Geodoteryon

Composite Biosilicate Organism Geodoteryon

Collectively known as Geodoteryon, what appears to be a single entity is actually a pair of creatures, the rock-skinned Geodos and the octopus-like Teritasuryon. At the moment, Geodoteryon has expressed no interest in consuming people or animals. However, the fact that they will eat inorganic items, such as rocks, cars, concrete, glass, asphalt, and even toxic waste, does make Geodoteryon a threat to human settlements. Some officials have suggested domesticating Geodoteryon to consume landfills, but this has yet to be taken seriously.

Geodos
Species: Krustallotitanus naicanae
Height: 117ft (35.7m)
Mass: 1500 tons (Estimated)

Origin:
Discovered in a network of massive tunnels near the Cave of the Crystals in Naica, Mexico, Geodos was originally thought to be another enormous natural formation. Analysis of collected samples revealed that the crystals more closely resembled quartz than they did the selenite typically found in the Caves. The crystals also constantly emitted a faint glow, which quickly made the new mineral a coveted item among scientists and gem collectors.

A few weeks after the discovery, a group of miners attempted to excavate one of the crystals on the formation using explosives, only to be forced to flee for their lives as the formation shifted and threatened to cave in the entire tunnel. The crystal formation burst out of the ground, revealing itself to be a three-legged behemoth with a rocky hinged shell and rows of crystalline teeth. For an undetermined amount of time the creature had hibernated, but the irritation caused by the explosions awakened it. Given its physical appearance, biologists were quick to name it Geodos and proceeded to observe its behavior, albeit from a safe distance.

Characteristics:
Geodos is a diurnal and warm-blooded (if it could be said to have blood) creature. Its skin, composed of rectangular scales, is impervious to small arms and light weapons. It usually moves slowly, but can retaliate with frightening speed to defend itself, often by smashing the irritant underfoot. Geodos also exhibits geokinetic abilities, which it uses primarily to burrow quickly underground and break its food down into more manageable chunks. To a lesser extent, the geokinesis is used as a defense mechanism, emitting short-range seismic waves strong enough to flip large vehicles over. Although Geodos lacks eyes, the crystals on its back seem to be photosensitive, allowing it to guess the time of day and react to being illuminated by spotlights. Only time will tell if the crystals possess other abilities.

It is currently unknown if Geodos possesses any degree of intelligence. Like any other animal, it forages, seeks shelter, and responds to stimuli (though due to its size, only large amounts of force are noticed). Notably, however, it does regard protecting Teritasuryon as one of its objectives, as evidenced by its quick retaliation whenever Teritasuryon is attacked.


Teritasuryon
Species: Cephalochiria troglodytae
Length: 137ft (41.8m; Estimated, visible portion only)
Mass: Unknown

Origin:
It was only after Geodos opened its mouth completely that the other part of Geodoteryon was revealed. The three-armed, three-eyed creature was designated as Teritasuryon, an unusual name to fit its unusual nature.

Characteristics:
Like Geodos, Teritasuryon is mineral-based to some degree, as its teeth are also made of crystal. Another notable characteristic of Teritasuryon is the amount of heat it is capable of generating. Measurements indicate its core temperature averages 2235 degrees Fahrenheit (1223.9 degrees Celsius). Despite the temperatures being capable of melting most minerals, Geodos suffers no ill effects from the heat. Teritasuryon is also capable of controlling the surface temperature of its arms, reaching ranges between 120F (when inspecting delicate objects) to 2195F (when melting a military tank to slag). Possibly as a result of having to maintain such a high temperature, Teritasuryon has a strong aversion towards cold weather and large bodies of water, going so far as to clamp Geodos's mouth tightly shut at the first sign of snow or upon approaching a beach.

Witnesses often describe Teritasuryon as being highly inquisitive of its surroundings. It has been spotted peering into windows, looking quizzically at billboards, and experimenting with power lines to turn a neighborhood's lights on and off. These hints of intelligence present the possibility of communicating with Teritasuryon through sign language.

Why Teritasuryon takes up residence in Geodos's maw is unknown. What is certain is that they work together almost flawlessly to acheive their goals, whether it is to find food, excavate a shelter, or satisfy Teritasuryon's curiosity about the surface world. The first assumption is that Teritasuryon is a parasite assisting Geodos, much like Cymothoa exigua. The extreme degree of their cooperation offers alternative implications, such as symbiosis or the more sinister notion that Geodos is nothing more than a husk, completely controlled by Teritasuryon. Only careful study and/or capture of the pair will determine the truth behind the relationship within Geodoteryon.