Time Lord (Ultima)

Ultima companions

Industry	Video games
Founded	1980s
Founder	Richard Garriott
Products	Ultima series characters and companions

The Avatar and Companions

• Yes : The companion is featured in that installment.
• No : The companion does not appear.
• Join : The companion can become or has become part of the Avatar's group.
• AE : An alternate persona of the companion is present.
• 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	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	No	No	Join	No	No	No	Yes	M/R

The Stranger and the Avatar

In the initial Ultima titles, the player-controlled character was known as the Stranger, allowing gameplay that included actions such as theft and violence. Following Ultima III: Exodus, series creator Richard Garriott encountered backlash from parents concerned about immoral content and alleged Satanic ritual abuse themes, partly due to the demonic imagery on the game's packaging. To address these concerns, Garriott incorporated significant philosophical concepts and symbolism inspired by a television program on Hinduism and the notion of an Avatar, culminating in the introduction of eight Virtues for the protagonist in Ultima IV.

The Avatar made their first appearance in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, where the mission involved embodying these Virtues and securing the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Later entries depicted the Avatar overthrowing an oppressive regime (Ultima V), establishing harmony between humans and gargoyles (Ultima VI), confronting the Guardian in Ultima VII and VIII, and ultimately sacrificing themselves in Ultima IX.

Except for Ultima IX, players could assign a name to their Avatar; however, Ultima VIII standardized the character's appearance as a blond male, whereas earlier games allowed customization of race, gender, and looks. Dialogue interaction began with keyword-based input from Ultima IV, evolving into full conversations by Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld, with digitized voice added in Ultima IX.

Originally designed as a blank slate to reflect player identity, the Avatar pioneered the modern gaming concept of an "avatar." This early level of player customization was groundbreaking for representing personal identity within games. Over time, the Avatar evolved into a more distinctly characterized figure.

The Eight Companions

In Ultima IV, the Stranger is accompanied by eight allies on his journey to become the Avatar, although only seven physically join him since one shares his vocation. Each companion originally represents a profession tied to one of the eight virtues and its respective town. These individuals are the Avatar's initial followers and reappear throughout later Britannia-based titles, including Ultima IV, V, VI, VII (Part I), and IX. Many companions can rejoin the Avatar’s group, occasionally adopting new roles.

• Iolo is a celebrated bard and bowyer known for crafting crossbows, residing in Britain during Ultima IV. He is married to Gwenno, and his full name, Iolo FitzOwen, is unveiled in Ultima V. Creator of the tune "Stones," Iolo owns Smith, a talking horse famous for sarcastic commentary directed at the Avatar. By the time of Ultima VII, he operates two archery shops. Iolo’s character is modeled after real-life bowyer and composer David R. Watson.

• Shamino Sallé Dacil hails from Skara Brae as a ranger and was once ruler of an ancient Sosarian realm. After assisting the Stranger in Ultima I, he became stranded in Britannia following its separation from Sosaria, leaving behind his beloved Beatrix. By Ultima IV, he serves as a ranger and later joins the Avatar’s expedition to Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part II. His narrative includes encounters with Beatrix’s spirit and captivity by the Guardian, from which the Avatar eventually frees him. Shamino’s persona draws inspiration from Richard Garriott’s identity within the Society for Creative Anachronism, named after the Shimano bicycle brand.

• Dupre serves as a paladin and mayor of Trinsic who allies with the Stranger and remains a steadfast companion. Elevated to knighthood between Ultima VI and VII, Dupre enjoys wine and women, frequently visiting taverns. In Ultima V he conceals himself on Bordermarch island; by Ultima VII, he accumulates a significant bar tab that the Avatar can settle. He sacrifices himself to protect Serpent Isle but is later revived to confront the Guardian in Ultima IX. Dupre’s character is based on Greg Dykes, a friend of Garriott.

• Jaana is a druid allied with Lord British who becomes an outlaw under Blackthorn's rule, joining the resistance movement. She eventually relocates to Cove as a healer and plays a role in opposing the Guardian. Her name honors a Finnish friend of Garriott.

• Julia is a tinker from Minoc with a Scottish accent. In Ultima VII, she critiques shipbuilding techniques; by 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 lone survivor of a daemon raid that devastated Magincia. She remains amidst its ruins until Magincia is resettled as New Magincia, embracing Humility; she becomes its first—and eventually sole—resident until the Avatar restores Humility there. Katrina’s character is based on Garriott’s friend known as Trina.

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

• Mariah originates from Moonglow as a magician seeking adventure. After Shadowlord attacks force her into hiding at Lycaeum, she meets the Avatar. In Ultima VI, she translates Gargoyle inscriptions and endures depression caused by mage insanity, which the Avatar helps alleviate. Mariah is modeled after Michelle Caddel, Garriott’s personal assistant.

