The Hellboy Multiverse

Here's an awesome collection of Hellboy mashups from Axel Medellin.

Music Monday - I’ll Form The Head

For this Music Monday I thought I’d bring back some Voltron-inspired nerdiness from the past.

Zombie-zilla!

What's more terrifying than a kaiju? Obviously and undead kaiju!

Frederik Hornung

Sharing Is Caring!

 

Source

Kaiju Protests

 My views haven't changed.

Source

 Here's some other anti-Ice art I've shared.

• Iceman
• Cyclops
• Swedish Chef
• Superman
• Batman
• Powerpuff Girls
• Godzilla
• Transformers
• Green Arrow and Black Canary

Kaiju Smackdown

I don't do a lot of anime recommendations, but if you are looking for one with great action and heart, you should definitely check out Kaiju No. 8. Check out this awesome Kafka vs Godzilla promo art released before season 2. It was created by Japanese director, Mahiro Maeda.

If They Keep Making Them…

…I’ll keep sharing them. The artist created it to stand in solidarity with Daniel Warren Johnson.

Music Monday - Abyss

Kaiju No. Eight is a fantastic kaiju series. The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, is an old-timer (he's only 32, but considered ancient by the other heroes in the setting) that gets one last chance to join the Defense Force and join his childhood friend in defending Japan from kaiju. He's able to do this when he gains the ability to assume a kaiju form. 

The opening credits theme by English singer-songwriter, YUNGBLUD, is phenomenal. 

Going Ape On Skull Island

While I recommend supporting small business, especially friendly local game shops, I also admit that sometimes a great deal is a great deal. Right now on Amazon the Kong: Skull Island - A Cinematic Adventure for Everyday Heroes is only 7.99. I've not been shy talking about my love for intelligent and giant apes so I snagged a copy with some Amazon credit I had. This is the only print Everyday Heroes book I have, but I dig it. The book clocks in at 112 pages and six parts.

Here is a breakdown of the book and my thoughts.

Part I focuses on the world of Kong and the Monsterverse. This is an interesting one because while the book focuses on Kong and only includes stats from Kong related projects, it does mention Godzilla and some of the other titans. One thing that definitely stuck out to me was the inclusion of Apex Cybernetics in the book. This is the company that created Mechagodzilla. They definitely feel more like a Godzilla thing than a Kong thing, but I'm fine with them being detailed (even getting npc stats later in the book).  This section is pretty detailed, given the little amount of lore for the setting at the time. Of course, a map of the titular Skull Island is given. 

Part II is all about heroes. There are tips for creating and playing characters in the setting. New backgrounds and professions are given. All of these are connected to Skull Island or the Monsterverse as a whole. Characters can be members of the Iwi tribe or work for Monarch. There are two new classes: Field Researcher and Monster Hunter. Field Research is a smart hero that's more physical based than normal ones. Monster Hunters are a tough hero class that does what the name says. An interesting feature of the class is that they have to encounter species in different ways (beyond just combat) to use their best class abilities against them. Both classes sound pretty fun, to be honest. There are some new feats (mostly related to multiclassing) and equipment (some from the 70's and some from modern times).  

Part III includes new rules. Absolute armor is an interesting idea and plays on Everyday Heroes armor/defense differences to typical 5e. Cinematic actions are ways to make enemies more powerful and are basically Legendary actions. There are new combat conditions and a new "difficulty mode" for the game to make it more dangerous than typical Everyday Heroes games. The most important section discusses Titanic Scale. It's an interesting idea. Essentially it makes kaiju stats comparable to regular ones (and therefore less complicated). Breaking it down, damage is done basically at a 1 to 100 rate. Titanic creatures deal normal damage to each other, but that damage is multiplied by 100 to non-Titans. Because of this epic scale, there's a section on including Titans in encounters without direct combat. 

Part IV is GM advice. This is preobably the shortest. There's a discussion of themes, weather, encounter tables, and a little blurb on how to use Kong.

Part V, the cinematic adventure, is the longest section (39 pages). Set in 2016, shortly after the events of Godzilla, the characters (who should be 3rd level) are a part of a Monarch expedition to Skull Island. In this three act adventure the character have to stop a deadly plot to weaponize the island's unique creatures.

Part VI is the cast section and is full of stat blocks. The stats are divided into different subsections. Supporting Cast includes human npcs, divided by affiliation: Apex Cybernetics, Iwi tribe, and Monarch. This is followed by Superspecies, which includes the (non-Titan) flora and fauna of Skull Island. Titans follow that subsection. As I mentioned the titanic scale of this setting means that the Titans, while powerful, don't have super complicated stat blocks. For example, Adult Kong is the most powerful and is technically only CR 11. Because the titans are the big draw I figured I'd list the ones included:

• Camazotz - this bat-like Titan (Kingdom Kong comic)
• Kong - there are two different Kong stat blocks included, adolescent (Kong: Skull Island) and adult (Godzilla vs. Kong)
• Skull Devil - while a majority of the skullcrawlers are just regular superspecies, the alpha is considered a Titan (Kong: Skull Island)
• Snarehunter Queen - queen of the "singing ants" (heard in Kong: Skull Island, but this book is technically their first appearance)

Key Character stats are included for the main cast of Kong: Skull Island. For the characters that survived the film (which is all mentioned by Bill) a brief description of their actions after the film are included. The final stats in the book are pre-generated 3rd level characters that can be used in the adventure. 

