Julia (Ultima)

Ultima series characters

Industry	Video games
Founded	1980s
Headquarters	United States
Products	Video game characters

This compilation enumerates key or frequently appearing characters in the Ultima series of video games, specifying the titles in which they feature.

The Avatar and Companions

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

Numerous other companions such as Julia, Katrina, Geoffrey, Mariah, Gwenno, Sentri, among others, appear throughout the series with diverse roles, frequently joining the Avatar’s party in multiple installments. Several characters also have alternate identities or are referenced differently depending on the specific game context.

The Stranger and the Avatar

In the initial Ultima installments, players assumed the role of the Stranger, granting freedom to engage in actions such as theft or violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about the allowance of unethical behavior and alleged Satanic imagery, particularly due to the demonic figure featured on the game’s cover. To address these concerns, Garriott integrated profound symbolism, drawing inspiration from a television program about Hinduism and the concept of the Avatar, leading to the introduction of eight Virtues that define the protagonist in Ultima IV, who is now known as the Avatar.

The Avatar was introduced in Ultima IV, charged with embodying the Virtues and seeking out the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. In later entries, the Avatar dismantled a despotic ruler (Ultima V), facilitated peace between humans and gargoyles (Ultima VI), and confronted the Guardian in both Ultima VII and VIII, with their conflict culminating in mutual annihilation in Ultima IX.

Except for Ultima IX, players had the option to name their Avatar. While earlier titles permitted customization of race, gender, and appearance, Ultima VIII: Pagan depicted the Avatar consistently as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male. Dialogue systems evolved from keyword-based commands to fully-fledged conversations by Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld, with digitized voice acting introduced in Ultima IX.

Originally conceived as a blank character reflecting player identity, this iteration marked one of the earliest uses of "avatar" in its contemporary virtual representation. This design allowed players to choose race and gender, fostering greater connection with their in-game persona. Over time, however, the Avatar acquired a more distinct visual identity and personality.

The Eight Companions

In Ultima IV, the Stranger is joined by eight Companions on his journey toward becoming the Avatar. Only seven companions physically accompany him since one sharing his profession is absent. Each Companion originally practices a trade associated with one of the eight Virtues and its respective town. They serve as the Avatar’s initial allies and reappear throughout subsequent Britannia-centered titles: Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX. Some change their occupations in later games.

• Iolo is a distinguished bard and crossbow craftsman living in Britain during Ultima IV. He and Gwenno, revealed as spouses in Ultima V, composed the well-known ballad "Stones." Iolo owns Smith, a talking horse known for witty remarks about the Avatar. By Ultima VII, he operates two bow shops. The character is modeled after David R. Watson, a real-life bowyer and musician.

• Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and was once ruler of one of Sosaria’s eight kingdoms. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following continental separation, leaving behind his beloved Beatrix. By Ultima IV, he serves as a ranger and later accompanies the Avatar on Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. Shamino’s name derives from Richard Garriott’s persona within the Society for Creative Anachronism.

• Dupre acts as a paladin and mayor of Trinsic who joins the Stranger’s quest. He recurs as a companion throughout several titles, having been knighted between Ultima VI and VII. Known for his fondness for wine and women, Dupre frequently accumulates large bar tabs that players can settle. He sacrifices himself to protect Serpent Isle but is revived in Ultima IX to battle against the Guardian. Dupre is inspired by Greg Dykes, a friend of Garriott.

• Jaana functions as a druid allied with Lord British opposing Blackthorn’s regime; she later becomes Cove’s healer and assists against the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish friend of Garriott.

• Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent who exposes shipbuilding flaws by Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she expresses romantic feelings toward the Avatar. Julia is based on a former romantic partner of Garriott.

• Katrina survives as Magincia’s sole shepherd after its daemon assault, residing among its ruins. When Magincia is resettled under its new name embracing Humility, she becomes one of its initial inhabitants and eventually its last before Humility is restored by the Avatar. The character draws inspiration from Garriott’s friend nicknamed Trina.

• Geoffrey is a fighter encountered in Jhelom who rises to captain of the guard defending against gargoyle threats before retiring to Lord British’s castle. Geoffrey is modeled after Jeff Hillhouse, Origin’s first and last employee.

• Mariah originates from Moonglow as an adventurous mage. Following Shadowlord attacks, she takes refuge in Lycaeum where she meets the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle tablets and struggles with mage-related madness until aided by the Avatar. Mariah is based on Michelle Caddel, Garriott’s personal assistant.

