http://www.realmofultima.com/index.htmlBlogging Guardian Sagaenrcraig@gmail.comCopyright 2008 Rob Craig2011-12-08T23:40:02+01:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:54:37 +0100rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2011-12-08T23:40:02+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/8b54e15c48429914b3459604dc55ad35-61.html#unique-entry-id-61http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/8b54e15c48429914b3459604dc55ad35-61.html#unique-entry-id-61
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2011-12-04T01:05:51+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c7ba3f4fb08789c8b4a380dd08297f23-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c7ba3f4fb08789c8b4a380dd08297f23-60.html#unique-entry-id-60
In my last posting I was ready to enter into the dungeon of Wrong, rescue Raven and return with the glyph. I remember Wrong from Ultima VII part 2, loaded with teleports, puzzles and long winding corridors. Wrong in Ultima IX is pretty confusing too. I think the confusing part is the sub level between levels. It's the jail section where all the prisoners are kept. To get pasted certain gates and locked doors you need to travel through it.



The dungeons contain lots of nasty torture devices. Ye olde iron maiden in the corner. The thing that is different with dungeon Wrong is that you can’t kill the guards. If they catch you your teleported back to your cell. The trick is to try and not get caught. After playing Skyrim you do notice the AI is pretty crap in the game. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2011-03-13T21:09:29+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/04406c77be2962464915e86698e3b88b-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/04406c77be2962464915e86698e3b88b-59.html#unique-entry-id-59


After cleansing the shrine of sacrifice I headed back to Britain (after several crashes grrr) and spoke with Lord British. He informed me that his astrologers have detected that the columns are pulling the moons into Britannia. Chaos will be upon us and soon all of Britannia will be destroyed. Not good, sounds like the guardian has HAARP technology and is not only creating earthquakes.

Lord British also told me that there is a secret route to Yew. Aha, I knew that mountain looked strange. With the magic that was forbidding the entrance to the cave removed I made my way through. My pike seems to slice the goblins to bits.

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VI2010-10-03T16:17:08+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3e3338559f1f5876355715b0d254a00e-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3e3338559f1f5876355715b0d254a00e-58.html#unique-entry-id-58
I took the Gargoyles book as instructed to the Lycaeum and Mariah told me she needed another part of a table to finish the translation of the text. She said she got the first part of the tablet from some group of gypsies in a bar. I then needed to hunt down the smelly gypsy scum. I managed to find them outside of Trinsic. I questioned them and found out that the pirates in Buccaneer’s Den hold the other half.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VI2010-09-29T22:25:21+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/dba8d8cafc9664c677dee7f6a9879521-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/dba8d8cafc9664c677dee7f6a9879521-57.html#unique-entry-id-57






I’m quiet surprised with the similarities to Ultima VII. It’s similar in many ways. My Roland Sound Canvas is not supported so I’m using my Roland CM-64. Does seem very Adliby though. Old Miles Sounds System. Music does get quiet annoying as its repeats the songs over and over again.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-08-01T23:32:51+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/522affda92a13a119ad49b7225a78e00-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/522affda92a13a119ad49b7225a78e00-56.html#unique-entry-id-56
I pretty much cleared level one quiet quickly. I found the gear and fixed the broken cog for the lift.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima III2010-05-11T21:24:53+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/4d87d6ad7b0c3cae8bc1285499769d8e-55.html#unique-entry-id-55http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/4d87d6ad7b0c3cae8bc1285499769d8e-55.html#unique-entry-id-55
I now have to brave Castle Exodus. This looks hard. I have the codeword given to me by the mages “EVOCARE”


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-04-02T19:44:17+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/d099306e6f0c35d3bfae6d51e5e65b5f-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/d099306e6f0c35d3bfae6d51e5e65b5f-54.html#unique-entry-id-54

