List of Ultima characters
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Richard Garriott |
| Products | Role-playing video games |
This compilation details key or frequently appearing characters within the Ultima series of video games, specifying the titles in which they are featured.
The Avatar and Companions
- Yes : Indicates the companion is present in that particular game.
- No : Indicates the companion does not appear in that title.
- Join : The companion is able to join or has already joined the Avatar's group.
- AE : An alternate persona of the companion is featured in the game.
- AEJ : An alternate persona appears and can join the Avatar's party.
- M/R : The companion 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[lower-alpha 1] | Yes[lower-alpha 1] | Yes[lower-alpha 1] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | M/R |
| Iolo | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Join | Join | Join | AEJ[lower-alpha 2] | AE[lower-alpha 3] | No | Join | Yes | Join | No | Yes | M/R |
| Shamino | No | Yes | No | Yes | Join | Join | Join | AEJ[lower-alpha 4] | AEJ[lower-alpha 5] | No | Join | No | Join | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dupre | No | No | Yes | Yes | Join | Join | Join | AEJ[lower-alpha 6] | AE[lower-alpha 7] | No | Join | Yes | Join | No | Yes | Yes |
| Jaana | No | No | No | No | Join | Join | Join | No | No | No | Join | No | No | No | Yes | M/R |
| Julia | No | No | No | No | Join | Join | Join | No | No | No | Join | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Katrina | No | No | No | No | Join | Join | Join | No | No | No | Join | No | No | No | Yes | _M/R_ |
| _Geoffrey_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Join_ | _Join_ | _Yes_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Yes_ | _Yes_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Yes_ | _Yes_ |
| _Mariah_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Join_ | _Join_ | _Yes_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Yes_ | _No_ | _No_ | _No_ | _Yes_ | _Yes_ |
_Gwenno_|
_No_|
_Yes__{efn|"gwenno"}_|
_Yes__{efn|"gwenno"}_|
_Yes__{efn|"gwenno"}_|
_Join__{efn|"gwenno"}_|
_Join_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_M/R_|
_M/R_|
_Join_|
_No_|
_Yes_|
_Yes_|
| ||||||||||||||||
_Sentri_|
_No_| _No_| _Yes_| _Yes_| _Yes_| _Join_| _Join_| _No_| _No_| _No_| _Join_| _No_| _No_| _No_| _M/R_| _No_| | ||||||||||||||||
_Gorn_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_Join_|
_Join_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_Yes_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
| ||||||||||||||||
_Johne_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_Join_|
_Yes_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_|
_No_
|
_
No_
| |||||||||||||||
| _Maxwell_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Join_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | |||
| _Toshi_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Join_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | |||
| _Saduj_{efn|"saduj"} (betrays party)_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Join_{efn|"saduj"} (always betrays)_
|
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | ||
| _Seggallion_{efn|"segallion"} (alter-ego Jack Segal)_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Yes_ |
Join_ |
AE_{efn|"segallion"}_
|
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | |||
| _Beh Lem_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Join_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | |||
| _Blaine_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
Join_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ |
No_ | |||
_Leodon_, Leonna, Sherry, Spark, Tseramed, Selina, Boydon, Stefano, Wilfred, Petra, Sethys, Automaton (all join in various titles)
Various appearances primarily joining in Ultima VI and later titles; Sherry also mentioned or referenced.| Raven (plot character and romantic interest in Ultima IX) does not join party or participate in combat.| Spector joins in Savage Empire and Martian Dreams and appears in Ultima Online.| |
The Stranger and the Avatar
In the initial Ultima installments, the player-character was known as the Stranger, with gameplay that permitted actions such as theft and violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from concerned parents regarding immoral behavior and accusations of Satanic themes, particularly due to the demonic figure featured on the game’s cover. To address these concerns, Garriott incorporated profound concepts and symbolism into his work, drawing inspiration from a television program about Hinduism and the notion of the Avatar. This led to the establishment of eight Virtues guiding the protagonist in Ultima IV.
The Avatar was first introduced in Ultima IV, where the player was charged with embodying the Virtues and recovering the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom.[1] Later titles portrayed the Avatar overthrowing an oppressive government (Ultima V), negotiating peace between humans and gargoyles (Ultima VI), and confronting the Guardian across Ultima VII and VIII, culminating in a final confrontation resulting in mutual annihilation in Ultima IX.
