Lord Blackthorne

This section enumerates prominent or frequently appearing characters within the Ultima series of video games, specifying the entries 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 a party member.
• M/R : The character is only mentioned or referenced.

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					Join	Join	Join	AEJ	AE		Join		Join
Jaana	... [table continues similarly with remaining characters, trimmed for brevity] %} The Stranger and the Avatar In the earlier Ultima titles, players assumed the role of the Stranger, with gameplay that permitted actions such as theft and violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott faced backlash from parents concerned about perceived immoral content and alleged associations with Satanic ritual abuse, largely due to the demonic imagery on the game’s cover. To address these concerns, Garriott implemented a system based on eight Virtues inspired by Hinduism’s concept of the Avatar, thereby establishing a protagonist with deeper ethical significance in Ultima IV. The Avatar was introduced in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, charged with embodying these Virtues and seeking out the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Later installments portrayed the Avatar overcoming an oppressive government (Ultima V), mediating peace between humans and gargoyles (Ultima VI), confronting the Guardian in Ultima VII and VIII, culminating in their mutual destruction during Ultima IX. Except for Ultima IX, players were able to assign a name to the Avatar. In Ultima VIII, the Avatar’s identity was fixed as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male, whereas previous games allowed customization of gender, race, and appearance. From Ultima IV onward, dialogue utilized keyword-based interactions until full conversational systems were introduced in Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld. Digitized voice acting was added in Ultima IX. Originally designed as a neutral figure reflecting player identity, the Avatar was among the earliest video game protagonists to allow selection of race and gender, serving as a virtual extension of the player. Over time, this character developed into a more distinct persona. The Eight Companions In Ultima IV, the Stranger is accompanied by eight companions on his journey to achieve Avatarhood. However, only seven companions actively join him, as one shares the same vocation and role as the Stranger himself. Each companion originally practices a trade connected to one of the eight virtues and their respective towns. These individuals are the Avatar's initial followers and make appearances in subsequent Britannia-based titles such as Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX. Many return to join the Avatar's party again, occasionally adopting different professions. Iolo is a celebrated bard and master bowyer famed for his crossbow craftsmanship, residing in Britain during Ultima IV. He and Gwenno, revealed as his wife in Ultima V, co-wrote the iconic ballad "Stones". Iolo owns Smith, a sarcastic talking horse, and by the events of Ultima VII runs two bow shops. The character is inspired by David R. Watson, a real-life bowyer and composer. Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and once ruled one of Sosaria’s eight kingdoms alongside the King of the White Dragon. Having assisted the Stranger in Ultima I, he becomes stranded in Britannia following the continent’s division, leaving behind his beloved Beatrix. Shamino reappears in Ultima VII Part II on Serpent Isle, where he encounters Beatrix’s spirit before being captured by the Guardian and later freed by the Avatar. His character is modeled after Richard Garriott’s persona from the Society for Creative Anachronism. Dupre serves as a paladin and mayor of Trinsic who joins the Stranger’s quest and remains a steadfast companion throughout. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, he is known for his enjoyment of wine and women, frequenting taverns regularly and authoring travel guides. In Ultima VII, Dupre accumulates a significant bar tab that the Avatar can choose to settle. He sacrifices himself to protect Serpent Isle but is revived in Ultima IX to aid in combating the Guardian. Dupre is based on Greg Dykes, a friend of Garriott. Jaana is a druid loyal to Lord British who becomes an outlaw during Blackthorn’s reign, joining the resistance movement. She later establishes herself in Cove as a healer and assists in fighting against the Guardian. Her name derives from a Finnish friend of Garriott. Julia is a tinker with a Scottish accent from Minoc who exposes deficiencies in ship construction during events in Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her affection for the Avatar. Julia’s character is inspired by someone Garriott once dated. Katrina works as a shepherd and is the sole survivor of a daemon assault that destroyed Magincia. She remains among its ruins until New Magincia emerges as an agricultural settlement founded on Humility, becoming its first inhabitant. Eventually isolated again, she benefits from restoration efforts led by the Avatar. Katrina is based on Garriott’s friend nicknamed Trina. Geoffrey is a fighter first encountered in Jhelom who rises to become captain of the guard defending against gargoyle attacks before retiring to Lord British’s castle. He represents Jeff Hillhouse, Origin’s earliest and final employee. Mariah originates from Moonglow as an adventurous mage. After Shadowlord assaults, she takes refuge in Lycaeum and supports the Avatar’s mission. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle tablets and experiences depression when local mages succumb to madness—problems resolved with assistance from the Avatar. Mariah’s character is based on Garriott’s personal assistant Michelle Caddel. Additional Allies Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist a variety of characters beyond the core Eight Companions. Some of these figures appear repeatedly throughout the series, while others make brief or singular appearances. Gwenno is both a performer and scholar who often travels alongside her spouse Iolo. She occasionally joins the Avatar’s group, enriching the series’ mythology, including composing lyrics for the song "Stones". Sentri first appears as a warrior in Ultima II and eventually becomes the Baron of Serpent Hold. In Ultima VII, he lives in Britain and offers complimentary combat training to the Avatar and their allies. Although he is absent in Ultima IX, his enchanted leggings can be found in Trinsic. Gorn, introduced as a barbarian captive in Ultima V, assists the Avatar’s escape and returns in later installments. His character draws inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan, embodying a formidable fighter archetype. Johne (who later adopts the title Captain John) suffers madness induced by shards of the Gem of Immortality before joining the Avatar to seek redemption. In Ultima VI, he dedicates himself to studying gargoyles and instructs the party in their language, enabling crucial interactions with this group. Maxwell and Toshi serve as a novice fighter and bard, respectively, appearing in Ultima V. Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn's "Oppression", poses a potential threat by possibly betraying the Avatar if recruited. Seggallion, a pirate lord featured in Ultima V, provides the spyglass and later reveals his origins from another dimension called Ashtalarea in Ultima VI. Beh Lem, a young gargoyle, guides the Avatar safely into Vesper and through the gargoyle realm during events in Ultima VI. Blaine, a gypsy juggler, may become part of the party in Ultima VI. Leodon and Leonna are experienced ship captains from Buccaneer's Den who offer combat assistance in Ultima VI. Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, reappears as a nursery aide in Ultima VII. Her character is inspired by someone personally known to Richard Garriott. Spark, a young man driven by a desire to avenge his father’s murder, can join forces with the Avatar in Ultima VII. This character is based on programmer Raymond Benson’s son. Tseramed, a ranger skilled in using bee venom-tipped arrows that induce sleep, joins in Ultima VII. Motivated by revenge against Fellowship leaders, he is modeled after lead programmer Ken Demarest III. Selina, an adept hailing from Moonshade, may accompany the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Boydon, resembling a Frankenstein-like creature, becomes an ally once reassembled during events on Serpent Isle. Stefano aids the Avatar’s escape from the Mountains of Freedom within Serpent Isle. Wilfred, known as a Bear Knight from Monitor, is available to join but harbors concealed intentions throughout Serpent Isle. Petra, an automaton assisting Rocco at the Blue Boar inn, plays a significant role later on in Serpent Isle. Sethys has been preserved over centuries and contributes to summoning essential entities within Serpent Isle. Iron automatons can be brought to life through magic spells and added to the party during Serpent Isle gameplay. Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but eventually supports the Avatar, offering her vessel The Silver Hart for travel. Their alliance culminates prior to the final confrontation against the Guardian. These additional allies contribute both strategic depth and narrative complexity across several Ultima games, reflecting recruitment choices that evolve alongside the overarching storylines. Worlds of Ultima allies Dr. Johann Spector is an Earth-origin ally of the Avatar. Within Ultima: Savage Empire, he falls under the corrupting influence of the Valley of Eodon and proclaims himself leader of the principal tribal settlement, adopting the name Zipactriotl. His objective is to unite the insectoid Myrmidex forces to invade Earth. After being liberated by the Avatar, he resumes his identity as Dr. Spector and joins the Avatar’s group, later traveling with the Avatar to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character draws inspiration from Warren Spector, a former Origin employee. Arch-nemeses Yes : Character featured in that title. No : Character does not appear. M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to. Mnl : Character referenced solely in the manual. Villain 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 chief adversary in Ultima I. He is the second son of Wolfgang, the king of Akalabeth, who received only rudimentary magical training and was forbidden from practicing magic due to his cold-hearted nature. In defiance, Mondain murdered his father and seized his gem, forging the "Gem of Immortality." This artifact granted him dominion over dark creatures and enabled him to create hybrid beings such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins. His base of operations was located on Terfin Island. Following his defeat by Lord British, Mondain summoned creatures in an attempt to conquer Sosaria. The Gem of Immortality rendered him invulnerable in the present era; only by destroying this gem could he be vanquished. Utilizing a time machine, the Stranger traveled a millennium into the past, shattered the gem, and killed Mondain, simultaneously destroying his fortress. The broken gem assumes a significant role in subsequent entries: Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. In Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, three fragments are discovered at the submerged ruins of Terfin alongside Mondain’s skull. These shards give rise to the Shadowlords in Ultima V and are critical for their defeat; additionally, the skull emits a lethal aura against