Our contest asking you to create a monster for Monster Hunter is over, and we've chosen the winners. There was hundreds of great ideas submitted from fans all over the world, making it extremely hard to choose just three winners... So instead, we narrowed it down to six, which was still a difficult task since there were so many really good concepts. Below is just a small taste of the creativity and imagination that was submitted. (Also, this post is a bit lengthy since everyone paid very close attention to detail, so be sure to hit the more button and check out the art for each monster.)

Rafael Françoi - The Great Woullank

Also known as "Wuuru Ranka", it was believed that these creatures exist only in tales of the elders. Not long ago, the guild received notes about the appearances of creatures very similar to the Woullanks in the Rainforest. A group of investigators was sent to check the veracity of these reports, but only two of them returned from this quest. The information that they brought with were very important to help us understand more these creatures.

1. Physical characteristics: The appearance of Woullanks is very similar to those of pseudo-wyverns, with four legs (the two fronts are larger than the back), a long tail, and no wings. Its body is covered with leaf-like scales and fur with color ranging from green to gray/white.

Woullanks eyes are yellow colored with pupil in an elliptical in the vertical direction, having a third eye in its forehead (only developed by adult specimens) that remains closed most of the time (it is assumed that serves to mesmerize or stun their prey). Its claws are very sharp and strong, but their primary weapon is the teeth, that are perfect to hold their prey and afflicting them.

The Woullanks size varies greatly, can measure anywhere from 2 to 7 meters from nose to the tail, which itself accounts for approximately half of overall body length.

2. Behavior  - 2.1. Social structure: Woullanks lives in packs which only a couple leads the group, usually composed of other smaller or younger ones. Lone Woullanks are very rare, typically very old specimens or young adults searching for a new pack.

2.2. Hunting tactics: The Woullanks are always searching for prey. Their hunts are independent from speed or the element of surprise, even having scales that provides good camouflage in the forest.

Woullanks are built for stamina, high resistance and a good capacity of regeneration, so the hunting may last days or even weeks. The younger usually fed up of herbivores, fish, and also of species of smaller wyverns, but the older prefer larger prey (Bulldromes are one of the main dishes).

The howl is their primary way to communicate with each other and marking territory, also in the hunts it may be used to intimidate the prey, control hunting, ask for help, calling other members. They usually explore all its available resources at the time of hunting, being often successful. The third eye is the key of victory for those who have developed.

2.3. Body language: The mood of a Woullank can be easily identified by watching its moves and expressions:

Rage: Its ears are erect, the teeth becomes exposed and it may also arch its back, lash out, or snarl.

Defensive: A defensive Woullank flattens its ears against its head.

Tension: An aroused Woullank's tail points straight out, and the Woullank may crouch as if ready to spring.

Hunting: A Woullank that is hunting is tensed, and therefore the tail is horizontal and straight.

3. Materials: So far no weapon or armor was created with the materials of a Woullank, but it is presumed that these materials have properties of regeneration, camouflage, intimidation, increase of stamina or even more.

4. Oddities: There are reports of Woullanks being able to to perform electric shocks just like Khezu, but it was not confirmed. When young, the color of their fur may ranging from green to orange/brown instead of gray/white. For some inexplicable reason, this creature can be lured by water melons.

 

Googly Eyed Mallard - The Umna Symbiotaur

Description; Enormous mechanical pentapod, first discovered on a patrol of the coastal borders by travelling merchants. These foreign invaders are far and few between, indicating a failed operation on the behalf of their very advanced creators, most likely due to the territorial efforts of some of our larger fauna. Their initial appearance during the traditional Rathae mating season adds support for this theory.

The four legs and single support structure of the apparently unmanned Umna Symbiotaur fall under the control of what appears to be a very large monster brain, which finds itself connected to many makeshift cannon systems within the upper ‘deck’ of the beast, carved from the shell of what seems to be a slender strain of Gravios. The connections themselves are plant-based, combined with an extremely dense metal compound. Due to the organic, predatorial nature of its operation, classification of the weapon has fallen under ‘Monster’.

The brain is kept alive via an external electricity attraction system, and has the capacity for at least three weeks of solid power. Usually gleaned from the body of defeated Khezu, and in extreme cases chance lightning strikes during our coastal storms. Khezu materials, namely the very potent Khezu Sealant ensure an extremely strong hide, dense artificial fibre and an unknown metal making up said hide.

The legs boast two ‘drill’ like apparatus each, likely used for faster travel over less erratic terrain and for their apparent masonry piercing capabilities. The one support apparatus located at the back finds itself under the shadow of numerous suspended ‘trophies’, and is used to achieve a pseudo gallop movement to ensure maximum velocity when using the limbs for transport/charging. A single tri-cannon resides beneath the front-body, bearing design similar to our heavier bow guns.

inally, the decorations adorning the behemoth, the fierce design painted on the central face plates, human trophies and tropical foliage above the ‘deck’ indicate a civilization of duality, one that despite it’s great technological ability maintains a strong connection to it’s apparent deep, tribal roots.