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima III2010-04-15T21:06:19+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/e4eaf97e41a4e803856bbd9d0c3168c6-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/e4eaf97e41a4e803856bbd9d0c3168c6-53.html#unique-entry-id-53

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-04-01T22:39:25+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/f796c8d39b8b7b3b65acb82faa836aef-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/f796c8d39b8b7b3b65acb82faa836aef-52.html#unique-entry-id-52
I make my way to Moonglow where I meet an angered man called Tydus. He wants me to retrieve a staff from a nearby cave.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima III2010-04-14T01:00:22+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3f009aed597056b52b2587b317c79bf4-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3f009aed597056b52b2587b317c79bf4-51.html#unique-entry-id-51
The messages from the conversations are pretty cryptic and even with the hint guide its tough. I’ve basically been staying close to Britannia, killing monsters then running back to town to heal. I braved a dungeon and found the mark of kings.



I can now level up my hit points by speaking with Lord British. I make my way down to level 2 of Perinian Depths and found a found that healed all my hit points. Very nice.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima III2010-04-07T23:47:51+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3bb0db40242e9a5b20ff99046277deaa-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3bb0db40242e9a5b20ff99046277deaa-50.html#unique-entry-id-50

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima I2010-04-04T21:23:31+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/fbd97575247932f53dfcae533d904275-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/fbd97575247932f53dfcae533d904275-49.html#unique-entry-id-49
I just want to show the superior difference in graphics on the Apple IIgs. Not sure why the dungeon walls were not updated?

Ranger IBM 1986 remake:


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima I2010-04-03T19:10:36+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ceb20d68cf438951670b276eae3ed53d-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ceb20d68cf438951670b276eae3ed53d-48.html#unique-entry-id-48
I was really expecting this game to be pretty crap. Reason being its now more than 25 years old. I do admit it took me a while to work out how to stop dying all the time. Once you get the hang of things it is quiet addictive.

I entered into the world of Ultima at Ultima VI. I can’t remember why I never did play this? I remember my brother playing the Wizardry series and I tackled those but never the earlier Ultimas.

I’ve included the Apple IIgs title screen. I stumbled upon this after finishing Ulima I. The graphics are much better and it has midi sound.

IBM remake EGA version:


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-03-30T23:11:39+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/cbb73ee1745a81bd081fdb220f458bf3-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/cbb73ee1745a81bd081fdb220f458bf3-47.html#unique-entry-id-47


The trick here is to gather the coloured statues and then place them on the matching pedestals. Seems easy enough but it does get kind of tricky.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-03-21T20:20:09+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/313a427a30506e62e4d092e0f79e09e9-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/313a427a30506e62e4d092e0f79e09e9-46.html#unique-entry-id-46
Back to the game... Just before I leave for New Magincia I find the Silver Serpent that was captured by the pirates. I release it and its teleported back to Britain. I must remember to go back to see if there is a reward.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-03-20T15:28:59+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/be0fef7e699baf67c6fb665a13173056-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/be0fef7e699baf67c6fb665a13173056-45.html#unique-entry-id-45
Here’s the bug. After cleansing the Shrine of Compassion the rune and sigil are no where to be found. After browsing the net a little I found a site that mentioned that sometimes they are floating high in the air above the shrine. Sure enough that’s where they were. I had to use the cheats to fly up and grab them.

With the rune I could then go and speak to Raven to get passage to Buccaneer’s Den.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-03-08T23:38:41+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/e0c046c51cc3c63ba51ee954df7d1179-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/e0c046c51cc3c63ba51ee954df7d1179-44.html#unique-entry-id-44
As I was heading west to Paws I came across a house that was on fire. The little boy told me his mother had been kidnapped. I find the pirates that kidnapped her and put my fire sword through them. One dropped a journal which spoke of a hidden cave with held great treasure.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima IX - Ascension2010-03-02T23:52:05+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/985367b2cdcd831b23f7b3811e7a5bb1-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/985367b2cdcd831b23f7b3811e7a5bb1-43.html#unique-entry-id-43

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2010-02-28T18:28:27+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/0e52fd7c2d82064a12e1d5ec136a8828-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/0e52fd7c2d82064a12e1d5ec136a8828-42.html#unique-entry-id-42


Deep inside the Pit of Death I find the heart of Lithos which is used as the earth element. Returning to Argent Rock Isle I retrieve the Breath of Wind which is the air element. The last element is hidden in the castle in Tenebrae. Devon found it in his fishing net when fishing one day. The Tear of Seas.

