Great Enemy - Montal

Other names: Goblin, Water Gremlin

Diminutive cousin of the Montug.

General Attributes: After the emergence of the montug as the first of the Fallen, humanity was thrown on the defensive in pure shock at the idea our divine form could be so horribly corrupted. In time, however, we recovered, adapted, and drove back these beastly invaders. The Great Enemy, in turn, adapted to us.

Among the other Fallen species that began to appear, the montal appears to have been created primarily to fulfill a support role. Physically slight, they possess surprisingly potent magical abilities, of both offensive and defensive types. They almost never travel alone, and will typically be in the company of larger monsters, perfectly content to hang back and avoid attention as they either mend the wounds of their fellows or lob blasts of Water-elemental magic at their foes.

While the montug has a low cunning, the montal typically possesses intelligence to nearly rival a human. They have been observed as capable of rudimentary tactics, such as preparing ambushes or striking vulnerable targets. On occasion they may even direct other monsters, but thankfully their instincts for self-preservation means they rarely lead the charge. They have also been observed as acting in a sort of advisory role to larger creatures at times.

​As creatures of Water, they are most vulnerable to Fire and Earth magic.

Symbolism: Perhaps the most terrifying part of the montal is their intelligence. Many races of the Great Enemy are bestial in nature, and can be overcome with foresight and cunning. But the montal is our greatest advantage turned against us. Furthermore, their natural access to magical abilities only heightens this terror.

The most well-known example of their intelligence being displayed was when a montal, lying in wait for days, used its magic to assassinate King Abelard II of Saniel in 961, as he was traveling between cities on a national tour. The creature was killed almost immediately after, but the damage had already been done.

Sources:

1. The Royal Bestiary Project – (Royal Academy of Magic, 1008)
2. Mercenaries' Guild reports, collected – (Mercenaries' Guild, 990-1010)
3. Lives of the Kings, vol. IX - (Gabriel Blanchet, 1002)

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