Additional Allies

Starting from 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 only brief or singular appearances.

• Gwenno is known as an entertainer, scholar, and adventurer who frequently accompanies her husband Iolo. She sometimes joins the Avatar’s group and is credited with composing the lyrics for the song "Stones". Her persona is inspired by Kathleen Jones, the spouse of David R. Watson (Iolo).
• Sentri first appears as a warrior in Ultima II and later assumes the title of Baron of Serpent Hold. In Ultima VII, he lives in Britain and offers complimentary combat training to the Avatar and their companions. Although he does not appear in Ultima IX, his magical leggings can be found in Trinsic.
• Gorn is a barbarian prisoner who aids the Avatar's escape in Ultima V and returns in later installments. Recognizable by his unique accent, his character draws inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan.
• Johne lost his ship to a whirlpool before the events of Ultima V. After going insane upon discovering fragments of the Gem of Immortality, he murdered his crew, leading to the creation of the Shadowlords. Found stranded, he joins the Avatar seeking atonement. By Ultima VI, now known as Captain John, he studies gargoyles and teaches their language, assisting the Avatar's mission.
• Maxwell and Toshi are minor fighter and bard characters featured in Ultima V.
• Saduj, affiliated with Blackthorn’s "Oppression" faction in Ultima V, will betray the party if recruited.
• Seggallion, a pirate lord from Ultima V, provides a spyglass and returns in Ultima VI, claiming origin from Ashtalarea, a realm featured in Knights of Legend.
• Beh Lem is a young gargoyle who escorts the Avatar into Vesper during Ultima VI.
• Blaine is a nomadic gypsy juggler who may join the party in Ultima VI.
• Leodon and Leonna, captains of ships from Buccaneer’s Den in Ultima VI, offer formidable combat assistance.
• Sherry, a talking mouse scout introduced in Ultima VI, later aids Lord British’s Nursery in Ultima VII. Her character was modeled after Richard Garriott’s former girlfriend.
• Spark, introduced in Ultima VII, seeks vengeance for his father’s murder and is based on programmer Raymond Benson’s son.
• Tseramed is an expert ranger featured in Ultima VII, renowned for wielding giant bee venom arrows. He harbors bitterness toward Fellowship leaders due to personal tragedy and reflects lead programmer Ken Demarest III’s pseudonym.
• Selina is a skilled adept from Moonshade who may join during Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle.
• Boydon is a Frankenstein-like creature reanimated after dismemberment who can accompany the Avatar in Serpent Isle.
• Stefano, a magic thief, assists the Avatar’s escape from the Mountains of Freedom in Serpent Isle.
• Wilfred is a Bear Knight hailing from Monitor with unclear intentions in Serpent Isle.
• Petra, an automaton managing Moonshade’s Blue Boar tavern, supports critical quests throughout Serpent Isle.
• Sethys, preserved alive for centuries within the Temple of Tolerance, aids in summoning essential spirits during Serpent Isle.
• Iron automatons can be brought to life through spells and added to the party in Serpent Isle.
• Raven is Samhayne’s secret daughter who initially betrays but later supports the Avatar. She grants access to her vessel, The Silver Hart, develops a close bond with the Avatar, then departs before the final confrontation with the Guardian.

Worlds of Ultima companions

• Dr. Johann Spector is a character originating from Earth who becomes influenced by the Valley of Eodon in Ultima: Savage Empire. Under the name Zipactriotl, he leads a tribal community and seeks to rally the Myrmidex insectoid species for an assault on Earth. Once liberated by the Avatar, he rejoins the group and later travels with the Avatar to Mars in Ultima: Martian Dreams. This character is inspired by Warren Spector, a former employee of Origin.

Arch-enemies

• Yes : Character is featured in the game.
• No : Character does not appear.
• M/R : Character is mentioned or alluded to.
• Mnl : Character appears only 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	M/R	Mnl	Yes	Yes
The Shadowlords	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Mnl	No	Yes	No	Mnl	No	No	No	style="background:#cfcfcf;" data-sort-value= "m/r" align=center>M/R
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;" data-sort-value= "m/r" align=center>M/R

Mondain

Mondain serves as the main adversary in Ultima I. He was the second son of Wolfgang, the ruler of Akalabeth, and although he received rudimentary magical training, he was prohibited from practicing due to his lack of empathy. In response, Mondain murdered his father and stole a gem to forge the "Gem of Immortality," which amplified his dark abilities and allowed him to command beings such as minotaurs, lizardmen, orcs, and goblins. His base of operations was located on Terfin island.

Since Mondain could not be killed unless the gem was destroyed, he summoned various creatures to conquer Sosaria. The Stranger traveled back in time and shattered the gem a millennium earlier, resulting in Mondain's death and the destruction of his fortress.

