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[[File:Moonlight Village GB Source Book - Shiren studying.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Moonlight Village GB Source Book - Shiren studying.png|right|400px]]


'''Monsters''' {{JA|モンスター||}} is a catch-all term applied to a wide variety of creatures in the ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer (series)|Shiren the Wanderer}}'' series. They range from {{Shiren|Oni}} to {{Shiren|Karakuri-Type|machines}}, {{Shiren|Plant-Type|animal-plant}} hybrids, hostile {{Shiren|Shopkeepers|humans}}, {{Shiren|Guard Dog|animals}}, etc. Monsters are primarily found in {{Shiren|Dungeon}}s, and nearly all are hostile, attacking {{Shiren|Shiren}} and his {{Shiren|Adventure Allies}} on sight. Though some are {{Shiren|Friendly Monsters|friendly}} and some can even speak to and work with {{Shiren|Humans}}, it should be noted that these are ''far'' from the norm.
'''Monsters''' {{JA|モンスター||}} is a catch-all term applied to a wide variety of creatures in the {{ShirenSeriesTitle}}. They range from {{Shiren|Oni}} to {{Shiren|Karakuri-type|machines}}, {{Shiren|Plant-type|animal-plant}} hybrids, {{Shiren|Guard Dog|animals}}, etc. Monsters are primarily found in {{Shiren|Dungeon}}s, and nearly all are hostile, attacking {{Shiren|Shiren}} and his {{Shiren|Adventure Allies}} on sight. Though some are {{Shiren|Friendly Monster|friendly}} and some can even speak to and work with {{Shiren|Human}}s, it should be noted that these are ''far'' from the norm.


It's not entirely clear what differentiates a monster such as a hostile {{Shiren|Shopkeeper}}, {{Shiren|Sheriff}}, or {{Shiren|Guard Dog}}, from {{Shiren|Nfu the Demon Puppy}}, which isn't considered an enemy. Shopkeepers aren't hostile until stolen from or provoked, in which cases they're not considered monsters. But hostility can't be used as a barometer, as there are numerous instances of "friendly monsters" throughout the series.
It's not entirely clear what differentiates a monster such as a hostile {{Shiren|Shopkeeper}}, {{Shiren|Sheriff}}, or {{Shiren|Guard Dog}}, from {{Shiren|Nfu the Demon Puppy}}, which isn't considered an enemy. Shopkeepers aren't hostile until stolen from or provoked, in which cases they're not considered monsters. But hostility can't be used as a barometer, as there are numerous instances of "friendly monsters" throughout the series.


==Monster Families==
==Monster Families==
Monsters are organized into Monster Families{{UT}} {{JAnb|モンスター{{Ruby|系|けい}}||}} or Types, as they're called in Japanese, and the English translation of {{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer (game)|Shiren 1 DS}}. For the purposes of simplicity, we've opted to ignore the official name for monster families, which is type' such as "Pacorepkin-Type", as it can easily cause confusion. Such as with the {{Shiren|Dragon-Type}} monsters and the {{Shiren|Dragon Family}}, which would also otherwise be called the "Dragon-Type". See the full article ''{{Shiren|Monster-Type}}s''.
Monsters are organized into Monster Families {{JAnb|モンスター{{Ruby|系|けい}}||}} or Types, as they're called in Japanese, and the English translation of {{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer (game)|Shiren 1 DS}}. For the purposes of simplicity, we've opted to ignore the official name for monster families, which is type' such as "Pacorepkin-type", as it can easily cause confusion. Such as with the {{Shiren|Dragon-type}} monsters and the {{Shiren|Dragon Family}}, which would also otherwise be called the "Dragon-type". See the full article ''{{Shiren|Monster-type}}s''.


