Let's Play Ultima: From Akalabeth to Ascension! (Now on VII)

[Elzair]

Alright, I will try to do another update this evening. Has it been 14 days? My, the time flies!

 

[Elzair]

Ultima VII Part 8: Now, Show Me Your Honor

Ultima VII: The Black Gate

Part 8: Now, Show Me Your Honor


Alright, now that we have done everything in Minoc, let's get back on the trail of Elizabeth & Abraham!

You know, it's funny that they always seem to be in the area when a murder happens. I wonder if that is related?

Elynor said they were heading to the Fellowship shelter in Paws, so I head there.

Have you seen Elizabeth and Abraham recently

I am so sorry! Thou hast just missed them! Elizabeth and Abraham were here delivering funds, but they have gone now to Jhelom. There is currently no Fellowship branch there, so they are taking the Triad of Inner Strength to lands west!

Damn! Just missed them! Alright, let's head for Jhelom. Why don't we try the Orb of the Moons?

Well, shit! I cast Help and use the Moongates.

Eventually, I arrive at my destination.

I bid thee welcome once again, Avatar.

Hellooooo Nurse!

My name is Ophelia, Avatar.

Call me Elzair. In fact, call me anytime. So what's a pretty face like yours doing in a dump like this?

I am a barmaid. I do most of the work at The Bunk and Stool here in Jhelom.

'Ya gettin' off work soon?

Ever since Sprellic, the owner, was challenged to those duels by the three students at the Library of Scars, he has been busy preparing himself. I have been running the place all by myself... although Daphne has been helping me, I suppose.

Who is Sprellic?

No one knows old Sprellic better than myself. Although he does not look it, he may well be the deadliest fighting master in all of Britannia.

So, he's a fighting master, eh?

After he defeats the fighters of the Library of Scars, he may open his own school teaching his own unique style of fighting.

He has plans for a school, too?!

opehlia It will be a great fighting school. Already, fighting men and women are coming to Jhelom to become Sprellic's students. They all long to know the secret that I can tell thee right now.

What is his secret.

*whispers* Sprellic is really the Avatar returned to us after all these years.

. . . Okay. Bye now.

Do come and visit us again, Avatar.

It seems there are lots of Avatars running around these days.

Bitch, who gives a fuck about you?! Is there anyone else of interest here?

Is that you, Dupre?

Why, dost thou not recognize me? It is I, Lord British! *laughs* Dost thou not know thy friend Dupre when thou seest him, Avatar?

What are you doing here?

I have not seen our old friends in some time. Currently I am conducting a study of all of the various drinking establishments of Britannia. At present I am about halfway through. But it is nothing that could keep me from adventuring with thee, Avatar.

Why are you in Jhelom?

It is something like the old times of Britannia, during the days of thy last visit, only more bloodthirsty. The local sport in Jhelom is duelling

Are there any good duels happening?

Right now the town is buzzing about three local fighters, all of whom have challenged another man to a duel. The challenged one's name is Sprellic.

I think I heard about that. Tell me about Sprellic.

I doubt he has ever held a sword in his life. When I bet I usually bet on the underdog, but not even I am so foolhardy with my money as to bet on him. The man is no fighter, he is the innkeeper! I do not know why he would provoke someone into a duel. It is a puzzlement

Wanna join up?

It would be both an honor and a pleasure to join thee on thine adventures once again.

And then there were seven. Let's go see this inkeeper.

Who are you?

My name is Sprellic.

Why have you challenged the Library of Scars to a duel?

My tale is a strange one. It may disturb and puzzle thee. Art thou certain thou wouldst like to hear it?

Yes.

It all started the previous evening. I had given Ophelia and Daphne the evening off. A stranger had come to mine inn... A very odd stranger.

He... he claimed he was the -Avatar-! ...And I believed him, which shows thee how gullible I am!

Tell me of this stranger.

His eccentricity seemed to be surpassed only by his wealth. He booked both rooms in the inn so that he could try each bed and decide for himself which one was the most comfortable. As for food, he was voracious.

Tell me more of his eccentricities.

I fear that this stranger was not who he claimed to be at all. I was a victim of a great and terrible deception that was perpetrated upon me.

How much food did he eat?

This stranger ordered one of every kind of food and drink on the menu. So if he ever wanted anything, it would be right there to eat. I was cooking for hours. But then it got worse. He went to bed.

What happened when he went to bed?

After he went to bed, he complained that he was too cold. I brought him more and more blankets, but it was not enough. Finally, he had every blanket in the inn. And he was still cold!

He was cold after that?!

