Monte
Biography
Control of the newborn queen
Monte planned to exploit Dolly's Humpback Termite queen and the Soul Reading Candle method for his own advancement. When the queen emerged early and killed its host, he used Dolly's severed head to imitate its mother and direct the creature. Monte then tried to consume the gathered wizards and seize Saul, turning a failed cultivation into open predation. Saul defeated him in their mental struggle, killed him, and poisoned the termite, collapsing the Grand Shaman's attempt to monopolize both creature and victims. (Chapters 559–563)
Appearance and personality
Monte carries the ritual authority of a settlement's Grand Shaman. He is calculating, deceptive, and ruthlessly opportunistic, capable of adapting a companion's death into the centerpiece of a new trap.
Abilities
- Second Rank wizardcraft with strong mental and soul-oriented techniques.
- Manipulation of the newborn Humpback Termite through false maternal signals.
- Knowledge connected with the Soul Reading Candle.