| Julia
... [table continues maintaining consistent structure, emphasizing join status and principal appearances] ...
%}
The Stranger and the Avatar
In the initial Ultima installments, players assumed the role of the Stranger, with gameplay offering freedom to engage in theft or violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about immoral behavior and alleged Satanic themes, particularly due to the demonic figure featured on the game's cover. To address these concerns, Garriott incorporated profound ideas and symbolism inspired by a television program on Hinduism and the Avatar concept, which led to the establishment of eight Virtues that define the protagonist in Ultima IV, now known as the Avatar.
The Avatar made its first appearance in Ultima IV, charged with embodying the Virtues and seeking the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Later entries broadened the Avatar’s narrative: overthrowing an oppressive government in Ultima V, mediating peace between humans and gargoyles in Ultima VI, and confronting the Guardian throughout Ultima VII and VIII, culminating in their mutual demise in Ultima IX: Ascension.
Players could name their Avatar in all titles except Ultima IX, where the character was predefined as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male; earlier games allowed customization of race, gender, and appearance. Starting with Ultima IV, communication relied on keyword-based dialogue, evolving into full conversational systems by Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld, with digitized voice samples introduced in Ultima IX.
Originally designed as a blank canvas reflecting players’ identities, the Avatar was among gaming’s earliest protagonists to offer race and gender selection, laying groundwork for modern virtual avatars. Over time, this figure gained a more distinct look and personality, becoming an iconic presence in video game history.
The Eight Companions
In Ultima IV, the Eight Companions accompany the Stranger on his journey toward becoming the Avatar. Only seven join, as one Companion sharing the Stranger’s profession is excluded. Each originally represents a vocation aligned with one of the eight Virtues and its corresponding town. These Companions serve as the Avatar’s initial allies and reappear across Britannia-focused mainline titles—Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX—often joining the Avatar’s party. Some adopt different roles in later games.
- Iolo is a celebrated bard and crossbow maker residing in Britain during Ultima IV. He co-wrote the well-known song "Stones" with his wife Gwenno, as revealed in the Ultima V manual. Iolo owns Smith, a witty talking horse, and by Ultima VII operates two bow shops. His character is inspired by real-life bowyer and musician David R. Watson.
- Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and was once co-ruler of an ancient Sosarian kingdom alongside the King of the White Dragon. After aiding the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following Mondain’s defeat. By Ultima IV, he serves as a ranger and later accompanies the Avatar to Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. Shamino’s narrative includes themes of loss and redemption, reflecting Richard Garriott’s own persona name from the Society for Creative Anachronism.
- Dupre is a paladin who also serves as Trinsic’s mayor; he joins the Stranger’s quest and remains a frequent companion. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, Dupre is known for his love of wine and women, often accumulating bar debts that may fall to the Avatar to settle. He sacrifices himself defending Serpent Isle but is resurrected to fight against the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre is modeled after Garriott’s friend Greg Dykes.
- Jaana is a druid allied with Lord British who becomes an outlaw under Blackthorn's regime, joining resistance efforts. Later she relocates to Cove as a healer and aids in combating the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish friend of Garriott.
- Julia is a Scottish-accented tinkerer from Minoc who identifies flaws in ship construction during Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her affection for the Avatar. Julia is based on one of Garriott’s former acquaintances.
- Katrina works as a shepherdess and is Magincia’s sole survivor after a daemon assault destroyed it. She remains among its ruins as New Magincia adopts Humility, becoming its first—and ultimately only—resident until virtue is restored by the Avatar. Katrina draws inspiration from Garriott's friend nicknamed Trina.
- Geoffrey is a fighter originating from Jhelom who becomes captain of guards defending against gargoyle attacks before retiring to Lord British's castle. He is based on Jeff Hillhouse, Origin's inaugural employee.
- Mariah is an adventurous mage from Moonglow who hides at Lycaeum following Shadowlord assaults to assist the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle inscriptions and overcomes mage-related madness with help from the Avatar. Mariah’s character is modeled on Garriott’s personal assistant Michelle Caddel.
Additional Allies
Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist a broader range of characters beyond the original Eight Companions. Some of these figures reappear throughout several installments, while others make only brief or singular appearances. Their involvement ranges from minor non-player characters to significant members of the Avatar’s party during the game.
- Gwenno is a multifaceted performer, scholar, and adventurer who frequently accompanies her husband Iolo. She occasionally joins the Avatar on his journey and is recognized for composing the lyrics to the song "Stones". Her character draws inspiration from Kathleen Jones, spouse of David R. Watson (Iolo).
- Sentri emerges as a warrior first introduced in Ultima II under the title Sentri the Swashbuckler. He eventually becomes the Baron of Serpent Hold, governing the southern archipelago. By Ultima VII, Sentri resides in Britain and provides complimentary combat training to the Avatar and companions. Although absent in Ultima IX, his enchanted leggings can be found in Trinsic.