A monster family generally consists of 1 - 4 monsters, though in some cases more monsters. For example, the {{Shiren|Mamel Family}} consists of the Mamel > Pit Mamel > Cave Mamel > Gitan Mamel. Monsters {{Shiren|level}}-up or down into each other. So using a {{Shiren|Staff of Happiness}} on a Cave Mamel will turn it into a Gitan Mamel and a {{Shiren|Staff of Misfortune}} will turn it back into a Cave Mamel. In some instances, monster families may turn into another family; examples include the {{Shiren|Bowboy Family}} which levels up into the {{Shiren|Baby Tank Family}}, and then the {{Shiren|Popster Tank Family}}. When members of the {{Shiren|Evil Soldier Family}} are killed, they'll resurrect as members of the {{Shiren|Dead Soldier Family}} and the {{Shiren|Great Hen Family}} will turn into the {{Shiren|Hen Family}} at when at low {{Shiren|HP}}.
A monster family generally consists of 1 - 4 monsters, though in some cases more monsters. For example, the {{Shiren|Mamel Family}} consists of the Mamel > Pit Mamel > Cave Mamel > Gitan Mamel. Monsters {{Shiren|level}}-up or down into each other. So using a {{Shiren|Staff of Happiness}} on a Cave Mamel will turn it into a Gitan Mamel and a {{Shiren|Staff of Misfortune}} will turn it back into a Cave Mamel. In some instances, monster families may turn into another family; examples include the {{Shiren|Bowboy Family}} which levels up into the {{Shiren|Baby Tank Family}}, and then the {{Shiren|Popster Tank Family}}. When members of the {{Shiren|Evil Soldier Family}} are killed, they'll resurrect as members of the {{Shiren|Dead Soldier Family}} and the {{Shiren|Great Hen Family}} will turn into the {{Shiren|Hen Family}} at when at low {{Shiren|HP}}.
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===Night Monsters===
===Night Monsters===
''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 4 - The Eye of God and the Devil's Navel|Shiren 4 DS}}'' added Night Monster families, which was continued into ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 5 - The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate|Shiren 5}}'', and abandoned for ''{{Shiren|Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island|Shiren 6}}''. They're generally stronger, dark counterparts to normal monsters, that appear in some dungeons. Due to concerns regarding balance, Monster Meat was retired as a mechanic during that time but made a {{TowerOfSlumber|Monster Meat|cameo appearance}} in ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer: Princess Suzune and the Tower of Slumber|Tower of Slumber}}''. See the section on ''{{Shiren|Monsters#Monster Meat|Monster Meat}}'' or the full article ''{{Shiren|Monster Meat}}''.
''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 4 - The Eye of God and the Devil's Navel|Shiren 4 DS}}'' added Night Monster families, which was continued into ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 5 - The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate|Shiren 5}}'', and abandoned for ''{{Shiren|Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island|Shiren 6}}''. They're generally stronger, dark counterparts to normal monsters, that appear in some dungeons. Due to concerns regarding balance, Monster Meat was retired as a mechanic during that time but made a {{TowerOfSlumber|Monster Meat|cameo appearance}} in ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer: Princess Suzune and the Tower of Slumber|Tower of Slumber}}''. See the full article ''{{Shiren|Monster Meat}}''.


==Monster Houses==
==Monster Houses==
{{For|additional reading|Shiren:Monster House}}
{{For|additional reading|Shiren:Monster House}}


Monster Houses are rooms full of {{Shiren|Traps}}, {{Shiren|Item}}s and hostile monsters. While extremely dangerous, they also often represent great opportunities for gathering loot and {{Shiren|Experience}} during gameplay. A monster house is depicted in the {{Shiren|Manga}} {{Shiren|Increasingly Less Motivated to Work Squad Shi-Ranger GB}}.{{UT}} Different types of monster houses exist, such as Pop-up Monster Houses, One-Room Monster Houses, and themed monster houses, such as a Thief House; a monster houses full of {{Shiren|Thief-Type}} monsters.
Monster Houses are rooms full of {{Shiren|Trap}}s, {{Shiren|Item}}s and hostile monsters. While extremely dangerous, they also often represent great opportunities for gathering loot and {{Shiren|Experience}} during gameplay. A monster house is depicted in the Manga {{Shiren|Increasingly Less Motivated to Work Squad Shi-Ranger GB}}.{{UT}} Different types of monster houses exist, such as Pop-up Monster Houses, One-Room Monster Houses, and themed monster houses, such as a Thief House; a monster houses full of {{Shiren|Thief-type}} monsters.