Now with all the elements I head back to speak to Mythran. He teaches me Ethereal Travel which enables me to travel to the Ethereal Void. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2010-02-25T00:07:02+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/777c12636907da93422673cf32aec8c0-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/777c12636907da93422673cf32aec8c0-41.html#unique-entry-id-41
I’m warmly welcomed by a mage who is worried I will steal his secrets. He’s right :)



There certainly are some strange things inside here. I’m attacked by children. They look possessed. Nothing the my magic sword can’t handle.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2010-01-31T22:11:59+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/60f4307bf5215c5301c2e871a460a50a-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/60f4307bf5215c5301c2e871a460a50a-40.html#unique-entry-id-40



]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-12-21T23:27:46+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/709ccb86170135937a50fb0f51af86c9-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/709ccb86170135937a50fb0f51af86c9-39.html#unique-entry-id-39
Back to the main quest. My next challenge was to find Hydros, Titan of water. The location was not too clear. Carthax lake was mentioned. I eventually found it.



Over a dry crater I climb bridges hanging high in the air, Hydros is trapped in a small pool of water. She asks me to set her free and I agree.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-12-15T22:27:47+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/61582968980cd02b7bb8f3389683f724-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/61582968980cd02b7bb8f3389683f724-38.html#unique-entry-id-38


I confront Torwin and he confesses all. He then jumps off the edge, great another dead body. Doh! I then make the leap of faith myself and with the help of Stratos I make it to a ledge.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-12-10T12:12:49+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a351239f5fc90a7aeeb97a385bda6dc7-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a351239f5fc90a7aeeb97a385bda6dc7-37.html#unique-entry-id-37


As I cross the bridge a wind picks up. I’m in the domain of Stratos, titan of the air. I come across a city where I meet a mage called Xavier. I ask him for enlightenment, he tests me. Failing the first time I head over to the library and start reading the books there.

The second time around there is no doubt in my mind. He then asks me to take the Centreness test. I make my way over to windy point and climb up.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-12-06T23:02:09+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ce7ddf0e2b760ee5c336fff86d151259-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ce7ddf0e2b760ee5c336fff86d151259-36.html#unique-entry-id-36
The clue to go on was I need to find the three remaining titans and take the power from them. Two on the surface and one underground, thats pretty broad.

In the end I have to head back to the upper-catacombs and use the skull of quakes to find the teleporter.



I still need to find more obsidians in order to purchase the next scroll from Mythran. Lets hope I get some drops. I’m thinking I will have to continue up because I’ve been everywhere else. Lets see where the path leads me.

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-12-02T23:46:57+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/2cb85be4a914448ba5792dc215c0dee3-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/2cb85be4a914448ba5792dc215c0dee3-35.html#unique-entry-id-35

Just thought I would show you my setup. Mac Pro Quad Core 2,8ghz with a Roland MT-32 and SC-55 MKII running under DOSBOX. Ultima VIII sounds absolutely amazing now. Ultima VIII was written for the Roland SC-55 and general midi.

I managed to find a cool website dedicated to the music of the Ultima series. The Rabbit’s Lair. Here is a sample of the Roland SC-55 in action. The music from the Zealans.

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-11-18T23:23:28+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/7be40ecd4ef34321c282d7531618dca7-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/7be40ecd4ef34321c282d7531618dca7-34.html#unique-entry-id-34
Back to the blogging...After meeting the Mountain King I head back to the cemetery and inter Lothien.



