Mimics

The careful adventurer should be always alarmed if there are lots of bones around a chest. Because some chests like to bite. These are Mimics! Mimics; treasure chests with very sharp and hungry teeth wait for a careless hero trying to loot them, then attempt to bite off a limb or shoot poison at them. However, should they miss their prey, they are exposed, and are then easy to kill.

Mimics are only found in dungeons.

Mimics appeared in Ultima I, IV, V, VI and IX. However, in Ultima IX, Mimics are quite different, growing arms and legs when touched, and attacked the Avatar with its claws.

Lore
''Beware the treacherous Mimic, for it hath been the doom of many a dungeon explorer. Disguised as a tempting treasure chest, the Mimic patients awaits the overly-curious adventurer. When the victim makes as if to examine the chest, the Mimic attacks with a ferocity unmatched.''

- from "The First Age of Darkness", Ultima I

''One of the most treacherous and evil creatures in all of Britannia, the Mimic can assume any shape, although they seem to prefer assuming the likeness of treasure chests. Upon spotting one, the careless traveler greedily rushes towards the chest. When the traveler gets close enough, Mimic casts out a poisonous venom. When the traveler succumbs to the poison, the Mimic feasts upon him. The only known way to detect a chest Mimic is to wait until it gets curious enough to peer out at thee by lifting the lid of the chest.''

- from "The History of Britannia", Ultima IV

''Masters of imitation, mimics make themselves so like treasure chests that many an adventurer has met his doom trying to open one. Mimics have little courage and even less patience, though, so if one is willing to wait a few minutes just step a few steps away from suspect chests, they are apt to reveal themselves by shooting poison. Close up, mimics bludgeon with strength and dexterity, doing unpleasant damage. Getting past their deadly deceptions can reveal fine treasure.''

- from "The Book of Lore", Ultima V

''Disguised as abandoned treasure chests, these masters of illusion wait patiently for passing adventurers whose greed exceeds their wisdom. If you take a moment to observe questionable chests from a safe distance, the mimic may reveal its true nature by spitting venom in your direction.''

- from "Compendium", Ultima VI