In desperation I ran down the street. It was the middle of the night. All of the shops were closed. The only thing I could find was some sort of old tapestry hanging on a wall. So I took it down.

What happened after that?

The next thing I remember there was an angry woman chasing after me. For some reason she wanted to kill me! I managed to get away from her and get back to the inn and cover the stranger with the tapestry. Finally he fell asleep.

That's a lot of hassle just to fall asleep!

I also fell asleep, only I slept late. When I awoke the guest was gone. He had not paid his bill and had taken all the blankets, even the tapestry. Before I could go look for him I had a visitor.

Wow!

As I have said, I was rooked by a professional. A Master Criminal, no doubt -- and one who is still at large!

Who was the visitor?

It was the woman who had chased me the night before. Her name was Syria. She said I had stolen the honor flag from the wall of the Library of Scars. She also challenged me to a duel to the death unless I gave it back. And she is much bigger than I! When I tried to explain that I could not give it back, she hit me. It hurt. A lot!

This 'hit' was the challenge, right?

I will say this of the Lady Syria. She is quite beautiful when she is angry... At least, the visions of her that swam through mine head after she had hit me were quite beautiful. Tragically, I awoke.

So, she challenged you to a duel. What about the other two?

Later that day I ran into a man named Vokes. He is a fighter at the Library of Scars. He asked me to return the honor flag and when I tried to tell him I could not, he hit me. Then he challenged me to a duel to the death to be fought right after my duel with Syria.

After Vokes left, I encountered a man named Timmons. He asked me to return the honor flag to the Library of Scars. I told him I could not and he also challenged me to a duel to the death. I told him I was busy, but he scheduled the challenge for right after my duel with Vokes.

Timmons, Vokes and Syria are the three toughest fighters in Jhelom. I could not hope to survive against one of them, let alone all three. The mysterious guest and the honor flag are nowhere to be found. Even now my barmaids are taking bets on the manner of my demise!

Unbelievable!

Mine only hope for survival is to find a champion who could stand up to the fiercest fighters in Jhelom.

Who will be your champion?

*sigh* Sure.

Avatar, thou hast saved my life! I cannot thank thee enough!

So, while we could just fight the duels, let's see if there is another way to resolve this.

Who are you?

I am Kliftin.

What do you do?

In my day I was a pretty damned good soldier. Now I am the master of the Armoury here in Jhelom.

Have you heard about Sprellic?

Sprellic, our rather mild-mannered innkeeper, stole the honor flag from the wall of the Library of Scars and refused to return it. Now he must fight three of our best local fighters in a duel to the death.

Sprellic took it down in the middle of the night as a blanket for a false Avatar who disappeared with it.

It sounds to me like the work of Sullivan, the Trickster. He is a legendary thief and swindler who has never once been caught! Indeed, few even believe he actually exists. Thou shalt not be able to dissuade the duellists with a tale like that.

What would?

The only thing that can dissuade them from wanting to kill poor Sprellic is to return the honor flag! It must have been taken away by Sullivan, but the duellists do not know that! If we had a duplicate of the honor flag we could give them that instead!

Where can we find a duplicate?

In my day I was fairly handy at stitching wounds... Hmmm, perhaps I can make a duplicate of the honor flag. The deception only has to work long enough for them to formally call off the duel.

Yes.

Then thou must be sure to come pick it up from me before thou dost go to the Duelling Area. It is the area outside my shop next to the Library of Scars. I had best get busy if I am to have it finished in time! Please return to my shop in a few hours.

Before we fight or chicken out like a pussy, let's pay a visit to the Library of Scars to size-up the competition.

He doesn't look too tough.

She looks more likely to suck my cock than kick my ass. Is there anyone good around here?

What dost thou need?

Who are you?

I am called Master De Snel.

What do you do?

I operate the famous fighting school here in Jhelom, the Library of Scars. I also train fighters personally from time to time, if they show potential.

What potential do you lood for?

I teach a fighting style of mine own invention. It enables one to gain complete mastery over his opponent. I could arrange a little demonstration for thee...

Tell me about the Library of Scars.

An elite school of fighters with a long, proud history. Many great fighters have trained within its walls. The group even has its own special weaponry.

What kind of weaponry?

Thou mayest recognize a weapon of the Library of Scars by its engraving. It is the sign of the snake. Striking quick, silent, deadly, as are we!

What about this dagger?

From where didst thou get that dagger?

That dagger was stolen from the Library of Scars weeks ago. I have no further knowledge of it. By the way, hast thou had a demonstration of my training technique?

No.

Then perhaps thou shouldst try one.

