew and loved in life; while being wrathful to those she hated. However, her protective streak is said to involve “spreading” across Westeros to combat other invading monsters, putting them on a warpath against her. Centuries after the fact, a sigil tapestry of her fighting both Ghidorah and Godzilla is uncovered in what was once Highgarden.

5. Rodan I and II: a mating pair of “fire-birds” with a nest in the Red Mountain, named after a Fire Dragon of southern folklore. First appearing in 115 AC, they'd attack villages and settlements throughout the Crownlands and Drone. When the Crown looked into the matter, they discovered four eggs in the nest. Attacking the Rodans directly was impractical, with them being roughly twice the size of Balerion. And destroying their eggs is easier said than done due to the shells being covered in volcanic rock-like casing.

Instead, they opted to lure the parents away; dragon-riders would steal each of these eggs, and transport them to isolated corners of Westeros, in hopes of drawing the parents to the re-emerged Godzilla II. The plan was to get the three monsters to kill the other. However it was discovered the Rodan attacks were the result of them hunting something else…

6. Meganulon: Dragonfly-like larvae, which were around the size of horses, and preyed on isolated villages throughout the Crownlands during 115/116 AC; in turn they were preyed on by the Rodans. The Crown considered the Meganuon a lesser priority since they could be dealt with by armed men, and focused their efforts on the Rodan pair. Two were captured and brought to the Citadel for study, where they soon grew into the elephant-sized Meganula, which created a nest in Oldtown. Without the Rodans' predation to thin them out, they continued to breed.

The nest soon gave rise to their hive-queen, Megaguirus — apparently nicknamed “The Queen Bitch” — which grew between the size of Vhagar or Balerion. They began to spread across the south, abducting thousands across Westeros to their nest to be stored as food. Following an attack on King's Landing, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Queen Alicent Hightower were also abducted; if the dates are any indication, Aemond Targaryen may have been born during Alicent’s captivity. The nest and hive queen were destroyed by other monsters, and the Crown’s armies, marking the first time Godzilla II ostensibly fought for the realm.

7. Also appearing in 115 AC, was a pair of “sea dragons”, that were considered a different but closely related species to Godzilla. Unlike the mating Rodans, this pair was a parent and offspring. The adult is recognized as Ogra of Ironborn folklore. Ogra is said to have fought and killed the sea serpent Nagga, before later stories credited the Grey King. In 115 AC, she and her offspring were awakened and separated by an underwater volcanic eruption.

The infant itself ended up in the Step Stones, where it was captured by the Triarchy, who intended to tame and weaponize it. Despite their obvious differences — such as their size — the Triarchy mistook the infant for Godzilla II, and gave it the Myrish name for “Gojira”; that being Gorgo. Described as pretty docile, preferring to flee than fight, Gorgo escaped his captors when Godzilla II made landfall on the Stepstones, but was soon recaptured by the Crown.

In 116 AC, Ogra made landfall in the Iron Islands, beginning a warpath across the Westerlands and Crownlands. With Godzilla II also on the move, the Crown intended to use Gorgo to lure Godzilla and Ogra in hopes they'd kill each other. During this confrontation, a distressed Gorgo broke loose and ran amok on Kings Landing.

8. The Gryphon: A monster said to be born from a comet that fell from the stars and into the Bay of Ice in 129 AC. It lay dormant for some time, before a substance from that rock began feeding and mutating a cave of bats. It would go on to consume and assimilate numerous animals and people to build a definitive body for itself, becoming another adversary to Godzilla.

Survivors infected by its essence would claim that the Gryphon wasn't a natural animal, but a “Doomsday Beast” — a living weapon created by an empire in “a galaxy far, far away” that was looking to colonize their world. And may still aim to do so with the Gryphon's death. Centuries after the fact, no one takes this “future warning” seriously.

9. Gamera and Gyaos: Allegedly appearing during the Dance of the Dragons, the Citadel omitted them from historical records. However, they were written about in Essos, as part of “Empire of the Dawn” myths. Rather than being natural monsters, Gamera and Gyaos were said to be creations of the Empire to protect humanity from the Titans; to fight monsters, they created monsters of their own. Gyaos are considered something like predecessors to Valyrian dragons, but became ravenous as their breeding escalated, and their food supply depleted. The “guardian” (Gamera) was created as a countermeasure.

During the Dance, he is said to first appear when Gyaos eggs were uncovered and hatched after being mistaken for dragon eggs. Little is written down, but what's vaguely described includes clashes with Godzilla II; battles between dragons and the smaller Gyaos; a supreme Gyaos being mentioned, as well as a being called Irys. It is also indicated that Gamera had some connection with Aegon III and/or Jaehaera Targaryen.

These were omitted from the history books, being deemed too outlandish and nonsensical for a real historical account.

10. Bagan: A monster mentioned in both myths of Old Valyria and the Empire of the Dawn, Bagan is vaguely described as a “demonic dragon-god”. His monikers include the God of Darkness or the Bloodstone Dragon. Supposedly, Bagan also appeared during the Dance, having been awakened by the Red Sowing and the Blacks attempts to breed more dragons.

As with other monsters, Bagan is kept out of the history books. Some because Bagan’s name is synonymous with “Devil”, speaking of him is a curse or invocation, so the Maesters wrote him out of Fire & Blood. Others believe that, like with Gamera and Gyaos, these accounts were just too ridiculous to be considered historical fact.

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