With the exception of Ultima IX, players could assign a name to the Avatar. In Ultima VIII, however, the Avatar was depicted specifically as a blond, blue-eyed male; earlier entries allowed customization of race, gender, and appearance.[2] Starting from Ultima IV, communication relied on keyword-driven dialogue, evolving into fully voiced interactions by Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld, with digitized speech incorporated in Ultima IX.
Originally conceived as a neutral figure meant to mirror the player's identity,[3] the Avatar was among the earliest game protagonists offering options for race and gender selection, laying groundwork for contemporary virtual avatar designs.[4] This approach allowed players to immerse themselves personally within the game environment, although over time, the Avatar gained a more distinct personality and visual representation.[5]
The Eight Companions
In Ultima IV, the Stranger is joined by eight companions on his journey to become the Avatar. However, only seven accompany him at any time since one shares his profession. Each companion originally practices a trade linked to one of the eight Virtues and their respective towns. These followers are integral to the Avatar’s quest and reappear throughout Britannia-based titles: Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX. Many companions can rejoin the player's party later, occasionally adopting new vocations.
- Iolo is a celebrated bard and crossbow maker residing in Britain during Ultima IV. Alongside Gwenno—his wife as revealed in Ultima V—he composed "Stones." Iolo owns Smith, a talking horse known for his sarcastic commentary about the Avatar. By Ultima VII, he operates two bow shops. His character is modeled after real-life bowyer and musician David R. Watson.
- Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and once ruled an ancient Sosarian kingdom. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following Mondain's defeat. Shamino accompanies the Avatar to Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II, aligning with his former domain. His name derives from Richard Garriott’s persona within the Society for Creative Anachronism.
- Dupre serves as a paladin and mayor of Trinsic who joins the Stranger’s mission. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, he is known for his indulgence in wine and women and authors travel guides. In Ultima VII, Dupre accumulates a significant bar tab that players may choose to settle. He sacrifices himself to save Serpent Isle but is later resurrected to combat the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre is based on Garriott’s friend Greg Dykes.
- Jaana is a druid allied with Lord British who becomes an outlaw under Blackthorn's reign, joining resistance efforts. She later relocates to Cove as a healer and aids in fighting against the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish acquaintance of Garriott.
- Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent who identifies defects in shipbuilding during Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her love for the Avatar. Julia’s character is inspired by one of Garriott’s former romantic partners.
- Katrina works as a shepherd and is Magincia's sole survivor following a daemon assault. She remains amidst its ruins until New Magincia arises as an agricultural settlement embracing Humility, where she becomes its first—and eventually only—resident. The Avatar assists in restoring Humility there. Katrina is named after Garriott’s friend nicknamed Trina.
- Geoffrey is a fighter encountered in Jhelom who becomes captain of the guard defending against gargoyle attacks before retiring to Lord British’s castle. He represents Jeff Hillhouse, Origin’s first and last employee.
- Mariah is an adventurous mage from Moonglow who hides in Lycaeum after Shadowlord attacks and supports the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle tablets but suffers depression due to widespread madness among mages—a condition that the Avatar helps alleviate. Mariah is based on Garriott’s personal assistant Michelle Caddel.
Additional Allies
Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist numerous allies beyond the core Eight Companions. Some of these characters reappear throughout the series, while others have limited or singular appearances. Several companions play crucial roles over the course of entire titles.
- Gwenno is a multifaceted entertainer, scholar, and adventurer frequently seen alongside her husband Iolo. She occasionally becomes part of the Avatar's group, adding rich cultural elements. Her full name is Gwenllian Gwalch'gaeaf, and she inspired the lyrics for the song "Stones".
- Sentri starts as a swashbuckler in Ultima II and later rises to become the Baron of Serpent Hold, governing the southern isles. In Ultima VII, he provides complimentary combat instruction to the Avatar and their companions.
- Gorn, introduced as a barbarian captive in Ultima V, assists in the Avatar’s escape and returns in later installments. 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 uncovering the Shards of the Gem of Immortality, he fashioned the Shadowlords from the blood of his fallen comrades. Renamed Captain John in Ultima VI, he studies gargoyles and teaches their language to the Avatar.