It look like this guy may have some knowledge of the murders . . .

. . . too bad he's dead!

I just found this magic gorget in a dresser. While we're waiting for Klifkin to finish the fake honor flag, let's go pound some brewskies!

How may I assist thee?

Who are you?

My name is Joseph.

What do you do?

Presently, I am the mayor of Jhelom.

You are the mayor?!

I may seem a bit young for the job, but in a town such as this I am called upon to help keep order as often as administrate. I use my sword and pen in equal measure.

What do you know about the Fellowship?

That is what many of the duels are fought over! Some say The Fellowship is a load of rot, some say it is the only truth. Others say it is foolishness. Of course, as Mayor I remain neutral on such matters.

Elizabeth and Abraham? *scratches head* Oh, yes! They were the Fellowship members who were just here! They were trying to start a branch in Jhelom.

Anyway, let's get this Honor Flag business sorted out.

First, I will show the coward's way out.

I return to Klifkin and pick up the false flag.

I have a false flag.

How ingenious! Please! Deliver it to Syria as soon as thou art able! And I thank thee for thy trouble in helping me!

I do just that.

This matter is now settled. But tell that worm Sprellic from me that he had better keep his hands off of other people's property in the future.

Now, I will reload and show you the man's way out.

This is what happens if I leave De Snel alive and return after I have killed his warriors.

I have heard that thou didst kill several of our members while champion of a duel defending the thief of our honor flag.

No matter how the situation is resolved, Sprellic is grateful.

How can I ever thank thee? Thou art the most noble person I have
ever met! I shalt be forever in thy debt! I thank thee!

Awesome!

Before we return to the mainland, let's explore this cave.

Crap!

Oh well! Better luck next time!

 

[Crooked Bee]

Poor d'Artagnan Sprellic.

No matter how the situation is resolved, Sprellic is grateful.

So many C&C in this update!

Also, one of Ophelia's dialogue avatars is missing, the one labeled "opehlia" (sic), before the words "It will be a great fighting school".

 

[Excommunicator]

Good man, Elzair.

I can see that this update was rushed, though I can imagine the work it takes to put them together.

Anyway, brilliant game. Not sure how anyone could read this LP and not want to play it.

 

[Silellak]

Thou hast lost an eighth!

That's more like it.

Admit it, you were just lazy and didn't want to walk all the way back to Britain.

Hmmm, I never even went to Jhelom in the SNES version of the game. I wonder if the "flag" plot even exists?

 

[RK47]

You forgot an exploit. If you take the challenge head - on , you could bet on Sprellic....technically betting on YOURSELF!

FREE BEERS TO THE VICTORS!

 

[gromit]

This has been fantastic. Maybe this is a silly reason to avoid a game, but I'd have played it long ago if only

 

[Excommunicator]

You mean the angle of the isometric view is what you can't get use to?

I never understood that. As long as you can understand what is going on in the game, and the game isn't going to arbitrarily change the angle throughout the game, how is it problem enough to prevent you from playing it?

You're right it is silly.

 

[gromit]

It's not isometric; it's an axonometric military projection, then rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise. If that sounds god damned goofy, that's because it is, and it looks it, too. I sympathize with those people who can't play the Descent games - even in stills, U7 makes me (and all the NPCs) want to fall over.

The tragedy is that, in making and posting that shot, I only remind myself how pretty some of the design and pixel-work is.

 

[Crooked Bee]

Bump for more!

Only one post to go to the next page.

 

[Azira]

Really? Just one more post?

 

[Excommunicator]

Bump.

 

[Azira]

Update?

 

[Elzair]

Ultima VII Part 9: Sure I'll Join Your Cult

Ultima VII: The Black Gate

Part 9: Sure I'll Join Your Cult


Before we get started, let's explore Jhelom some more.

I find a ring of invisibility in a bag. Alright, I am done exploring. I then head back to Batlin to see if he knows where Elizabeth and Abraham are.

Are Elizabeth and Abraham around?

Anyway, I tell him I delivered his package to Elynor.

Congratulations, Avatar, and our thanks to thee for successfully delivering our package to Elynor of Minoc. Now we have another task at hound before thou canst join the Fellowship. Because thou didst deliver the package, thou hast proven thyself worthy of performing another mission.

What mission?

Thou shalt visit the dungeon of Destard, which is in the mountains just west of Trinsic. Do not worry, it is completely deserted. There thou shalt find a chest of Fellowship funds which was hidden for safekeeping just a few days ago.

That seem odd.