Fragments of the Gem of Immortality influenced subsequent games: in Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny and Ultima Online, these shards play crucial roles in storylines involving entities like the Shadowlords and alternate realities. In Ultima IV, both the fragments and Mondain's skull impact gameplay mechanics significantly. His visual representation differs between titles; for example, Ultima Online and Ultima IX: Ascension depict him as bald with a goatee, whereas Ultima VI shows him with hair and no facial hair.

Minax

Minax is the primary antagonist featured in Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress and reappears in Ultima Online. She was a talented yet merciless sorceress who apprenticed under Mondain and was also his lover. After surviving Mondain's demise at the hands of the Stranger, she grew stronger and sought vengeance by targeting the Stranger’s homeworld.

Employing dimensional and temporal portals, Minax initiated the Time of Legends at the Origin of Times to launch assaults on future worlds without risk. She annihilated Earth to eliminate interference and subsequently invaded Sosaria with her armies.

In Ultima II, Lord British called upon a hero—the Stranger—to confront Minax. Her fortress, Shadowguard, was accessible only through timegates and required an enchanted ring to bypass its defenses. Following a challenging campaign, the Stranger defeated Minax using the swift blade Enilno. Her death caused Sosaria to split into two landmasses: Sosaria itself and Ambrosia. Unknown to many players, Mondain and Minax had a child named Exodus, a hybrid being central to later storylines.

Exodus

Exodus is the antagonist in Ultima III: Exodus, born from Mondain and Minax. Its initial appearance involves a missing ship that returns devoid of crew, bearing "EXODUS" written in blood. Exodus menaces Sosaria from its stronghold on the Isle of Fire. Two decades after Minax’s death, the Stranger returns to confront Exodus.

The Great Earth Serpent blocks access to the Isle of Fire but is released by the Stranger through a magic word; this serpent later assists the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. Castle Exodus is shielded by mystical barriers that require particular symbols for safe passage. Within its walls are hostile creatures and animated floors.

Though Exodus appears demonic, it is ultimately revealed as a magical computer, which can be destroyed by inserting four specific cards: Love, Sol, Moons, and Death. Once defeated, the Isle of Fire submerges until events in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. In the Forge of Virtue expansion, Exodus’s Dark Core persists and must be banished into the Ethereal Void to complete certain quests.

Lord Blackthorn

Lord Blackthorn assumes the role of Britannia's regent following the disappearance of Lord British in Ultima V. Initially governing with fairness, he becomes corrupted by the Shadowlords and transforms into a despotic ruler. By the conclusion of the game, Lord British returns to power, and Blackthorn is banished through a red moongate to an unknown realm—later identified as Serpent Isle in Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle. On Serpent Isle, Blackthorn attains redemption by joining the Xenkan Monks and becoming part of their order.

Contradicting this storyline, Ultima IX portrays Blackthorn departing from Serpent Isle prior to the Avatar’s arrival and reappearing as a villain aligned with the Guardian. His demise occurs during a magical duel with Lord British at the Great Stygian Abyss, creating inconsistency with earlier accounts.

In Ultima Online, which diverges from the main series timeline after Ultima I, Blackthorn is depicted as both Lord British’s closest ally and most formidable adversary. He advocates for personal freedom and individuality through his own principle—chaos—not as destruction but as a form of equilibrium. After embracing dark magic, he turns into a malevolent force seemingly slain during an attack on Yew. This evil incarnation was later retconned as a duplicate; the genuine Blackthorn ultimately becomes Britannia’s ruler. 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 first appearance in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Initially manifesting as a disembodied voice, he aims to dominate Britannia through his agent Batlin, founder of the Fellowship, by constructing a black moongate to physically enter the world. The Avatar thwarts this scheme by destroying the moongate.

In Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, the Guardian encloses Castle Britannia within a blackrock dome, imprisoning the Avatar and companions while preparing an invasion via a portal. The Avatar dismantles both the dome and portal, journeying through multiple worlds already subdued by the Guardian.

Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle unveils the Guardian’s contingency plan: dispatching Batlin to Serpent Isle to further his conquest. Batlin betrays him and is killed after unleashing the Banes of Chaos. The Avatar restores harmony by uniting the Chaos, Order, and Balance Serpents but is captured by the Guardian at the game’s conclusion.

In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the Guardian confines the Avatar on Pagan, a world under his dominion. There, the Avatar masters elemental magic before returning to Britannia.

By Ultima IX: Ascension, during the Avatar’s imprisonment on Pagan, the Guardian erects eight columns across Britannia designed to pull its moons out of orbit and annihilate the planet. The Avatar destroys these structures and defeats the Guardian, who reveals himself as the Avatar’s dark counterpart—an entity born from discarded evil in Ultima IV. Employing the Armageddon spell, the Avatar merges with the Guardian into a new being.