- Maxwell and Toshi serve as entry-level fighter and bard characters in Ultima V.
- Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn’s "Oppression", may temporarily join but ultimately betrays the party during battle.
- Seggallion, a pirate lord first seen in Ultima V, supplies the spyglass and returns in Ultima VI, where his origins trace back to Ashtalarea, an alternate realm.
- Beh Lem is a young gargoyle who guides the Avatar into Vesper and its gargoyle domain in Ultima VI.
- Blaine is a gypsy juggler who may join forces with the Avatar in Ultima VI.
- The skilled ship captains Leodon and Leonna, hailing from Buccaneer’s Den, offer their services in Ultima VI.
- Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, later appears assisting in Lord British’s Nursery during Ultima VII. She was inspired by Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend.
- Introduced in Ultima VII, Spark joins seeking retribution for his father’s murder. His character was modeled after programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
- Tseramed is a ranger expert with sleep-inducing arrows who harbors resentment toward Fellowship leaders in Ultima VII. He was based on lead programmer Ken Demarest III.
- From Moonshade, Selina, a skilled adept, may join in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle.
- The Frankenstein-like creature Boydon can join after being reassembled in Ultima VII Part Two.
- In Ultima VII Part Two, Stefano aids the Avatar’s escape from the Mountains of Freedom.
- The Bear Knight of Monitor, Wilfred, may ally with the Avatar but conceals ulterior motives during Ultima VII Part Two.
- The automaton Petra, assisting Rocco at the Blue Boar Inn, supports key quests in Ultima VII Part Two.
- Preserved through centuries, Sethys helps summon vital entities within Ultima VII Part Two.
- Iron automatons can be brought to life through magic spells and added to the party during Ultima VII Part Two.
- Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but subsequently aids the Avatar. She allows use of her vessel, The Silver Hart, forms a close bond, then departs before the final confrontation with the Guardian.
Worlds of Ultima allies
- Dr. Johann Spector serves as a companion to the Avatar, originating from Earth. Within Ultima: Savage Empire, he falls under the influence of the Valley of Eodon's power, transforming into Zipactriotl, the chief of a dominant tribal community. His objective is to bring together the insectoid Myrmidex species to launch an invasion of Earth. Once the Avatar dispels the enchantment, he resumes his identity as Dr. Spector and joins the Avatar's group, later traveling with him to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character draws inspiration from Warren Spector, a former Origin employee.
Arch-enemies
- Yes : Indicates character presence in the game.
- No : Indicates character absence.
- M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to.
- Mnl : Character appears only in the game manual.
Mondain
Mondain serves as the chief antagonist in Ultima I. As the younger son of Wolfgang, Akalabeth’s king, he received rudimentary magical instruction but was forbidden from practicing magic due to his lack of empathy. In response, Mondain murdered his father and took a gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which endowed him with vast power and command over sinister beings such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins. His base of operations was located on Terfin Island.
Following his defeat by Lord British, Mondain unleashed creatures to attempt domination over Sosaria. The Gem of Immortality rendered him invulnerable in the present unless the gem itself was destroyed first. Utilizing a time machine, the Stranger traveled back a millennium, shattering the gem, which resulted in Mondain’s death and the destruction of his fortress.
Fragments of the shattered Gem play significant roles in subsequent titles: Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. In Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, three shards are found near Terfin’s submerged ruins alongside Mondain’s skull. These shards transform into the Shadowlords in Ultima V and are crucial to their defeat; meanwhile, the skull emits a lethal aura affecting creatures nearby but negatively impacts the Avatar’s karma. Within Ultima Online, multiple shards symbolize parallel universes that encompass Britannia.
In both Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, Mondain is portrayed as bald with a goatee, bearing resemblance to Ming the Merciless. Contrastingly, in Ultima VI, he is depicted with a full head of hair and no facial hair.
Minax
Minax is featured as the principal antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also appears in Ultima Online. An immensely powerful sorceress and former apprentice and lover of Mondain, she exceeded his magical prowess and sought vengeance following his demise at the hands of the Stranger.
