User:Arthgon

Hello guys and gals, my name is Arthgon. I'm 38 and I'm an Ultimate fan of Ultima since I've had Ultima II on my Commodore many years ago. (1983 or something)

C64 Ultima VI:

 * The Journal of the (mis)adventures of Arthgon the Avatar.
 * C64/128 version of Ultima VI End game pictures.

Cleanup:

 * I am going to write more projects down in here.
 * Any articles that needs to be cleaned? Please do tell me. You point, me clean! :)

Characters

 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima VII Part Two A couple still need to be fixed and cleaned.

Dungeons

 * Doom

Misc

 * Others that needs to be cleaned.

Walkthroughs

 * Ultima VI Walkthrough
 * Ultima VII Walkthrough
 * Ultima VII Part Two Walkthrough
 * The Ultima 6 Project Walkthrough

Armour Data

 * Ultima I
 * Ultima II
 * Ultima IV With help from Dungy.
 * Ultima V Dungy beat me to it
 * ROV I and II
 * Ultima VI
 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima Underworld II
 * Ultima VII Part Two
 * Ultima VIII

Equipment

 * ROV I and II; Better versions and those who are missing.
 * Ultima VI
 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima Underworld II
 * Ultima VII Part Two
 * Ultima VIII (if needed)
 * Ultima IX (ditto)

Items

 * Ultima V
 * ROV I and II; Better versions and missing items.
 * Ultima VI
 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima Underworld II
 * Ultima VII Part Two
 * Ultima VIII

Lore

 * Ultima V Terrain

Monster Data

 * Ultima I
 * Ultima II
 * Ultima Exodus NES With the help with Browncoat Jayson. Thanks.
 * ROV I
 * ROV II
 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima Underworld II Finally completely Done!!!

Potions

 * Ultima V Tribun beat me to it.
 * Ultima VI
 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima VII SNES
 * Ultima Underworld II
 * Ultima VII Part Two
 * Ultima VIII
 * Ultima IX

Walkthroughs

 * Ultima I Walkthrough
 * Ultima II Walkthrough
 * Ultima III Walkthrough
 * Ultima IV Walkthrough
 * Ultima V Walkthrough
 * Ultima VI Walkthrough
 * The Ultima 6 Project Walkthrough Done!!!
 * Ultima VII
 * Ultima VII Part Two Walkthrough
 * Ultima VIII Walkthrough

Articles

 * Carriage
 * Horses. Almost
 * Inns
 * Potions Needs better wording
 * Ships
 * Shipwrights

Armour/Equipment/Items/Weapons

 * Armour
 * Equipment
 * Items
 * Party Members
 * Weapons

Monster Data

 * Prominent NPCs
 * Quest-related Opponents

Armour/Equipment/Items/Weapons

 * Armour
 * Equipment
 * Items
 * Weapons

Monster Data

 * Monsters
 * Only the Guard have to be done
 * Perhaps Ranger?
 * Prominent NPCs
 * Quest-related Opponents

Portraits

 * Still needs to be done:
 * Abraham
 * Adjhar
 * Avatar Female
 * Avatar Male
 * Bollux
 * Courage
 * Dracothraxus
 * Elisabeth
 * Erethian
 * Ferryman
 * Forskis
 * Hook
 * Horance
 * Hydra Brothers
 * Love
 * Truth
 * Guard I
 * Guard II
 * Xorthian Wisp

Armour/Equipment/Items/Weapons

 * Armour
 * Equipment
 * Items
 * Weapons

Monster Data

 * Monsters
 * Prominent NPCs
 * Quest-related Opponents

Merging Articles:

 * Anachronistic Armour
 * Ships
 * Merging Valorian Steeds into the article Horses

New Articles:

 * Living Toupee
 * Stickman

Walkthroughs

 * Runes of Virtue (The Lost Runes)
 * Runes of Virtue II

Weapon Data

 * Ultima Underworld
 * Ultima Underworld II

Illustrations:

 * Some are not very good looking.

Pictures

 * Maybe Mage Lord's Palace. I am not sure what kind of screenshot is needed.

Advertisements

 * Martian Dreams advertisement Sept 1991
 * Better version of Ultima Underworld advertisement (From the Zero Magazine on July 1992) of mine

Books/cluebooks

 * Ultima V Cluebook Black and White Version

Box Scans

 * Utima Underworld Series
 * C64 Ultima VI Box C64/128 of the front and the back
 * C64 Ultima Trilogy I (I, II and III) box of the front and the back

Magazines

 * Old Commodore magazines about Ultima games. They're somewhere on the attic at my parents. I hope.
 * Other Odds and ends that's needed here.

