The Companions of the Avatar

Ultima series companions

Industry	Video games

The Avatar and Their Allies

• Yes : The companion is present in the specified game.
• No : The companion does not appear in that title.
• Join : The companion can become part of the Avatar’s party or is already a member.
• AE : An alternate persona of the companion is featured.
• AEJ : An alternate persona appears and may join the 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																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					style="background:#FFFF90"| Join	style="background:#FFFF90"| Join				style="background:#FFFF90"| Join
Julia ... [Table continues with corresponding data for each character] %} The Stranger Versus the Avatar In the early Ultima installments, players assumed the role of the Stranger, a protagonist who could engage in open-ended actions including theft and violence. Following Ultima III: Exodus, creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about immoral content and alleged connections to Satanic ritual abuse, particularly due to the demonic figure featured on the game's cover art. This criticism prompted Garriott to incorporate deeper symbolism inspired by a television documentary on Hinduism and the concept of an Avatar, which led to establishing eight guiding Virtues for the hero in Ultima IV, now known as the Avatar. The Avatar was introduced in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar with a mission to embody these Virtues and recover the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Subsequent titles expanded this storyline, with Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny depicting the Avatar toppling an oppressive government; in Ultima VI: The False Prophet, they negotiate peace between humans and gargoyles; while Ultima VII and Ultima VIII: Pagan focus on confronting the Guardian, culminating in their mutual destruction during Ultima IX: Ascension. Except for Ultima IX, players could personalize the Avatar’s name. Earlier games allowed choices regarding race, gender, and appearance, but in Ultima VIII, the Avatar was fixed as a blond-haired, blue-eyed male. Interaction evolved from keyword-driven dialogue in Ultima IV to fully voiced conversations in later entries, with digitized speech introduced in Ultima IX. Originally designed as a blank canvas reflecting player identity, the Avatar pioneered what is now known as a player’s virtual representation or "avatar." It was among the earliest games permitting selection of protagonist race and gender, facilitating player immersion through identification with their character's actions. Over time, however, this figure developed a more distinct personality and visual identity. The Eight Companions In Ultima IV, the Stranger is accompanied by the Eight Companions on his journey to achieve Avatarhood. Although seven companions join him directly, the one sharing the Stranger’s profession does not appear. 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 reemerge throughout subsequent Britannia-based titles, often joining the Avatar’s party with shifting responsibilities. Iolo is a renowned bard and crossbow craftsman residing in Britain during Ultima IV. He and his wife Gwenno have been part of the series since Ultima II. Iolo is credited with composing the melody for the famous song "Stones," while Gwenno provided its lyrics. Owner of Smith, a sarcastic talking horse, he operates two bow shops by Ultima VII. The character is inspired by real-life bowyer and musician David R. Watson. Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and was once ruler of one of Sosaria’s eight kingdoms. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following the continent’s division, leaving behind his beloved Beatrix. By Ultima IV, he serves as a ranger and later joins the Avatar on Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. Shamino’s name derives from Richard Garriott’s persona within the Society for Creative Anachronism, influenced by his Shimano bicycle brand. Dupre is a paladin who also serves as mayor of Trinsic, joining the Stranger’s quest and remaining a consistent companion. Knighted between Ultima VI and VII, Dupre is recognized for his appreciation of wine and women, occasionally frequenting taverns or composing travel guides. He sacrifices himself to save Serpent Isle but is later revived to combat the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre is modeled after Garriott’s friend Greg Dykes. Jaana is a druid loyal to Lord British who becomes an outlaw under Blackthorn's regime and joins the resistance movement. Later, she relocates to Cove as a healer and participates in opposing the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish acquaintance of Richard Garriott. Julia is a tinker from Minoc, characterized by her Scottish accent, who identifies defects in shipbuilding during Ultima VII. In Ultima IX, she confesses her affection for the Avatar. Julia is based on a former romantic partner of Garriott. Katrina works as a shepherd and is the lone survivor of a daemon assault that devastated Magincia. She initially dwells among its ruins before founding New Magincia, embodying Humility. Eventually becoming its sole inhabitant, she aids in restoring virtue to the region. The character draws inspiration from Garriott’s friend known as Trina. Geoffrey is a fighter originating from Jhelom who rises to captain of the guard defending against gargoyle invasions before retiring at Lord British's castle. Geoffrey is based on Jeff Hillhouse, Origin’s first employee. Mariah is a mage from Moonglow with a thirst for adventure. Following Shadowlord attacks, she seeks refuge in Lycaeum and supports