Ultima VII Part 5: Wherein I Finally Bake Some Bread
Ultima VII: The Black Gate
Part 5: Wherein I Finally Bake Some Bread
Before I head for the capital, I need to get a sextant. I can find one cheap in the House of Items in Paws.
This is Beverlea, the owner of the House of Items.
Who are you?
My name is Beverlea.
What do you do?
Why, I run the House of Items here in Paws.
Tell me about the House of Items.
It is a shop that sells antiques and previously used items. Running this shop allows me to remain youthful and active. It is heartening to sell things to the poor people of this town that they might not otherwise be able toafford.
What kind of items?
I would like the sextant.
I have a sextant that was sold by the world-famous shipwright Owen of Minoc. They are going to be building a monument to him, I understand. Anyway, the sailor who sold it to me had just suffered some harrowing experience out on the waters. He said when he sold it to me that he was going to retire. He obviously did not realize the value of this item. But I can let thee have it for twenty gold pieces. Dost thou wish to buy it?
Yes.
Thou mayest take thy sextant! And may thou always have smooth sailing!
I take the sextant after paying for it (since I am feeling virtuous).
Hooray! I finally have an auto-map! Now, since I am heading into the capital, I have to arrive in style. I head back to the Trinsic stables.
Welcome to Andyman Messiah's favorite show, Pimp My Horse!
Wow, the clean-up crew did a bang-up job!
Now we're travelling in style!
We arrive in Britain. Now, I'll provide you with a run-down of the shops.
This is the jeweller. He buys any jewels I find in my travels.
This is the North Star Armoury.
This Armourer has a pretty good selection of armour (up to plate). I am feeling a little poor at this time, so I pass.
This is the famous Iolo's Bows.
This kid sells tripple crossbows, but I cannot afford one right now. Damn, you think Iolo could borrow his own stock!
This is Gaye's Clothiers.
She will provide me with an outfit I need in a quest. However, I now want to
show you about the depth of object interaction in this game.
I spin the wool into thread.
Next, I weave the thread into cloth.
Finally, I cut the cloth into bandages, which restore some of my health during battle.
Now, it is on to the bakery.
This guy will buy bags of flour from me for 12 gold apiece and will let me bake bread for one gold coin apiece.
Let's get ready to . . .
BAAAAAAAAAKKEE!!!
I set the flour on the table . . .
. . . add water . . .
. . . and set the ball into the oven to cook into bread.
Cool! An honest day's work feels good! Let's go get drunk!
Where else but the Blue Boar?
Tonight 9-12
in person
the Avatars
It doesn't look like a happenin' joint at this hour. Let's see who's here.
This is a funny character.
Who are you?
I am Mack.
What do you do?
I am a farmer, though most folks just call me a lunatic.
Why would I call you a lunatic?
Thou dost also think so, eh? But I tell thee what I say is true! There are creatures visiting us from another place in the stars! I have seen them!
What creatures?
They are big mean ugly liontigers! Or is that tigerlions? They are ferocious and they want to eat us!
You said you have seen them?
With mine own eyes I have seen a star creature and the inexplicable conveyance which enabled it to travel to Britannia! I swear to thee! I am completely sane! I have proof!
What proof?
Go and look behind my farm in the middle of the field. Take a look for thyself and thou shalt see my proof.
Farmer Mack sounds like a delirious yokel.
What the fuck is a Kilrathi fighter doing in Ultima? It looks like Farmer Mack was right!
Did I not tell thee that I am no loonie? Still, my story of how I did come across this thing is beyond belief.
Tell me your story.
I like to stay up late. Sometimes I see bright lights flash across the sky. No one else ever pays them any mind. But one night I see this bright light come crashing down and it lands in my field.
Go on.
After the explosion and crash I ran out to my field. There I saw the strange machine that thou hast seen, only it was glowing hot. I was terrified. But then the top of the machine started to open.
Go on.
I could not move from the spot as I saw the strange ship open. From out of the top came the vicious tigerlion. There was a savage hunger in its eyes.
Hunger?
In other words, it looked like it might eat me!
Tigerlion?!
It came at me like a predator comes after prey. It was so fast that I could not even move. I thought I was going to be killed for certain. It reached me in a second. It looked into mine eyes, and then it died.
How?
What it and I had failed to notice was that I was holding mine hoe. It had once been accidentally enchanted by a passing mage, and it works wondrously in the fields. I use it for everything! The tigerlion had run itself through upon it. As it died, the thing spoke.
