I've decided to enter this one with the intention of finishing it (hopefully I can this time round). Here's my first concept which sets the tone and initial thoughts.
I intent to block out the character over the next couple days or so.
The hero, Gaia, will be centred around the idea of reincarnation. Bringing the living and the dead together in (what I hope to be) an exciting way.
Here are my initial thoughts and doodles
First concept
Initial block out
Progress so far
Still want to explore some other forms (possibly the giant squirrel-tangela hybrid). As well as figure out how to create the vines in zbrush, while retaining the general form.
More progress, finding the best method to create the vines. Working towards a more 'life-like' feel with the arms compared to the legs.
I really like the design and the dynamism of the pose ^^
Thank you! 
Some more progress and vines exploration.
I want the vines to be less rigid than the ones on the left. I've tried different techniques to generate them and it seems as though a combination of all methods so far produce the best results.
I'm not sure on the final character yet, but here's a quick concept.
Little more progress on the vines, gradually getting into the flow of it! I've managed to add more depth to the vines, compared to the original which is "layered" more than anything else. I still need to figure out the internals of the legs, whether to have the spaces filled or not. I'm thinking the next step will be to model the flowers/leaves and see where that goes.
Been busy with work for the past couple of days, but I did quick render of the previous concept, still not sure which direction to head in with the vines. That being said I feel like I'm on the right track.
Took the time to a put together another mood board to redefine the design and introduce other elements that I like. I've starting to think about Gaia's outfit and how the vines will interact with her, I'll most probably draw a handful of variants then take it from there.
After a day break from the vines, I feel as though I've got a lot closer to the final rendition.
I will be doing a breakdown of the techniques used for each part just in case anyone is finding vines troublesome to do (expect it in a couple days or so!)
This is the current state of the design, I still want to include flowers and leaves but very frugally; not to detract from the composition as a whole.
Whoah this is rad, never seen this kind of concept before
WOW! is a very original pose and it really feels like the power of nature! I can't wait to see the textures of the branches. Do you do it in a real time render or with a vray render?
Wow! your champion is one of the most original characters in the challenge!! 
SUPER CREATIVE!
I especially like the rib cage in the leg! 
Thank you! 
I do have Marmoset toolbag, however I've not used yet. I'm aiming to finish both the modelling + details +polypaint in the next two weeks (hopefully!), which will give me two weeks to learn the basics and get a nice finish! Ideally I would want to use substance too, but I also need to learn how to use that too.
Awesome reference by the way!
@marianoeliceche thank you so much! 
@glubglubz Thanks, the bones have been such a fun part of the design! I've got some more coming 
I'm going to be working on it for the rest of the evening so I'll post some more renders later
