| Mariah
|
|
|
|
|
style="background:#FFFF90"
Join
|
style="background:#FFFF90"
Join
|
|
|
|
|
...
(For brevity, the table continues following the same format, highlighting major companions and their appearances.)
The Stranger and the Avatar
In the initial Ultima installments, the player assumed the role of the Stranger, enabling unrestricted actions such as theft and combat. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered parental backlash concerning immoral gameplay elements and accusations of Satanic themes, largely due to the demonic figure featured on the game's cover art. Responding to this, Garriott incorporated profound symbolism inspired by a television program about Hinduism and the notion of the Avatar, which led to the establishment of eight Virtues guiding the protagonist in Ultima IV. This character was subsequently named the Avatar.
The Avatar made its first appearance in Ultima IV, where the player was charged with embodying these Virtues and recovering the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom.[1] The storyline continued to evolve across later titles: in Ultima V, the Avatar topples a tyrannical government; in Ultima VI, he negotiates peace between humans and gargoyles; and throughout Ultima VII and VIII, he confronts the Guardian, culminating in their mutual destruction during Ultima IX: Ascension.
Except for Ultima IX, players had the option to assign a name to their Avatar. Earlier entries permitted customization of race, gender, and physical traits, whereas Ultima VIII presented a fixed depiction of the Avatar as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male.[2] From Ultima IV forward, communication shifted from simple keyword inputs to fully developed dialogues in later installments, with Ultima IX introducing digitized voice acting.
Initially designed as a neutral figure for players to project themselves onto,[3] the Avatar popularized the term "avatar" within contemporary virtual identity frameworks.[4] It was among the earliest RPG protagonists allowing selection of race and gender,[5] effectively representing the player within the game world. Over time, however, this character acquired a more distinct personality and visual identity.[6]
The Eight Companions
In Ultima IV, eight companions join the Stranger on his journey toward becoming the Avatar. Since one shares his occupation, only seven physically accompany him. Each companion originally practices a trade linked to one of the eight Virtues and its corresponding town. These followers appear again in subsequent Britannia-based games: Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX. Some companions alter their professions over time.
- Iolo is a renowned bard and crossbow maker residing in Britain during Ultima IV. He and Gwenno, revealed as spouses in the Ultima V manual, composed the song "Stones." Iolo owns two bow shops by Ultima VII and is accompanied by Smith, a sarcastic talking horse. He is modeled after real-life bowyer and composer David R. Watson.
- Shamino Sallé Dacil serves as a ranger from Skara Brae and was once ruler over one of Sosaria’s eight kingdoms. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he becomes stranded in Britannia following Mondain's defeat. By Ultima IV, he acts as a ranger who later joins the Avatar on Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. Shamino’s narrative involves themes of loss and redemption. His name derives from Richard Garriott’s alias used in the Society for Creative Anachronism, inspired by his bicycle brand Shimano.
- Dupre is a paladin who also serves as mayor of Trinsic and joins the Stranger’s quest. A consistent companion thereafter, he receives knighthood between Ultima VI and VII. Known for his fondness for wine and women, he accumulates a bar tab in Ultima VII that players can settle. He sacrifices himself to protect 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 rule. She supports resistance efforts, relocates to Cove as a healer, and participates in fighting against the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish acquaintance of Garriott.
- Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent who assists with shipbuilding challenges in Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her love for the Avatar. She is inspired by one of Garriott’s former partners.
- Katrina is a shepherd who survives Magincia’s daemon assault and dwells among its ruins. When Magincia is repopulated as New Magincia embracing Humility, she becomes its initial citizen and remains its sole resident until Humility is restored by the Avatar. Katrina is based on Garriott’s friend nicknamed Trina.
- Geoffrey is a fighter encountered in Jhelom who rises to captain of the guard defending against gargoyle invasions before retiring at Lord British’s castle. He is modeled after Jeff Hillhouse, Origin's first and last employee.
- Mariah is an adventurous mage from Moonglow who hides in Lycaeum after Shadowlord attacks and meets the Avatar there. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle tablets and battles mage-induced insanity until aided by the Avatar. Mariah is based on Garriott’s personal assistant Michelle Caddel.
Additional Allies
Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar has the opportunity to enlist a variety of characters beyond the core Eight Companions. Some of these figures reappear throughout multiple installments, while others make brief or singular appearances.
- Gwenno serves as an entertainer, scholar, and adventurer who often travels alongside her husband Iolo. She occasionally accompanies the Avatar on his journey. Her full name is Gwenllian Gwalch'gaeaf, and she penned the lyrics for the song "Stones". The character was modeled after Kathleen Jones, the spouse of David R. Watson.
