Let’s get something straight: vampire hunting is not a solo gig. For every Slayer who picks up a sword or spear, there are about a dozen people behind the scenes making sure the hunt goes off without a hitch. From funding to shelter to support, the Middle Men of the Abomofuo are always available to guarantee that the world’s vampire hunters are in tip-top shape.

But when a hunter needs some fast-acting healing magic in a pinch, they turn to their trusted mmoatia (moh-AY-tee-Uh) companion. These diminutive forest spirits are partnered with a Slayer as soon as the vampire hunter passes their Initiation Test. Take Boulder, for example. He’s been bonded to Serwa’s father for decades. (And to be honest, Boulder has spent a lot of that time just lounging around and watching TV.)

But now, with Mr. and Mrs. Boateng called away on an important mission, Boulder is going to have to step up to ensure that Serwa survives her greatest challenge yet: middle school.

This Guy’s Seen It All

Mmoatia live notoriously long lives. Boulder has been around for millennia, so he has tons of experience. He even helped Alexander the Great capture Egypt (Or so he claims.). When a Slayer passes on, the mmoatia is partnered with someone new.

Mmoatia service is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, these little forest spirits lose the ability to travel the world on their own. On the other hand, they receive free access to their Slayer’s streaming services. Depending on who you ask, this could be considered a fair trade-off.

Bonded for Life

Once a mmoatia is assigned to their Slayer, the two parties develop a powerful and unbreakable psychic connection. And because Boulder has been bonded to Serwa’s dad since he was just a kid, their relationship runs deep. Even though Boulder still isn’t into that whole showing affection to your loved ones thing. Ah, if only we all had a tiny, surly magical man to help us get through puberty.

Missed Connections

The psychic tie between a Slayer and their mmoatia is considered sacred. When a Slayer feels joy or experiences pain, so too does their mmoatia. A Slayer can choose to mute the psychic connection, but only under the most extreme circumstances. And once they do, the poor mmoatia can fall into a heavy depression. They curl up in a nest of blankets, cut themselves off from other people, and spend the entire day watching trashy reality shows.

. . . But wait, isn’t that what Boulder normally does?

Want to learn more about Boulder and the mmoatia? Be sure to pick up Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting, on sale September 6th!