What did it speak?
It said two words. 'Kill Wrathy.' I do not know who this Wrathy person is, or why the tigerlion wanted me to kill him. But I do know I sure get worried now whenever I see moving lights in the night sky.
Kill Wrathy?
I am quite certain that was it, or something like that. Anyway the tigerlion itself proved to be quite delicious.
Eww! How did a hoe kill a tigerlion anyway?
I am sure thou dost know about the plague of looniness that has come to afflict all of the mages in the world. It was several years ago that I brought my broken hoe to a mage called Mumb. Fixing things was all he was good for anymore. There was also some fighter who wanted Mumb to enchant his sword, turning it into The Sword of Death. It appears poor Mumb got confused and that fighter came back and killed him because the man wound up with a sword that was only good for cutting weeds. I could never figure out exactly what happened. It appears that old Mumb made mine hoe into the Hoe of Destruction Unfortunately, the hoe is lost.
Lost?
Well, 'tis not really lost. It is locked up in my shed. It is the key to the shed that is lost! I think I might have accidentally used it as a fishhook when I was fishing on the banks of Lock Lake. So now I cannot get into my shed. One would think I -am- a looney!
Bye!
I thank thee for thy decency and consideration.
Why does LB allow Corpsers/Sea Serpents/Krakens in his moat?
Oh well, it is time for some shut eye.
This is the strength test. I need more strength to hit the bell.
This is Sentri, one of my old companions from V & VI (or at least he would have been if I had taken him along).
Who are you?
Thou dost not remember me? I am Sentri! We have gone adventuring together in the past!
What are you up to?
When I am not adventuring with old friends, I am a trainer in Britain. I specialize in combat involving swordsmanship. I am quite good at that, as thou dost remember. But I would drop everything to join thy group if thou art not too encumbered.
You train in swordsmanship?
Sentri draws his sword so quickly it is like a flash of lightning. He does a few fancy moves, slashing the air with the blade. No foe shall stand after I am finished with him!
How are our friends?
I do not see our old friends Iolo, Shamino, or Dupre much.
Iolo.
How art thou, friend? Thou dost look like thou couldst use a little training thyself!
What is this? Everyone doth make fun of my physique!
I am not making fun, Iolo. I am serious! Sentri laughs.
How is Lord British?
I never see him much. He stays in that castle of his all the time. He never gets out. No wonder he hasn't a clue what is going on in this country.
How is Britain?
I am becoming weary of the place. It is having growth pains of which the bourgeoisie are unaware. All is not as serene as the noblemen present it.
What is not serene?
Well, for example, try going to one of the smaller towns, say, Paws. It is a poor man's place. It reeks, too. And 'tis only just beyond the Britain town limits. More money should be put into improving the land as a whole, not just in building new buildings in the capitol city. I do not know what Lord British is thinking!
How about joining up?
Sentri bows. I am very pleased to join thy group.
Since he is a party member, he will train me for free.
Cool! I think my dexterity and combat stats have improved. After levelling-up I can find a trainer to advance some of my stats.
I find a key in Sentri's room that unlocks his armory.
I find a full suit of plate mail inside. I give it to Sentri since it belongs to him.
This is the Royal Museum. It has gained some new exhibits since last time.
Fortunately, the runes are just decorations in this game.
Here are the two lenses needed to view the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom.
Here is the Silver Horn and the Vortex Cube. The horn is useless, and I cannot remember if the cube does anything.
This is Candice, the curator of the Britannian museum. She is also doing it with the mayor.
Don't worry, Iolo. I'll condone it.
These orbs will be very handy for casting Mark and Recall on when I reach level four.
Also, there are some free Swamp Boots. Score!
This is Patterson, the mayor. He is doing it with the curator behind his wife's back.
This is his wife. She is a harpsichordist at the Royal Music Hall. She wants me to find out where her husband goes after his nightly Fellowship meetings.
This is some shopkeeper guy.
Another Avatar?! The plot thickens . . .
Yes, Avatar?
Hey Shamino! What are you up to?
I should hope 'twould be adventuring with thee! I am weary of loitering about Britain. There is much we could be accomplishing! Where hast thou been, anyway? But please tell me what brings thee here!
There was a murder in Trinsic.
*after listening to the story* I would be honored to join and help thee in investigating this matter.
What else should we be accomplishing?
Well, I do not know if thou art aware, but we are having many problems with magic in general, and with the Moongates.
What is wrong with the Moongates?
I am confounded by their inability to function properly.