- Gorn is a barbarian captive who assists the Avatar’s escape in Ultima V and reappears in later games. His distinctive speech pattern is modeled after Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan. Gorn’s roles vary, including an antagonist position in Ultima VII.
- Johnes vessel, Ararat, was swallowed by a whirlpool before Ultima V. Driven insane after discovering shards of the Gem of Immortality, he became responsible for creating the Shadowlords. Found stranded, he joins the Avatar seeking atonement. Renamed Captain John in Ultima VI, he dedicates himself to studying gargoyles and teaching their language, aiding the Avatar’s mission.
- Maxwell is a low-ranking fighter located in Serpent's Hold during Ultima V.
- Toshi functions as a novice bard based at Empath Abbey in Ultima V.
- Saduj, associated with Blackthorn’s oppressive regime in Ultima V, will betray the party if recruited.
- Seggallion is a pirate lord who supplies the spyglass in Ultima V. In Ultima VI, he reveals his origins trace back to Ashtalarea (from Knights of Legend) but is unable to return there.
- Beh Lem is a youthful gargoyle who guides the Avatar into Vesper and their realm during Ultima VI.
- Blaine is a nomadic gypsy juggler who may join forces with the Avatar in Ultima VI.
- Leodon and Leonna are expert captains operating out of Buccaneer’s Den, offering their services in Ultima VI.
- Sherry, a talking mouse enlisted for reconnaissance in Ultima VI, later appears assisting children at Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character was inspired by Richard Garriott’s former partner.
- Spark, a young man driven to avenge his father’s killers, becomes an ally in Ultima VII. He is modeled after programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
- Tseramed, a ranger proficient with bee venom-tipped arrows, harbors resentment toward Fellowship leaders due to his lover’s death. He appears in Ultima VII and reflects lead programmer Ken Demarest III.
- Selina is an adept from Moonshade with personal reasons for joining that unfold in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle.
- Boydon resembles a Frankenstein-like creature who joins after being reassembled, appearing in Serpent Isle.
- Stefano, a magic thief, assists the Avatar’s escape from the Mountains of Freedom within Serpent Isle.
- Wilfred is a Bear Knight from Monitor who may join but conceals ulterior motives during events in Serpent Isle.
- Petra is an automaton working at the Blue Boar tavern and later becomes crucial for various quests throughout Serpent Isle.
- Sethys has lived for centuries inside the Temple of Tolerance and aids in summoning important figures during Serpent Isle.
- An iron automaton can be brought to life through spellcasting and added to the party within Serpent Isle.
- Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but eventually supports the Avatar. She grants use of her ship, The Silver Hart, becoming a close ally before departing at the climactic confrontation with the Guardian.
Worlds of Ultima companions
- Dr. Johann Spector is an associate of the Avatar originating from Earth who becomes influenced by the mystical forces of the Valley of Eodon in Ultima: Savage Empire. Taking on the identity Zipactriotl, he assumes leadership of a dominant tribal society and aims to rally the insectoid Myrmidex to invade Earth. Once the Avatar dispels the enchantment, he returns to his original self as Dr. Spector and joins the Avatar's group, subsequently traveling with him to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character draws inspiration from Warren Spector, who had a brief tenure at Origin.
Arch-enemies
- Yes : Character is featured in that title.
- No : Character does not appear in that title.
- M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to.
- Mnl : Character is referenced solely within 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[lower-alpha 1]
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
M/R
|
M/R
|
Mnl
|
Mnl
|
M/R
|
M/R
|
| Minax
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Mnl
|
M/R
|
Mnl
|
Yes[lower-alpha 1]
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
M/R
|
M/R
|
Mnl
|
Mnl
|
M/R
|
Yes
|
| Exodus
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
M/R
|
Mnl
|
Yes[lower-alpha 1]
|
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[lower-alpha 2]
|
Mnl
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| The Shadowlords
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Mnl
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Mnl
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
M/R
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
| The Guardian
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
| Batlin
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#C0C0C0"|M/R
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
Mondain
Mondain serves as the chief antagonist in Ultima I. As the younger son of Wolfgang, king of Akalabeth, he acquired fundamental magical skills but was prohibited from practicing them due to his absence of empathy. In response, Mondain murdered his father and took a gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which significantly enhanced his dominion over sinister creatures. From his stronghold on the island of Terfin, he created hybrid beasts such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins.
Following Lord British's victory over him, Mondain summoned monsters in an attempt to subjugate Sosaria. His immortality was tied directly to the gem, which the Stranger destroyed by traveling back a millennium, resulting in Mondain's death and the ruin of his fortress.
Fragments of the shattered Gem of Immortality influenced subsequent games: in Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online, these shards play crucial roles involving entities like the Shadowlords; in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, both shards and Mondain’s skull are found at the submerged site of Terfin. Within Ultima Online, multiple shards symbolize alternate realities containing Britannia.