After surviving Mondain’s downfall, Minax remained hidden for a decade before initiating her assault on Sosaria. She established the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times, granting her ability to strike at future realities without exposure to risk. To deter interference, she annihilated Earth by destabilizing time itself. Two decades after Mondain's death, Minax launched her invasion of Sosaria accompanied by her dark armies.
In Ultima II, Lord British called upon a hero to confront her. The Stranger traversed timegates to reach Minax’s fortress, Shadowguard, requiring an enchanted ring to bypass protective force fields. Following an extended conflict, Minax was defeated by the Stranger wielding the quicksword Enilno. Her demise unleashed dark forces that transformed Sosaria into two continents: Sosaria proper and Ambrosia. Unknown to all, Mondain and Minax had produced an offspring—Exodus—a being neither fully human nor machine.
Exodus
Exodus is the central villain in Ultima III: Exodus, created through the union of Mondain and Minax. Its initial appearance is marked by a ship returning without crew and "EXODUS" scrawled in blood. Exodus menaces Sosaria from its stronghold on the Isle of Fire. Twenty years after Minax's death, the Stranger returns with the mission to eliminate Exodus.
The Isle of Fire is inaccessible due to the imprisoned Great Earth Serpent, which is freed by the Stranger uttering a magic word; this serpent later assists the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical wards that require specific marks for safe passage. Inside, hostile creatures and animated floors pose threats to intruders.
Though Exodus appears demonic, it is actually a magical computer that can be destroyed by inserting four cards: Love, Sol, Moons, and Death. After its destruction, the Isle of Fire sinks 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 in Britannia following the disappearance of Lord British in Ultima V. Initially governing with fairness, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and turns into a ruthless tyrant. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British returns to power, 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 by joining the Xenkan Monks and becoming part of their order.
Nonetheless, Ultima IX presents a conflicting storyline, depicting Blackthorn as a subordinate of the Guardian who perishes in a magical duel against Lord British, contradicting earlier accounts.
In Ultima Online, which diverges from the main timeline post-Ultima I, Blackthorn is portrayed both as Lord British’s closest ally and fiercest rival. He advocates for personal freedom and individuality through his own principle of chaos—not destructive but transformative. Embracing dark magic, he turns into a malevolent figure and appears to be killed during an attack on Yew. This evil version was later retconned as a duplicate; the true Blackthorn eventually ascends as king of Britannia. It is noteworthy that Lord Blackthorn’s character was inspired by Ultima Online project director Starr Long.
The Guardian
The Guardian is an immensely powerful extraterrestrial conqueror from another dimension, making his initial appearance in Ultima VII: The Black Gate mainly as a disembodied voice. Having subjugated numerous worlds, he sets his sights on Britannia through Batlin, leader of the Fellowship, with intentions to construct a black moongate for invasion. The Avatar prevents this by destroying the moongate.
In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian encloses the Avatar within a blackrock dome encasing Castle Britannia, aiming to seize control by eliminating its rulers via a portal. The Avatar triumphs by demolishing both the dome and portal while exploring worlds already conquered by the Guardian.
Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle uncovers the Guardian’s contingency plan: dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to advance his conquest. Batlin’s treachery unleashes the Banes of Chaos, which the Avatar neutralizes by harmonizing 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 masters elemental magic before returning to Britannia.
By Ultima IX: Ascension, the Guardian has erected eight pillars across Britannia designed to draw its moons from orbit, endangering the planet’s existence. The Avatar destroys these pillars and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart—an embodiment of abandoned evil from Ultima IV. Their final confrontation merges them into one entity through the Armageddon spell.
Industry analysts speculate that the Guardian symbolizes Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, rumored to have curtailed Richard Garriott’s creative freedom during later series entries. This interpretation is supported by the Guardian’s three artifacts—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—reflecting EA’s early 1990s logo after acquiring Origin. Additionally, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) act as deceptive guides and antagonists in The Black Gate. The Guardian’s title "Destroyer of Worlds" may allude to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds".