What is wrong with magic?
Magic all over Britannia seems to be disturbed. Say, dost thou remember Nicodemus in the great forest? He has gone mad and is terribly silly. Perhaps we should visit him.
Why are you in Britain?
Yes, I have been in Britain as of late, attempting to find work. Thou dost know that adventuring comes around too infrequently. One must find -other- diversions. Which reminds me... I have thy pocketwatch.
Cool.
What diversions BTW?
The usual. I do not see our old friends often, and Lord British rarely finds work for me. I certainly have no timefor wenching or drinking -- I have grown up a bit.
Ahem, I have heard something about an actress, no?
What dost thou know of it?
Avatar, ask him about 'Amber'.
Thou art a swine, Iolo.
What about Amber?
*obviously smitten* She is an actress I know.
When was the last time you saw our old friends?
Thou dost mean Iolo and Dupre, I presume?
Iolo.
Dost thou mean that miserable excuse for an archer?
Watch what thou dost say, scoundrel!
Care to join?
*looking relieved* I am -so- glad thou didst ask me that. He gathers his gear and prepares to follow you.
Bye.
*bows slightly*
This is the Royal Mint. I can rob the place to get rich.
Here is one more key I can find. I head to LB's palace.
This is that annoying excuse for a jester.
Now, let us play The Game! See if you can grok the rule of the game.
Name.
I must not say my name, lest I break the rule of The Game!
Job.
I was, am, and shall be the Court...Fool! I could give thee a clue if I wish, but for now my job is to play The Game.
Game.
Thou must play The Game if thou dost want to speak with me.
What are the rules?
Thou must just learn The Game and then jump in and play it!
I know The Game
Then just play it!
Of what do we speak?
Of what thou wouldst like.
A joke.
I do not think I can tell a good joke whilst I play The Game! 'Twould be hard! Hmm. Ah! I have one! Why did the hen cross the road? To get to the side she was not on!
Thou.
Why dost thou want to speak of me? Canst thou not think of a thing much more fun of which to speak?
Girls.
There be a lot of fine girls in our fair town! Or is it 'fair girls in our fine town'? Chuckles shrugs his shoulders.
Food.
There is good food at the pub! As for me, I like to eat on the floor of my room!
Where is the Blue Boar?
Thou canst get a good meal there! But I could give thee a good -clue-!
Clue.
Art thou sure thou canst play The Game?
Yes.
Then prove it! Talk to me.
Hi, Chuck.
Hi there! What is on thy mind?
Too much.
Ah, I do know what thou dost mean. Thou dost need help, yes?
Yes, I do.
Hmm. I might could give thee a clue.
I would like to give Chuckles a black eye!
That would be big of thee.
What wilt thou give me for the clue?
A smile.
How nice! All right! I shall give thee a clue. 'Tis here in this scroll. So long, my friend! Do not forg... I mean, do not lose how to play The Game!
As usual, it makes me scroll forward several times, and if I go click-crazy, I will likely miss the clue.
All right. I will need to go to Minoc later anyway.
This is Lord British's chambermaid.
Heh heh . . .
This is Nystul, LB's court mage. He has gone crazy but not crazy enough to give me spells and reagents for free.
Here is king crazypants himself.
Welcome, my friend. Please. Tell me what brings thee to Britannia! Or, more importantly, what 'brought' thee here?
Job.
Must we go through this formality? Very well. As thou well knowest, I am sovereign of Britannia and have been for some time now. Even though I come from thine homeland, I have chosen to live my life here.
Homeland?!
I know that it has been many a year since I visited our Earth, but surely thou dost remember that the two of us hail from the same time and place? And, as brothers in origin, thou shouldst also remember that thou canst ask me for aid at any time thou mightest require it.
What kind of aid?
Do not forget, Avatar, that I have the power to heal thee. That is one bit of magic that still seems to work for me. And I could probably provide thee with some equipment and a spellbook.
How is Britannia?
The state of the land could not be more prosperous. Dost thou realize that thou hast been away for 200 Britannian years? I am certain that thy friends have rued thine absence. 'Tis a shame thou didst stay away so long! But... I am so very happy to see thee. Britannia is prosperous and abundant. Look around thee. Explore the newly refurbished castle. Travel the land. Peace is prominent in all quarters.Yes, Britannia has never been better. Well, almost never.
What do you mean by almost never?