Industry analysts interpret the Guardian as a metaphor for Origin’s parent company, Electronic Arts, which allegedly limited Richard Garriott’s creative freedom in later series installments. This interpretation is reinforced by the Guardian’s three artifacts—a sphere, cube, and tetrahedron—that resemble EA’s early 1990s logo following its acquisition of Origin. Furthermore, Fellowship members Elizabeth and Abraham (E&A) deceive the Avatar before revealing their true villainous nature. The Guardian’s epithet "Destroyer of Worlds" echoes Origin’s slogan "We create worlds."

Other notable or recurring characters

• Yes: Character appears in the specified game.
• No: Character does not appear.
• AE: An alternate persona is present.
• M/R: Only mentioned or alluded to.
• Mnl: Referenced solely within the manual.

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Lord British

Lord British serves as Britannia's sovereign and represents the in-game identity of series creator Richard Garriott. The name originated from a nickname his peers assigned at a computer camp, with "Lord" appended due to his position as a dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons. Garriott published early games such as Akalabeth: World of Doom under this pseudonym and portrayed Lord British in Ultima Online. He maintains trademark ownership over the name and also appeared as General British in Tabula Rasa (video game).

Within the series' lore, Lord British arrives on Sosaria from Earth through a moongate and adopts the title Cantabrigian British, reflecting his Cambridge heritage. After defeating the malevolent wizard Mondain, he earns titles including "Champion of the White Light" and "Protector of Akalabeth." He plays a foundational role in establishing Britannia's key institutions such as the Museum and Conservatory and frequently assists the Avatar by providing healing and resurrection.

Although traditionally viewed as invincible, Lord British has been killed on occasion due to bugs and player exploits—a phenomenon that led to the formulation of the "Lord British Postulate," which suggests that any living entity in a game is vulnerable to death. His susceptibility became widely known when players eliminated him with cannon fire in Ultima III: Exodus and via an easter egg referencing an incident at Origin’s offices in Ultima VII. During Ultima Online's beta phase, Lord British was slain multiple times due to glitches and oversights—an event that underscored player impact within online gaming environments. Similarly, General British was killed during Tabula Rasa beta testing. In Ultima IX: Ascension, players have the option to kill Lord British using bread poisoned on Earth.

Chuckles

Chuckles is the jester serving Lord British’s court, commonly found within Castle Britannia. While he occasionally aids the Avatar, he is also notorious for misleading them. This character is inspired by Chuck Bueche, one of Origin Systems’ co-founders.

The Time Lord

The Time Lord is responsible for maintaining proper temporal flow across space. He provides guidance to the Avatar by disclosing essential information in Ultima III, supports comprehension of the Fellowship in Ultima VII, and reappears in Ultima IX.

The Great Earth Serpent

Captured by Exodus to guard the Isle of Fire in Ultima III, The Great Earth Serpent later assists the Avatar in restoring equilibrium to Serpent Isle during Ultima VII Part Two.

The Gypsy

Before embarking on quests in Ultima IV, V, VI, and IX, the Avatar consults the Gypsy to evaluate their virtue strengths.

Hawkwind

Initially introduced as a celebrated cartographer in Ultima III, Hawkwind evolves into Seer of Souls residing within Castle Britannia by Ultima IV. He guides the Avatar along their path toward becoming an Avatar and returns with expanded lore in Ultima IX.

Smith

A talking horse featured throughout the series.

Other characters

• The King of the White Dragon co-governs 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 stranded away from his homeland causing Beatrix’s death from grief. Subsequently driven insane, the King massacred visitors during a goblin siege before taking his own life. His spirit confronts the Avatar in Ultima VII Part Two until it is finally laid to rest.
• Sir Simon
• Lady Tessa
• Gwenneth, apprentice to Iolo, manages Iolo's Bows shop beginning with Ultima V after Iolo becomes an outlaw and eventually retires.
• Dr. Cat
• Sutek
• Sin'Vraal
• Nicodemus
• Rudyom
• Penumbra
• Horance
• Nell
• Patterson
• Nastassia
• Erstam
• Beatrix, daughter of the King of the White Dragon and Shamino’s betrothed—her tragic narrative unfolds across multiple titles culminating with her ghost confronting Shamino during Ultima VII Part Two.
• Samhayne

External links

• The Ultima Wiki – an extensive database covering all characters from the Ultima series

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				Mnl
Smith															style="background:#C0C0C0;" | M/R
Additional characters including Nystul, Lord Draxinusom, Arcadion, Sir Simon, Lady Tessa, Gwenneth, Dr. Cat, Sutek, Sin'Vraal, Nicodemus, Rudyom, Penumbra, Horance, Nell, Patterson, Nastassia, Erstam, Beatrix, Samhayne, and Nelson appear intermittently throughout the series. Their appearances are generally limited to mentions or minor roles that contribute to narrative depth and world-building.