nearby foes but negatively impacts the Avatar’s karma. In Ultima Online, numerous shards exist across parallel universes containing Britannia. Mondain’s visual portrayals differ across titles: depicted as bald with a goatee reminiscent of Ming the Merciless in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, while shown with full hair and no facial hair in Ultima VI. Minax Minax is the central antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also appears in Ultima Online. She is a formidable sorceress who was once both apprentice and lover to Mondain, ultimately surpassing his magical prowess and seeking vengeance following his demise. After surviving Mondain’s downfall, Minax went into hiding to increase her power. To exact revenge, she located the Stranger’s homeworld and employed dimensional and temporal gates to initiate the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times. This strategy allowed her to assault future realities without fear of temporal consequences. She invaded Earth, disrupting its timeline and annihilating it to prevent interference from the Stranger. Two decades later, she launched an attack on Sosaria with her armies. In Ultima II, Lord British summoned a hero to confront Minax. The Stranger responded by navigating through timegates and circumventing force fields within her fortress Shadowguard. After an extended confrontation, he defeated Minax using the quicksword Enilno. Her death unleashed dark energies that transformed Sosaria into two landmasses: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unknown to most, Mondain and Minax had produced an offspring—Exodus—a being neither fully human nor machine. Exodus Exodus is the antagonist featured in Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. The character makes its first appearance when a ship returns devoid of crew with "EXODUS" scrawled in blood. Exodus terrorizes Sosaria from a fortress situated on the Isle of Fire. Twenty years after Minax’s demise, the Stranger returns with the mission to destroy Exodus. Entry to the Isle of Fire is obstructed by the imprisoned Great Earth Serpent, whom the Stranger frees by uttering a magical incantation. In gratitude, this serpent assists the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical wards requiring specific marks for safe passage. The stronghold is also inhabited by hostile creatures and features animated floors. Though Exodus appears demonic, it is actually a magical computer that can be destroyed by inserting four cards labeled Love, Sol, Moons, and Death. Following its destruction, the Isle of Fire sinks beneath the sea until events in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Within the Forge of Virtue expansion, Exodus’s Dark Core persists on the island; here, the Avatar must banish it into the Ethereal Void to complete associated quests. Lord Blackthorn Lord Blackthorn assumes the role of Britannia's regent following Lord British's disappearance in Ultima V. Initially portrayed as a fair and just leader, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords, transforming into a despotic ruler. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British returns, resulting in Blackthorn's exile through a red moongate to an unknown realm—later identified in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle as Serpent Isle. There, Blackthorn pursues atonement by joining the Xenkan Monks and becoming part of their order. Nonetheless, Ultima IX presents a conflicting storyline, showing Blackthorn departing Serpent Isle prior to the Avatar’s arrival and returning as an agent of the Guardian. His story ends with his death in a magical confrontation against Lord British at the Great Stygian Abyss, which contradicts previous accounts. In Ultima Online, which branches off after Ultima I, Blackthorn is depicted both as Lord British’s closest confidant and his most formidable adversary. He advocates for personal freedom and individuality through his own principle of virtue: chaos—not destructive but rather a force of equilibrium. Embracing dark magic, he emerges as a malevolent figure but is ultimately defeated in Yew. This evil incarnation was later retconned as merely a duplicate; the authentic Blackthorn ascends as Britannia’s monarch. The character’s design was inspired by Ultima Online project director Starr Long. The Guardian The Guardian is an immensely powerful extraterrestrial conqueror from another dimension, first introduced in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Initially manifesting only as a disembodied voice, he aims to dominate Britannia using his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship, who utilizes a black moongate to enter the physical world. The Avatar thwarts this plan by destroying the moongate. In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian imprisons the Avatar and companions within Castle Britannia beneath a blackrock dome, intending to invade by eliminating its rulers. The Avatar breaks both the portal and dome, exploring other worlds already subdued or obliterated by the Guardian. Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle uncovers the Guardian’s contingency: dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to advance his conquest. Batlin betrays him but releases the Banes of Chaos before dying. 