Armageddon

The spell of Armageddon is truly devastating. Once it is cast, it destroys all life on the world, with exception of the spellcaster, leaving only a barren wasteland behind, devoid of any life. Only the biggest fool, full of madness, would dare to cast this spell, as it would be the end of the world as we know it.

History
Over 700,000 years ago, the Xorinite Wisp gave it to a  mage named Zog. Zog was foolish enough to cast it, and all life was destroyed. The spell re-appeared in  Ultima VI, where the Wisps gave it to the Avatar as a gift. In  Ultima VII, it could be bought from Rudyom in Cove or found in the spellbook of a random evil mage near the end of the game. The spell also appeared in both Underworlds, with the same effect on the environment, and was even strong enough to slay the Slasher of Veils.

In the story of  Ultima IX, Armageddon plays a crucial role at the end of the game; the Avatar must cast it to defeat the Guardian, sacrificing his own life in the process. It does not kill every living being in Britannia, as it is contained in a special field. 

The Ultima 6 Project
In The Ultima 6 Project, Armageddon is merely listed as Wisp Spell, failing to hint at its true destructive potential.

Quote

 * Batlin looks at you and his gaze returns to the Armageddon winter storm. "Many years ago, Avatar, I went to Skara Brae, the ghost city. The way the world is now reminds me of that dead place. In Skara Brae I had a spiritual experience so profound that I have never spoken of to another soul. I would like to share that experience with thee now, Avatar.


 * "There at Skara Brae I saw a man who was called The Tortured One. I asked this dead man, pray tell, what is the answer to the question of Life and Death? He gave me no reply, and I asked him again. I beseeched him to impart some small parcel of wisdom upon me. What is the answer to the question of Life and Death?! He said nothing, but in his eyes... In his eyes I could see, Avatar, that he could not answer me for there was no answer to give. No answers to the question of Life and Death! It was then I understood. No meanings! No virtues! No values!!!... I commend thee, Avatar, for reaching that same liberating illumination!"
 * - Batlin in Ultima VII.


 * "Fool!! What possessed thee to cast that damned Armageddon Spell? I knew it was dangerous! Thou didst know it was dangerous!! Now look at us! We are all alone on the entire planet! Britannia is ruined! What kind of Avatar art thou!?! Now, with no Moongates working, we are both forced to spend eternity in this blasted wasteland!"Of course, it could be viewed as a clever solution to all of our problems. After all, not even this so-called Guardian would want Britannia now!"
 * - Lord British in Ultima VII.

Trivia

 * In many games it appears in, this spell serves no practical purpose. It is put in these games merely to tempt the player into using it, just to see what happens.
 * In  Ultima VI, this spell in not included in the game's documentation.
 * The Xorinite Wisp does not consider the spell to be particularly powerful, since its effect is only limited to a single plane of existence.
 * In theory, it should still be possible to win Ultima VI even after casting Armageddon. The goal of the game is to return the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom to the Void, and this task is not hindered by the destruction of all life in Britannia. However, the programmers anticipated that players hell-bent on "breaking" the game would try to do exactly that. Therefore, sending the Codex into the Void becomes impossible once Armageddon has been cast.
 * In the Ultima Underworld games, Armageddon also destroys all doors and stairways in the maze.
 * Some people have immunity to the Armageddon spell, notably Lord British and Batlin.
 * In  Ultima VII Part Two it was replaced by the much less destructive spell, Imbalance.
 * In  Ultima VIII this spell kills the caster as well.
 * In the original plot of Ultima IX, Armageddon destroys Britannia itself, though its inhabitants were spared thanks to the actions of the Avatar and Lord British.