Her remains are present and the ceremony begins. The Mountain King speaks and the body is taken back to the earth. My next job is to try and free Devon. He was taken by Mordea’s guards and thrown into jail. After speaking with him I need to locate the information Bentic was compiling before he was killed. It sounds like he was in over his neck.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-11-11T23:29:29+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/78830df314f7369b8a9f231c43a74a6b-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/78830df314f7369b8a9f231c43a74a6b-33.html#unique-entry-id-33


The Golem opened the doors with ease. As I wander in the doors close shut behind me. This is the Hall of the Mountain King. I have to locate him.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-11-08T22:46:42+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/9cfa0630005b2f98ac6362a40f9bdf1a-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/9cfa0630005b2f98ac6362a40f9bdf1a-32.html#unique-entry-id-32


Vividos is found walking outside. He explains to me the ceremonial dagger has been taken and that I need to recover it so he can finish the ceremony. I go back to the castle and try and break in to Mordea’s room. I manage to get half way. I speak to Aramina and she tells me to meet her at bloodwatch.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-11-02T21:24:40+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/648406acfaf4640e896966c385d15874-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/648406acfaf4640e896966c385d15874-31.html#unique-entry-id-31


I found out the use of the teleport pads. Very cool. Makes it easier to get around Pagan. Not that its that big :) I have not found the keyring yet but I’m sure its close.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUlitma VIII - Pagan2009-10-31T19:55:33+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/019d74657124afcc62258216410fee79-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/019d74657124afcc62258216410fee79-30.html#unique-entry-id-30



]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-10-30T22:02:00+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c6444eefc665051168056853b0b60bc6-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c6444eefc665051168056853b0b60bc6-29.html#unique-entry-id-29


Here I need to locate all the shrines and put the opposite representation of each item on the various pedestals of each shrine. A book appears and tells me I need to put it on the ground in front of the pillars.

Doing this and bridges appear. I cross the bridges and finally arrive at the grand shrine of balance. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-10-27T21:36:00+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/298fcfd41802432ad4dc8ede2eb125dd-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/298fcfd41802432ad4dc8ede2eb125dd-28.html#unique-entry-id-28


Iolo keeps popping up and trying to unleash his minions on me. I make my way further into the castle and find the nursery. Dead kids...
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-10-26T23:09:11+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/b5440246b9b999d0cc5d9d782591599c-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/b5440246b9b999d0cc5d9d782591599c-27.html#unique-entry-id-27
After getting back on track I head over to Monk Isle and the monks tell me about a certain Serpent amour. I must seek Lady. To Fawn I go. When I arrive in Fawn I’m s topped by Rigs and he mentions Lady Yelinda has gone off to the Gorlab swap. I hastily follow after her only to find a ghastly figure.



I restore her beauty by giving her the comb of beauty, in return she give me the key to her armory. Nice!]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-10-22T22:17:52+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/d4a46904c6abfe4b24393926b2dad0f2-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/d4a46904c6abfe4b24393926b2dad0f2-26.html#unique-entry-id-26
Finally I get back to Monk Isle and give Gwenno the water. She recovers and starts researching in the library. She discovers that I need to cage the Banes and more answers can be found in Moonshade.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-08-09T13:37:13+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/df5351bee4fe5438271a4227e5352c84-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/df5351bee4fe5438271a4227e5352c84-25.html#unique-entry-id-25
I return to Yenani with the blood and she in return gives me a password for SkullCrusher. I head off an enter Skull Crusher. The creepy dungeon reeks with evil. I come across Rudyom’s wand. I think its broken, just make people sneeze now.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-04-12T00:29:02+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/12309d8d2d59dc571f5ce0325ad798a3-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/12309d8d2d59dc571f5ce0325ad798a3-24.html#unique-entry-id-24
I located the camp and spoke to Beryl, she then tells me to seek Morghrim. Morghrim is a hermit living in the middle of the Great Northern Forrest. He can show me how to summon the hound if I produce the orb that Draygan stole. He continues to explain I need to kill Draygan using a magic arrow dipped with a solution made from the savior plant. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-03-08T18:26:57+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/5b2c59e09f8c219ee2c14b2dc2a4639a-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/5b2c59e09f8c219ee2c14b2dc2a4639a-23.html#unique-entry-id-23