At this time, only one has been successfully taken down completely, hopefully the weapons and armour gleaned from this mechanical marvel can ensure a steady stream of specimens. Our people stand to learn a great deal from them, perhaps to a degree more essential than we realize.

Environment- The Umna Symbiotaur is typically found within the cave-strewn regions of the swamp and jungle, prowling the murky catacombs in search of its main ‘prey’, the Khezu. Lately it has been sighted a few miles beyond the borders of several towns in different regions, indicating a return to its original task. From the condition and materials of the single specimen in our possession, it appears to have come from a very humid, tropical climate. Perhaps with vast volcanic regions, providing the foundation for its main Gravios Shell battery. Other details about its original environment are unknown, but its versatility in our lands demonstrate an adaptive design, the one exception being the more extreme climbs of mountain region, likely due to an intolerance both in machine and ‘mind’ to the harsh cold.

Offensive Maneuvers-

Leg Swipe: The two forelimbs are used to batter an opponent, use of the grinding drill apparatus is often made. A well placed shield will typically keep the target safe.

Under-Volley: The cannon situated on the under belly fires off a concentrated round of ignited tar, taken from the volcanic regions. Like the clumsy Gravios’ fire stream, leaving the attack path ensures hunter safety.

Over-Volley: Several cannons on the massive shell battery release a round each, typical ammunition consists of discarded shells, left by fleeing gunners. A wise hunter would take advantage of the scattered impact range of this attack, choosing to maintain a safe distance from the cannon fire to ensure maximum evasion potential.

Flash Check: The machine rises up on the support apparatus, revealing a large light-crystal, similar to that of a Gypceros crest. The crystal then releases a wave of blinding light in an attempt to disorient foes and potential prey. Traditional defences such as a shield-block or adequate distance away from the beast are enough to render this attack null and void.

Galloping Charge: Utilizing the propelling capabilities of its hind-limb, the Umna Symbiotaur will dash forward and trample any unwitting enemy unlucky enough to get caught in its path. The machine will typically attempt to mimic a loud roar, coupled with raising the main body before using this attack, keep a sharp vigil.

Electrical Discharge: If the situation calls for it, in the last remnants of life for example, the electricity stores in the machine will be released around its main body, possibly learned from the Khezu it stalks so frequently. Hunters versed in the ways of the cave dwelling wyvern should find themselves well prepared for this attack.

Weapons/Armour made from Umna Symbiotaur materials boast a strong thunder element, and provide excellent resistance to electrical attacks.

 

Kaiser-Blade - Leo Visioth

It is called the Leo Visioth it is an elder dragon, the design is a mixture of shark and serpent traits but it also has two large wing-like fins which are used for swimming and a long black mane.  It resides in the largest tower of an ancient submerged city, and the top of the tower (which pokes out of the water) is accessible only by boats and ships. It tends to rest in the lower levels of the tower which means that a hunter must be prepared to stay underwater for a long time. It is able to travel to the top of the tower and out of the water but only to shed its skin.

The Leo Visioth's senses are very sharp; it's hearing and smelling in particular. Only its eyesight is relatively poor, it has a special thick white membrane that can slide over the eyes to protect them, especially when it leaves the water. Hunters can take advantage of these senses; by throwing a dung bomb will overpower its sense of smell and it will no longer be able to track you if you sneak quietly but this only works on land, throwing a sonic bomb works both on land and in the water and will shock the beast to open its eyes for a period of time. When it opens its eyes flash bombs can be used this will stun the monster for a long period of time.

When a weapon with thunder or fire attribute is used on its skin it will start to scar and weaken, this means that weapons won't bounce off as the used to and is the only way to remove the tail once weakened. However the Visioth has a counter for this, it will shed its skin by going to the surface and rubbing itself on a sharp rock. Shedding its skin recovers some of the lost HP and heals scars and any damage done to its tail, its new skin is soft for about a minute but after that it will get very hard and even very sharp weapons will start to bounce off it. When it's shedding its skin shocking it with sonic bombs will halt the process for a short while but if a flash bomb is used as well it will stop shedding immediately and try to escape into the water. The only way to remove the tail is if the skin isn't shed completely, if it is then a new tail will grow to replace it (which takes a few minutes) but the old tail will become damaged and rendered useless

The visioth has a range of power full moves, its main weapon is its tail and it will use it both on land and in the water, once hit by the tail you'll become poisoned and your health will be sapped. Another of its arsenal is its venom, if it bites you or spits at you (if you are on land) then its venom will obscure the hunter's vision for a period of time, during this time every thing is blurred and you will start to stumble onto the floor a lot. A herbal medicine has to be used to remedy these symptoms.

