Ultima VII Part 15: Tree-Huggin' Hippy Crap
Ultima VII: The Black Gate
Part 15: Tree-Huggin' Hippy Crap
Now that we have done some some sidequests, let's get back on the main plot! The Gypsy fortune-teller in Minoc told me I needed to find some wisps that would help me find the Time Lord.
Not that Time Lord!
That Time Lord!
She told me to ask around at Empath Abbey, so that is where I head.
Who are you?
*smiles* My name is Kreg, Avatar.
What do you do?
I am a monk here at the Abbey. I am working on an alchemical mixture.
What mixture?
Well, Avatar, we here at the Abbey will soon be taking a vow of silence. However, it will take some time for all of us to become accustomed to the sound of silence. Therefore, I am creating a potion that enables the imbiber to become temporarily silent. The concept is very similar to a potion of invisibility.
What vow?
Well, after reading a book on how we compare to our predecessors, we learned that most people expect us to take a vow of silence. So, we have chosen to do so, once I can make that potion. I realize that it sounds foolish, but I truly believe it will help us produce more wine.
How is this potion similar to a black potion?
As a matter of fact, my research has reached an impasse, for I cannot determine the nature of some critical reagents. What I need is a potion of invisibility to analyze. Then I could progress from there. Wouldst thou be willing to obtain a potion for my studies? It is likely that thou couldst find one easily at the mage, Nicodemus'.
Okay.
Thank thee, Avatar.
Alright, maybe someone else has some useful information.
Who are you?
My name is Taylor, Avatar.
Can you tell me about this monastery?
Our order is called the Brotherhood of the Rose.
Your order?
Yes, Avatar. One other monk, Aimi, lives here in the Abbey. She is a painter and a gardener.
What about Brother Kreg?
That name does not sound familiar, Avatar. Perhaps he is not from this area.
Interesting.
What do you do?
I study the local flora, fauna, and geography here at the monastery.
What kind of fauna do you study?
Many different species of animals reside in the forest. I have encountered some fascinating ones in my studies.
Do you know much about the wisps?
The wisps?
*laughs* I doubt they exist. I realize many people seem to believe in them, but I have never seen any.
Thou mayest look for them if that is thy wish, but I would not waste precious time, myself.
What are the Emps?
Ah, the Emps. I have not been able to glean much information about them.They live on the eastern edge of the deep forest, not too terribly far from here.They resemble apes, but only slightly. They are exceedingly shy, and will rarely feel comfortable enough to approach a human.
The creature appeared, stared at me for a few minutes, and then asked -- asked, I say -- for mine honey. I believe they are empathic, hence their name. Quite an interesting species, dost thou not agree?
Where can I find some honey?
The honey from the caves is quite tasty, but rarely can one get it without a fight. The Bee Caves can be a rather dangerous place.
Where is the Bee Cave?
Bee Cave is located to the southwest of the Abbey. But if thou art planning a trip there, beware the giant bees that live in the caves. Their venom is very poisonous. If thou wishest, I can give thee a smoke bomb that will repel the bees for a short time. Dost thou want it?
Yes.
Here it is.
By the way, have you ever heard of a man named Julius?
I have heard that name mentioned as someone who was brought to the Abbey to be buried, though I know not who brought himand I do not remember from whom I heard it. I do hope he was not a friend of thine.
Thank you for your help.
May thy knowledge increase with thine encounters with nature, Avatar.
Let's see who else is around outside the monastery.
Who are you?
I am Reyna.
What do you do?
I am a healer. I have chosen to set up shop here near the forest.
You must like the forest, then!
I wanted to live and work here because the land is very beautiful. I have found many things to do and see. Unfortunately, the forest is so spread out that I have yet to meet many of the others who live in this area. I do know that the Abbey is just across the way from mine house. And somewhere nearby is a scholar. Also, I believe there is a prison just east of the Abbey.
Tell me about the abbey.