I was to head north past the Gorlab swamp but I was soon overtaken by the unstoppable slumber of the swamps. Just before I entered into a deep sleep I saw a glimpse of the Serpent.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-02-08T16:32:18+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3af143f232293e8a364cde2587f69bb9-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3af143f232293e8a364cde2587f69bb9-22.html#unique-entry-id-22


Gustacio is getting closer to finding out what is going on. I complete the experiments he asks me to do and re-group with my friends after they were teleported away.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2009-01-12T20:48:37+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3a5a9137a8b2cc9ca33cdb3278d8413a-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3a5a9137a8b2cc9ca33cdb3278d8413a-21.html#unique-entry-id-21


Sure enough she has something for me :)]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2008-12-14T15:54:39+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ecd71d55dc54a4f540ebd9b9d0cfa621-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ecd71d55dc54a4f540ebd9b9d0cfa621-20.html#unique-entry-id-20
Exploring a little of the island I found some strange sights. Some naked woman in the bush.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2008-12-08T10:44:33+01:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/1461deae93760c166208fedfebd548d6-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/1461deae93760c166208fedfebd548d6-19.html#unique-entry-id-19

The thing I love about Fawn is its different from other cities in Ultima. The white stone with a washed blue backdrop. But Fawn hides a dark mystery. The oracle is really controlled by Voldin in his secret tower. He had been manipulating the Oracle for many years. You are sentenced to death by discovering the truth but after proving yourself innocent Lady Yelinda lets you go free. Rewarding you with a crystal rose. Not sure what the rose is for but I gather later on it will reveled.

After Fawn I headed down to the Sleeping Bull pub to see if I could get passage to Moonshade. I discovered that Captain Hawk had been arrested and lockup up in the tower. I was then approached by Selina and she mentioned of some gold stashed to the north. She joined the party and showed the way.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle2008-10-22T22:54:14+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a230ec222c3a2de9e0fc0c9e1efa45cb-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a230ec222c3a2de9e0fc0c9e1efa45cb-18.html#unique-entry-id-18

I hastily arrived on the Serpents Isle after being teleported through the Serpent Pillars. I'm now entering into new ground as I never did get around to playing Serpents Isle. I did own it. You start off ship wreaked from the storms and as soon as you step foot on the Serpents Isle your friends seem to be teleported off and out of sight.

After wandering around I came across a strange monk called Thoxa. She hands me the hour glass of fate and explains that an ancient seer named Xenka foresaw my arrival. I continue south to find my friends (all execpt Iolo) and the town of Monitor. Lets his the pub, the slashing sword.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-08-18T21:32:08+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/9520666f0b2406edada5b41c88dd0de4-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/9520666f0b2406edada5b41c88dd0de4-17.html#unique-entry-id-17


Guess he spoke too much and needed to be silenced. I left and headed to Buccaneers Den. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-08-17T12:11:13+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/896503ad7fd033c2c11735ed22670f1d-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/896503ad7fd033c2c11735ed22670f1d-16.html#unique-entry-id-16

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-07-23T23:34:14+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c23e60def679cb6375531b672acaa37e-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/c23e60def679cb6375531b672acaa37e-15.html#unique-entry-id-15


The next step was to return to the Wisps and see if the Time Lord was ready for me. Indeed he way. After blowing the whistle the Wisps appeared again and mentioned I needed to use the orb of moons to contact the Time Lord.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-07-14T23:03:12+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ee86c0500bb1895bd0752ea4a45058af-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/ee86c0500bb1895bd0752ea4a45058af-14.html#unique-entry-id-14