Additional Allies

Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist a diverse array of companions beyond the core Eight. Some of these characters reappear throughout multiple installments, while others participate only briefly or a single time. Their involvement ranges from peripheral roles to key party members.

• Gwenno is an entertainer, scholar, and adventurer who frequently travels alongside her husband Iolo. In Ultima V, she is credited with composing the lyrics for the song "Stones". Her persona is inspired by Kathleen Jones, the spouse of David R. Watson (Iolo).
• Sentri debuts as a captive in Ultima II and later ascends to become Baron of Serpent Hold. By Ultima VII, he lives in Britain and offers complimentary combat training to the Avatar and companions. Although missing from Ultima IX, his magical leggings are found in Trinsic.
• Gorn is a barbarian prisoner who assists the Avatar’s escape in Ultima V, returns in Ultima VI, and makes a brief appearance in Ultima VII. His character draws on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan, complete with a distinctive accent.
• Johne lost his ship to a whirlpool before the events of Ultima V. Driven insane after uncovering shards of the Gem of Immortality, he created the Shadowlords. Discovered stranded, he joins the party seeking atonement. In Ultima VI, now known as Captain John, he studies gargoyles and teaches their language, aiding the Avatar’s mission.
• Maxwell and Toshi serve as low-ranking fighter and bard respectively during Ultima V.
• Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn's "Oppression" faction in Ultima V, will betray the group if recruited.
• Seggallion, a pirate lord featured in both Ultima V and VI, claims origins from Ashtalarea (a realm from Knights of Legend). He provides the spyglass item but is unable to return home.
• Beh Lem is a youthful gargoyle who escorts the Avatar into Vesper during Ultima VI.
• Blaine, a gypsy juggler, is a potential recruit in Ultima VI.
• Leodon and Leonna, captains operating out of Buccaneer's Den in Ultima VI, offer formidable combat assistance.
• Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, later aids children at Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character was inspired by Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend.
• Spark, a young man pursuing justice for his father’s killers in Ultima VII, is based on programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
• Tseramed, a ranger skilled with sleep-inducing bee venom arrows appearing in Ultima VII, holds resentment toward Fellowship leaders over his lover’s death. His name references lead programmer Ken Demarest III’s online handle.
• Selina, an adept from Moonshade, may join the Avatar during Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle.
• Boydon, resembling Frankenstein’s monster, can be recruited after being reassembled following an experiment gone awry on Serpent Isle.
• Stefano, a magic thief, aids the Avatar’s escape from Mountains of Freedom on Serpent Isle.
• Wilfred, a Bear Knight hailing from Monitor, may join but conceals ulterior motives.
• Petra, an automaton supporting Blue Boar operations in Moonshade, plays a role in key quests.
• Sethys has been preserved for centuries within the Temple of Tolerance and assists with summoning rituals.
• Ordinary iron automatons can be animated through spells and added to the party on Serpent Isle.
• Raven is revealed as Samhayne’s secret daughter who initially betrays but eventually supports the Avatar during events on Serpent Isle. She grants access to her ship, The Silver Hart, and develops a close relationship before departing ahead of the final confrontation against the Guardian.

Worlds of Ultima companions

• Dr. Johann Spector originates from Earth and allies with the Avatar. Within Ultima: Savage Empire, he falls under the corrupting influence of the Valley of Eodon, transforming into Zipactriotl, the chief of a dominant tribal community. His objective is to unite the insectoid Myrmidex to facilitate an invasion of Earth. Once the Avatar dispels this enchantment, he returns to his original form as Dr. Spector and becomes a member of the Avatar's group, later joining him on his journey to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character draws inspiration from Warren Spector, who briefly contributed to Origin.

Arch-enemies

• Yes : Character is present in the specified game.
• No : Character does not appear in that title.
• M/R : Character is either mentioned or referenced.
• Mnl : Character appears only 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	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	style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Batlin	style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No |style="background:#c0c0c080"|M/R	No

Mondain

Mondain serves as the main antagonist in Ultima I. As the younger son of Wolfgang, the ruler of Akalabeth, he gained proficiency in fundamental magic but was prohibited from practicing it due to his ruthless nature. In response, Mondain murdered his father and took a precious gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which amplified his dominion over sinister beings. He engineered numerous hybrid creatures within his laboratories and constructed his fortress on Terfin Island.