I would have enjoyed more Titans, but I understand that while this is set in the Monsterverse, they aren't the focus of the book. If you'd like to add more Titans to your game the Kaiju from the Pacific Rim Cinematic Adventure would be good. That one also has Jaeger stats, so you can add mechs. There's also the serial numbers filed off The Vault, which includes the rules from the various cinematic adventures divorced from their IP's. 

Not going to recommend this one to everyone but if you love Kaiju, the Monsterverse, or play Everyday Heroes consider picking this one up.

Hijinks of Kaiku Proportions

 Thought I'd share some fun supers vs. kaiju art from Brendan Tobin.

If you want some 5e kaiju content check this out:

• Generic Kaiju
• Godzilla and Kong 
• The Meg
• America Kaiju
• Primerva's Guide to Kaijuborn

Clash With Some Kaiju

Here's another "Let's Play D&D With..." article from Meaghan Colleran of Bell of Lost Souls that pairs nicely with her Let's Play D&D With Godzilla and Kong article. The stat block below is a generic Pacific Rim-style Kaiju.

Beware My Power...

I've decided I want to start statting out the various Lantern Corps for 5e. My plan is to devote a week to each Lantern Corps. The plan is to stat a generic recruit, generic veteran, and then at least one named member of the Corps. After going through the emotional spectrum I'll then try to highlight a few of the more obscure Corps. Going to give myself a week to come brainstorm and come up with some stuff, so I'll probably start it the week of the 17th.

The pic below is from JUSTICE LEAGUE VS GODZILLA VS KONG #7 and was chosen because it's badass and I knew it would get attention. If you have want to add Titan/Kaiju goodness to your 5e game you can check out this post.

Music Monday - Godzilla vs Kong

Friday a new Epic Rap Battle of History dropped, this time feature the two supreme titans, Godzilla and Kong.

If you want to add some titan/kaiju content to your 5e games check out the following posts:

• Godzilla and King Kong stats
• The Meg stats
• Primerva's Guide to Kaijuborn - new race and class options for those touched by kaiju
• American Kaiju stats - created by yours truly

Let's Play D&D With Horror Icons (And A Few Oddballs)

Source

I often share Meaghan Colleran's "Let's Play D&D With _____" monster stat blocks. Recently she shared one that is a master post to several of these articles. I wanted to share it and some posts to other 5e monsters she's created. 

• Generic Slasher
• Leatherface
• Pinhead and Lament Configuration
• Ghostface
• Samara
• Pennywise
• Sanderson Sisters
• Weeping Angel
• Dalek
• Predator
• Lady Dimitrescu
• Dimitrescu Daughter
• Zombie Shark (With Legs)
• The Meg

Also going to give a plug to Limitless Adventures' 80's Horror: Tunnel of Terror which is a fun toolkit that allows you to play modern 5e horror. 

Let Them Fight!

While looking at more Let's Play articles on Bell of Lost Souls I found one that contains stats for Godzilla and Kong. The stats are ridiculous (as they should be) and the author was inspired by the Tarrasque and wyrm level dragons (which is what I used to base my American Kaiju stats off of). I like them, though I think Kong's challenge level should be lowered because he is weaker than Godzilla. I also wish he had his axe from the movie, but I think the stats came out before Godzilla vs. Kong came out.

Remember if you want more Kaiju content you can add the Kaijuborn to your game. You could also add the Meg.

K

You're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

I loved The Meg. I thought it was a fun flick and despite bad reviews, I'm looking forward to Meg 2: The Trench. Meaghan Colleran from Bell of Lost Souls has done a great write-up of the kaiju-sized shark for 5e in this post. I really appreciate that she describes why its statted the way it is. 

If you want more kaiju-sized content, check out this post about the upcoming MonsterVerse vs JL crossover.

DC vs MonsterVerse and the Kaijuborn

While I might not be quite as excited as Tim is (check out this post), I'm pretty stoked for Godzilla vs Kong vs Justice League. The League have a history in fighting kaiju. You could argue that they initially came together to fight one (Starro). You also have Titano the Super Ape, Chemo, and the Center. Also not that I consider them kaiju, but you also have Giganta and Atom Smasher, which are kaiju adjacent.