Mondain’s depiction varies across titles: he appears bald with a goatee in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, whereas in Ultima VI he is shown with full hair and no facial hair.
Minax
Minax is the principal antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also features in Ultima Online. A formidable sorceress who was both apprentice and lover to Mondain, she ultimately exceeded his magical prowess. After Mondain’s demise at the hands of the Stranger, Minax vanished before seeking revenge by investigating the Stranger’s home dimension.
By utilizing portals through time and dimensions, she initiated the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times to safely assault future worlds. She invaded Earth, causing temporal disturbances and its destruction to avert interference. Two decades after Mondain’s death, Minax launched a campaign against Sosaria with her armies.
In Ultima II, Lord British called upon a hero to confront her. The Stranger navigated Shadowguard Castle using timegates and an enchanted ring to defeat Minax’s forces. Ultimately, Minax was slain by the quicksword Enilno. Her death unleashed dark energies that transformed Sosaria into two separate continents: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unknown to all, Mondain and Minax had produced offspring—Exodus—a being neither fully human nor machine.
Exodus
Exodus is the antagonist in Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. Its emergence is signaled by a missing ship reappearing with its crew vanished and "EXODUS" scrawled in blood on deck. From its fortress on the Isle of Fire, Exodus commands creatures that terrorize Sosaria. Two decades post-Minax’s death, the Stranger returns to confront Exodus.
Access to the Isle of Fire is barred by the imprisoned Great Earth Serpent, which the Stranger releases by uttering a magical word. This serpent later assists the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical wards requiring specific marks for safe passage; hostile monsters and animated floors attack intruders.
Though Exodus appears demonic, it is actually a magical computer dismantled by inserting four cards named Love, Sol, Moons, and Death. After its destruction, the Isle of Fire sinks until events unfold in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. In the Forge of Virtue expansion, Exodus's Dark Core remains active and must be banished into the Ethereal Void to complete certain quests.
Lord Blackthorn
Lord Blackthorn assumes the role of regent in Britannia following Lord British's disappearance in Ultima V. Initially honorable, he succumbs to corruption under the influence of the Shadowlords, transforming into a despotic ruler. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British reemerges, and Blackthorn is banished through a red moongate to an unfamiliar realm—later identified as Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. On Serpent Isle, Blackthorn attains redemption by joining the Xenkan Monks and becoming part of their order.
Nevertheless, Ultima IX presents a conflicting storyline, portraying Blackthorn as having departed Serpent Isle prior to the Avatar’s arrival and returning as an antagonist allied with the Guardian. His demise occurs during a magical confrontation with Lord British, contradicting earlier accounts.
In Ultima Online, which follows a different timeline branching off after Ultima I, Blackthorn is depicted both as Lord British’s closest confidant and his greatest adversary. He advocates for personal freedom and individuality through his own guiding principle, Chaos—not destructive in nature but rather protective. After embracing dark magic, he turns malevolent and appears to be killed during an attack on Yew. This malevolent persona was later retconned as a duplicate; the true Blackthorn ultimately becomes Britannia’s sovereign. It is worth noting that Lord Blackthorn’s character was inspired by Ultima Online project director Starr Long.
The Guardian
The Guardian is an immensely powerful extraterrestrial invader from another dimension, making his first appearance in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Initially manifesting only as a disembodied voice, he aims to dominate Britannia through his agent Batlin, who establishes the Fellowship. His strategy involves constructing a black moongate to physically enter Britannia; however, the Avatar prevents this by destroying the gate.
In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian attempts another invasion by encasing Castle Britannia within a blackrock dome and deploying forces via a portal. The Avatar counters this threat by destroying both the portal and dome while exploring worlds already subjugated or annihilated by the Guardian.
Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle uncovers the Guardian’s contingency plan: dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to further his conquest. Batlin betrays the Guardian and is slain after unleashing the Banes of Chaos. The Avatar neutralizes this menace by reuniting the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents but is ultimately captured by the Guardian at the game’s conclusion.
In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian confines the Avatar on Pagan, a realm under his dominion. There, the Avatar masters elemental magic before returning to Britannia.
Ultima IX: Ascension depicts that during the Avatar’s absence, the Guardian erects eight pillars throughout Britannia designed to draw its moons from orbit with the intent of planetary destruction. The Avatar dismantles these pillars and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark half—created from the discarded portion of the Avatar in Ultima IV. Their final confrontation concludes with their fusion into a new entity through use of the Armageddon spell.
Industry analysts have speculated that the Guardian symbolizes Electronic Arts, Origin’s parent company, allegedly imposing creative restrictions on Richard Garriott during later installments of the series. This interpretation is supported by artifacts associated with the Guardian—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—which resemble EA’s early 1990s logo. Moreover, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) deceive the Avatar and are ultimately revealed as antagonists. The Guardian’s moniker "Destroyer of Worlds" may be an allusion to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds".
