Sherry (Ultima)

Ultima series

Industry	Video games
Founded	1981
Founder	Richard Garriott
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Role-playing video games

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

The Avatar and Allies

• Yes : The character appears in the specified game.
• No : The character does not appear in that game.
• Join : The character can join or is already part of the Avatar's group.
• AE : An alternate persona of the character is present in that game.
• AEJ : An alternate persona appears and may join the Avatar's party.
• M/R : The character is only referenced or mentioned in that particular game.

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	No	No	No	No	Join	Join	Join	No			Join
Julia				Join	Join	Join				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
style= "text-align:left;" > Gwenno > no > yes > yes > yes >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join > no > no > no >style= "background:#C0C0C0" >M/R >style= "background:#C0C0C0" >M/R >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join > no > yes > yes
style= "text-align:left;" > Sentri > no > no > yes > yes > yes >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join > no > no > no >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join > no > no > no >style= "background:#C0C0C0" >M/R > no
style= "text-align:left;" > Gorn > no > no > no > no > no >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join >style= "background:#FFFF90" >Join > no > no > no > yes > no > no > no > no > no
style= "text-align:left;" > Johne ... (table continues)

The Stranger and the Avatar

In the early Ultima installments, players assumed the role of the Stranger, with gameplay that permitted actions such as theft and violence. Following Ultima III, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about the allowance of unethical behavior and alleged Satanic themes, particularly triggered by the demonic figure featured on the game’s cover art. To address these concerns, Garriott incorporated profound concepts and symbolism influenced by a television program on Hinduism and the Avatar idea, which led to the introduction of eight Virtues guiding the protagonist in Ultima IV.

The Avatar was first introduced in Ultima IV, where the character’s mission was to embody these Virtues in pursuit of the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Later entries expanded this narrative role: dismantling a tyrannical government in Ultima V, mediating peace between humans and gargoyles in Ultima VI, and confronting the Guardian across Ultima VII and VIII, culminating in a selfless act in Ultima IX: Ascension.

With the exception of Ultima IX, players could personalize the Avatar’s name; however, Ultima VIII fixed the Avatar’s appearance as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male, whereas earlier games allowed choices regarding race, gender, and looks. Dialogue systems evolved from keyword-based commands in Ultima IV to fully developed conversations in later titles, with digitized voice acting introduced in Ultima IX.

Originally designed as a blank canvas representing the player’s identity, the Avatar was among the earliest protagonists in gaming whose race and gender could be selected, serving as an early example of player embodiment. Over time, this character gained a more distinct persona and visual identity, marking a notable advancement in virtual character representation.

The Eight Companions

In Ultima IV, the Stranger is accompanied by Eight Companions on his journey to become the Avatar. Only seven actually join since the companion sharing the Stranger's own profession is excluded. Each companion originally practices a vocation connected to one of the eight Virtues and its respective town. These individuals are the Avatar’s initial allies and reappear throughout Britannia-set titles including Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX, frequently joining the Avatar’s party. Some take on different roles as the series progresses.

• Iolo is a celebrated bard and craftsman of crossbows who resides in Britain during Ultima IV. He and his wife Gwenno, revealed in Ultima V, composed the well-known ballad "Stones." Iolo owns Smith, a talking horse known for sarcastic remarks directed at 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 was once ruler of an ancient Sosarian kingdom. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following Mondain's defeat, leaving behind his lover Beatrix. By Ultima IV, he serves as a ranger and later accompanies the Avatar on Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part II. Shamino’s name derives from Richard Garriott’s persona within the Society for Creative Anachronism, inspired by his bicycle brand Shimano.

• Dupre is a paladin who also serves as Trinsic’s mayor; he joins the Stranger’s quest and remains a frequent companion throughout later games. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, Dupre is known for his enjoyment of wine and women, sometimes lingering at taverns or authoring travel guides. In Ultima VII, he accumulates a considerable bar tab that players can choose to settle. He sacrifices himself to save Serpent Isle but returns to battle the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre is based on Garriott's friend Greg Dykes.

• Jaana acts as a druid loyal to Lord British who becomes an outlaw under Blackthorn’s regime, actively opposing him. She eventually moves to Cove where she works as a healer and assists against threats posed by the Guardian. Jaana is named after one of Garriott’s Finnish acquaintances.

• Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent who uncovers defects in ship construction during events in Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she expresses romantic feelings toward the Avatar. Julia is inspired by one of Garriott’s former romantic partners.