The Visioth actively hunts large fish and creatures that live in the ocean, when hunting it will poison large prey with its tail to subdue it and then moves in for the kill. It often encounters other sea dwelling beasts such as the lagiacrus and plesioth and usually ends in a fight for territory. As it ages the mane will start to turn a sandy yellow colour, as well as having a longer broader tail.

 

PJ - Alligator Snapping Turtle

This is a monster that is based off an alligator snapping turtle mostly because there is a ton of really cool armor and weapons you can make from it.

Physical Description: An Elder Dragon, large tortoise head with extra spikes mannerisms of a tigrex or nargacuga but a little slower and slightly shorter limbs. Same build as tigrex or akantor with wings but closer to akantor in size. Large spikey shell with some damage from previous hunters. Thick arms and legs, similar to an actual tortoise. Very armored skin and shell even the sharpest weapons bounce off.

Attacks: Slow charge but faster than akantor. A khezu like neck stretch biting attack. Akantor like body slam or daimyo like jump slam. Plesioth like water spray from land or water. Lots of powerful slam and bite moves. Can pull its legs in and swivel on its chest plate for very fast turns.

Other: Habitat is any forest or jungle level with water, can be land or aquatic. Can burrow in the ground and hide out lke a basarios or change areas like a monoblos/diablos/plesioth. Can block all damage by pulling all limbs inside shell. Super strong crushing jaw. Never before seen because it blends in so well and harder to detect like chameleos. Just as annoying to fight as chameleos.

 

Phil - Acideioth

"It was a peaceful scene. I sat there, eating a bit of my freshly cooked Bullfango steak, enjoying the fireflies as they danced across the dark pool of water I set up camp next to. A small mosswine herd had taken refuge near the lake with me, away from all the toxin seepage that usually covers the swamp at night. That's when IT came, whatever it was. I didn't get a good look at it, but it was fast, and it was huge. It silently crept up to the shore and without any warning, lunged out of the water, grabbed the nearest mosswine and disappeared back into the still, silent water. I promptly moved camp after that. What happened to me? Nothing, but I'm just glad it didn't try to grab me." ~ Jordan Misaunga, a very lucky hunter.

Acideioth is rare species, newly discovered by the Guild. It makes its home deep in the fetid, murky waters of the swamps. It rarely comes ashore, and as such it is hardly ever seen. Because it is so rare, little study has been done on it, and so, while it likely falls into another category (perhaps sea serpent?), it is considered an Elder Dragon by most prominent Guild members. It spends most of its time waiting near the shore of swamp lakes, simply waiting for prey to walk by so it can lunge out with lightning speed to grab it. They have large territories, so it's rare to find more then one within several miles of each other unless it's mating season. The one time it's been noted that Acideioth come ashore is to lay their eggs, which they usually burry under the peat and moss of the boggy ground to insulate them.

Appearance: Acideioth resembles a cross between a squid and a large, aquatic snake such as an anaconda. Its main feature is that is has three tentacles surrounding its beak-like jaws, each one having rows of spikes that can deliver a potent venom and a single long bard sticking out of the front of each tentacle. Its body is long and usually submerged, and it has a huge, strong tail split about halfway down its length to form two powerful whips tipped with poisonous stingers. It doesn't have wings, but rather moves mostly by swimming, using its tails for propulsion. When on land, it slithers along on its snake-like body. Its back is dark grey in color, and it slowly lights to a grayish brown towards the beast's stomach. Much of its body is covered with small, grey spikes, especially along its back. Acideioth's length is between 2800 and 4200, and it height is only about that of a Bulldrome, except its head which is a bit thicker then the rest.

Combat: Assuming that this is in a Monster Hunter Tri-ish sort of game, where underwater combat is possible, then it's spends most of the fight underwater, but will come on land to attack hunters if they stay to close to the water. Acideioth's acid attacks all deal non-elemental damage (unless acid is made into an element. It's tentacle barbs are breakable (a single break gets all three) and so is it's tail, and because it has two tails each can be cut individually (each grants 1 carve).

Underwater Attacks: Swimming Tackle - Acideioth swims toward a hunter and hits them, then continues swimming past them for a while (similar to most wyvern's charge attacks). Deals medium damage.