==Monster Meat==
==Monster Meat==
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Monster Meat is an edible food item carved from monsters using the {{Shiren|Bufu's Cleaver}}, or from the blast of a {{Shiren|Bufu's Staff}}. When consumed, monster meat allows the consumer to turn into the monster the meat was for. The mechanics differ between games, such as whether or not it can become {{Shiren|Cooked Meat|cooked}}, {{Shiren|Rotten Meat|rotten}}, or whether or not the player can pick up items while playing as a monster.
Monster Meat is an edible food item carved from monsters using the {{Shiren|Bufu's Cleaver}}, or from the blast of a {{Shiren|Bufu's Staff}}. When consumed, monster meat allows the consumer to turn into the monster the meat was for. The mechanics differ between games, such as whether or not it can become {{Shiren|Cooked Meat|cooked}}, {{Shiren|Rotten Meat|rotten}}, or whether or not the player can pick up items while playing as a monster.


Monster Meat can be one of the most broken items/mechanics in the series, as the player can use {{Shiren|Mecharoid}} Meat to create {{Shiren|Pitfall Traps}} to repeatedly loot the {{Shiren|Underground Stream Village}} in Shiren 1, easily obtain {{Shiren|Soaked Scrolls}} in Shiren 3, which when dried, will turn into {{Shiren|Blank Scroll}}s or steal from shops by turning into a {{Shiren|Pacorepkin}} and traveling through walls. A common strategy to defeat the Tainted Insect for beginners in Shiren 1 DS is to purchase Mamel Meat, and to throw it at the Tainted Insect, instantly defeating it in the process.
Monster Meat can be one of the most broken items/mechanics in the series, as the player can use {{Shiren|Mecharoid}} Meat to create {{Shiren|Pitfall Trap}}s to repeatedly loot the {{Shiren|Underground Stream Village}} in Shiren 1, easily obtain {{Shiren|Soaked Scroll}}s in Shiren 3, which when dried, will turn into {{Shiren|Blank Scroll}}s or steal from shops by turning into a {{Shiren|Pacorepkin}} and traveling through walls. A common strategy to defeat the Tainted Insect for beginners in Shiren 1 DS is to purchase Mamel Meat, and to throw it at the Tainted Insect, instantly defeating it in the process.


==Monster-Types==
==Monster-types==
{{For|additional reading|Shiren:Monster-Type}}
{{For|additional reading|Shiren:Monster-type}}


Monster-Types are a gameplay mechanic in the series that applies to all monsters in every game. Every monster has at minimum 1 type but they often have 2. In some extremely rare instances, monsters may belong to 3 different types. In short, Monster-Types determine the characteristics of each monster; such as how items interact with monsters, dealing extra damage, nullifying their special abilities, or how they interact with their environment. {{Shiren|Water-Type}} monsters recover HP in {{Shiren|water}}, Thief-Type monsters are unable to steal if the player or ally has a {{Shiren|Walrus Shield}} equipped and {{Shiren|Karakuri-Type}}s rust when splashed with water from a {{Shiren|Water Jar}}, and so on.
Monster-types are a gameplay mechanic in the series that applies to all monsters in every game. Every monster has at minimum 1 type but they often have 2. In some extremely rare instances, monsters may belong to 3 different types. In short, Monster-types determine the characteristics of each monster; such as how items interact with monsters, dealing extra damage, nullifying their special abilities, or how they interact with their environment. {{Shiren|Water-type}} monsters recover HP in {{Shiren|water}}, Thief-type monsters are unable to steal if the player or ally has a {{Shiren|Walrus Shield}} equipped and {{Shiren|Karakuri-type}}s rust when splashed with water from a {{Shiren|Water Jar}}, and so on.