Thou wilt know the chest because it will contain not only gold but two Fellowship medallions. The site is also most likely marked with a Fellowship staff. Bring these funds back to us without losing a single coin and thou wilt have successfully completed thy mission. No need to bring the chest, just the gold. Now, thou must be on thy way!

First, I sell off all my spare serpent venom for some major bank!

Is this the cave?

Well, it is certainly not deserted!

Eeek! Phase spiders!

This room contains an ass-whupping. I'm not sure if it is even winnable in my current state.

I hightail it out of there and catch some Z's.

When in need, call for help!

You can even pet dogs in this game.

Let's try this cave now.

Who are you?

My name is Lasher.

What do you do?

Come now, Avatar! I do not live by the rules that govern the society of Mankind. There is what I am, which is a unicorn. Then there is my purpose, which is another thing altogether.

So, you're a unicorn, eh?

Tell me, dost thou know what a unicorn is?

No, thou merely thinks thou dost know what a unicorn is, but I shall tell thee the truth. A unicorn is one of a family of nature spirits that were once called upon to aid a very powerful wizard many, many years ago.

What wizard?

I do not remember the wizard's name, for much time has passed since then, but suffice it to say that he was a royal bastard. Anyway, for one reason or another, the chieftain of our clan, who at that time was a horse's ass named Sharp-Hoof, decided that rather than heed this wizard's rightful and properly performed ritual of calling, he was going to take the herd and chase after this bevy of really fine fillies.

His name was Sharp-Hoof?!

Where was I? Oh, yes, Sharp-Hoof! The next morning, after we had had our way with these fillies, this wizard called us again. This time Sharp-Hoof realized that we had best answer, and were we sorry that we did! The wizard was horribly angry! And, well, I will just say that our agreements with such people are very, very binding.

How binding?

Not only were we bound in service to this wizard for a thousand years, but he also placed a dreadful curse upon us.

What curse?

We nature spirits used to be renowned for our randiness, and this wizard had called upon us to assist him in the seduction of some maiden. When we stood him up... Well, let us just say that he was one magician who was having a problem convincing his magic wand to work. Anyway, in a pathetic attempt to bolster his diminished feelings of manhood, he ruined us with an awesomely powerful Curse of Chastity.

The Curse of Chastity?! That doesn't sound good.

It was a terrible curse. First, it drove us to kill all of the female members of our clan. Then it afflicted us with the particular sensitivity for which we have become known.

What sensitivity?

Oh, do not be coy with me, Avatar. Thou dost know very well the purpose of a unicorn. We are foolproof virgin detectors!

You're a virgin detector?!

That is correct. So sensitive are members of my race to all forms of sexual energy that we can only tolerate physical contact with one who has not yet had any experience in that form of procreation - or recreation, if thou dost prefer.

How sensitive are you?

Yes, I find it most unpleasant to actually come into physical contact with anyone who is not a virgin, and I will avoid doing so whenever possible.

You avoid ALL nonvirgins, right?

Yes, well, I did not wish to get this personal with thee, but if thou does not mind, art thou a virgin?

Uh . . . no.

*shakes head* Thou dost not have to brag in order to impress me, or fear any sort of verbal chastisements, honestly. By the way, I have an itch right betwixt my shoulder blades. Wouldst thou mind scratching it for me?

Sure . . . crap.

Thank thee so much.

There's no shame in it, milord, says Iolo, looking very serious.

No, it is perfectly understandable. Thou hast been so busy lately, says Shamino. You sense he is struggling to maintain a straight face.

Why dost thou not go and pet the nice horsey. We would do it, but I think he prefers thee. With that, you hear an explosion of snorts and giggles.

Cut it out! Can you help me with my affliction?

Oh, I do not know. It has been so long since I was personally involved in such matters. Art thou seeking love or art thou seeking lust?

Lust.

If quenching thy lust is thine only concern, then thou shouldst find satisfaction at the Baths, in Buccaneer's Den. But be sure to take a full purse.

Bye.

Fare thee well, Avatar.

Since that cave turned out to be a dead-end, let's try this one.

HOLY SHIT!!

I find the chest Batlin was talking about, but there is no money!

Fortunately, there's some up here (plus all the swag the dragons drop).

Score!

Score again!

Third time's a charm!

Why would I need another spellbook?

This should come in handy. I head back to Batlin.

I am here about the Fellowship funds.

There were dragons!

Monsters! There are monsters lurking in Dungeon Destard?! Well then, I do apologize for thine inconvenience.

So can I join now?

Well, thou didst certainly attempt to complete the quest. I cannot understand why the chest in Destard was empty. But we shall forget it, shall we?

. . . sure.