Following his defeat by Lord British, Mondain employed the Gem to summon minions and seize control of Sosaria. His immortality was sustained by the Gem's existence; however, he was ultimately vanquished when the Stranger traveled back a millennium to destroy it. This pivotal event influences subsequent titles such as Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. Fragments of the Gem appear in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, giving rise to foes like the Shadowlords in Ultima V. Within Ultima Online, various shards symbolize alternate realities containing Britannia.

Mondain's appearance differs across installments—ranging from bald with a goatee in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension to sporting a full head of hair in Ultima VI.

Minax

Minax is the principal antagonist featured in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also appears in Ultima Online. A formidable sorceress and former disciple—and lover—of Mondain, she surpassed his magical capabilities. After surviving Mondain’s demise, Minax sought vengeance by invading the Stranger’s homeworld through dimensional and temporal portals, initiating the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times to circumvent temporal weaknesses.

She launched an assault on Earth, disrupting its timeline and obliterating it to prevent resistance. Two decades after Mondain’s death, Minax invaded Sosaria with her dark armies. Responding to Lord British’s summons, the Stranger navigated Shadowguard Castle via timegates and enchanted rings to confront her. Ultimately, Minax was defeated using the quicksword Enilno.

Her destruction unleashed dark forces that transformed Sosaria into two landmasses: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unbeknownst to many, Mondain and Minax had a hybrid progeny named Exodus, combining human and machine elements.

Exodus

Exodus appears as the antagonist in Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. Its initial manifestation is a missing vessel that reappears without crew members, bearing "EXODUS" inscribed in blood on deck. Exodus then releases monstrous entities from its fortress on the Isle of Fire to terrorize Sosaria. Twenty years post-Minax’s demise, the Stranger returns to confront Exodus.

The Isle of Fire is inaccessible due to the Great Earth Serpent trapped nearby; the Stranger frees it by uttering a magical word. This serpent later assists the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is protected by magical wards that require specific symbols for safe passage. Inside, hostile creatures and animated floors threaten intruders.

Though initially portrayed as demonic, Exodus is revealed to be a magical computer dismantled only by inserting four cards—Love, Sol, Moons, and Death—into designated slots. After its defeat, the Isle of Fire sinks beneath the sea until events 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 regent over Britannia during the absence of Lord British in Ultima V. Initially a just ruler, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and transforms into a despotic tyrant. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British returns, and Blackthorn is banished through a red moongate to an unknown realm—later identified in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle as Serpent Isle. There, he pursues atonement among the Xenkan Monks and ultimately joins their order.

Contradicting this narrative, Ultima IX depicts Blackthorn departing before the Avatar’s arrival and reemerging as a villain allied with the Guardian. His storyline culminates in a magical duel with Lord British at the Great Stygian Abyss, resulting in his death, which conflicts with previous accounts.

In Ultima Online, which branches off following Ultima I, Blackthorn is portrayed simultaneously as Lord British’s closest ally and greatest adversary. He advocates for personal freedom and individuality through his own principle—chaos—not as destruction but as a liberating force. Eventually, he aligns with dark magic and becomes malevolent. After an apparent demise during an attack on Yew, it was retconned that this was merely a duplicate; the true Blackthorn ascended to Britannia’s throne. The character draws inspiration from Ultima Online project director Starr Long.

The Guardian

The Guardian is an immensely powerful extraterrestrial conqueror from another dimension, introduced initially in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. First appearing as a disembodied voice, he aims to subjugate Britannia through his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship. His scheme involves constructing a black moongate to physically invade Britannia, but the Avatar destroys this gateway.

In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian traps 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 thwarts him by destroying both the portal and dome. This installment reveals other realms already conquered or devastated by the Guardian.

Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle presents the Guardian’s contingency plan executed through Batlin on Serpent Isle. Batlin betrays the Guardian but unleashes apocalyptic Banes of Chaos before dying. The Avatar halts this catastrophe by reuniting the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents. The game concludes with the Avatar captured by the Guardian.

In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian imprisons the Avatar on Pagan, a world under his dominion. There, the Avatar learns elemental magic and eventually returns to Britannia.