• Katrina is a shepherdess who survived a daemon assault that devastated Magincia. She remains within its ruins as New Magincia arises around her, embracing Humility as its foundational Virtue. Eventually becoming its sole inhabitant, she benefits from restoration efforts led by the Avatar. Katrina takes her name from a friend nicknamed Trina by Garriott.

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

• Mariah is an adventurous mage from Moonglow who survives attacks by Shadowlords before seeking refuge in Lycaeum where she meets the Avatar. She translates Gargoyle inscriptions in Ultima VI and struggles with magical madness until aided by the Avatar. Mariah is based on Garriott’s personal assistant Michelle Caddel.

Additional Allies

Starting from 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 have more limited or singular roles.

• Gwenno serves as an entertainer, scholar, and explorer, frequently traveling alongside her husband Iolo. In Ultima V, she is credited with composing the lyrics for the song "Stones". Her persona is modeled after Kathleen Jones, the spouse of David R. Watson (Iolo).
• Sentri debuts as a swashbuckling character in Ultima II and later attains the title of Baron of Serpent Hold. By Ultima VII, he is located in Britain, offering complimentary combat training to the Avatar and companions. Although not present in Ultima IX, his enchanted leggings can be found in Trinsic.
• Gorn joins the Avatar’s party from Lord Blackthorn’s keep in Ultima V and reappears in later titles. This barbarian character draws inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan and assumes diverse roles throughout the series.
• Johne lost his ship to a whirlpool prior to Ultima V. Driven mad by shards of the Gem of Immortality, he created the Shadowlords. Rescued while stranded, he allies with the Avatar seeking atonement. As Captain John in Ultima VI, he conducts research on gargoyles and instructs others in their language.
• Maxwell and Toshi act as low-ranking fighter and bard companions respectively in Ultima V.
• Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn’s "Oppression" faction, may betray the group if recruited during Ultima V.
• Seggallion, encountered as a pirate lord in both Ultima V and Ultima VI, claims to hail from Ashtalarea—a realm featured in Knights of Legend. He is unable to return to his homeland.
• Beh Lem is a young gargoyle who guides the Avatar into Vesper during Ultima VI.
• Blaine is a nomadic gypsy juggler who can become a companion in Ultima VI.
• Leodon and Leonna, captains based at Buccaneer’s Den in Ultima VI, provide expert combat assistance.
• Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, later supports Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character is inspired by Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend.
• Spark is a young individual seeking justice for his father’s murder in Ultima VII, modeled after programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
• Tseramed, a ranger skilled with bee venom-tipped arrows, harbors resentment toward Fellowship leaders due to personal loss. He is based on lead programmer Ken Demarest III.
• Selina, an adept originating from Moonshade, may join the party during Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle.
• Boydon, a Frankenstein-like figure introduced in Ultima VII Part Two, becomes recruitable following reconstruction.
• Stefano is a magic thief who assists with escaping the Mountains of Freedom in Ultima VII Part Two.
• Wilfred, a Bear Knight from Monitor, may join but conceals ulterior motives within Ultima VII Part Two.
• Petra, an automaton working at the Blue Boar tavern, supports critical quests in Ultima VII Part Two.
• Sethys, preserved for centuries within the Temple of Tolerance, aids summoning rituals during Ultima VII Part Two.
• Standard iron automatons can be animated through spells and added to the party roster in Ultima VII Part Two.
• Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but eventually aids the Avatar. She commands her vessel The Silver Hart and shares a close bond before departing ahead of the final confrontation against the Guardian.

Worlds of Ultima Companions

• Dr. Johann Spector serves as an ally to the Avatar, originating from Earth. In Ultima: Savage Empire, he falls under the influence of the Valley of Eodon’s power, taking on the role of Zipactriotl, the leader of a prominent tribal village. His objective is to unite the Myrmidex, insect-like beings, to launch an invasion on Earth. Once the Avatar liberates him, he rejoins the group and later travels alongside the Avatar to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character is inspired by Warren Spector, who had a brief tenure at Origin.

Arch-enemies

• Yes : Character is featured in that title.
• No : Character does not appear in that title.
• M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to.
• Mnl : Character is referenced solely 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	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	Mnl	Yes
The Shadowlords	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Mnl	No	Yes	No	Mnl	No	No	No	M/R	Yes
The Guardian	(all no except:) UU1, UU2, U7SI, U8, U9, UO - yes
Batlin	(primarily appears in UU1 and U7SI; minor mentions elsewhere)

Mondain

Mondain serves as the chief villain in Ultima I. As the younger son of Wolfgang, ruler of Akalabeth, Mondain was prohibited from practicing magic due to his cold-hearted nature. In retaliation, he murdered his father and seized a gemstone to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which significantly enhanced his dark abilities and granted him dominion over hybrid beasts 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 sinister creatures in an attempt to subjugate Sosaria. His immortality was tied to the gem, which could only be destroyed by traveling back in time. Utilizing a time machine, the Stranger destroyed the gem a millennium earlier, resulting in Mondain's demise and the destruction of his fortress.