Well, 'things' are indeed fine. It is the 'people' I am concerned about.There is something wrong in Britannia, but I do not know what it is. Something is hanging over the heads of the Britannian people. They are unhappy. One can see it in their eyes. There is nothing that is unifying the population, since there has been peace for so long.Perhaps thou couldst determine what is happening. I implore thee to go out amongst the people. Watch them in their daily tasks. Speak with them. Work with them. Break bread with them. Perhaps they need someone like the Avatar to take an interest in their lives.
Anyway, I came by a red Moongate . . .
I relate the story of how a red Moongate appeared behind my house and mysteriously took me to Trinsic. Lord British's brow creases as I speak.
I did not send the red Moongate to fetch thee. Someone or something must have activated that Moongate. And that is strange indeed, because we have been having a bit of trouble with Moongates as of late. In fact, we have been having trouble with magic in general!
What kind of troubles with magic have you been having?
Something is awry. Magic has not been working for the longest time. I even have trouble creating food with magic! It must be something to do with the magical ether.There are those who say that magic is dying, what with the trouble with the Moongates and the situation with Nystul. I am beginning to suspect that they might be right!
Perhaps magic will work much better for thee. Thou hast not been in Britannia long. It is possible that whatever has affected magic has not made its mark upon thee yet. Please try it. A spellbook is stored with the rest of thine equipment.
What about the Moongates?
The Moongates are not functioning! We cannot use them as we have in the past. Not only are they dysfunctional, they are, in fact, dangerous! One of my trusted sages used mine own Orb of the Moons to travel to the Shrine of Humility, and his body did shatter upon entering the gate! If only that mage in Cove hadn't gone mad!
What mad mage?
There is a mad mage in Cove by the name of Rudyom. Dost thou remember him? Rudyom was working with a magical substance called 'blackrock'. Before he went mad, he claimed that this mineral could solve the problems of the Moongates. I suggest that thou shouldst go to Cove and find him. Try to learn what it was he was doing with this blackrock material. It could be our only hope.
Tell me more of Rudyom.
He was a brilliant and respected mage. But something happened to him in recent years. He seemed to go completely senile. I wonder if there is a connection with what happened to Rudyom and what has befallen Nystul!
Ya think?!
By the way, have you heard about Trinsic?
I have not been down there in many years. Has something happened there?
Nothing much; just a little murder.
Murder? In Trinsic? I have heard nothing about it. Art thou investigating it?
Yes.
Very good. It pleases me that thou art concerned about my people. Now that thou dost mention it, I have had reports of other similar murders in the past few months. In fact, there was one here in Britain three or four years ago. The body was mutilated in a ritualistic fashion. Apparently there is a maddened killer on the loose. But I have no doubt that someone such as thee, Avatar, can find him!
Ritualistic?
I do not recall many details. Thou shouldst ask Patterson, the town mayor, about it. He may remember more.
BTW, what do you think of the Fellowship?
They are an extremely useful and productive group of citizens. Thou shouldst most certainly visit the Fellowship Headquarters here in Britain and speak with Batlin. The Fellowship has done many good deeds throughout Britannia, including feeding the poor, educating and helping those in need, and promoting general good will and peace.
Who is Batlin?
He is a druid who began The Fellowship about twenty years ago. He is highly intelligent, and is a warm and gentle human being.
...'kay. That does not sound like
the Manchurian Candidate at all! Anyway, did you feel that earthquake a few days ago?
The foundation of Britannia was shaken with the rising of an island. This event was no random disaster, it was one of sorcerous intent.
What island?
Yes, Avatar. I felt a great disturbance in the ether when this island arose from the sea. The island is none other than the Isle of Fire where thou defeated the Hellspawn Exodus.
THAT Isle of Fire?
Avatar, thou shouldst know that when I created the shrines of the Virtues, I also set upon this island three great shrines, dedicated to the Priciples of Truth, Love, and Courage. They reside within the walls of the Castle of Fire. I never revealed this to thee before as I thought them forever lost when the Isle of Fire mysteriously sank beneath the waves. The shrines are meant for the use of an Avatar only, and therefore a talisman will be necessary to use one. The talismans are guarded by tests that thou shouldst have no problem passing if thou wishest to seek their counsel.
Do you have any spare equipment for me?
Thou art welcome to any of mine equipment. I keep it in a locked storeroom here in the castle. Thou wilt find the key in my study.
Where is the storeroom?
I am sure thou canst find it. *smiling* Consider it something of a game!
If thou are to investigate the Isle of Fire, I will give thee a ship.
Sweet! I will head to Cove next time.