That is how this area -- Empath Abbey -- got its name, from the monks who live at the abbey of the Brotherhood of the Rose. They are said to make delicious wine. One of the monks cares for a beautiful garden in her spare time. In fact, I often buy flowers from her. But, as for the other monks, all that Iever see them do is make wine and wander the countryside.
You get flowers from the monks?
Yes, I get them for my mother.
That is sweet of you to get flowers for your mother.
*chokes* Several months ago, my mother passed away in her home town. She was born here in the forests, and had asked to be buried here, near me. Every morning I come out here to visit her and set flowers by her grave.
*tear drop* But, I am the only member of our family who lives nearby. No one else is able to visit or leave flowers very often. Her grave looks so bare sometimes.
*sigh* It would be nice if there were some way to have more flowers brought to her. I am terribly sorry for rambling on like that. Please excuse me, Avatar.
Hmm . . . I wonder if I can help?
This is the High Court of Britannia. Let's go in.
What is thy business, Avatar?
Who are you?
I am Sir Jeff, Avatar.
What do you do?
I am the High Court official at the prison here in the Abbey.
What does that involve?
I am the judiciary part of Britannia's government. It is my job to see that criminals are brought to justice.
What criminals are you bringing justice to?
We have two prisoners already, but there are many scoundrels who still roam free.
Who are the two prisoners?
Thou, of course, hast never met them, but we have a pirate, and, a troll. If thou dost wish to see them, speak with Goth, the jailer.
What scoundrels still roam free?
See for thyself, the posted bills for known villains are in the log book in the courtroom.
Goodbye.
Keep thine heart and mind on the straight path, Avatar.
I do just that.
Wait, didn't I just encounter a Kreg? I should check this out later. First, let's speak with the prisoners.
What in the blazes do ye want?
Who are you?
What do ye care about the name of a wretch?
I care.
Ye care, do ye? All right, then. I'll tell ye my name if ye tell me thine, deal?
Fine, I am the Avatar.
Avatar, eh. Very well, a deal's a deal. I'm D'Rel.
What is your job?
None now. But 'til I made this mine home, I was a sailor, a... privateer, out of Buccaneer's Den.
Buccaneer's Den?
Thou hast heard of Buccaneer's Den, hast thou not? 'Tis the island due east of the mainland. Home of the sort of men who walk with peg-legs, have hooks for hands, and carry parrots on their shoulders! Har! Har!
Do you know of a Hook?
Yeah, I know Hook. Lookin' for him, are ye? He be from Buccaneer's Den. He usually travels with some gargoyle named Forskis or something like that. If ye see him, give him my... hello, for me. He gestures to his clenched fist.
Bye!
Aye, get thy face from my sight!
It was nice to get some useful information for once. Let's speak with the other prisoner.
What you want?
Who are you?
I Gharl.
What is your job?
No job. Hunt. Eat. Sleep. Now, he gestures around the cell, no hunt, no eat, just sleep.
You don't eat?
No eat. Not feed. Hate jailer!
Do you want some food?
Yes.
I thank. You want secret?
Now what is the secret?
Trolls have powerful ally. He warn us in head when trouble around corner.
Fine. Bye!
I head back to the monastery to get some flowers and unravel this mystery.
Greetings, Avatar. I hope thy days are full of beauty.
Who are you?
Thou mayest call me Aimi, Avatar.
What do you do?
As a monk, I am not sure how to answer thy question. I often help to make wine. However, Avatar, in my spare time I paint or tend my garden here at the Abbey.
Tell me of your garden.
My garden? I have been tending it for years now. I am a firm believer in the value of aesthetics, so I plant only flowers. Sometimes I sell them in bouquets when people want them, but I do that very rarely.
May I buy a bouquet?
Thou wishest to buy a bouquet?
Yes.
Dost thou have anyone to give these flowers to?
Yes. Reyna wants them for her mother.
Ah, yes. I had heard of Reyna's loss. That is a noble reason. Please take these flowers and give them to her.