Whatsoever that does not fit in:

 * Finding my old C64/128 on the attic at my parents and play Ultima VI to see about the bugs that's plaguing the emulator version.

The Journal of the (mis)adventures of Arthgon the Avatar
Yes. What’s the time? It is Commodore version of Ultima VI adventure time. Journey Onwards!

Starting Location: Earth


While watching another re-re-rerun of one of those shows that you rather want to forget afterwards, I heard a storm brewing in the east. Even though curiosity killed the cat, I still looked through the window, (which has a view of the stones) and saw a blue fire strike the earth!



Wait. What is going on? IS it a sign? Other than STOP? I ran outside to the stones. There, an unknown stone was lying on the ground.



Awestruck, I picked it up and wondered how it came here. Have not I seen it before? It was on the tip of my mind and tongue.



Wow. Before I could do anything, a red Moongate appeared out of nowhere! Now I remember! It reminded me of the one that Lord British had used for Blackthorn’s exile. Fingers crossed, I went through the gate.

The Gypsy


As I opened my eyes, I noticed I was standing in an open field with a view of a gypsy wagon. Inside, a friendly gypsy welcomed me with open arms and began to ask seven questions concerning on the Eight Virtues that would greatly benefit me later on.

After answering her questions, she gave me a flask with a mysterious liquid. As I drank the substance a soothing mist obscured the gypsy's face and I fell asleep without any fear in untroubled sleep.

The Sacrificial Slab


Oh man! I've a feeling we're not in Kansas....huh...I mean in Britannia anymore. The question is where am I exactly? But then again, do I even want to know? Wait. Is that chanting that I hear? It seems to come from somewhere on these desolate plains. While I try to figure out where it came from, the chanting became louder than it was before.

Out of nowhere, fiendish red creatures appeared, grabbed me with unearthly strength, and bound me to the altar. As they sway and chant, a winged creature stepped forward. Not only must this guy be THE leader of the pack, but he also clutched a book that looked very interesting to me. He opened the book and began to recite from it in a formal, stilted tongue. Afterwards, he slams the book shut, and started to threaten me with a nasty looking dagger. As my whole life flashes before me like a movie, a crossbow bolt blooms in the priest's forehead. Bulls-eye!



Phew. Luckily that my old companions were not too occupied to save me from their clutches! Otherwise, it would have been a very short game. Just before we dived through the red Moongate to safety, Iolo took the book from the corpse of the priest. Let's get out of here.

The Arrival At Lord British's Castle
Great. Just great. Having just escaped from a sacrifice of which I was the intended victim (Must remember that I definitely should complain to the travel agency about Moongates), two of the same creatures (who tried to sacrifice me), followed me through the Moongate into Lord British’s Castle and began to attack me. Well...okay...and my party.





Fortunately, (Or not. It depends on how you look at it. These creatures are not THAT happy with the outcome. Well, being dead and such) the battle was over in no time.



Still dazed I spoke with Nysul first. He really finds the unintelligible book, that had been "borrowed" by my faithful companion Iolo, intriguing. However he could not read it at all. Therefore, I have to travel to the Lycaeum to see the wizard Mariah (not Oz) who knows how it can be translated. He also told me that I have to show the Orb to Lord British. So I did.



Lord British told me that the shrines of virtues are in the hands (claws) of the Gargoyles (so that was the name of those creatures) and need to be re-captured. He also taught me how the Orb of the Moons works. Luckily, I am a fast learner. To get more information about the dire situation, I have to talk to Geoffrey.

Geoffrey(well...well...look who is the Captain of The Royal Guard now) told me that the leader of the survivors of the counterattack against the Gargoyles at the Shrine of Compassion can help me. I have to look for him in Cove.



However, before traveling to Cove, there are some things that needs to be done. What would that be you may ask. Taking everything important that is not nailed down with me is the answer. I left the throne room by the south door and immediately took the door to the left. The door to the north is Lord British's bedroom. The south door leads to my room. Let us take a visit to Lord British's bedroom first.



The bedroom of Lord British was very fancy and just as comfortable. Yes, you could say that it was fit for a king. On the left I could see two doors. One of them was locked. Well...let's us put the emphasis on WAS, because after I took the key from the floor that is not the case anymore......and what is behind the unocked (and yes, it is really spelled that way) door number 1? It is a private observatory! The second door led to a room where I found some weapons, potions and armor.