Skara Brae was destroyed by a great fire and all the habitants killed. Everyone seems to blame the alchemist Caine for the fire but after speaking to people we find the real reason is not so. After entering into the kitchen of the local tavern Iolo seems to barf he's guts up and pass out. haha
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-07-06T23:41:35+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a1eeeb1ddf8c979ac4b174f88b0f332c-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a1eeeb1ddf8c979ac4b174f88b0f332c-13.html#unique-entry-id-13
In order to complete the last part of the Forge Of Virtue you need to grab the two artifacts from the museum in Britannia and set them next to the Orb of Exodus. Kabooom and its all over. Great addon. I'm hoping the Silver Seed will be as cool as this was.



After completing the Forge of Virtue I could not resist in returning to Britannia and letting my Black Sword loose on Lord British. Felt good to test it out. I then had to take on the entire castle. No worries my Black Sword took them all out.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-25T23:53:08+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/34e8e6983e95ada6a3cb3f51d44675ab-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/34e8e6983e95ada6a3cb3f51d44675ab-12.html#unique-entry-id-12

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-19T22:11:49+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/dd904009ba94b2930952d61560cd5029-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/dd904009ba94b2930952d61560cd5029-11.html#unique-entry-id-11


Talk about a challenge. I've been wandering around for hours trying to figure out what needs doing next. I have found 3 keys, painted a picture and collected various amulets. I have discovered all parts of the area and only found one door I cannot pass. I'm guessing that is the exit? Behind it lies a teleport pad. I can see myself spending quiet a bit of time here. I want my black sword :)]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-16T23:21:40+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/5f478d5e731fd4077124f1b661c82f46-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/5f478d5e731fd4077124f1b661c82f46-10.html#unique-entry-id-10


Still my detect traps spell was not working. I don't know why but it does not seem to work??? I ended up setting of loads as I made my way closer to the generator.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-12T23:02:52+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/4069cf3416a9c50708b9c559eb7e6dba-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/4069cf3416a9c50708b9c559eb7e6dba-8.html#unique-entry-id-8

]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-09T23:01:59+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3d580d067c2004185bceb4e78e4ce8fe-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/3d580d067c2004185bceb4e78e4ce8fe-7.html#unique-entry-id-7


There are two teleport pads. One of them sends you back to Britain, the orchard and the other sends you to a room that seems has no exit. Moving north you find the wall is invisible and opens to a chamber full of sleep rain. Following the tunnel further it opens out to a room with goodies. I grabbed everything I could and teleported back to the first set of tunnels. The headless attacked again but Iolo's crossbow was far too strong.]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-06-03T21:14:22+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/cd4de696450a04028d7cc2adb508f361-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/cd4de696450a04028d7cc2adb508f361-6.html#unique-entry-id-6

Despise. This is a classic dungeon in Ultima VII. Pretty complex to remember if this is your first time. I referred to The Key to The Black Gate clue book a few times because there are so many teleport traps around. Entering inside I cast "IN LOR" and proceeded to discover what treasures lay in the deep dark depths. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-27T20:36:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/bfa91e84b6e7e78d3a92693d69cfda14-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/bfa91e84b6e7e78d3a92693d69cfda14-5.html#unique-entry-id-5

Thy mighty telescope in Moonglow, sort of like the all seeing eye from the Lord of the Rings. I have been in and out and not had much time to sit down and play so today I concentrated on the town of Moonglow.