By the way, have you ever heard of a monk named Kreg?
I think we should confront Brother Kreg
You are no monk! You are a thief!
Do I really have to tell you how this fight went?
Anyway, let's return the flowers to Reyna.
Hello, Avatar.
I brought flowers.
They are lovely! Thou art too kind, Avatar, to bring flowers for my mother! I cannot wait to set them by her grave. For thy kindly gift of flowers, I will aid thee for half price.
*smile*
Farewell.
I thank thee for the bouquet!
Now, let's speak with our ol' pal Nicodemus.
This is the Game of Knights Bridge. I have no idea what this is supposed to be.
This guy's door is locked. It is nothing a little Unlock Magic won't solve!
What is your name?
That is a very good question. Some days I can actually remember. Let's see... today... Yes! I am Nicodemus! Nicodomus!
What is your job?
To go absolutely mad! For that is indeed what is happening! My magic no longer works! Every time I attempt to change something into a drake, it only becomes a newt! Oh, newty-wewty scooty-booty!
*turns away* Who asked thee? Away with thee! *
turns back* Sorry. That bloody newt keeps trying to undermine my conversation. Anyway... I suppose I can sell thee some reagents, potions, or spells. I must make a living somecow. I mean somehow! That was Some Cow! Ha ha ha!
Here is what Nicodemus sells.
1st: 25
Cure
Detect Trap
Great Ignite
Locate
2nd: 45
Destroy Trap
Enchant
Protection
Wizard's Eye
3rd: 65
Swarm
Paralyze
Peer
Poison
4th: 85
Mark
Recall
Seance
Unlock Magic
5th: 115
Dispel Field
Explosion
Invisibility
Mass Sleep
6th: 135
Fire Ring
Magic Storm
Poison Field
Tremor
7th: 155
Death Bolt
Delayed Blast
Energy Field
Energy Mist
8th: 185
Death Vortex
Mass Death
Summon
Swordstrike
Potions:
Black 75
Reagents:
Garlic 2
Blood Moss 3
Spider Silk 3
Mandrake Root 5
Nightshade 5
It seems I have earned enough XP to get to level 7. Now, I can cast Restoration! Battles should be easy now!
So let's get into some!
This isn't going well.
This REALLY isn't going well.
Fucking liches or mages. I can't remember which.
Anyway, Feridwyn, have you seen Elizabeth and Abraham recently?
While I am here, I use my super strength to win a stuffed toy.
Let's get back to it!
This is Iolo's Hut. It does not look like anyone is around. I wonder where Gwenno is?
Wow! They sure have a fucked-up love life!
I wonder what is under this rock?
Well whaddaya know! This should come in handy.
I dismiss the rest of my party, put on the invisibility ring and head for the Bee Cave.
What follows is an Insect Holocaust.
Here is some honey to talk to those damn emps.
Hell yeah! Armageddon, here we come!
I wonder where this path leads?
To naked people, of course!
Who are you?
Me Papa!
What do you do?
Job? Me no job. Me live. Me live here with Mama. No need job. Cave provides all.
Who's Mama?
Mmm. Mama! Me Papa. She Mama. We make zug-zug. Maybe someday make Boy or Girl!
Where are your clothes?
*laughs* Clothes?! No clothes, no clothes.
Whatever. Let's talk to the naked chick.
Who are you?
Me Mama!
What do you do?
Me live with Papa here in cave!
How do you live?
Eat. Sleep. Love.
Cool! Bye!
'Bye!
I think I will come back later to ogle Mama ask them more questions.
Now that I can cast level 8 spells, let's see how these forest battles go.
I find some loot at an enemy encampment.
I find a magic breastplate at these coordinates.
Now we're getting somewhere!
I give some honey to the Emps, and then I am welcome among them.
I am the Avatar.
You are greeted, Avatar.
What is your job?
The meaning of `job' is not clear to me. Is `work' the word meant by you?
Yes.
I am a gatherer of food.
You gather food?