Fragments of the shattered Gem of Immortality continue to impact subsequent titles: Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. Three shards appear in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, later forming the Shadowlords in Ultima V and playing a key role in their defeat. In Ultima Online, various shards exist across parallel universes containing Britannia.

Mondain’s visual depiction changes throughout the series: he is bald with a goatee in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, whereas in Ultima VI he has hair and no facial hair.

Minax

Minax is the sorceress antagonist featured in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and Ultima Online, surpassing Mondain in both magical prowess and cruelty. Once Mondain’s apprentice and lover, she survived his death and sought revenge by targeting the Stranger’s home world.

She created the Time of Legends at the dawn of time to launch attacks on future realities without endangering herself. Using dark sorcery, she obliterated Earth after invading it through dimensional portals. Two decades after Mondain’s fall, she mounted an assault on Sosaria accompanied by her armies.

In Ultima II, answering Lord British’s summons, the Stranger confronted Minax within her fortress Shadowguard, which was accessible solely via timegates and secured by force fields that required an enchanted ring for entry. After a fierce encounter, Minax was defeated using the quicksword Enilno. Her death released dark energies that transformed Sosaria into two continents: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia.

Unknown to all, Mondain and Minax had a child, Exodus, a being neither wholly human nor machine.

Exodus

Exodus is the antagonist of Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. Its initial sign is a vanished ship that later returns devoid of crew with "EXODUS" scrawled in blood. Exodus terrorizes Sosaria from its fortress on the Isle of Fire. Twenty years following Minax’s demise, the Stranger returns to confront and destroy Exodus.

The Great Earth Serpent trapped near the Isle blocks access; however, the Stranger frees it by uttering a magic word. This serpent later aids in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by magical barriers that require specific marks for safe passage, alongside aggressive creatures and a living floor.

Though Exodus appears demonic, it is actually a magical computer dismantled by inserting four cards labeled 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 remains active and must be banished into the Ethereal Void to complete certain quests.

Lord Blackthorn

Lord Blackthorn assumes the role of regent over Britannia following Lord British's disappearance in Ultima V. Though initially fair and just, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and transforms into a despotic ruler. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British reemerges and exiles Blackthorn through a red moongate to an unknown realm—later identified as Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. There, Blackthorn seeks atonement by joining the Xenkan Monks and becoming part of their order.

Contradicting this narrative, Ultima IX depicts Blackthorn departing before the Avatar's arrival and returning as a villain allied with the Guardian. His story ends in a magical duel with Lord British within the Great Stygian Abyss, conflicting with earlier accounts.

In Ultima Online, which branches off after Ultima I, Blackthorn is portrayed as both Lord British’s closest ally and most formidable adversary. He advocates for individuality through his own virtue, chaos—not destructive, but symbolic of freedom. After embracing dark magic, he turns malevolent and apparently perishes during an attack on Yew. This evil incarnation was later retconned as a duplicate; the true Blackthorn eventually ascends to Britannia’s throne. 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, making his debut in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Initially manifesting only as a disembodied voice, he endeavors to dominate Britannia through his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship, by creating a black moongate to physically enter the world. The Avatar prevents this invasion by destroying the moongate.

In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian traps the Avatar and companions inside a blackrock dome encasing Castle Britannia, intending to invade via a portal. The Avatar counters by destroying both the portal and dome while exploring worlds already subdued by the Guardian.

Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle reveals the Guardian’s contingency plan—dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to further his conquest. Batlin betrays him and is slain after unleashing the Banes of Chaos. The Avatar neutralizes this menace by reuniting the Serpents of Chaos, Order, and Balance but is captured by the Guardian at the conclusion.

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 erects eight pillars designed to dislodge Britannia’s moons from orbit, threatening planetary annihilation. The Avatar destroys these columns and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark half—an embodiment of abandoned evil from Ultima IV. Their final confrontation merges them into one entity through the Armageddon spell.

Industry commentators have speculated that the Guardian represents Origin's parent company, Electronic Arts, which allegedly limited Richard Garriott's creative freedom during later series installments. This interpretation is supported by the Guardian’s artifacts—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—which resemble EA’s 1990s logo. Additionally, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) mislead the Avatar and are unveiled as antagonists. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" may be an allusion to Origin’s motto "We create worlds".