Tail Whip - Acideioth rears back, exposing it stomach and then whipping its tail up towards its face, forcing players to watch out for attacks from below. Note, both tails come up at the same time, but each has its own hit area. Getting hit by the end of the tail delivers a poison that reduces a hunter's attack by 10 x his weapons damage multiplier (-48 for Greatswords / longswords, -52 for Hammers / Hunting Horns, -23 for Lance / Gunlance, -14 for Sword and Shield / Dual Swords, -12 for Bowguns / Bows). Deals heavy damage.

Bite - Acideioth opens its four hinged jaw wide, swims towards the target hunter if necessary then chomps down. Deals medium damage, touching it while it swims forward does light damage. It has a 25% chance of causing the Poison status.

Acidic Ink - This attack is rare, but devastating. Acideioth does a swimming back flip and then opens its mouth and a cloud of black ink fills the water. It does not deal damage normally, but rather any hunter who swims through it quickly loses health as if standing to close to lava in the volcano zone. It dissipates after a couple seconds.

Swimming Spiral (Up) - Acideioth points its head towards the surface and swims in a tight spiral pattern up, dealing light damage to anyone it touches on its way up.

Swimming Spiral (Down) - Acideioth point's its head down, and then dives down in a tight spiral pattern, dealing light damage to anyone it touches while moving.

Land Attacks: Slither Tackle - Almost exactly like Plesioth's slither attack. Acideioth rears its head up, lets out a little growl and then drops down and slithers forward, dealing light damage to anyone it touches. 

Tentacle Grab - Acideioth flails it's tentacles around a bit, and then reaches out and grabs someone. When being held, tapping X (or A in the case of a Wii) will release you quicker. It deals light damage every second as it constricts you until you escape.

Acid Spray - Acideioth rears up then spits down a misty spray of acid, which causes very heavy damage to anyone it his, but it has a limited range (about that of Blangonga's ice breath)and is easy to see coming.

Tail Slap - Acideioth Rears up a bit and looks towards its tail, then sweeps it forward from the left, hitting and knocking down anyone in the 180 degree area from its back to its front. This attack inflicts the damage reducing poison mentioned above if you are hit by the end of either of Acideioth's tails.

Roll - Acideioth lies flat on the ground and pauses for a few seconds, and then it rolls over twice (either left or right, whichever side its target started on). Deals extremely high damage (like maybe 70-90 to someone using the best armor they can get at the time of the fight), but because of the long pause, hunters get time to move.

 

 

Luccavie - RYUNEKO (リュねこ) OF THE EAST

Race: Felyne

Appearance: White felyne sporting a red headband and a gi

Background: Deep beneath the shadow of the jungle where Shakalaka roams, lies the strongest Felyne ever known to man. As rumor goes among the hunters, it is of Lynian heritage trained in deadly arts of the east.

It is said to possess deep hatred towards the Shakalakas and the King in particular is its archnemesis. Legend has it that one day the king stole its most priced possession: the Legendary BBQ Spit. Only those who possess extraordinary tenacity and fortitude will be granted with its presence.

How to locate: In the jungle on missions that involve Shakalakas, defeat the king without losing any health, alone. Ryuneko will emerge and challenge you for a duel.

Traits: 

- Has fire affinity

- Hates water

- Will steal maps from stunned hunters

- Will counter throw flash bombs (beware !)

- Will not roam nor escape. Ryuneko stands its ground to the death.

- Will go into rage mode when dying or plastered with dung bombs

Attack:

- Jump kick which will send the target rolling down the ground (Ala Conga's body slam)

- Fireball blast (Ala Garuga's fire attack)

- Dash uppercut which will send the target flying upward (Ala Ceanataurs' & Blos' underground attack)

Rage mode:

- Speed up. Visible blue trail aura from the body.

- Perform an air to ground fire blast similar to Rathalos'

Weakness:

- Water and poison

- Sonic bomb (occasionally drop "Red Headband" helmet if in dying state)

How to unlock Ryuneko assistance:

- Obtain "Read Headband" helmet by either defeating Ryuneko without losing any health or stunning him.

- Talk to Trenya and send him to the jungle. He will return with a Flyn Shotokan Ticket.

- Find Ryuneko again while wearing the Red Headband. After defeating him, give him the Flyn Shotokan Ticket and he will offer you his assistance.

Assistance notes:

- Each quest assistance cost 10 Felvynes.

- It will locate and destroy all Shakalakas with utmost priotiy and passion

- Due to its intimidating aura, monster boss will be easily put to rage and then zeroing on it

- It helps blademasters by providing long range fireball attack

- It supports gunners by unleashing melee combo to stun

- In rage mode, it will fire blast escaping monster boss

- In rage mode, if monster boss is trapped, it will summon bomb throwing felynes for extra crispiness

- Attack damage up on volcanic region.

- Attack damage down on snow mountain area. 

 

Thanks for all the submissions! Keep up the cool ideas and post them in our Monster Hunter forums.