I wanted to tie this in to gaming. While I tend to like the Carbide City approach to 5e supers, you can also make supers from scratch using traditional races and classes and leveling up. So what do you do if you want to include some kaiju related content to your 5e supers game? You check out the homebrew pdf Primerva's Guide to Kaijuborn. This free 17 page pdf is full of content. The primary focus is the titular Kaijuborn race. These hulking creatures are (barely) medium humanoid and monstrosities. They all have natural armor and an energy weapon. We are then given a massive 18 subraces. Each is tied to one of the following kaiju:

• Anguirus
• Baragon
• Battra
• Biollante
• Caesar
• Destroyah
• Gamera
  
• Ghidorah
• Gigan
• Godzilla
• Hedorah
• Kong
• Kumonga
• Mothra
• Mechagodzilla
• MUTO
• Rodan
• SpaceGodzilla

This is followed by three subclasses. The Barbarian Path of Titan lets you channel a kaiju into your rage. You become a destructive force of nature and grow in size when you rage. The Paladin Oath of the Monster King focuses on balance, destruction, and dominance. These warriors show others their place in nature through force. This one is obviously Godzilla themed. Finally Warlock's receive a new Otherworldly Patron: King Ghidorah. They channel the power of the tyrant to control lesser beings and unleash savage lightning. There are eight new Warlock Invocations. Finally the pdf includes ten new feats. All can be taken by kaijuborn, though at least one can be taken by anyone with Natural Armor. Some are tied to specifical subraces and others to the race as a whole.

I'm not 100% how balanced all of this content is, but I can tell you it's cool as Hell and a great way to include kaiju in your games.  Also remember if you want some crazy 5e kaiju action you should really check out Escape From Skullcano Island.

Wrestlers vs. Kaiju!

Presented without comment.

 

Super Sentai Saturday - Godzilla vs. Power Rangers

I've not read the Boom Studios miniseries that focuses on this conflict, but that doesn't mean I can't get behind. Apparently Matt Sandbrook feels the same way based on this piece.

A True American... Kaiju?

I originally made this post for Independence Day, but I decided against posting it then. I'm not the patriotic sort in the best of times, but definitely not at the moment. 

That doesn't mean I can't appreciate the occasional stupid patriotic thing. Though to be fair, there's no way this character wasn't created as a parody/critique. American Kaiju, yes that's his real codename, is an actual Marvel character. While I don't have his technical debut, I do have have first full issue appearance. 

Code Name: American Kaiju

Real Name: Todd Ziller

Team Affiliations: US Government, S.H.I.E.L.D., Weapon Plus

Gargantuan Monstrosity (Kaiju, Gamma) , Lawful Neutral

Armor Class: 22 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 300 

Speed: 60 ft.

Challenge: 17 (18,000 XP)

Str 30 (+10) Dex 10 (+0) Con 30 (+10) Int 8 (-1) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 4 (-3)

Saving Throws: Str +18, Con +18

Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Condition Immunities: Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Petrified, Stunned

Senses: Perception 10

Languages: English

Traits

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If American Kaiju fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Siege Monster: American Kaiju does double damage to objects and structures.

Regeneration: American Kaiju regains 10 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point remaining.

Reptilian Telepathy: American Kaiju can telepathically communicate with all reptilian life within a two mile distance.

Actions

Mutliattack: American Kaiju can use his Frightful Presence. He then makes four attacks: one with his bite, two with his claws, and one with his tail.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack. +18 to hit, reach 10 ft, one target, Hit: 36 (4d12+10) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 20). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and American Kaiju can't bite another target.

Claw: Melee Weapon Attack. +18 to hit, reach 15 ft, one target, Hit: 28 (4d8+10) slashing damage.

Tail: Melee Weapon Attack. +18 to hit, reach 20 ft, one target, Hit: 24 (4d6+10) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed a DC 20 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Frightful Presence: Each creature of American Kaiju's choice within 120 feet of it and aware of it must succeed a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeated the saving throw at the end of each of it turns, with disadvantage if American Kaiju is within line of sight, ending the effect on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to American Kaiju's frightful presence for the next 24  hours.

Swallow: American Kaiju makes one bite attack against a Large or smaller creature it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target takes the bite’s damage, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends. While swallowed, the creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside American Kaiju, and it takes 56 (16d6) acid damage at the start of each of American Kaiju’s turns.

If American Kaiju takes 60 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, American Kaiju must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a space within 10 feet of American Kaiju. If American Kaiju dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 30 feet of movement, exiting prone.

Legendary Actions

American Kaiju can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from one of the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. American Kaiju regains spent actions at the start of each of its turn.

Attack: American Kaiju makes one claw attack or tail attack.

Move: American Kaiju moves up to half of his speed.

Chomp (Costs 2 Actions). American Kaiju makes one bite attack or uses its Swallow.

Background

Todd Ziller was a corporal in the US army and the subject of Project: Troubleshooter, an attempt to recreate Dr. Erskine's Super-Soldier Serum. Because the formula was mostly lost, the scientists took a kitchen sink approach and filled in the gaps with Gamma enhancements, Pym Particles, Mutant Growth Hormone, and the Connors Formula. This turned the loyal soldier into a giant Godzilla-like reptile. Given the code name American Kaiju, Ziller is now a patriotic force of destruction. He's used sparingly because of the all of the collateral damage he tends to cause.