Beh Lem

This section presents a compilation of key and frequently appearing characters throughout the Ultima series of video games, along with the specific titles in which they are featured.

The Avatar and Companions

• Yes : The character is present in that installment.
• No : The character does not appear.
• Join : The character can join or has joined the Avatar's group.
• AE : An alternate persona of the character is featured.
• AEJ : An alternate persona appears and may become part of the group.
• M/R : The character is only mentioned or alluded to.

Character	U0	U1	U2	U3	U4	U5	U6	SE	MD	UU1	U7:BG	UU2	U7:SI	U8	U9	UO
The Avatar																M/R
Iolo					Join	Join	Join	AEJ	AE		Join		Join			M/R
Shamino					Join	Join	Join	AEJ	AEJ		Join		Join
Dupre				style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#F0F080"| AEJ style="background:#80F080"| AE	style="background:#FFFF90"| Join	style="background:#FFFF90"| Join
Jaana				style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join
Julia				style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join style="background:#FFFF90"| Join
Katrina				style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join
Geoffrey				style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join
Mariah				style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join
Gwenno	style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join |-	Sentri		style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join |-	Gorn		style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join |-	Johne, Maxwell, Toshi, Saduj (betrays party), Seggallion (also AE), Beh Lem, Blaine, Leodon, Leonna, Sherry, Spark, Tseramed, Selina, Boydon, Stefano, Wilfred, Petra, Sethys, Automaton (all join from U6 onwards) |-	Raven
Spector	style= "background:#FFFF90"| Join (in SE and MD) |- %} The Stranger and the Avatar In the initial Ultima installments, players assumed the role of the Stranger, with gameplay that permitted actions such as theft and violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about immoral behavior and purported Satanic themes, especially due to the demonic villain featured on the game’s cover. To address these concerns, Garriott incorporated profound concepts and symbolism, drawing inspiration from Hinduism’s Avatar, aiming to provide a more reflective player experience. The Avatar was introduced in Ultima IV, charged with upholding eight Virtues and recovering the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. In later entries, the Avatar’s mission broadened: overthrowing a despotic regime in Ultima V, mediating peace between humans and gargoyles in Ultima VI, and confronting the Guardian in Ultima VII and VIII, with their conflict culminating in mutual annihilation in Ultima IX: Ascension. Except for Ultima IX, players had the option to name their Avatar. In Ultima VIII, the Avatar was standardized as a blond, blue-eyed male, whereas earlier titles allowed customization of race, gender, and appearance. Dialogue systems evolved from keyword-based commands to fully interactive conversations by Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld, with digitized voiceovers introduced in Ultima IX. Originally designed as a blank canvas mirroring players’ identities, the Avatar helped popularize the contemporary virtual notion of an "avatar." It was among the pioneers in offering race and gender choices, fostering player representation. Over time, however, the Avatar acquired a more distinct persona and visual identity. The Eight Companions In Ultima IV, the Stranger is accompanied by eight Companions on his journey toward becoming the Avatar. Only seven actually join since the Companion sharing the Stranger’s profession is excluded. Each Companion embodies a profession associated with one of the eight virtues and its corresponding town. These followers reappear across subsequent Britannia-based games including Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX, sometimes adopting different roles over time. Iolo is a celebrated bard and crossbow maker residing in Britain during Ultima IV. Identified as Iolo FitzOwen in the Ultima V manual, he co-created the song "Stones" alongside Gwenno. Owner of Smith, a sarcastic talking horse, he runs two bow shops by Ultima VII. Iolo is modeled after David R. Watson, a real-life bowyer and composer. Shamino Sallé Dacil serves as a ranger from Skara Brae and was once ruler of one of Sosaria’s eight kingdoms. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia post-Mondain’s defeat, leaving behind his beloved Beatrix. He reappears in Ultima VII Part II, set in the old Lands of Danger and Despair, where Beatrix’s spirit forgives him before departing. Captured by the Guardian but later freed by the Avatar, Shamino’s character derives from Richard Garriott’s alias within the Society for Creative Anachronism. Dupre is a paladin who also serves as Trinsic’s mayor, joining and consistently supporting the Stranger’s quest. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, he is known for his enjoyment of wine and women, frequently visiting taverns. In Ultima VII, he accumulates a large bar tab that falls to the Avatar to settle. He sacrifices himself to protect Serpent Isle and is resurrected later to combat the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre is inspired by Garriott’s friend Greg Dykes. Jaana is a druid aligned with Lord British. Declared an outlaw under Blackthorn’s regime, she joins the resistance movement before becoming Cove’s healer and assisting against the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish friend of Garriott. Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent who critiques Owen’s shipbuilding in Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her affection for the Avatar. Julia is based on someone Garriott once knew. Katrina works as a shepherd and is Magincia’s sole survivor following a daemon assault that destroyed much of the town. Remaining amidst its ruins as New Magincia arises as an agricultural settlement embracing Humility, she becomes its only inhabitant before helping restore Humility alongside the Avatar. Katrina takes inspiration from Garriott’s friend nicknamed Trina. Geoffrey is a fighter encountered in Jhelom who eventually becomes captain of guards defending against gargoyle attacks before retiring to Lord British’s castle. Geoffrey represents Jeff Hillhouse, Origin’s first and final employee. Mariah is an adventurous mage hailing from Moonglow. After attacks by Shadowlords, she seeks refuge in Lycaeum where she aids the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she assists with translating Gargoyle tablets and recovers from mage-induced madness with help from the Avatar. Mariah is modeled after Garriott's personal assistant Michelle Caddel. Additional allies Starting from Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist a variety of other characters beyond the core Eight Companions. Some of these figures reappear throughout multiple installments, while others have brief or singular appearances. Several become pivotal to the storyline and remain loyal throughout entire games. Gwenno is a multifaceted entertainer, scholar, and adventurer who frequently travels alongside her husband Iolo. She contributed to writing the lyrics for the song "Stones" and is modeled after David R. Watson’s spouse, Kathleen Jones. Sentri debuts as a daring swashbuckler in Ultima II and later assumes the title Baron of Serpent Hold. In Ultima VII, he lives in Britain and provides complimentary combat instruction to the Avatar and their group. Gorn is a barbarian prisoner who assists the Avatar’s escape in Ultima V and returns in later titles. His character draws inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan. Johne lost his ship to a whirlpool prior to Ultima V. Driven insane by his discovery of the Shards of the Gem of Immortality, he created the Shadowlords using the blood of his fallen companions. Renamed Captain John in Ultima VI, he studies gargoyle culture and teaches their language. Maxwell and Toshi are minor fighter and bard characters encountered in Ultima V. Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn’s "Oppression," may join temporarily but ultimately betrays the Avatar during battle. Seggallion, a pirate lord introduced in Ultima V, supplies the spyglass and returns in Ultima VI, claiming origins from Ashtalarea, a world featured in Knights of Legend. Beh Lem is a young gargoyle who escorts the Avatar into Vesper in Ultima VI. Blaine is a gypsy juggler who can be recruited during Ultima VI. Ship captains Leodon and Leonna offer their services at Buccaneer’s Den within Ultima VI. Sherry, a talking mouse scout appearing in Ultima VI, later aids Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character was inspired by Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend. Spark, introduced in Ultima VII, pursues justice for his father’s murder; this character is based on programmer Raymond Benson’s son. Ranger Tseramed, known for his expertise with giant bee venom arrows, holds resentment toward Fellowship leaders; he is modeled after lead programmer Ken Demarest III. Selina is a Moonshade adept who may join the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Boydon, resembling Frankenstein’s monster, becomes an ally after being reassembled by Erstam’s experiments. Magic thief Stefano assists the Avatar in escaping captivity during Ultima VII Part Two. Wilfred, a Bear Knight from Monitor, may join but conceals ulterior motives. The automaton Petra helps Rocco at the Blue Boar tavern and later supports the Avatar. Ancient sage Sethys provides assistance in summoning the shade of the Hierophant of Chaos. Iron automatons can be brought to life through spells to fight alongside the party in Ultima VII Part Two. Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but eventually aids the Avatar, lending her ship The Silver Hart for travel and forging an intimate bond before departing to confront the Guardian in the final battle. Worlds of Ultima Companions Dr. Johann Spector is a supporter of the Avatar originating from Earth. In Ultima: Savage Empire, he falls under the corrupting influence of the Valley of Eodon’s energy, adopting the persona Zipactriotl and becoming the leader of a formidable tribal community. His goal is to unite the insectoid Myrmidex species to launch an invasion on Earth. Once the Avatar dispels his enchantment, he returns to his original self as Dr. Spector and joins the Avatar's group, later traveling alongside him to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character was inspired by Warren Spector, who had a brief tenure at Origin. Arch-Enemies Yes : Character is featured in that title. No : Character does not appear. M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to. Mnl : Character appears only in the manual. Character U0 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 SE MD UU1 U7:BG UU2 U7:SI U8 U9 UO Mondain Mnl Yes Mnl Mnl M/R M/R Yes No No No M/R M/R Mnl Mnl M/R M/R Minax No No Yes Mnl M/R Mnl Yes No No No M/R M/R Mnl Mnl M/R Yes Exodus No No No Yes M/R Mnl Yes No No No Yes No Mnl Mnl M/R Yes Lord Blackthorn No No No No No Yes No No No No M/R No M/R Mnl Yes Yes The Shadowlords No No No No No Yes Mnl No Yes No Mnl No No No M/R Yes The Guardian No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Batlin No No No No No No No No No No Yes No Yes No M/R No Mondain Mondain serves as the main adversary in Ultima I. As the second son of Wolfgang, the king of Akalabeth, he received introductory magical training but was forbidden from practicing magic due to his merciless nature. In response, Mondain assassinated his father and seized a gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which significantly enhanced his dark abilities. Within his laboratories, he created hybrid beings such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins. His base of operations