Mad Monks

Mad Monks, alternatively known as the Grounds Keepers, were the inhabitants of the Asylum Grounds where they wandered around, shovels in hand.

Mad Monks
Biographical information
AKA	The Grounds Keepers Malicious Monks
Weapon(s)	Shovels
Gameplay information
Soul type	Minor Evil

History

14th century

These undead madmen guarded the Asylum Grounds. They went insane after the disappearance of the Head Monk of the Asylum. They would sleep in open graves scattered throughout the hedge maze. Their bretheren would wake them by ringing bells situated near their sleeping spots.

Gameplay

The monks will wander around trying to hit Sir Dan with a shovel. Some monks will immediately make their way to a bell which will wake up more nearby monks. It is recommended that players prevent them from doing this initially. However, the bell will need to be rung regardless if one wishes to acquire the Chalice of Souls in the level.

Behind the scenes

Development

MediEvil (1998 original)

In concept art and early game versions such as the MediEvil Rolling Demo and the MediEvil ECTS Pre-Alpha, the monks are not undead, but human. They tiptoe around the grounds on bare feet with their hands clasped in prayer, chanting. They pull out their shovels when they are ready to attack. These elements were likely removed as to avoid religious backlash.

The monks' design was further altered for the US release of the game where their costumes were retextured to look more like that of a gardener than a monk. This is also reflected by their name in the US guide book being "the Grounds Keepers." According to the game's designer and lead artist Jason Wilson, this change was made due to cultural differences, specifically the deep religiosity of some areas of the United States. This change was also retained for the Japanese version, likely because it was based on the US version of the game.

MediEvil: Resurrection

According to Dominic Cahalin, the game's lead designer, The Asylum Grounds level was set to appear in the game. The level was cut out due to development time restrictions. Artist Mark Gibbon produced some concept art of the Mad Monks. In it, they appear to be hooded and inebriated, wielding a mug of beer in one hand and a flail in the other.

MediEvil (2019 remake)

In the 2019 remake of the game the Mad Monks remain undead, appearing as they did in the European versions of the original game.

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