Ultima IX: Ascension reveals that while confined on Pagan, the Guardian erects eight columns across Britannia designed to pull its moons from orbit, threatening planetary annihilation. The Avatar destroys these columns and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart—created from abandoned evil in Ultima IV. Using the Armageddon spell, the Avatar merges them into a single entity.

Industry commentators have speculated that the Guardian symbolizes Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, rumored to have restricted Richard Garriott’s creative freedom in later series installments. Supporting this theory are artifacts associated with the Guardian—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—which resemble EA’s early 1990s logo following its acquisition of Origin. Additionally, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) mislead players and are revealed as antagonists. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" may allude to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds."

Other Notable or Recurring Characters

• Yes : The character is featured in the specified game.
• No : The character does not appear in that title.
• AE : An alternate persona of the character is present in that game.
• M/R : The character is solely mentioned or alluded to within that game.
• Mnl : The character is referenced only in the game's 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

|- ! style="text-align:left;" | Hawkwind |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Smith |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Wisps |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Nystul |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Lord Draxinusom |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Arcadion |- ! style="text-align:left;" | The King of the White Dragon |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Sir Simon |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Lady Tessa |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Gwenneth |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Dr. Cat |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Sutek |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Sin'Vraal |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Nicodemus |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Rudyom |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Penumbra |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Horance |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Nell |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Patterson |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Nastassia |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Erstam |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Beatrix |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Samhayne |- ! style="text-align:left;" | Nelson |}

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 among his peers at computer camp, with the prefix "Lord" added during his participation in Dungeons & Dragons games. Garriott initially published early titles such as Akalabeth under this pseudonym and portrayed Lord British within Ultima Online. After departing from Origin Systems, he maintained ownership of the Lord British trademark, with the character reappearing as General British in his subsequent title Tabula Rasa.

Within the narrative, Lord British arrives from Earth through a moongate to Sosaria, adopting the name Cantabrigian British, referencing his origin in Cambridge, UK. Following his defeat of the malevolent sorcerer Mondain, he earns titles such as "Champion of the White Light" and "Protector of Akalabeth." His legacy includes establishing important Britannian landmarks like the Museum and Conservatory. Additionally, he provides essential assistance to the Avatar, including healing and resurrection services.

Although considered invincible, Lord British has been slain due to various glitches and exploits, giving rise to the "Lord British Postulate," which posits that players will attempt to kill any living entity within a game. His in-game deaths in titles like Ultima III: Exodus, Ultima VII, and during Ultima Online beta testing are significant moments in gaming history, highlighting player-driven interactions. In Ultima IX: Ascension, he is vulnerable to death through a poisoned loaf of bread created on Earth.

Chuckles

Chuckles functions as Lord British's court jester, commonly found within Castle Britannia. While he occasionally assists the Avatar, he is also known for misleading them. This character is modeled after Chuck Bueche, one of Origin Systems’ co-founders.

The Time Lord

The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time throughout space. He guides the Avatar in Ultima III by disclosing critical locations for key items and provides further assistance in Ultima VII and Ultima IX concerning major storyline elements such as the Fellowship.

The Great Earth Serpent

Initially captured by Exodus to guard the Isle of Fire in Ultima III, The Great Earth Serpent later supports the Avatar’s mission to restore equilibrium on Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II.

The Gypsy

Before commencing quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels.

Hawkwind

Beginning as a cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind evolves into the Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia by Ultima IV. He assists the Stranger on their path to becoming an Avatar and reappears with an expanded role in Ultima IX.

Smith

A talking horse featured throughout the series.

Additional Characters in the Series

• The King of the White Dragon once 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 became stranded, which led to Beatrix’s death from grief. The King descended into madness, slaughtering guests amid a goblin assault before taking his own life. His spirit confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two.
• Sir Simon
• Lady Tessa
• Gwenneth operates Iolo's Bows shop during his outlaw period in Ultima V and assumes control after his retirement by Ultima VI.
• Dr. Cat
• Sutek
• Sin'Vraal
• Nicodemus
• Rudyom
• Penumbra
• Horance
• Nell
• Patterson
• Nastassia
• Erstam
• The tale of Beatrix is explored in detail within Ultima VII Part Two. As daughter of the King of the White Dragon and Shamino’s fiancée, her death triggers her father’s mental collapse. Her vengeful ghost confronts Shamino during the Avatar’s quest on Serpent Isle.
• Samhayne

External links

• The Ultima Wiki – extensive details about Ultima characters