the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle tablets but falls into depression when many mages lose their sanity; the Avatar assists in her recovery. Mariah is modeled after Garriott’s personal assistant, Michelle Caddel. Additional Allies Starting with Ultima V, the Avatar gains the ability to enlist a wider array of companions beyond the core Eight. Some characters recur throughout the series, while others appear only once, fulfilling roles that range from fleeting cameos to key party members. Gwenno serves as an entertainer, scholar, and adventurer, often traveling alongside her husband Iolo. In Ultima V, she is credited with composing the lyrics to the song "Stones" and is modeled after David R. Watson’s wife, Kathleen Jones. Sentri begins as a swashbuckling figure in Ultima II and later becomes the Baron of Serpent Hold in Ultima VII, where he also instructs the Avatar and companions in combat. Although he does not appear in Ultima IX, his enchanted leggings can be found in Trinsic. Gorn, introduced as a barbarian prisoner in Ultima V, assists the Avatar’s escape and returns in later installments. Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan, he remains a prominent character until Ultima VII. The ship of Johne was lost to a whirlpool prior to Ultima V. Driven mad by shards of the Gem of Immortality, he created the Shadowlords. In Ultima VI, renamed Captain John, he studies gargoyles and teaches their language to the Avatar. Lesser-known allies include Maxwell (a fighter), Toshi (a bard), and Saduj, a traitor affiliated with Blackthorn’s Oppression, all featured in Ultima V. The pirate lord Seggallion, encountered in both Ultima V and Ultima VI, originates from Ashtalarea, a realm introduced in Knights of Legend. He equips the Avatar with a spyglass. In Ultima VI, Beh Lem, a young gargoyle, joins to guide the Avatar into Vesper. Also joining in Ultima VI are Blaine, a gypsy juggler; Leodon and Leonna, experienced ship captains; and Sherry, a talking mouse scout who later aids children in Ultima VII. Within Ultima VII, companions like Spark, seeking vengeance for his father’s murder, and Tseramed, a ranger proficient with venomous arrows who resents Fellowship leaders, join the party. Both characters are based on real individuals connected to the development team. Noteworthy additions in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle include Selina (a magic user), Boydon (a Frankenstein-like reanimated being), Stefano (a magic thief), Wilfred (a Bear Knight), Petra (an automaton from Moonshade), and Sethys (an ancient assistant skilled in summoning rituals). Automatons can also be created through spells and recruited into the group. Raven, daughter of Samhayne, initially betrays but ultimately aids the Avatar by granting access to her ship, The Silver Hart, forging a close alliance before the final confrontation with the Guardian. Companions from Worlds of Ultima Dr. Johann Spector is an Earth-based ally of the Avatar who becomes corrupted by the Valley of Eodon’s power in Ultima: Savage Empire. Adopting the name Zipactriotl, he declares himself leader of the dominant tribal village and seeks to unite the insectoid Myrmidex for an invasion of Earth. Once freed from this influence by the Avatar, he returns to his original self and joins the party, eventually accompanying the Avatar on Mars during Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character draws inspiration from Warren Spector, who contributed to Origin. Arch-enemies Yes: Character is featured in that game. No: Character does not appear. M/R: Character is mentioned or alluded to. Mnl: Character is referenced only in the manual. } Mondain Mondain serves as the main villain in Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness. He was the second son of King Wolfgang of Akalabeth and acquired rudimentary magical skills but was prohibited from practicing magic because he lacked empathy. In response, Mondain murdered his father and seized a gem, which he used to forge the "Gem of Immortality," boosting his dark magical abilities. He also created numerous hybrid beings such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins, establishing his fortress on Terfin Island. Following his defeat by Lord British, Mondain summoned hordes of sinister creatures in an effort to dominate Sosaria. His immortality was sustained by the Gem of Immortality; only by destroying this gem in the distant past could he be vanquished. Utilizing a time machine, the Stranger traveled back 1000 years to shatter the gem, resulting in Mondain’s demise and the destruction of his stronghold. Fragments of the shattered gem are significant in later installments like Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online. In Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, three shards are found amid Terfin’s submerged ruins, which later become the basis for the Shadowlords in Ultima V and are vital to overcoming them. Within Ultima Online, numerous shards represent alternate universes that encompass Britannia. Mondain’s visual depiction changes across titles; he appears bald with a goatee reminiscent of Ming the Merciless in Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension, whereas in Ultima VI: The False Prophet he is shown with hair and without facial hair. Minax Minax serves as the primary antagonist in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and also features in Ultima Online. She is a formidable sorceress who once studied under Mondain—her mentor and lover—and eventually exceeded his magical prowess. Following Mondain's demise at the hands of the Stranger, Minax vanished into obscurity before launching a vendetta aimed at the Stranger’s home planet. By harnessing portals through