Now that thou hast worked a little for The Fellowship, and hast learned what we stand for, dost thou still wish to join.

Yes.

Then thou art most welcome to The Fellowship. Thou wilt be officially inducted during our nightly meeting this evening. Please come, and thou shalt receive thy medallion then. Once again, we thank thee, Avatar.

I sell my gems to the jeweler.

Let's see: 65 * 30=. . .

Holy fucking shit am I loaded!!

I also get a bunch of gold coins out of the bars I found.

Damn!

I know I can find a ship for free, but ya gotta have a pimp-mobile. Before we sail the seven seas, let's get hazed!

The Ceremony shall begin!

My friends, I originally created The Fellowshi;p to help ready Britannia and it's people for the future.

For as our past and present intertwine we shall send a message which shall be heard throughout Britannia. Soon all of its peoples will strive together for unity.

When they hear that the Avatar has become a member of The Fellowship those who were at first distrustful of us will come to see the truth of what we stand for. Then we may bring about a day when all of Britannia is worthy of the ample rewards it shall receive.

Art thou quite certain, Elzair, that thou dost wish to join with these people?

Yes.

I am not certain if thou art brave or simply foolish.

Then the members give testimonials. I am not writing all that shit down.

Now is the time to welcome the newest member of The Fellowship to sit at our table. *pours a goblet of wine*

Each member (including me) takes a sip of the wine.

Now there remains but one more test of thy loyalty to The Fellowship. I presume thou hast read the Book of Fellowship by now.

Nevermind. Here we go.

40.

Six.

Excellent, Avatar!

May the news spread far and wide that our newest member is none other than the Avatar!

Please -- wear thy medallion at all times for it shall be a symbol to all who see it that thou dost alk with the Fellowship. Ready it to thy neck immediately! Oh, and . . . welcome to The Fellowship, Avatar.

I hate it when people put things around my neck.

Alright, let's get to motoring!

Here is a sea monster.

This is Vesper, the last known location of Elizabeth and Abraham. Vesper was in Ultima IV, but it must have been abandoned. Now it's back.

What do you do?

yongi Why, I tend me bar. And lend me ear ta the customers, he adds, touching his right ear for emphasis.

Tell me about Vesper.

yongi Why, I wouldna wanna live anyplace else. 'Course, this town would be a better place if we could rid ourselves of those jackals, the gargoyles.

What is wrong with the gargoyles?

yongi Gargoyles! What about them? They be the vilest, evilest, cruelest, most despicable things ever ta crawl upon this great land. I kinna tell ye too well ta stay away from them. I kin only imagine whata fine town this'd be if there weren't na more gargoyles. 'Course, I know those dogs are probably sayin' the same about us. Everybody knows they're gonna come an' kill allus in our sleep one evenin'. Why, only the other day one attacked Blorn. G'won, ask him about it.

Diversity at it's finest!

I speak with the mayor to see where I can find Elizabeth and Abraham.

Mayor, have any Fellowhip members stopped by recently?

They were just here to see about starting a branch in Vesper. I imagine we will allow it. I believe the couple have gone to Moonglow. They said they were on their way there to conduct a training session for the branch leader there. But I do know that they were going to stop at the Britannian Mining Company branch on the way out of town. I do not know why.

Greetings, geezer. Do you have any advice for me?

Oookay . . . I'm heading to the mine now.

Here it is! I speak with the foreman.

Odd. Let's kill things.

Whohoo! I levelled-up! I know there are some side-quests here, but I am too lazy to cover them.

Next time we sail for the Isle of Fire!

 

[Crooked Bee]

We nature spirits used to be renowned for our randiness, and this wizard had called upon us to assist him in the seduction of some maiden. When we stood him up... Well, let us just say that he was one magician who was having a problem convincing his magic wand to work. Anyway, in a pathetic attempt to bolster his diminished feelings of manhood, he ruined us with an awesomely powerful Curse of Chastity. ... It was a terrible curse. First, it drove us to kill all of the female members of our clan. Then it afflicted us with the particular sensitivity for which we have become known. ... Thou dost know very well the purpose of a unicorn. We are foolproof virgin detectors!

:shock:

 

[Elzair]

Alright, the next update is actually ready. It just needs to be on the next page.

 

[Elzair]

Screw it.

 

[Elzair]

I'll do it myself.

 

[Elzair]

What

 

[Elzair]

What

 

[Elzair]

Maybe later.

 

[Pussycat669]

What what?

 

[Elzair]

Or now

 

[Elzair]

What what?

Chickenbutt.

 

[Elzair]

Last one.