was located on the island known as Terfin. Following his defeat by Lord British, Mondain summoned various creatures in an attempt to dominate Sosaria. The Gem of Immortality rendered him invulnerable in the present time; therefore, only by destroying this gem could he be defeated. The Stranger employed time travel to eliminate the gem a millennium earlier, resulting in Mondain’s death and the destruction of his fortress. Fragments of the shattered gem influence subsequent entries in the series: Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. Three shards appear submerged at Terfin’s ruins in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, later forming the Shadowlords in Ultima V and playing a pivotal role in their downfall. In Ultima Online, several shards exist across parallel universes containing Britannia. Mondain’s visual portrayal differs across titles: in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, he is depicted as bald with a goatee, resembling Ming the Merciless, whereas in Ultima VI, he has hair and lacks facial hair. Minax Minax is the principal antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also appears in Ultima Online. A formidable sorceress and former student—and lover—of Mondain, she eventually surpassed his magical capabilities. After Mondain’s demise, Minax retreated into hiding but later sought vengeance by targeting the Stranger’s homeworld. By utilizing dimensional and temporal portals, she initiated the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times to launch attacks on future realities without exposure. She invaded Earth, disrupting its timeline and annihilating it to prevent interference from the Stranger. Two decades after Mondain’s death, Minax led an assault on Sosaria with her armies. In Ultima II, Lord British summoned a hero to thwart her plans. The Stranger navigated through timegates and protective force fields within Minax’s fortress, Shadowguard, ultimately defeating her using the quicksword Enilno. Her demise unleashed dark energies that reshaped Sosaria into two continents: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unbeknownst to many, Mondain and Minax had a child, Exodus, a hybrid neither fully human nor machine. Exodus Exodus is the antagonist featured in Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. Its first appearance occurs when a ship returns with its crew missing and "EXODUS" scrawled in blood on its deck. Exodus terrorizes Sosaria from its stronghold on the Isle of Fire. Twenty years following Minax’s death, the Stranger returns to confront Exodus. The Great Earth Serpent, trapped near access to the Isle of Fire, blocks entry until freed by the Stranger uttering a magic word. In gratitude, this serpent assists the Avatar later in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical barriers that require specific marks for safe passage; meanwhile, adventurers face attacks from hostile creatures and animated floors. Though Exodus appears demonic, it is actually a magical computer destroyed by inserting four cards—Love, Sol, Moons, and Death—into designated slots. After its destruction, the Isle of Fire sinks beneath the sea until events depicted in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. In the Forge of Virtue expansion, Exodus's Dark Core persists and must be banished into the Ethereal Void to complete related quests. Lord Blackthorn Lord Blackthorn assumes the role of Britannia’s regent following the disappearance of Lord British in Ultima V. Initially fair and just, he falls under the corrupting influence of the Shadowlords, transforming into a despotic ruler. Ultimately, with Lord British’s return, Blackthorn is banished through a red moongate to Serpent Isle, where he seeks atonement among the Xenkan Monks and becomes part of their order in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Nevertheless, Ultima IX presents a conflicting narrative, depicting Blackthorn as an agent of the Guardian who perishes in a magical confrontation with Lord British. In Ultima Online, which diverges from the main series timeline after Ultima I, Blackthorn acts both as an ally and adversary to Lord British. He advocates for freedom and individuality through his own principle of virtue: chaos—not signifying destruction but rather equilibrium. His association with dark magic leads him to become a malevolent figure; however, it is later revealed this was a duplicate, with the true Blackthorn eventually ascending as Britannia’s king. The character represented the virtual persona of Ultima Online’s project director Starr Long. The Guardian The Guardian is an extraterrestrial conqueror from another dimension introduced in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Initially heard only as a disembodied voice, he aims to dominate Britannia using his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship. His scheme includes constructing a black moongate to physically invade Britannia, which the Avatar ultimately destroys. In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian encloses the Avatar and companions within Castle Britannia beneath a blackrock dome, intending to send forces through a portal to eliminate Britannia’s rulers. The Avatar overcomes this by destroying both dome and portal while exploring realms already subdued by the Guardian. Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle unveils the Guardian’s contingency plan—dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to continue his conquest. Batlin betrays him by releasing the Banes of Chaos before being slain. The Avatar neutralizes this menace by uniting the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents but is captured by the Guardian at the conclusion. In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian imprisons the Avatar on Pagan, a realm under his dominion. There, the Avatar masters elemental magic before returning to Britannia. Ultima IX: Ascension depicts the Guardian erecting eight pillars across Britannia with intent to collide its moons into the planet. The Avatar destroys these pillars and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart created during Ultima IV. The Avatar then merges with him using the Armageddon spell. Analysts in the industry have interpreted the Guardian as a metaphor for Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, symbolizing EA’s control over later entries in the series. This is supported by artifacts associated with the Guardian—a sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—that resemble EA’s 1990s logo. Additionally, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) serve as misleading guides, reinforcing this symbolism. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" may be an allusion to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds." Other Notable or Recurring Characters Yes : Character is featured in the game. No : Character does not appear. AE : Alternate persona included. M/R : Only mentioned or alluded to. Mnl : Referenced exclusively in the manual. Character U0 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 SE MD UU1 U7:BG UU2 U7:SI U8 U9 UO Lord British Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No AE No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Chuckles No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes M/R No No M/R No The Time Lord No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes M/R Mnl No Yes Yes The Great Earth Serpent No No No Yes No No No No No No No No Yes No No No The Gypsy No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Yes No Hawkwind No No No Mnl Yes No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Smith No No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No M/R No Wisps No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No 'Nystul'   |'No'     |'No'     |'No'     |'No'     |'No'     |'No'     |'Yes'     |'No'     |'No'     |'No'     |'Yes'     |'Yes'     ||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|'M/R'    |    |    |    | Certain characters appear intermittently throughout the Ultima franchise, contributing to both story development and gameplay consistency. Lord British Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game identity of series creator Richard Garriott. The moniker originated from a nickname he acquired at computer camp, with the prefix "Lord" derived from his Dungeons & Dragons character. Early releases such as Akalabeth were published under this alias, and he appeared as Lord British within Ultima Online. Garriott maintained the trademark for the character, who later appeared as General British in the game Tabula Rasa. Hailing from Earth, Lord British arrives in Sosaria through a moongate, adopting the title Cantabrigian British to reflect his Cambridge origins. After vanquishing the dark wizard Mondain, he earns the titles "Champion of the White Light" and "Protector of Akalabeth." He significantly contributed to establishing Britannia’s key institutions, including the Museum and Conservatory, and offers healing and resurrection assistance to the Avatar. Despite being reputed as invulnerable, Lord British has been defeated due to glitches and exploits, inspiring the "Lord British Postulate," which suggests that any living being will eventually face an attack. His notable demises include cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus, a falling gold plaque easter egg in Ultima VII, and during Ultima Online's beta phase because of bugs—an event that notably enhanced player empowerment. In Ultima IX: Ascension, players can eliminate him by using poisoned bread crafted on Earth. Chuckles Chuckles, the court jester serving Lord British and commonly found within Castle Britannia, occasionally assists but also misleads the Avatar. This character is inspired by Chuck Bueche, one of Origin Systems’ founders. The Time Lord The Time Lord governs the flow of time itself. He provides guidance on overcoming Exodus in Ultima III and supports the Avatar with critical plot developments in both Ultima VII and Ultima IX. The Great Earth Serpent Initially captured by Exodus in Ultima III to guard the Isle of Fire, The Great Earth Serpent later aids the Avatar in reestablishing equilibrium on Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part II. The Gypsy Before embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels. Hawkwind Starting as a cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind evolves into the Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia by Ultima IV. He guides the Stranger toward becoming the Avatar and returns with a more detailed background in Ultima IX. Smith Smith is a talking horse featured throughout the series. Wisps Nystul Lord Draxinusom Arcadion Additional Series Characters The King of the White Dragon co-ruled the Lands of Danger and Despair (later known as Serpent Isle) alongside Shamino in Ultima I. After Sosaria was shattered following Mondain’s defeat, Shamino found himself separated from his homeland. Beatrix, daughter of the King and Shamino’s fiancée, died from heartbreak. The King descended into madness, slaughtering guests during a Solstice Festival amid a goblin incursion before taking his own life. His ghost confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two. Sir Simon Lady Tessa Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, manages Iolo's Bows shop during his outlaw period in Ultima V and assumes full control following his retirement by Ultima VI. Dr. Cat Sutek Sin'Vraal Nicodemus Rudyom Penumbra Horance Nell Patterson Nastassia Erstam The narrative of Beatrix is explored in detail within Ultima VII Part Two. As Shamino’s betrothed and daughter of the King of the White Dragon, her passing triggered her father’s descent into madness and subsequent massacre during a goblin assault. Her vengeful spirit confronts Shamino upon his return. Samhayne External links The Ultima Wiki – detailed data on all Ultima game characters