Additional Notable or Recurring Characters

• Yes: Character is featured in the specified game.
• No: Character does not appear.
• AE: An alternate persona of the character is present.
• M/R: Character is only mentioned or referenced.
• Mnl: Character appears solely in the game manual.

Character	U0	U1	U2	U3	U4	U5	U6	SE	MD	UU1	U7:BG	UU2	U7:SI	U8	U9	UO
Lord British	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	AE	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Chuckles	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	M/R	No	No	M/R	No
The Time Lord	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	M/R	Mnl	No	Yes	Yes
The Great Earth Serpent	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	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	No	M/R	No
Wisps
Nystul
Lord Draxinusom
Arcadion
Other characters appearing or referenced include: King of the White Dragon (featured in U1 and U7SI) Sir Simon and Lady Tessa (present from U4 through U6) Gwenneth, Dr. Cat, Sutek, Sin'Vraal (appear across various Ultima titles) Nicodemus (different incarnation appearing in U6 and U7BG) Rudyom, Penumbra, Horance (included in U7BG) Nell, Patterson, Nastassia (found in UU1 and UU2) Erstam and Beatrix (appear in U7SI) Samhayne (featured in U9) Nelson (appears in UU2)

Lord British

Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game identity of series creator Richard Garriott. The name originated from a nickname he acquired at computer camp, with "Lord" appended due to his role as dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons. Garriott published early works such as Akalabeth under this alias and portrayed Lord British within Ultima Online. After departing Origin Systems, he maintained trademark ownership of the name, and the character reappeared as General British in his subsequent title, Tabula Rasa.

The character’s backstory describes him arriving from Earth to Sosaria through a moongate, adopting the moniker Cantabrigian British in honor of his Cambridge roots. He is renowned for vanquishing the malevolent wizard Mondain, earning accolades such as "Champion of the White Light" and "Protector of Akalabeth." Lord British plays a pivotal role in shaping Britannian culture by founding key institutions like the Museum and Conservatory, and he often assists the Avatar by providing healing and resurrection.

Although traditionally viewed as invincible, Lord British has been killed through various glitches and exploits across multiple games. This phenomenon inspired the "Lord British Postulate," which posits that any living entity in a game will eventually be vulnerable to death. Garriott expressed dissatisfaction when players eliminated Lord British using cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus. In Ultima VII, an easter egg permits his demise by a falling gold plaque—an allusion to an actual incident where Garriott was injured at Origin’s offices. During the beta phase of Ultima Online, Lord British was slain due to software bugs and oversights, marking a significant moment that allowed players unprecedented power over the game environment. Likewise, General British met his end during the beta of Tabula Rasa. In Ultima IX: Ascension, he can be killed by replacing bread with poisoned loaves.

Chuckles

Chuckles functions as Lord British’s court jester, commonly found within Castle Britannia. While occasionally assisting the Avatar, he is also known for misleading them. This character is inspired by Chuck Bueche, a co-founder of Origin Systems.

The Time Lord

The Time Lord oversees the proper progression of time. In Ultima III, he directs where to place Four Cards to defeat Exodus; in Ultima VII, he provides information concerning the Fellowship; and he offers assistance 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 in restoring equilibrium to Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part II.

The Gypsy

Appearing in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Gypsy evaluates the Avatar’s virtue levels prior to each quest.

Hawkwind

Beginning as a cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind evolves into the Seer of Souls by Ultima IV, residing within Castle Britannia and guiding the Avatar toward becoming an Avatar. He returns with an expanded narrative role in Ultima IX.

Smith

A horse capable of speech.

Additional Series Characters

• 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 fragmented following Mondain’s defeat, Shamino became stranded far from his homeland; Beatrix, daughter of the King and Shamino’s betrothed, died from heartbreak. Consumed by grief, the King descended into madness, slaughtering guests during a goblin assault before taking his own life. His spirit confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two until finally being laid to rest.
• Sir Simon
• Lady Tessa
• Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, manages Iolo's Bows shop throughout Ultima V and assumes control after Iolo retires by Ultima VI.
• Dr. Cat
• Sutek
• Sin'Vraal
• Nicodemus
• Rudyom
• Penumbra
• Horance
• Nell
• Patterson
• Nastassia
• Erstam
• The sorrowful tale of Beatrix unfolds in Ultima VII Part Two; separated from Shamino due to Sosaria’s division, she died heartbroken. Her ghost haunts Shamino’s deserted castle until encountered during gameplay.
• Samhayne

External links

• The Ultima Wiki – detailed data on all Ultima characters