Though it's getting up there in years, Final Fantasy XI shows no signs of slowing down. The game's third expansion, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, is set to launch alongside the Xbox 360 version of the game and will be included with it. Among other things, the game will introduce two new playable jobs (including the long-awaited Blue Mage), a new continent to explore, and a host of new monsters to grind experience on. Today, we're honored to introduce to you to one of new monster races you'll find yourself up against. They're called the Mamool Ja, and they're exactly as friendly as they look.

Introducing the Mamool Ja

The Mamool Ja Savages are an army of beast men with impressive military discipline. All of its citizens are given specific military work, and they toil day and night training to complete the tasks given to them. Their military is divided into groups of specialists and each excels in a certain combat skill. In an attempt to avoid an inner struggle amongst the masses, each class is relegated to its own skill set and is rarely given the opportunity to learn from the others. Because of this, when they lose a soldier on a special task, it is difficult to quickly respond and replace them, exposing a weakness in their ranks.

Mamool Ja Fighter


These are Mamool Jas that belong to the fighter class. They are armed with strangely shaped swords that can pierce through the strongest of armor. Generally they are very vigorous; at best they can be seen as dauntless soldiers, and at worst as possessing savage animal courage. Their strength is something to be revered, but they are not made for endurance battle.

Mamool Ja Mage


These Mamool Jas belong to the mage class. They are placed in roles such as military intelligence and combat surgeon, where knowledge of magic is needed. As they are well-rounded, they take command and heal soldiers on the battlefield.

Ziz


Ziz are military birds that the Mamool Ja employ. Usually they are used to transport supplies, but since they have a violent temper they are sometimes intentionally released towards hostile forces. They have a tendency to attack prey that can be swallowed whole.

Puk


A miniature dragon that is thought to be a cross between a dragon and vermin. They are also known as "Wind Dragons." They understand words and are under contract with the Beastmen to participate in the war. They can fly at high speed and are good at confusing the enemy forces with their air attacks and scout missions.