I left Mr. Nose's room and went to the south. THAT is MY room. Here, I found my spellbook, ingredients that are needed to cast spells and some other stuff that is important.



Now that there is nothing else to pilfer in my room, I left my room and went further to the left that leads me to the lab. Some potions that are essential to survive in Britannia can be found here. While taking them with me I noticed that I was not alone in this place. Someone else was roaming around here as well. To my surprise it was a talking mouse. She told me that that her name was Sherry and that she wants some cheese. I gave it to her and we spoke for awhile. I had the feeling that she was important in my party, but not now. So, I said goodbye and left. Now, I think it is a good idea to Journey Onward to Cove and speak with the leader of the pack that got beaten by the Gargoyles.

Intermezzo: The Scavenger Hunt
''As an option you could follow the string of notes that Chuckles, THE royal jester of Lord British's court has scattered throughout the kingdom. IF you have done it right, you will end up with Smith, the talking horse. He will give you a vital clue that is centuries too late.''

Cove
This is a small retreat, dedicated to the arts of healing. There at the Traveler’s Shrine, I met the mayor of Cove, Viscount Ahrmand.



He immediately told me that a protection field shielded the nearby shrine. According to him, the corresponding Rune and Mantra could destroy it. That means I have to do the same thing with other shrines. He also advised me to speak with Gertan who was in the healing hands of Sasha for more information. Let us say goodbye...and so I left the mayor to his musings to find the leader of the disastrous counterattack against the Gargoyles.



While Nurse Betty...wait...Sasha was not THAT friendly, Gertran was jovial and friendly. Luckily, for us (or else we could not have spoken with him in the first place) that guy was healthier than his own men were. He confirmed the bit of information that Ahrmand gave to us. There IS a protection field who shielded the shrine against intruders.

Let us do it. After some serious shopping, I journeyed back to Britain to get the Rune and learn the Mantra of Compassion.

Intermezzo: INCREDIBLY Important
''As you can see I will follow the plot in the most logical way. You should go FIRST to Cove and NOT as it may seem taking AND USING the Rune and Mantra of Compassion at the Shrine! Why? That is because in Cove you actually learn that you have to use the Runes AND the Mantras to free the Shrines from the "evil" influence of the Gargoyles from Viscount Ahrmand. Strange ah? Oh...well...stranger things may happen, right? Right.''

Britain: Rune of Compassion


Back in Britain, I spoke with Tholden. He told me the identity of the Rune of Compassion’s owner. It seemed that the Bards of the Conservatory have him (or it), and the mantra.



When I arrived at the Conservatory, I met a nervous bard named Lady Nan (what is in a name?). This woman told me that she gave the Rune to Ariana. Oh. Not only that, she also told me the Mantra; it’s MU. All right. Let us go and talk to the kid then.



After I had given this girl my name and talked about her job, I went on to ask about the Rune of Compassion. She told me that I had to ask permission from her parents to have him.



Their tavern called "The Blue Boar" was not hard to find, just past "Iolo's Bows". It was a nice and cozy place with great atmosphere and the prices were not too high. Anya, Ariana’s mother was friendly but professionally minded. Did you know that all the income of this tavern; go to Ariana’s study at the conservatory? Yes, really. After I received permission from Anya, I went back to Ariana for the Rune of Compassion.



Without any hesitation, she gave me the Rune so that I could travel to my next destination: The Shrine of Compassion.

Intermezzo: Who are you Who who who who?
''Somehow, they all rather call themselves "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" than their actual names. Come on! Follow the script! Oh, wait...it is a bug. Strangely enough, this did not happen when I spoke to Xiao and some others.''

The Shrine of Compassion
Here, my companions and I came across a welcoming committee of gargoyles. AH, I already have some fans. They welcomed me with readied weapons. With perseverance and hardship, we won the battle. While I was looking around for loot, I soon noticed that the one with the wings dropped a potion. A blue one. It was okay to pick it up, because we all know that the gargoyle was dead, so he would not need that anymore.

Just as I picked up the potion, I heard the humming of the force field. Let us free it from the influence of the gargoyles. Humbly (ahem), I kneeled down before the shrine, took out the Rune and used it. A voice came to me and asked for the Mantra of Compassion. “MU”, I said.



Before I knew it, the force field was utterly gone! Now that it was gone, I could see that a moonstone was lying on top of the shrine. I stood up and took it with me. After meditation at the shrine, our dexterity went up. Now that I am of a higher level than three, I could buy "Great Heal" as well.