The main quest brings you here and once again we find Elizabeth and Abraham have headed off to their next destination, Terfin. I did wake the mage Penumbra from her long sleep by placing the various objects next to the plaque on the foot of her door. Luckily I had 4 pieces of blackrock to stabilise the ether field in her house. She is also sending me to Terfin to try and locate King Draxinusom and the ethereal ring. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-15T13:04:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/2979d6feaa812bdb3228dbd52d989857-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/2979d6feaa812bdb3228dbd52d989857-4.html#unique-entry-id-4

The Golden Ankh, not really needed when you have the magic carpet but is kind of cool. My travels in Vesper were quiet different. After answering wrong in the pub I was nearly killed by the miners. Their hatred for the gargoyles is pretty strong. The town is divided into two parts. Humans and gargoyles. I spoke with the mayor and he told me Elizabeth and Abraham had just left for Moonglow. I was to head there next. ]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-12T23:28:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a08e5cff721c3a0c9750db792a2f43cf-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a08e5cff721c3a0c9750db792a2f43cf-3.html#unique-entry-id-3

What's the deal with Kreg? Is he an infiltrator? I arrived at Empath Abbey to be greeted by him and he was asking about an invisibility potion, to do no good I gather. Can't remember exactly what I said but he then started to attack me. He then stuck his head in the way of my hoe. The other monks did not seem to know who he was. Hmmmm Guess we will never know.

After talking with Taylor it was clearer what direction I need to head in. He mentioned I needed to seek the Emps in the forrest of Yew. A slight detour first to pick up the magic carpet Rudyom had talked about. The magic carpet is pretty cool. I never got this far before so this was the first time I had seen it. Seems kind of like cheating but Britannia is so big it does help to travel around. I also worked out how to use the virtue stones I nabbed from the museum in Britain.
]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-05T23:43:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/797f79500286e782ff731ad04cf1a2ab-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/797f79500286e782ff731ad04cf1a2ab-2.html#unique-entry-id-2
Cove is very small but I did come across my old friend Jaana. She was happy to come adventuring with me again. I also talked to Nastassia. Seems I need to travel to Yew to find out how her father died.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-02T23:24:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a7137d707d08d08add555e0db03bfa80-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/a7137d707d08d08add555e0db03bfa80-1.html#unique-entry-id-1

Help, some stray dog won't leave me alone. I did not remember how biiiiig Britain was. Loads of sub quests weave into the main story line. The first stop was to talk to Lord British. Being over two hundred years since I last saw him I felt it was time. Grabbing my stuff from his store room and punching Chuckles in the head I rushed out to explore Britain. Note: What the hell are those green parrots about? Is there treasure?

I wanted to find Batlin and see what all this Fellowship stuff was all about. He had an ill-look to him and something is not just right. He asked if I wanted to join the Fellowship. I had to deliver a box of some sort so I accepted. On the way out I once again pillaged the offering box. Iolo's must be getting a bad name for this.



Lord British mentioned also about Rudyom in Cove and that I should urgently go and see him. After doing a few of the sub quests and then finally casting as "The Avatar" in a play, getting laughed off the stage I decided it was high time to leave for Cove.


]]>rcraig@gmail.comUltima VII - The Black Gate2008-05-01T22:16:00+02:00http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/f296bdda51ee63861597d504eebb82d3-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.realmofultima.com/blog/files/f296bdda51ee63861597d504eebb82d3-0.html#unique-entry-id-0

After scouring eBay for ages I finally got myself a copy of Ultima VII. I think the reason for not downloading it was because I feel guilty for not buying a legit copy back in 1992 when it came out. The idea to blog Ultima came from a webpage I stumbled across whilst looking for hints. Ophidian dragon did a top job blogging his way through the entire Ultima series. You can see here his webpage. I'm not going to do the entire series but as The Guardian Saga still stands the test of time I'll attempt to blog it here. Mainly for reference reasons too.

Back in 1992 I remember seeing Ultima VII in the computer store. Was pretty expensive and I did not have that type of cash around to buy computer games. I can't recall exactly how I came across a copy but I played it for a few weeks and never got too far. I think due to the reason no Roland MT32 and my little 386sx25mhz did not really hand it too well.
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