===Elemental Abilities===
===Elemental Abilities===
{{For|additional reading|Shiren 3 Wii:Elemental Abilities|Shiren 3 PSP:Elemental Abilities}}
{{For|additional reading|Shiren 3 Wii:Elemental Abilities|Shiren 3 PSP:Elemental Abilities}}


Not to be confused with Monster-Types, elemental abilities are a gameplay mechanic added in ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 3 - The Sleeping Princess and the Karakuri Mansion|Shiren 3 Wii}}'' and only returned in its PSP port. Each monster has an additional ability such as Nature, which nullifies staff charges, and Water making attacks miss.
Not to be confused with Monster-types, elemental abilities are a gameplay mechanic added in ''{{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 3 - The Sleeping Princess and the Karakuri Mansion|Shiren 3 Wii}}'' and only returned in its PSP port. Each monster has an additional ability such as Nature, which nullifies staff charges, and Water making attacks miss.


==Special Abilities==
==Special Abilities==
Some monster families, most in fact, are capable of using special abilities. The {{Shiren|Piggy Family}} throws {{Shiren|Stones}} or {{Shiren|Piggy Stones}}, the {{Shiren|Soldier Ant Family}} can tunnel through walls, {{Shiren|Mixer}}s can swallow items and{{Shiren|Synthesize}} them together and {{Shiren|Pacorepkin}}s can travel through walls. While there are far too many to list here, and they differ between games, each monster's special ability (if any) can be found on their lore pages.
Some monster families, most in fact, are capable of using special abilities. The {{Shiren|Piggy Family}} throws {{Shiren|Stone}}s or {{Shiren|Piggy Stones}}, the {{Shiren|Soldier Ant Family}} can tunnel through walls, {{Shiren|Mixer}}s can swallow items and {{Shiren|Fusion|Fuse}} them together and {{Shiren|Pacorepkin}}s can travel through walls. While there are far too many to list here, and they differ between games, each monster's special ability (if any) can be found on their lore pages.
 
==Monster Zoo==
The {{Shiren|Monster Zoo}}{{UT}} is an area in Shiren 2 unlocked after clearing {{Shiren|Onigashima}}{{UT}} and reaching the credits. It's linked to a dungeon that starts Shiren out with a {{Shiren|Monster Pot (Unofficial Translation)|Monster Pot}}{{UT}}, which allows the player to capture monsters. When clearing a dungeon, or escaping from one using an {{Shiren|Escape Scroll}}, the player can then take monster pots to the Monster Zoo to be registered. When registered, they remain safely with the zookeeper, unless the player wishes to take them out. Registered monsters can be found in the different sections of Monster Zoo, vaguely grouped by Monster-type or other attributes.