Other Notable or Recurring Characters
- Yes : Character features in the game.
- No : Character does not appear.
- AE : Alternate persona appears.
- M/R : Only mentioned or alluded to.
- Mnl : Mentioned solely in the game 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
|
Present exclusively in Ultima III and U7:SI
|
| The Gypsy
|
|
|
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
-
|
Wisps
|
|
|
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
| Nystul
|
|
|
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R
|
style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No
|
style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes
|
| Lord Draxinusom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R
|
|
|
|
|
| Arcadion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R
|
| Others (Sir Simon, Lady Tessa, Gwenneth, Dr. Cat, Sutek, Sin'Vraal, Nicodemus, Rudyom, Penumbra, Horance, Nell, Patterson, Nastassia, Erstam, Beatrix, Samhayne, Nelson)
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Primarily appear from Ultima IV through Ultima IX with varying frequency; these characters often serve as recurring supporting roles enhancing narrative complexity and player involvement.
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Lord British
Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game identity of series creator Richard Garriott. The moniker originated as a nickname during a computer camp, with the "Lord" title inspired by his role as dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons. Early games such as Akalabeth were released under this alias, and Garriott appeared as Lord British in Ultima Online. After departing Origin Systems, he retained trademark ownership of the name, which later appeared as General British in his title Tabula Rasa.
Within the series’ narrative, Lord British arrives on Sosaria from Earth via a moongate, adopting the name Cantabrigian British to reflect his birthplace, Cambridge, UK. He defeats the dark sorcerer Mondain, earning titles such as "Champion of the White Light" and "Protector of Akalabeth." Numerous Ultima storylines revolve around his exploits or public initiatives, including founding Britannia’s Museum and Conservatory. Additionally, he provides vital healing and resurrection services to the Avatar.
Lord British is famously known for his near invulnerability, although he has been slain through glitches and exploits. This phenomenon inspired the "Lord British Postulate," which suggests that players will attempt to kill any living entity within a game. Nonetheless, most successful attempts require exploiting game bugs. Garriott was displeased when Lord British could be eliminated by cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus. In Ultima VII, an easter egg permits his death by a falling gold plaque—an homage to an actual incident at Origin’s office. During the beta phase of Ultima Online, Garriott’s character was killed multiple times due to software flaws and oversights, marking a pivotal moment in online gaming by granting players unprecedented control over the game environment. Similarly, General British was killed during Tabula Rasa beta testing. In Ultima IX: Ascension, Lord British can be defeated by substituting poisoned bread.
Chuckles
Chuckles acts as the court jester for Lord British and is frequently encountered within Castle Britannia. Although occasionally assisting the Avatar, he is notorious for leading them on futile errands. The character is modeled after Chuck Bueche, one of Origin Systems' founders.
The Time Lord
The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time throughout space. In Ultima III, he assists with positioning the Four Cards necessary to vanquish Exodus. He also supports the Avatar in both Ultima VII and Ultima IX.
The Great Earth Serpent
The Great Earth Serpent serves as guardian of the Isle of Fire after being captured by Exodus in Ultima III. Later, it aids the Avatar in restoring equilibrium to Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part II.
The Gypsy
Before embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar seeks counsel from the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels.
Hawkwind
Initially a famed cartographer featured in Ultima III, Hawkwind becomes Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia by Ultima IV. He guides the Stranger towards becoming the Avatar and reappears with an expanded backstory in Ultima IX.
Smith
A horse capable of speech.
Additional Characters in the Series
- The King of the White Dragon once co-governed the Lands of Danger and Despair (later known as Serpent Isle) alongside Shamino in Ultima I. After Sosaria fragmented following Mondain’s defeat, Shamino became stranded, while Beatrix—his fiancée and daughter of the King—succumbed to heartbreak. The King descended into madness, slaughtering guests amid a goblin invasion before taking his own life. His ghost confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two, ultimately being overcome.
- Sir Simon
- Lady Tessa
- Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, manages Iolo's Bows shop in Britain during Blackthorn's outlawing of Iolo (Ultima V) and assumes control following Iolo's retirement (Ultima VI).
- Dr. Cat
- Sutek
- Sin'Vraal
- Nicodemus
- Rudyom
- Penumbra
- Horance
- Nell
- Patterson
- Nastassia
- Erstam
- The tale of Beatrix unfolds in Ultima VII Part Two. She was Shamino's betrothed and daughter to the King of the White Dragon. After Shamino became stranded due to Sosaria’s fragmentation, Beatrix died from heartbreak, triggering her father’s insanity and massacre during a goblin attack. Her vengeful spirit confronts Shamino before finding peace.
- Samhayne
External links
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