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 holds the Avatar captive on Pagan, a world entirely under his dominion. There, the Avatar masters elemental magic before returning to Britannia. By Ultima IX: Ascension, while trapped on Pagan, the Guardian erects eight colossal columns across Britannia designed to pull its moons from orbit and annihilate the world. The Avatar destroys these columns and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark half—formed from evil forsaken in Ultima IV. The Avatar merges with him using the Armageddon spell. Industry analysts have proposed that the Guardian represents Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, which was rumored to have constrained Richard Garriott's creative freedom during later series entries. This interpretation is supported by the Guardian’s three artifacts—a sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—reflecting EA’s early 1990s logo after acquiring Origin. Furthermore, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) deceive the Avatar and are unmasked as antagonists. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" may allude to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds". Other Notable or Recurring Characters Yes : Character is featured in that installment. No : Character does not appear. AE : An alternate persona of the character is present. M/R : Character is solely mentioned or alluded to. Mnl : Character is referenced only within 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 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 Hawkwind style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No No No Mnl Yes No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Smith style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No M/R Wisps style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Template:None Nystul style="background:#FFC7C7;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-no"|No No No No  { { no }}  { { no }}  { { yes }}  { { no }}  { { no }}  { { no }}  { { yes }}  { { yes }}  { { no }} M/R  { { no }}  { { yes }} Lord Draxinusom No No No No No No Yes No No No Yes style= "background:#C0C0C0"| M/R No No No No| Arcadion 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 Yes No No| Sir Simon No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No| Lady Tessa Gwenneth Dr. Cat Sutek Sin'Vraal Nicodemus Rudyom Penumbra Horance Nell Patterson Nastassia Erstam Beatrix Samhayne Nelson Lord British Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game avatar of series creator Richard Garriott. The moniker originated from a childhood nickname at computer camp, with "Lord" appended from his Dungeons & Dragons persona. Garriott published early games such as Akalabeth under this alias and portrayed Lord British within Ultima Online. He maintained trademark ownership of the character, who also appeared as General British in Garriott's subsequent title, Tabula Rasa. Originally hailing from Earth, Lord British arrives in Sosaria through a moongate, adopting the name Cantabrigian British after his hometown, Cambridge, UK. Following his victory over the malevolent wizard Mondain, he earns the titles "Champion of the White Light" and "Lord British, Protector of Akalabeth." He is instrumental in establishing significant Britannian institutions like the Museum and Conservatory and provides critical support to the Avatar through healing and resurrection. Though widely regarded as invincible, Lord British has been slain due to glitches and player exploits, giving rise to the "Lord British Postulate": every living being is susceptible to death. Despite this, Garriott disapproved of methods enabling his character’s demise, such as cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus or a hidden falling plaque easter egg in Ultima VII. During the beta phase of Ultima Online, Lord British was killed by bugs and oversights—an unprecedented event that allowed players significant control over the game world. Similarly, General British met his end during Tabula Rasa's beta testing. In Ultima IX: Ascension, players can eliminate him by replacing his bread with poisoned bread sourced from Earth. Chuckles Chuckles, the court jester serving Lord British often found within Castle Britannia, occasionally aids the Avatar but also tends to misdirect him. This character is inspired by Chuck Bueche, one of Origin Systems' founders. The Time Lord The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time throughout the universe. In Ultima III, he instructs the Avatar on placing Four Cards necessary to defeat Exodus. He returns in Ultima VII to assist with the Fellowship questline and appears again in Ultima IX. The Great Earth Serpent Within Ultima III, The Great Earth Serpent is compelled by Exodus to guard the Isle of Fire. Later, in Ultima VII Part II, it aids the Avatar in reestablishing equilibrium on Serpent Isle. The Gypsy Before embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels. Hawkwind Hawkwind is a distinguished cartographer featured in Ultima III who ascends to become Seer of Souls in Ultima IV, residing within Castle Britannia. He mentors the Stranger on their path to becoming an Avatar and reappears in Ultima IX, where additional details about his background are disclosed. Smith A horse capable of speech. 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 during Ultima I. After Mondain’s downfall fractured Sosaria, Shamino found himself stranded near Lord British’s territories. Beatrix, daughter of the King and Shamino’s intended bride, died from heartbreak. The King descended into madness, slaughtering guests during a Solstice Festival amid a goblin siege before taking his own life. His vengeful spirit confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two until defeated. Sir Simon Lady Tessa Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, manages Iolo's Bows shop while he is outlawed 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 unfolds in Ultima VII Part Two. As daughter of the King of the White Dragon and Shamino’s betrothed during Ultima I, she perished heartbroken after Shamino’s exile. Her ghost haunts Shamino's deserted castle until confronted by both him and the Avatar. Samhayne External links The Ultima Wiki – an extensive database covering characters from the Ultima series