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
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===Games===
===Games===
{{GameClass Scrollbox
{{Scrollbox|
  | content =
* '''{{Shiren1SFC|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren1SFCTitle}}.
* '''{{Shiren1SFC|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren1SFC|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren1DS|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren1DSTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren1DS|Monsters}}''' appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren1DS|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren1SP|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren1SPTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren1SP|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren1SP|l|i}}.
* '''{{SaveSurala|Monster}}s''' appears in {{SaveSuralaTitle}}.
* '''{{SaveSurala|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|SaveSurala|l|i}}.
* '''{{MoonlightVillageGB|Monster}}s''' appears in {{MoonlightVillageGBTitle}}.
* '''{{MoonlightVillageGB|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|MoonlightVillageGB|l|i}}.
** '''{{MoonlightVillagePC|Monster}}s''' appears in {{MoonlightVillagePCTitle}}.
** '''{{MoonlightVillagePC|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|MoonlightVillagePC|l|i}}.
** '''{{MoonlightVillageSP|Monster}}s''' appears in {{MoonlightVillageSPTitle}}.
** '''{{MoonlightVillageSP|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|MoonlightVillageSP|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren2|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren2Title}}.
* '''{{Shiren2|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren2|l|i}}.
* '''{{MagicCastleGBC|Monster}}s''' appears in {{MagicCastleGBCTitle}}.
* '''{{MagicCastleGBC|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|MagicCastleGBC|l|i}}.
** '''{{MagicCastleDS|Monster}}s''' appears in {{MagicCastleDSTitle}}.
** '''{{MagicCastleDS|Monster}}s'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|MagicCastleDS|l|i}}.
* '''{{AsukaTheSwordswomanDC|Monster}}s''' appears in {{AsukaTheSwordswomanDCTitle}}.
* '''{{AsukaTheSwordswomanDC|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|AsukaTheSwordswomanDC|l|i}}.
** '''{{AsukaTheSwordswomanPC|Monster}}s''' appears in {{AsukaTheSwordswomanPCTitle}}.
** '''{{AsukaTheSwordswomanPC|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|AsukaTheSwordswomanPC|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren3Wii|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren3WiiTitle}}.
* '''{{Shiren3Wii|Monsters}}''' appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren3Wii|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren3PSP|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren3PSPTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren3PSP|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren3PSP|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren4DS|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren4DSTitle}}.
* '''{{Shiren4DS|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren4DS|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren4PSP|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren4PSPTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren4PSP|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren4PSP|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren5DS|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren5DSTitle}}.
* '''{{Shiren5DS|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren5DS|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren5Vita|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren5VitaTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren5Vita|Monsters}}''' appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren5Vita|l|i}}.
** '''{{Shiren52020|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren52020Title}}.
<!--
** '''{{Shiren5SP|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren5SPTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren52020|Monsters}}''' appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren52020|l|i}}.
* '''{{TowerOfSlumber|Monster}}s''' appears in {{TowerOfSlumberTitle}}.
** '''{{Shiren5SP|Monsters}}''' appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren5SP|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren6|Monster}}s''' appears in {{Shiren6Title}}.
-->
* '''{{TowerOfSlumber|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|TowerOfSlumber|l|i}}.
* '''{{Shiren6|Monsters}}'''{{NT}} appears in {{GameTitle|Shiren6|l|i}}.
}}
}}
{{Shiren Games Table
{{Shiren Games Table
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===Manga===
===Manga===
{{GameClass Scrollbox
{{Scrollbox|
  | content =
* 3 monsters appear in {{Shiren|Increasingly Less Motivated to Work Squad Shi-Ranger GB}}{{UT}}
* 3 monsters appear in {{Shiren|Increasingly Less Motivated to Work Squad Shi-Ranger GB}}{{UT}}
}}
}}


===Spin-offs===
===Spin-offs===
{{GameClass Scrollbox
{{Scrollbox|
  | content =
* Monsters appear in {{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer - Platina}}{{UT}}
* Monsters appear in {{Shiren|Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer - Platina}}{{UT}}
}}
}}
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===In Other Media===
===In Other Media===
====AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative====
====AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative====
The {{Shiren|Monster}}s is mentioned in AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative when checking a computer in Kumakura Office on February 12, during the free move investigation segment.<ref>https://somniumfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Kumakura_Office#PC</ref>
The Monsters are mentioned in AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative when checking a computer in Kumakura Office on February 12, during the free move investigation segment.<ref>https://somniumfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Kumakura_Office#PC</ref>


: Aiba: (I hacked into it.)
: Aiba: (I hacked into it.)
Line 134: Line 132:
Shiren 1 DS Source Book - Chintala.png                                                  | (2006)<br>{{Shiren|Chintala}} The secondary mascot of the series.
Shiren 1 DS Source Book - Chintala.png                                                  | (2006)<br>{{Shiren|Chintala}} The secondary mascot of the series.
Shiren 1 DS Source Book - Mamel.png                                                    | (2006)<br>{{Shiren|Mamel}} The primary mascot of the series.
Shiren 1 DS Source Book - Mamel.png                                                    | (2006)<br>{{Shiren|Mamel}} The primary mascot of the series.
CR Mystery Dungeon Shiren the Wanderer Princess Suzune and the Tower of Slumber FPW.jpg | (2013)<br>Both appear on the Shiren Pachinko machine.
CR Mystery Dungeon Shiren the Wanderer Princess Suzune and the Tower of Slumber FPW.jpg | (2013)<br>Mamel and Chintala appear on the Shiren Pachinko machine.
Moonlight Village GB Source Book - Group Artwork.png                                    | Humans, Monsters, and Animals in the {{Shiren|Moonlight Village}}.{{NT}}
Moonlight Village GB Source Book - Group Artwork.png                                    | Humans, Monsters, and Animals in the {{Shiren|Moonlight Village}}.
</gallery>
</gallery>
<!--
==Trivia==
*
-->
==In Other Languages==
==In Other Languages==
{{In Other Languages
{{In Other Languages
Line 163: Line 154:


==See Also==
==See Also==
{{Shiren the Wanderer (series) Monster Navbox}}
{{Shiren the Wanderer (series) Monsters Navbox}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 20:56, 14 July 2025

MonstersABCDEFGHIKLMNOPRSTUVWYZMonster Houses
Moonlight Village GB Source Book - Shiren studying.png

Monsters (Japanese: モンスター) is a catch-all term applied to a wide variety of creatures in the Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer series. They range from Oni to machines, animal-plant hybrids, animals, etc. Monsters are primarily found in Dungeons, and nearly all are hostile, attacking Shiren and his Adventure Allies on sight. Though some are friendly and some can even speak to and work with Humans, it should be noted that these are far from the norm.

It's not entirely clear what differentiates a monster such as a hostile Shopkeeper, Sheriff, or Guard Dog, from Nfu the Demon Puppy, which isn't considered an enemy. Shopkeepers aren't hostile until stolen from or provoked, in which cases they're not considered monsters. But hostility can't be used as a barometer, as there are numerous instances of "friendly monsters" throughout the series.

Monster Families

Monsters are organized into Monster Families (Japanese: モンスター(けい)) or Types, as they're called in Japanese, and the English translation of Shiren 1 DS. For the purposes of simplicity, we've opted to ignore the official name for monster families, which is type' such as "Pacorepkin-type", as it can easily cause confusion. Such as with the Dragon-type monsters and the Dragon Family, which would also otherwise be called the "Dragon-type". See the full article Monster-types.

A monster family generally consists of 1 - 4 monsters, though in some cases more monsters. For example, the Mamel Family consists of the Mamel > Pit Mamel > Cave Mamel > Gitan Mamel. Monsters level-up or down into each other. So using a Staff of Happiness on a Cave Mamel will turn it into a Gitan Mamel and a Staff of Misfortune will turn it back into a Cave Mamel. In some instances, monster families may turn into another family; examples include the Bowboy Family which levels up into the Baby Tank Family, and then the Popster Tank Family. When members of the Evil Soldier Family are killed, they'll resurrect as members of the Dead Soldier Family and the Great Hen Family will turn into the Hen Family at when at low HP.

Several monster families with unique leveling mechanics are the Inferno Family, Evil Tree Family, Chimera Family, Kigny Family, and (in some games), the N'Duba Family which can level up to 99, changing color pallets along the way.

Some monsters are still considered part of the same family, even if they don't level into each other, such as the Elder Mamel,(UT) - This is an unofficial translation. Borg Mamel, and the Antipode Mamel being considered part of the Mamel Family. Or the King of the Kigny being part of the Kigny Family, and Tainted Soldiers and the Tainted Queen being part of the Tainted Insect family.

Night Monsters

Shiren 4 DS added Night Monster families, which was continued into Shiren 5, and abandoned for Shiren 6. They're generally stronger, dark counterparts to normal monsters, that appear in some dungeons. Due to concerns regarding balance, Monster Meat was retired as a mechanic during that time but made a cameo appearance in Tower of Slumber. See the full article Monster Meat.

Monster Houses

For additional reading, see Shiren:Monster House.

Monster Houses are rooms full of Traps, Items and hostile monsters. While extremely dangerous, they also often represent great opportunities for gathering loot and Experience during gameplay. A monster house is depicted in the Manga Increasingly Less Motivated to Work Squad Shi-Ranger GB.(UT) - This is an unofficial translation. Different types of monster houses exist, such as Pop-up Monster Houses, One-Room Monster Houses, and themed monster houses, such as a Thief House; a monster houses full of Thief-type monsters.

