Ghosts

First apperance: Ultima IV

Last apperance: Ultima IX



Description

Ghosts are the spirits of people, whose body had died, but whose spirit is unable to go on. There are two sorts of ghosts. If the spirit is strong enough, it will regain form and personality, and thus remain peaceful.

However, should the mind lose, the ghost will start to look much more shematic, and become agressive. Ghosts can float through walls, and attack with magic. And only magical weapons can finally bring these wandering spirits to a final rest.

If Ghosts aren't summoned to do a wizards bidding, they can be found in dungeons, graveyards or the place where they died.

Evolution in the series

Ghosts have basically stayed the same in all Ultimas in Britannia, however in Ultima IX, they attack by draining Mana. In Pagan, Ghosts could only be defeated by using the right spell, and these Ghosts were also much more agressive by throwing flaming skulls at the Avatar.

In both Ultima Underworlds, we also meet two new Forms of Ghost, which both are much more dangerous. These are the Dire Ghost and the Red Haunt.

Notable examples

There are a number of people the Avatar met, who were already dead. Such examples are the people of Skara Brae in Ultima VII, or Beatrix, Shamino's former lover, and the Balance and Chaos Heriophant in Ultima VII/2. Kumash-Gor in Ultima VIII is also a good example.