Mongbats

Mongbats
Mongbat, from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus
First appearance:	Ultima V
Last appearance:	Serpent Isle

Mongbats are a type of monster native to numerous worlds which resemble a hybrid between a monkey and a bat. They appear in Ultima V, Ultima VI, Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two, as well as in Ultima Underworld and Ultima Underworld II.

Description

Frequently attacking in small flocks, mongbats congregate in dungeons and in mountainous areas. They assail their victims bare-handed, not appearing to have any proficiency with tool use, and tend to follow an attack pattern in which they swoop down to attack a victim before circling out of reach. While a single mongbat is hardly a challenge for a well-outfitted warrior, their sheer numbers can easily overwhelm the ill-prepared.

Lore

“

The twins, Noin and Roin, bringing up the rear, are the first to notice the large, winged creature with matted, brown fur and sharp, unsheathed talons. When we stop to look, however, it flies off. Half an hour later, we notice two of these creatures, but both fly off again as we turn. An hour later, three of these ugly creatures approach, flying closer than the previous forays dared, before veering off. We quicken our pace. The passage empties into a large grassy area with a high, earthen ceiling. As we stop to rest, a deafening crescendo of screeches heralds the invasion of a dozen winged monsters. The avian terrors attack in force. Armour and skin is ripped from our backs. Our swords swing, our daggers fly, but to no avail. Only two winged monsters are wounded then finished. The remaining ten circle us furiously as Lord British shouts out words of mystic command. Four more attackers are destroyed, but many more of our party have fallen. – from Journey to the Underworld (Ultima V)

“	Resembling a monkey as much as a bat, these winged anomalies are swift and powerful in their attacks. Though seldom encountered except in the deepest dungeons, encountering one in the dim subterranean light can unnerve even the stoutest among you. – from Compendium (Ultima VI)

“

The Mongbats rank even worse than Imps as the most pestiferous elements in our underground abode. Resembling a cross between bat and monkey, these brown avians have no honor, but instead conduct battle by swooping down to score a hit, then flying off to circle out of range of one’s weapons. Even worse, the beasts are so swift and nimble that they are difficult to hit even in close combat. These evil pests are most accurate in their diving attacks, though fortunately they are too small to cause great damage with any single blow. We would exterminate these vermin if we could. – from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus (Ultima Underworld)

“	This bizarre and frightening creature is a cross between a bat and a monkey. Its attacks are fast and powerful, but it usually only inhabits the deepest dungeons. – from The Book of Fellowship (Ultima VII)

“

These airborne primates are fast and tough, with a vicious disposition. This hybrid species thrives both below ground and above, where they dwell in rocky and mountainous areas. Apparently the concept of a fair fight is foreign to them, and they prefer to bombard their enemy from above, or swoop in and score a hit, then fly off before their opponent can retaliate. Mongbats are singlehandedly responsible for the fact that the best archers in Britannia dwell near the Serpent’s Spine mountains. – from A Safe Passage Through Britannia (Ultima Underworld II)

“	In appearance, a cross between a small boy and a bat, this nimble creature is capable of quick, aerial strikes. Fortunately, a mongbat’s small size renders its attack little more than a painful nuisance. – from Beyond the Serpent Pillars (Ultima VII Part Two)

Trivia

• Considering the number of references to the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz throughout the Ultima series, mongbats may be based upon the winged monkeys from the same novel.
• In the SNES-port of Ultima VII, mongbats hurl projectiles at their opponents, rather than engaging in hand-to-hand combat.
• Mongbats were to be included in the cancelled Ultima X. See Planned monsters for Ultima X § Mongbats for further details.

Gallery

• 

  Ultima X concept art

See Also

• Ultima V monster data
• Ultima VI monster data
• Ultima VII monster data
• Ultima Underworld II monster data
• Ultima VII Part Two monster data