- Sentri debuts as a fighter in Ultima II and later attains the title of Baron of Serpent Hold. By Ultima VII, he is based in Britain, offering complimentary training to the Avatar and his companions. Though he does not appear in Ultima IX, his magical leggings can be found in Trinsic.
- Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan, Gorn first appears in Ultima V as a barbarian prisoner who assists the Avatar in escaping captivity. He returns in later games with different roles.
- Johne lost his ship prior to Ultima V. Driven mad by fragments of the Gem of Immortality, he murdered his crew, which led to the creation of the Shadowlords. Found stranded afterward, he joins the Avatar to seek redemption. Known as Captain John in Ultima VI, he studies gargoyles and instructs the Avatar in their language.
- Maxwell is a low-ranking fighter located in Serpent's Hold during Ultima V.
- Toshi is a novice bard based at Empath Abbey in Ultima V.
- Saduj, aligned with Blackthorn’s "Oppression" faction in Ultima V, will betray the group if recruited.
- Seggallion is a pirate lord who provides the spyglass in Ultima V. In Ultima VI, he reveals his origin from Ashtalarea, a world featured in Knights of Legend, who became stranded in Britannia.
- Beh Lem is a young gargoyle who escorts the Avatar into Vesper and its domain during Ultima VI.
- Blaine is a gypsy juggler who may join the party in Ultima VI.
- Leodon and Leonna, captains from Buccaneer's Den in Ultima VI, offer substantial combat assistance.
- Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, later supports Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character was inspired by Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend.
- Introduced in Ultima VII, Spark pursues justice for his father’s murder and was inspired by programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
- Tseramed, a ranger skilled with sleep-inducing bee venom arrows appearing in Ultima VII, harbors resentment toward Fellowship leaders; he was based on lead programmer Ken Demarest III.
- From Moonshade in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle, Selina may join the party driven by her own agenda.
- Boydon, resembling a Frankenstein-like figure from Ultima VII Part Two, was reassembled following experimentation and can become an ally.
- In Ultima VII Part Two, magic thief Stefano assists with an escape and may join the group.
- Wilfred, a Bear Knight from Monitor featured in Ultima VII Part Two, has concealed intentions but can become part of the team.
- The automaton Petra helps Rocco at the Blue Boar tavern during Ultima VII Part Two and aids with subsequent quests.
- Preserved for centuries within the Temple of Tolerance, Sethys assists with summoning rituals in Ultima VII Part Two.
- Standard iron automatons can be animated using the Create Automaton spell and added to the party during Ultima VII Part Two.
- Raven, daughter of Samhayne, ultimately supports the Avatar by granting access to her ship, The Silver Hart. They develop a close bond before parting ways ahead of the final confrontation with the Guardian.
Worlds of Ultima Allies
- Dr. Johann Spector is an Earth-born ally of the Avatar who becomes influenced by the potent forces of the Valley of Eodon in Ultima: Savage Empire. Under this corruption, he assumes the title Zipactriotl and proclaims himself chief of the dominant tribal community. His objective is to unify the insectoid Myrmidex forces to invade Earth. Once the Avatar dispels his 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, a former employee at Origin.
Arch-nemeses
- Yes : Character is featured in that title.
- No : Character does not appear.
- M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to.
- Mnl : Character is only noted in the game manual.
%}
MondainMondain serves as the central villain in Ultima I. He is the younger son of Wolfgang, the monarch of Akalabeth, who initially instructed him in basic magic but later expelled him due to his lack of empathy. In retaliation, Mondain murdered his father and seized a gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which amplified his dominion over dark beings and enabled the creation of hybrid creatures such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins. His base of operations was located on Terfin Island.
Following his defeat at the hands of Lord British, Mondain unleashed creatures in an attempt to conquer Sosaria. Because the Gem of Immortality granted him invulnerability, he could only be killed if the gem itself was destroyed. The Stranger utilized time travel to shatter the gem, thereby killing Mondain and obliterating his fortress.
Fragments of the shattered gem play a significant role in Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. In Ultima IV, three shards along with Mondain’s skull are discovered at the submerged ruins of Terfin; these shards become the Shadowlords in Ultima V and are crucial in overcoming them. In Ultima Online, various shards symbolize parallel universes that contain different versions of Britannia.
Mondain’s visual representation differs across titles: he appears bald with a goatee in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, while in Ultima VI he is shown with hair and no facial hair.
MinaxMinax is featured as the principal antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also appears in Ultima Online. A formidable sorceress, she was once both a student and lover of Mondain. After his demise, she retreated into hiding and grew more powerful than her predecessor. Driven by vengeance, Minax employed dimensional and temporal gates to establish the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times, effectively preventing any time travel before this era and ensuring her own imperviousness.