Additional 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 : Referenced solely 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[lower-alpha 8] | No | No | No | M/R | M/R | Mnl | Mnl | M/R | M/R |
| Minax | No | No | Yes | Mnl | M/R | Mnl | Yes[lower-alpha 8] | No | No | No | M/R | M/R | Mnl | Mnl | M/R | Yes |
| Exodus | No | No | No | Yes | M/R | Mnl | Yes[lower-alpha 8] | 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 9] | Mnl | Yes | Yes |
| The Shadowlords | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Mnl | No | Yes | No | Mnl | No | No | No | M/R | |
| No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | M/R |
| 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[lower-alpha 10] | 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"
style="background:#C0C0C0"| 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"
style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R | |||
| Wisps |
yes[lower-alpha 11] yes[lower-alpha 12] yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no yes | |||||||||||||||
Nystul
no no no no no no yes no no no yes yes no style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R no yes | ||||||||||||||||
Lord Draxinusom
no no no no no no yes no no no yes style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R no no | ||||||||||||||||
Arcadion
no no no no no no no no no no yes no yes yes no style="background:#C0C0C0"| M/R | ||||||||||||||||
The King of the White Dragon
no yes no no no no no no no no no no yes no no no | ||||||||||||||||
Sir Simon
yes yes yes ... [Table continues with similar pattern] |
Lord British
Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game identity of the series’ creator, Richard Garriott. This moniker originated as a nickname among Garriott’s friends, with "Lord" appended due to his role as a dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons. Early titles such as Akalabeth were released under this alias, and he appears as Lord British in Ultima Online. Garriott maintains trademark ownership of the character, who also features as General British in Tabula Rasa.
Within the storyline, Lord British arrives on Sosaria from Earth through a moongate, adopting the name Cantabrigian British. He defeats the malevolent wizard Mondain and earns titles like "Champion of the White Light" and "Lord British, Protector of Akalabeth." He is instrumental in establishing key Britannian institutions such as the Museum and Conservatory. Throughout the series, he provides essential services like healing, resurrection, and guidance to the Avatar.
Although traditionally viewed as invincible, Lord British has been slain due to glitches and player exploits, inspiring the "Lord British Postulate," which posits that any living entity in a game is ultimately vulnerable. Garriott was notably upset when players eliminated Lord British using cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus. In Ultima VII, a hidden easter egg permits his demise by a falling gold plaque—referencing an actual accident at Origin’s offices. During Ultima Onlines beta phase, bugs allowed players to kill Lord British, marking a landmark event in online gaming by demonstrating player power. Similarly, General British was killed during Tabula Rasas beta testing. In Ultima IX: Ascension, players can poison Lord British with specially crafted bread while on Earth.
Chuckles
Chuckles acts as the royal jester within Lord British’s court, frequently found at Castle Britannia. While he occasionally assists the Avatar, he is also known for misleading them. The character draws inspiration from Chuck Bueche, co-founder of Origin Systems.
The Time Lord
The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time throughout space. In Ultima III, he directs the placement of Four Cards needed to defeat Exodus; in Ultima VII, he offers counsel regarding the Fellowship; and he returns to assist again in Ultima IX.
The Great Earth Serpent
Initially captured by Exodus to guard the Isle of Fire in Ultima III, The Great Earth Serpent later aids the Avatar in reestablishing equilibrium on Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part II.
The Gypsy
Prior to embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels.
Hawkwind
Starting out as a cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind ascends to become Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia by Ultima IV. He guides the Stranger on their path to becoming an Avatar and reappears with additional background details in Ultima IX.
Smith
A talking horse that appears throughout the series.
Other 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. Following Mondain’s defeat and Sosaria’s fragmentation, Shamino was stranded far from home. Beatrix, daughter of the King and Shamino’s fiancée, died from heartbreak. The King descended into madness, slaughtering guests amid a goblin invasion before taking his own life. His restless ghost confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two.
- Sir Simon
- Lady Tessa
- Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, takes over management of Iolo's Bows after Iolo becomes an outlaw and later retires.
- Dr. Cat
- Sutek
- Sin'Vraal
- Nicodemus
- Rudyom
- Penumbra
- Horance
- Nell
- Patterson
- Nastassia
- Erstam
- The tale of Beatrix, detailed in Ultima VII Part Two, recounts her role as daughter of the King of the White Dragon and Shamino’s betrothed; her death triggered her father’s insanity and a massacre during goblin attacks. Her spirit haunts Shamino’s deserted castle.
- Samhayne
External links
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