Intermezzo: Gargoyles Bug
''I am not sure if this supposes to happen, but as you move far away from the shrine and come back to the shrine, the gargoyles are back! It is good for experience though.''

Next Stop: Moonglow. Honest!
In the city of Honesty (Using the Moongate Express), I spoke to Lord Aganar of Moonglow, who told me that he entrusted the Rune to Beyvin's care. You would expect from a mayor to know the whereabouts of all the citizens, but noooooo...he have not got any clue about them. To know the exact location of this guy, I had to visit Penumbra. His girlfriend.



As I open the door of Penumbra's home, I soon stumbled upon some magical fields. I quickly came to the conclusion that I need a spell that could counter them, nice and easy. Near the Lycaeum, I found someone who could give it to me. Her name was Xiao. After talking to her, I got (well...sort off) the two right spells that was essential for my questing.



After handling the magical fields with the spell Dispel Field (talking about being a wee bit paranoid), Penumbra told me the future and where I can find Beyvin pushing up some daffodils. Why? Seems he had an allergic reaction to a short piece of steel that somehow found its way between his ribs. Now he is buried in the catacombs under Moonglow with the Rune. She also knows the Mantra of Honesty for a fee.



Manrel, the cousin of the deceased asked me some questions before handing over the key of the crypt and some flowers that I need to place upon his grave.



Behind a locked door in the Blue Bottle Tavern, I found the way to the Moonglow Catacombs. With a deep breath, I went down the ladder and wondered if the insurance was included for dangers that lay ahead in such places.

Spell Trouble: Whose Line Is It Anyway?


''As you can see from the picture above, she follows the right lines of the script. However...''



''IF you want to buy Spells (or use the keyword Learn) ...she begins to use lines of Isabella from Minoc. Is it just me or is she suffering from an abrupt identity crisis or having multi-personalities? “Curiouser and curiouser!” (Interesting enough, the same thing happens when you are using the keyword Mantra) Alas, the game gets stuck afterwards as well. Meaning that you cannot buy spells and have to re-start and load the previous save.''

''Therefore, thanks to a bug called Xiao. Wait. That does not sound right. Sorry girl. Thanks to the bug with the keyword Spells you have to get these TWO important spells; Telekinesis and Dispel Field, in a dishonest way. (Ironic is not it? As being dishonest in THE City of Honesty) Mind you, this is from the emulator.''

''To get them you have to use The Cheat Menu. First, you have to talk to yourself and say the following.''

I (enter) want to (enter) cheat (enter)



''When that is done, press 5; Hocus Pocus. This allows you to learn any spell in the game. The first thing that you will have to do is to point out in which circle you want to study.''

(In this case; the 3rd Circle. Thus, press 3''.)



''Now that is done, you can choose the spell from the list of that Circle. (In this case; Dispel Field. Therefore, press 2.)

Spell Trouble: Reagents and Spellbook


''As you can see above, the keyword Book is also bugged and may cause the game to get stuck and you'll need to re-start the game. Therefore, no spellbook can be bought from Xiao.''



''In case of the keyword Reagents (or Buy) the conversation with Xiao will NOT cause the game to get stuck, but the conversation is just suddenly over. That means you cannot buy any Reagents from her.

Bugged Keywords
''Unfortunately, these are not the only bugs that can be found in the game. Other highlighted keywords of the conversation are also somehow bugged.''



''As you can see above, these two keywords; Avatar and Wizards (just like the keywords Powe, Serv, Shri, Libr, Coun, Prom, Virt and Thar) will also cause an error message to appear and/or she will say that she does not know anything about it. Unfortunately, the game gets stuck afterwards and you'll need to re-start the game.''

Important: It is also NOT advised to use any other words either, because that will get the game stuck as well.

IMPORTANT: Eighth Circle Spells
Let me just throw it out; Because of the keywords bug that is inflicted upon Spells and/or Learn you'll NEVER hear from Xiao that you'll need to seek out the Wisps, before the spells from the 8th Circle can be learned.



Not only that, the keyword Wisps (just as the keywords; Powerful and Secret) is bugged as well and may cause the game to get stuck afterwards and you'll need to re-start the game.

Moonglow Catacombs
After encountering some Slimes and the pesky Acid Slugs, the crypt of Beyvin on the second level of the Crypts stood finally before me. As promised to Manrel I lied down the flowers as a token of respect. Yes, promised is promised. Then I unlocked the door with Manrel's key and with a deep breath I went inside to investigate.



In the middle of the Crypt I immediately noticed the decayed body of Beyvin. Beneath the pile of bones I found a gold nugget and the Rune of Honesty!