Virtues in Ultima IV

The Virtue system of Ultima IV can be fascinating, but with time, it can become tiresome. So here a listing of all the actions that affect virtue. For being an partial Avatar in one virtue, 90+ points have to be gathered. Also included are tips how to raise one Virtue fast.

Honesty

 * "Take not the gold of others found in towns and castles for yours it is not!"
 * "Cheat not the merchants and peddlers for tis an evil thing to do!"


 * +2 ... being honest to herbs (reagents) woman by paying the correct sum to her (it is also rumored that if you overpay, you will get even more points)


 * -1 ... stealing (open) a chest in a town


 * -10... cheating blind herbs (reagents) woman by paying less than demanded

Not many tips here, but buying reagents in low quantities and always overpay a little will further this virtue fast. 

Compassion

 * "Kill not the non-evil beasts of the land, and do not attack the fair people!"
 * "Give of thy purse to those who beg and thy deed shall not be forgotten!"


 * +2 ... giving money to beggar (sum doesn't influence the gain)


 * +2 ... fleeing from Non-evil enemy


 * +1 ... letting Non-evil creatures flee


 * -5 ... attacking non-evil creatures

This one is annoying. Best way is to always give a little gold to beggars and try to avoid non-evil creatures entirely (they can ruin your stats). However, one way to raise the virtue is to let Nate the Snake in Magincia attack you, and wound him so much, that he flees. This can be repeated again and again, since he regenerates as long as he isn't killed. 

Valor

 * "Victories scored over evil creatures help to build a valorous soul!"
 * "To flee from battle with less than grievous wounds often shows a coward!"


 * +0/1 (random)... killing an enemy (evil)


 * -2 ... fleeing from enemy

Should be clear and will raise itself almost by itself. Note that Valor comes into conflict with Compassion, Justice and Honor, which can be a problem. The solution is to solve these virtues first, before mastering Valor. 

Justice

 * "To take the gold of others is injustice not soon forgotten. Take only thy due!"
 * "Attack not a peaceful citizen for that action deserves strict punishment!"
 * "Kill not a non-evil beast for they deserve not death, even if in hunger they attack thee!"


 * +2 ... being honest to herbs (reagents) woman by paying the correct sum to her (it is also rumored that if you overpay, you will get even more points)


 * +2 ... fleeing from non-evil creature


 * +1 ... letting non-evil creatures flee


 * -1 ... stealing (open) a chest in a town


 * -3 ... attacking non-evil creatures


 * -10... cheating blind herbs (reagents) woman by paying less than demanded

Annoying to raise. Again, the trick with Nate the Snake in Magincia works here. 

Sacrifice

 * "To give thy last gold piece unto the needy shows good measure of self-sacrifice!"
 * "For thee to flee and leave thy companions is a self-serving action to be avoided!"
 * "To give of thy life's blood so that others may live is a virtue of great praise!"


 * +5 ... giving blood at the healer


 * +1 ... getting killed in battle


 * -2 ... fleeing from enemy


 * -5 ... not giving blood at the healer

Easy to raise with a trick. After having 400hp or more, donate blood in Castle Britannia until no longer possible, let Lord British heal you, then repeat. Will raise the Virtue fast. 

Honor

 * "Take not the gold of others for this shall bring dishonor upon thee!"
 * "To strike first a non-evil being is by no means an honorable deed!"
 * "Seek ye to solve the many Quests before thee, and honor shall be a reward!"


 * +5 ... solving quests (finding items)


 * +3 ... giving money to a beggar (sum doesn't influence gain)


 * +2 ... being honest to herbs (reagents) woman by paying the correct sum to her. Overpaying is even better


 * -1 ... stealing (open) a chest in a town


 * -3 ... attacking non-evil creatures


 * -10... cheating blind herbs (reagents) woman by paying less than demanded

VERY easy. Beside using the same trick as in Honesty, finding quest items will raise it automatically. 

Spirituality

 * "Seek ye to know thyself. Visit the seer often for he can see into thy inner being!"
 * "Meditation leads to enlightenment Seek ye all Wisdom and Knowledge!"


 * +(3 x cycle) ... meditating at a shrine


 * +3 ... talking to Hawkwind the Seer


 * -3 ... using a wrong mantra at a shrine

Piece of Cake. No tips needed. 

Humility

 * "Claim not to be that which thou art not. Humble actions speak well of thee!"
 * "Strive not to wield the Great Force of Evil for its power will overcome thee!"


 * +10... Talking unproud (humble)


 * -5 ... Talking proud

The hard thing is to find someone with these talk options. There is a guard in the NW corner of Castle Britannia, who you can tell again and again that you are not a valiant warrior. Will raise that fast. 

All Virtues

 * +10... Throwing the Skull of Mondain into the Abyss
 * -5 ... Using the Skull of Mondain