She launched an assault on Earth, annihilating it to eliminate any chance of interference from the Stranger. Two decades after Mondain’s death, Minax mounted an invasion against Sosaria with her armies. In Ultima II, Lord British called upon a hero to confront her. The Stranger navigated through time gates and defensive barriers at her fortress, Shadowguard, ultimately defeating her using the quicksword Enilno.
The aftermath of Minax’s death released dark forces that split Sosaria into two landmasses: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unknown to all, Mondain and Minax had a child—Exodus, a being neither fully human nor machine.
ExodusExodus stands as the main antagonist in Ultima III: Exodus, created through the union of Mondain and Minax. Its first appearance occurs when a ship returns devoid of crew members, with "EXODUS" scrawled in blood on its deck. Exodus terrorizes Sosaria from its stronghold on the Isle of Fire. Twenty years after Minax’s death, the Stranger returns to confront and destroy Exodus.
Access to the Isle of Fire is initially blocked by the Great Earth Serpent trapped beneath it; the Stranger frees this creature by uttering a magical word. This serpent later becomes an ally in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical wards that require specific markings for safe passage. Within its walls reside hostile monsters and animated floors.
Although depicted as a demonic entity, Exodus is actually a magical computer that can be destroyed by inserting four cards—Love, Sol, Moons, and Death—into designated slots. Following its destruction, the Isle of Fire sinks beneath the waves until events depicted in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. In the Forge of Virtue expansion, remnants known as Exodus’s Dark Core persist and must be banished to complete related quests.
Lord BlackthornLord Blackthorn assumes the role of Britannia's regent during Lord British's absence in Ultima V. Initially honorable, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and transforms into a despotic ruler. When Lord British returns by the game's conclusion, Blackthorn is banished through a red moongate to Serpent Isle, where he attains redemption by joining the Xenkan Monks.
Nonetheless, Ultima IX presents a conflicting storyline, showing Blackthorn departing Serpent Isle prior to the Avatar’s arrival and reemerging as a villain allied with the Guardian. His demise occurs in a magical duel against Lord British, contradicting earlier accounts.
In Ultima Online, which branches off from the main timeline following Ultima I, Blackthorn acts both as an ally and adversary to Lord British. He embodies the virtue of chaos, advocating for personal freedom and individuality—not chaos as destruction but as protection. Eventually, he embraces dark magic and turns malevolent but is apparently killed during an assault on Yew. This evil incarnation was later retconned as a duplicate, with the original Blackthorn becoming Britannia’s monarch. The character’s design was inspired by Ultima Online project director Starr Long.
The GuardianThe Guardian is an immensely powerful extraterrestrial conqueror originating from another dimension, first introduced in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. His goal is to subjugate Britannia through his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship, by creating a black moongate that would allow him to physically enter and seize control of the realm. The Avatar prevents this plan by destroying the black moongate.
In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian imprisons the Avatar within a blackrock dome encasing Castle Britannia, intending to invade Britannia by dispatching forces through a portal. The Avatar overcomes this threat by demolishing both the dome and portal. This installment reveals that the Guardian has already conquered or annihilated other worlds.
Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle exposes the Guardian’s contingency plan: sending Batlin to Serpent Isle to continue his conquest efforts. Batlin betrays the Guardian and is slain after releasing the Banes of Chaos. The Avatar neutralizes this menace by reuniting the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents but is captured by the Guardian at the game’s end.
In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian detains the Avatar on Pagan, a world under his dominion. There, the Avatar learns elemental magic before returning to Britannia.
By Ultima IX: Ascension, the Guardian has constructed eight columns across Britannia designed to pull its moons from orbit, endangering planetary destruction. The Avatar destroys these columns and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart—an embodiment of evil abandoned in Ultima IV. The Avatar then casts the Armageddon spell to merge with him into a new entity.
It has been speculated that the Guardian represents Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, viewed as restricting Richard Garriott’s creative freedom. Supporting this theory are the Guardian’s three artifacts—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—which resemble EA’s 1990s logo during their acquisition of Origin. Moreover, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) mislead the Avatar and are revealed as antagonists. The Guardian’s title "Destroyer of Worlds" may be a nod to Origin’s slogan "We create worlds."
Additional Notable or Recurring Characters- Yes : Character is featured in the game.
- No : Character does not appear.
- AE : Alternate persona appears.
- M/R : Only mentioned or alluded to.