dimensions and time, she created the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times, enabling her to assault future worlds without risk. To eliminate potential obstacles, Minax obliterated Earth, the Stranger’s native world. Two decades after Mondain’s death, she invaded Sosaria accompanied by her armies. In Ultima II, Lord British called upon a hero to confront her threat. The Stranger traversed various timegates to reach her stronghold, Shadowguard, where an enchanted ring was necessary to bypass protective force fields. After a challenging confrontation, Minax was defeated by the Stranger wielding the quicksword Enilno. Her demise unleashed dark forces that transformed Sosaria into two landmasses: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unbeknownst to many, Mondain and Minax had a child—Exodus—a being neither fully human nor machine. Exodus Exodus stands as the central villain in Ultima III: Exodus, born from the union of Mondain and Minax. Its emergence is marked by a missing ship that mysteriously returns with its crew gone and "EXODUS" scrawled in blood on its deck. Subsequently, Exodus releases monstrous creatures from its fortress on the Isle of Fire to wreak havoc across Sosaria. Twenty years after Minax’s fall, the Stranger returns with the mission to eliminate Exodus. The Great Earth Serpent, trapped near the Isle of Fire, blocks access; the Stranger frees it by uttering a magical word, after which it becomes an ally in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by mystical barriers that demand specific marks for safe passage. Beyond hostile beasts, even the castle floors pose lethal threats to intruders. Despite its demonic appearance, Exodus is actually a magical computer destroyed by inserting four cards—Love, Sol, Moons, and Death—into designated slots. Once defeated, the Isle of Fire sinks beneath the waves until events depicted in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. In the Forge of Virtue expansion, Exodus’s Dark Core lingers and must be banished into the Ethereal Void to complete related quests. Lord Blackthorn Lord Blackthorn assumes control over Britannia as regent following Lord British’s disappearance in Ultima V. Initially fair and prudent, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and evolves into a harsh tyrant. By the conclusion of that installment, Lord British is restored to power while Blackthorn is exiled through a red moongate to an unknown realm—later identified as Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. There he pursues redemption among Xenkan Monks and ultimately joins their ranks. However, Ultima IX presents a conflicting storyline where Blackthorn departs Serpent Isle before the Avatar's arrival and returns as an antagonist aligned with the Guardian. His story ends with death in a magical duel against Lord British at the Great Stygian Abyss, contradicting earlier accounts. Within Ultima Online, which diverges from previous timelines after Ultima I, Blackthorn is portrayed both as Lord British’s closest ally and fiercest rival. He advocates for freedom and individuality through his own virtue known as chaos—a force not inherently destructive but essential for balance. After embracing dark magic, he transforms into an evil entity believed slain during an attack on Yew. This malevolent version was later retconned as a duplicate; the original Blackthorn ultimately ascends as Britannia’s ruler. The character’s design was inspired by Ultima Online project director Starr Long. The Guardian The Guardian is a formidable extraterrestrial conqueror originating from an alternate dimension, initially introduced in Ultima VII: The Black Gate as a disembodied voice. His ambition is to dominate Britannia by using his emissary Batlin, the founder of the Fellowship, who attempts to physically enter via a black moongate. The Avatar foils this scheme by destroying the moongate. In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian imprisons the Avatar within Castle Britannia beneath a blackrock dome, intending to dispatch forces through a portal to assassinate Britannia’s rulers. The Avatar overcomes this threat by dismantling both the portal and dome, while exploring worlds already subjugated by the Guardian. Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle uncovers the Guardian’s contingency plan involving Batlin on Serpent Isle. Batlin betrays his master by unleashing the Banes of Chaos before his demise. The Avatar neutralizes this menace by harmonizing the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents but is ultimately captured by the Guardian at the conclusion. In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian confines the Avatar on Pagan, a realm under his dominion. There, the Avatar acquires mastery over elemental magic and subsequently returns to Britannia. By the time of Ultima IX: Ascension, the Guardian has constructed eight pillars throughout Britannia designed to draw its moons from their orbits, threatening catastrophic planetary consequences. The Avatar destroys these columns and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart—an entity formed from malice abandoned during Ultima IV. The Avatar employs the Armageddon spell to fuse with him into a new being. Industry analysts have theorized that the Guardian represents Origin's parent company, Electronic Arts, which allegedly imposed creative limitations on Richard Garriott during later entries in the series. This interpretation is reinforced by the Guardian’s three artifacts—the sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—which resemble EA’s early 1990s logo following its acquisition of Origin. Additionally, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) mislead the Avatar in The Black Gate and are revealed as antagonists. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" may also be an allusion to Origin's slogan, "We create worlds." Other significant or recurring characters Yes : Character appears in that game. No : Character does not appear. AE : Alter-ego appears. M/R : Mentioned or referenced only. Mnl : Referenced in game manual only. Character U0 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 SE MD UU1 U7:BG UU2 U7:SI U8 U9 UO Mondain Mnl Mnl Mnl M/R M/R M/R M/R Mnl Mnl M/R M/R Minax Mnl M/R Mnl M/R M/R Mnl Mnl M/R Exodus M/R Mnl Mnl Mnl M/R Lord Blackthorn M/R M/R Mnl The Shadowlords style="background:#C0C0C0"| Mnl style="background:#cfcfcf"|Mnl style= "background:#cfcfcf" |M/R The Guardian Batlin style= "background:#cfcfcf" |M/R Character U0 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 SE MD UU1 U7:BG UU2 U7:SI U8 U9 UO Lord British AE Chuckles M/R M/R The Time Lord M/R Mnl The Great Earth Serpent The Gypsy Hawkwind "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" Smith "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" M/R "" Wisps "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "none" "none" "none" Nystul "none" "none" "none" "none" "none" "none" "Yes" "none" "none" "none" 'Yes' 'Yes' 'No' 'M/R' 'No' 'Yes' 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' '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' 'No' Sir Simon 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'Yes' 'Yes' 'Yes' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' 'No' Lady Tessa No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No - Gwenneth No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No - Dr. Cat No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No - Sutek No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No       - Sin’Vraal           Yes   Yes                   - Nicodemus             Yes         Yes         - Rudyom - } Lord British Lord British serves as the sovereign of Britannia and represents the in-game identity of the series’ creator, Richard Garriott. The moniker originated from a nickname reflecting his unique "British" greeting, with "Lord" appended from his Dungeons & Dragons character. Early titles such as Akalabeth were published under this alias, and he appeared as Lord British within Ultima Online. Garriott maintained trademark ownership of the character, who also appeared under the title General British in Tabula Rasa. An Earth native, Lord British arrives in Sosaria adopting the name Cantabrigian British. He defeats the malevolent wizard Mondain, earning epithets like "Champion of the White Light." He is instrumental in establishing Britannian landmarks such as the Museum and Conservatory and frequently provides assistance to the Avatar through healing and resurrection. While Lord British is famously regarded as invincible, he has been slain due to glitches and exploits throughout the series. This phenomenon inspired the "Lord British Postulate," which posits that every living entity in a game is vulnerable to death. Garriott expressed frustration when players managed to kill Lord British using cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus. Easter eggs nod to real-world events, including his demise by a falling plaque in Ultima VII. During Ultima Online beta testing, bugs permitted players to kill Lord British, marking a pivotal moment for player agency in online gaming. Similarly, General British was killed during Tabula Rasa beta. In Ultima IX: Ascension, he can be poisoned by a specially crafted loaf of bread. Chuckles Chuckles is the court jester serving Lord British, commonly found within Castle Britannia. While he sometimes aids the Avatar, he is also known for misleading them. The character is inspired by Chuck Bueche, a co-founder of Origin Systems. The Time Lord The Time Lord oversees the proper flow of time. In Ultima III, he instructs on placing Four Cards to defeat Exodus; in Ultima VII, he assists the Avatar concerning the Fellowship; and he returns again in Ultima IX. The Great Earth Serpent Seized by Exodus to guard the Isle of Fire in Ultima III, The Great Earth Serpent later plays a critical role in restoring equilibrium to Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. The Gypsy Before embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue levels. Hawkwind Known as a distinguished cartographer in Ultima III and later as Seer of Souls in Ultima IV, Hawkwind resides within Castle Britannia, guiding the Stranger toward becoming the Avatar. His character is further developed in Ultima IX. Smith A talking horse featured throughout the series. Other 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. Following Mondain's defeat which fragmented Sosaria, Shamino became isolated from his homeland. Beatrix, Shamino’s betrothed and daughter of this King, died from heartbreak. The King descended into madness, slaughtered his castle’s inhabitants during a goblin assault, and ultimately took his own life. His restless spirit confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two until vanquished. Sir Simon Lady Tessa Gwenneth, originally Iolo’s apprentice and manager of Iolo's Bows shop, assumes full control by Ultima VI after Iolo retires. Dr. Cat Sutek Sin'Vraal Nicodemus Rudyom Penumbra Horance Nell Patterson Nastassia Erstam The tale of Beatrix is expanded upon in Ultima VII Part Two. As Shamino’s betrothed and daughter of the King of the White Dragon, her death triggered her father’s insanity and subsequent massacre during a goblin siege. Her vengeful ghost haunts Shamino’s deserted castle. Samhayne External links The Ultima Wiki – comprehensive details on all Ultima personalities