All Emps are food-gatherers. Mainly fruits are sought by us.
What is an Emp?
I am an Emp. Saralek is an Emp. Salamon is an Emp. You, are a human.
Have you ever heard of a human named Julius?
But, his story is sad, being about his death from too much smoke in his body. His body is in the cemetery near the Abbey. He is one human that Emps call 'hero'.
Do you know about wisps?
Wisps are known to me. Wisps are found in the woods. What is your concern?
Can you talk to wisps?
Your statement is a mystery. For me to talk to wisps is what you want?
Yes.
*looks around* No wisps are here for conversation.
Could we go where the wisps are?
Your want is not conveyed to me. *shrugs*
Would you join us?
Your wish is for me to travel with you?
Yes.
My wish is that also. But that is not the wish of Saralek, my wife. Permission from her must first be gained.
*sigh*
Who are you?
I am called Saralek.
What is your job?
`Job' is not understood. Family is what you mean?
Sure.
Yes, I am part of a family. The Silverleaf tree is my home. I am bonded with Trellek.
I need to talk to you about Trellek.
Trellek has been met by you? What was said by him?
He would like to join me on my quest.
To join you is his desire?
Yes.
His going away is not desired by me. But, joining you may be wise action.
*sigh* Permission from Salamon must be gained first. Then permission from me will be granted. Your return to me is necessary for that.
Who is Salamon?
She is a very wise Emp. Many humans have been met by her. Knowledge and experience are her talents.
I do that.
Miss Salamon, can Trellek get permission from you to join me on my quest?
Permission will be given to you later. There is a task that must be performed first.
Contract must be signed by woodcutter to stop. My condition is understood by you?
*hands document* You are now in possession of the contract.
Another fed-ex quest. Whopee . . .
'ello, Avatar. Good day, ay?
Who are you?
Thou kin call me Ben, Avatar. I live 'ere in the forest of Yew.
What do you do?
I be a logger, Avatar. 'Tis what I have done all my life. In fact, Avatar, 'tis what my father did. And 'is father before 'im. And so on. We have been doin' this for more than ten generations.
Do you cut down Silverleaf trees?
Why dost thou ask, Avatar? Oh, I see, Thou wants some for thyself, ay?
No.
Thou'st got another reason for askin'?
It's about the Emps.
What in the bloody 'ell are emps?
I quickly explain the situation to him.
Oh, well, that's 'orrible. I did not realize anyone -- er -- any other creature used the Silverleaf trees. What kin I do about it?
Would you sign this contract promising to stop cutting-down Silverleaf trees?
Why, o' course I'll sign. No more Silverleaf trees for me.
*signs contract*
Goodbye.
G'bye, Avatar. Pleasant journeys, ay.
While we are in the neighborhood, let's meet another ranger.
Just don't have a Fellowship medallion on when you talk to him for the first time.
Who are you?
I am called Tseramed. Art thou Fellowship members? How art thou called?
I am called the Avatar.
The Avatar! This is a strange chance. Tell me Avatar, by what name art thou called?
Elzair.
Well met, Avatar. Thy demeanor is noble. Perhaps thou couldst introduce me to thy companions?
This is Iolo, Shamino, Dupre, Jaana, Sentri, and Spark.
Greetings.
A pleasure.
Good day.
Pleased to meet you.
Hello.
Hi ya, mister!
What do you do?
I am but a humble woodsman. I garner my living from the forest and find knowledge in its depths. I have explored all this region.
Tell me about the forest.
As I said, my woodcraft encompasses all this forest, even the caves in the mountain. The forest is a wild place, but tamed somewhat in recent years. Within, Avatar, thou mayest still find creatures spoken of only in legend.
What kind of creatures?
North of my hut is a deep bore-hole into the mountains. Within live bees of a size to rival sheep, or hounds. Their wings stir up leaves as they fly, and they hum with a noise to make men flee in fear. Some have entered, never to return. Perhaps they are there still... Death is greedy, and holds a fate for those of like intent.
