Karl

Karl is a misanthropic hermit living in a hut in the wilderness outside Minoc during Ultima VII.

Description
A cantankerous recluse with an obvious low opinion of civilized humanity, Karl lived apart from others, stopping into the nearby city only on occasion to drink at the Checquered Cork. Hostile to virtually all inquiries into his life, the solitary man proved scurrilous and rude should the Avatar talk to him, raging against the murderous and hypocritical people of Minoc.

Should the hero learn of Karl's brother - a man who had died aboard a ship of purportedly unsound design made by Owen - the roots of the mountain man's cynicism would become clearer, and the Avatar could discuss the man's vendetta against the famed shipwright with him and how it had led to his isolation from modern society. If pressed, Karl would reveal that he had stolen some blueprints from Owen outlining the construction of the Narwhal - the vessel which had seen his brother's end - hoping that his theft would interfere with further ships being built.

Although Karl lacked the technical knowledge to fully understand these plans, Julia could confirm that the designs were indeed dangerously faulty. This revelation could then be brought to the attention of Minoc's mayor, Burnside, who could eventually be convinced to cancel the erection of a statue in Owen's honor in light of such evidence.

Should the hero bring news of the monument's cancellation to Owen himself, the troubled shipwright would grow both upset and despondent - caught between the burden of his fame and his guilt at his incompetence. Eventually, the man would work himself into a suicidal frenzy, falling upon his dagger in the hopes that his death might prove a lasting tribute to his sullied name.

Trivia

 * Karl's real world counterpart is Ultima VII artist, Karl Dolenger.