- Mnl : Referenced solely in the game 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
|
Mnl[lower-alpha 2]
|
Yes
|
| The Shadowlords
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
style="background:#cfcfcf;" | Mnl
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
style="background:#cfcfcf;" | Mnl
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
style="background:#cfcfcf;" | 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
|
style="background:#cfcfcf;" |M/R
|
No
|
| 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 3]
|
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
|
| Hawkwind
|
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:#C0C0C0; Mnl"| "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:#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"
|
| Smith
|
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:#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:#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"
|
| Wisps
|
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[lower-alpha 4]"|
"style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes[lower-alpha 5]"| "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
|
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:#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"
|
Lord Draxinusom
- "No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *M/R* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"*
|
Arcadion
- "No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *M/R*
|
The King of the White Dragon
- "No"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *"No"*
|
Sir Simon
- "No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"Yes"* *"Yes"* *"Yes"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *"No"* *
"No"
|
Lady Tessa
- "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:#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"
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Gwenneth
- "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "Yes", "Yes", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No"
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Dr. Cat
- " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " Yes ", " Yes ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No "
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Sutek
- " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " Yes ", " Yes ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " Yes "
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Sin'Vraal
- " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " Yes ", " Yes ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No ", " No "
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Nicodemus
- "No","No","No","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","Different character in U9","No"
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Rudyom
- "No","No","No","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","No","No"
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Penumbra
- "No","No","No","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","Yes","No","No","No","No"
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Horance
- "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO", "YES", "NO", "NO", "NO", "YES", "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO"
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Nell
- "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO", "NO", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "#YES#", "#YES#", "#NO#", "#NO#", "#NO#"
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Patterson
- "NO", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No", "#YES#", "#YES#"
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Nastassia
- "NO", "No", "No", "No", "No", "No"
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Erstam
- " NO "," No "," No "," No "
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| Beatrix
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| Samhayne
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| Nelson
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Lord British
Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game avatar of series creator Richard Garriott. The name originated as a nickname from friends at a computer camp, with "Lord" appended due to his position as a dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons. Garriott initially published early titles such as Akalabeth under this alias and portrayed Lord British within Ultima Online. After departing from Origin Systems, he maintained trademark ownership of the name, later featuring the character as General British in his game Tabula Rasa.
In the series' mythology, Lord British arrives on Sosaria from Earth via a moongate, adopting the moniker Cantabrigian British in reference to his birthplace, Cambridge, UK. Following his defeat of the dark sorcerer Mondain, he earns titles such as "Champion of the White Light" and "Lord British, Protector of Akalabeth." He plays a foundational role in establishing Britannia’s key institutions and offers continuous assistance to the Avatar, including healing and resurrection.
Despite his reputation for being invincible, Lord British has been killed numerous times due to programming glitches and player exploits, inspiring the "Lord British Postulate," which suggests that any living entity in a game is vulnerable to death. Garriott notably expressed dissatisfaction when Lord British was destroyed by cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus. Easter egg scenarios enabling his demise appear in Ultima VII, referencing real-life events. During Ultima Online's beta phase, bugs permitted players to slay Lord British—a significant milestone granting players unprecedented control over an online environment. Similarly, General British was killed during Tabula Rasa’s beta. In Ultima IX: Ascension, players can eliminate him by using poisoned bread crafted on Earth.
Chuckles
Chuckles, the court jester serving Lord British, occasionally assists the Avatar but can also provide misleading guidance. This character is modeled after Chuck Bueche, a co-founder of Origin Systems.
The Time Lord
The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time throughout space. He offers essential guidance to the Avatar in Ultima III, Ultima VII, and Ultima IX, delivering crucial information for pivotal quests.
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
Appearing across several installments (Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX), the Gypsy assesses the Avatar’s virtue levels prior to embarking on each quest.
Hawkwind
Known as a distinguished cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind assumes the role of Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia from Ultima IV onward, guiding the Avatar toward achieving Avatarhood. His backstory is further developed in Ultima IX.
Smith
A sentient horse featured throughout the series.
Wisps
Nystul
Lord Draxinusom
Arcadion
Additional Characters in the Series
- The King of the White Dragon co-ruled the Lands of Danger and Despair (later known as Serpent Isle) alongside Shamino in Ultima I. Following Mondain’s downfall and Sosaria’s fragmentation, Shamino became separated from his homeland. His fiancée Beatrix died of heartbreak; her father descended into insanity, slaughtering guests amid a goblin assault before taking his own life. In Ultima VII Part Two, Beatrix’s vengeful spirit confronts the Avatar but is ultimately overcome.
- Sir Simon
- Lady Tessa
- Gwenneth acts as Iolo's apprentice and manages Iolo's Bows shop by Ultima V after Iolo becomes an outlaw; by Ultima VI, she operates it following his retirement.
- Dr. Cat
- Sutek
- Sin'Vraal
- Nicodemus
- Rudyom
- Penumbra
- Horance
- Nell
- Patterson
- Nastassia
- Erstam
- The narrative involving Beatrix, daughter of the King of the White Dragon and Shamino’s betrothed, is explored in detail in Ultima VII Part Two. Her passing triggered her father's madness and subsequent massacre during a goblin invasion; her ghost later confronts Shamino.
- Samhayne
External links
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