What other knowledge do you have?
Many years have I dwelt by the mountains. Many spans have vanished under my roaming feet. Into the depths of the dark swamp I have gone, and to the heights of the mountains. I know the trees of the forest, and the secret places in the earth.
Tell me of the swamp.
North of the mountain spur is a dense swamp. Killing slime lurk within, guarding a clear spring. All about the water is foul and noisome. Into thy boots the foul concoction will seep, bringing on nausea and dizziness. The wise traveller wears swamp boots in such places. East, North, and West that mire is drained. Through Yew and past the Abbey the westward river flows. The others both bend north into the sea.
Tell me more of the creatures of this region.
Aye. Such as would devour the unwary and pick bones dry. In the forest are harpies, and slime on the margins of the swamp, and bees in the caves.
Tell me of the bees.
Bees such as these may be tamed with my special arrows! Such bees as thou hast never seen! Large as a wolf they are, with wings stretching over a span in length. A creature stung by them will pass into a deep, death-like sleep. I have hunted them on many occasions, for I use their poison on my arrows. And I like their honey. Perhaps together we might journey into the cave for some?
Would you join us?
I would be honored, Avatar.
By the way, do you know of the hermits living in the cave?
Speaking of caves and mountains, there are some who dwell near, or perhaps in, the cave of bees. They are hermits. One day I glimpsed a man and a woman deep within the cave as I was hunting. Since then I have seen them twice. I believe they are former citizens of Yew, though I do not know how they live in harmony with the bees.
We will talk again, later.
'Til next time, Avatar.
So, we have now a full party. Tseramed is a pretty good archer, and he uses bows, so he serves as a perfect complement to Iolo. I need to return to the nudists later, but for now let's head back to the Emps with the contract.
Miss Salamon, now can I have your permission to take Trellek with me.
I now need to go back to Saralek to get her permission.
What is the reason you asked him?
I need him to speak with the wisps.
Your wish is to meet wisps?
Yes.
Talking with him again should be your next action.
I do that.
Can you make this whistle now?
A whistling sound is made by Emps when talking is done by us. An imitation of that sound can be created by a special whistle.
Here is your whistle.
I now head to the ruins of Stonegate, where the Wisps are.
There sure are a lot of books around here.
Ahh, I remember this book well.
There are the wisps. I blow the whistle Trellek gave me.
'You' are not the entity known as 'Trellek'. 'You' call out in the manner of the species called 'emps'. 'Xorinia' was expecting the entity 'Trellek'. But that is not of importance. From the information 'I' have, the local manifestation before 'me' is the entity known as 'Avatar'.
*glows* 'Xorinia' wishes to exchange information with the human entity.
Who or what are you?
Highest probabilities indicate that a manifestation from the Xorinite dimension will be called 'Wisp' by the entities known as 'humans'. I am also called 'Xorinia' by other manifestations of the Xorinite dimension.
You are a Wisp?
This label has been implemented by human entities to name manifestations from the Xorinite dimension since the time when this dimension was discovered by Xorinite manifestations. Another common name is 'Will-o-the-
'. The preceding sample of information was provided without charge. Usually there is a fee for information.
What are you doing here?
'Xorinia' is a conduit for information between different planes and dimensions. 'Xorinia' also catalogs information which is necessary for growth of the Xorinite community. 'You' have information which may be valuable to 'me'. 'I' also have information that 'you' want.
Do you know of the Time Lord?
What information do you seek?
'I' have information regarding a certain entity which 'you' are seeking. The Undrian Council proposes a trade.
What sort of trade?
'I' want to absorb the information in Alagner's 'notebook'. If 'you' bring the 'notebook' here, the Undrian Council will release information useful to 'you'. Do 'you' agree to the trade?
Yes.
'Xorinia' recognizes 'your' usefulness. 'I' shall be here. Human entities will call 'my' activity 'waiting'.
Well, you will have to wait a little bit longer, because that is the end of the update.