Monster Meat

For additional reading, see Shiren:Monster Meat and Shiren:Meat Mechanics.

Monster Meat is an edible food item carved from monsters using the Bufu's Cleaver, or from the blast of a Bufu's Staff. When consumed, monster meat allows the consumer to turn into the monster the meat was for. The mechanics differ between games, such as whether or not it can become cooked, rotten, or whether or not the player can pick up items while playing as a monster.

Monster Meat can be one of the most broken items/mechanics in the series, as the player can use Mecharoid Meat to create Pitfall Traps to repeatedly loot the Underground Stream Village in Shiren 1, easily obtain Soaked Scrolls in Shiren 3, which when dried, will turn into Blank Scrolls or steal from shops by turning into a Pacorepkin and traveling through walls. A common strategy to defeat the Tainted Insect for beginners in Shiren 1 DS is to purchase Mamel Meat, and to throw it at the Tainted Insect, instantly defeating it in the process.

Monster-types

For additional reading, see Shiren:Monster-type.

Monster-types are a gameplay mechanic in the series that applies to all monsters in every game. Every monster has at minimum 1 type but they often have 2. In some extremely rare instances, monsters may belong to 3 different types. In short, Monster-types determine the characteristics of each monster; such as how items interact with monsters, dealing extra damage, nullifying their special abilities, or how they interact with their environment. Water-type monsters recover HP in water, Thief-type monsters are unable to steal if the player or ally has a Walrus Shield equipped and Karakuri-types rust when splashed with water from a Water Jar, and so on.

Elemental Abilities

Not to be confused with Monster-types, elemental abilities are a gameplay mechanic added in Shiren 3 Wii and only returned in its PSP port. Each monster has an additional ability such as Nature, which nullifies staff charges, and Water making attacks miss.

Special Abilities

Some monster families, most in fact, are capable of using special abilities. The Piggy Family throws Stones or Piggy Stones, the Soldier Ant Family can tunnel through walls, Mixers can swallow items and Fuse them together and Pacorepkins can travel through walls. While there are far too many to list here, and they differ between games, each monster's special ability (if any) can be found on their lore pages.

Monster Zoo

The Monster Zoo(UT) - This is an unofficial translation. is an area in Shiren 2 unlocked after clearing Onigashima(UT) - This is an unofficial translation. and reaching the credits. It's linked to a dungeon that starts Shiren out with a Monster Pot(UT) - This is an unofficial translation., which allows the player to capture monsters. When clearing a dungeon, or escaping from one using an Escape Scroll, the player can then take monster pots to the Monster Zoo to be registered. When registered, they remain safely with the zookeeper, unless the player wishes to take them out. Registered monsters can be found in the different sections of Monster Zoo, vaguely grouped by Monster-type or other attributes.

Appearances

For more about monsters in specific media, see the following articles:

Games

Shiren 1 Save Surala Moonlight Village Shiren 2 Magic Castle Asuka Shiren 3 Shiren 4 Shiren 5 Tower of
Slumber
Shiren 6
SFC DS SP 1 2 3 4 GB PC PCI SP GBC DS DC PC Wii PSP DS PSP DS Vita 2020 SP

Manga

Spin-offs

In Other Media

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative

The Monsters are mentioned in AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative when checking a computer in Kumakura Office on February 12, during the free move investigation segment.[1]

Aiba: (I hacked into it.)
Aiba: (There is one item in the search history: "How to defeat Mamel.")
Mizuki: (Oh, they play Shiren...)
Mizuki: (Wait, how do you need help beating Mamel?)

Another piece of dialogue also references Mamels in Sejima Residence on February 15, during the 4:10 PM investigation segment.[2] In this instance, the name "Subterrean Mamul" is used, which is a reference to the Shiren 1 SFC English Unofficial Translation.

Tama: (It's a giant Subterranean Mamul!)
Ryuki: (It's a topiary! Now's not the time to be messing around!)
Tama: (S-Sorry...)

Gallery

In Other Languages

Language Name
English Monsters
Japanese モンスター

See Also

References