Ultima VI Signs, Scrolls, and Books

Britain Museum

 * The perpetual motion machine.


 * Left: The mystery fountain. Right: The energy field.


 * A monolith.


 * The bones of Zog.


 * Dragon artifacts.

Paws

 * Dairy


 * Slaughterhouse

Cove

 * House for sale.


 * Beware the beast!

Empath Abbey

 * Abbey Graveyard

Jhelom

 * Please leave your weapons on the table.

New Magincia

 * The Well of Humility

Moonglow

 * The crypt of Cantrell


 * The crypt of Spector


 * The crypt of Malone


 * The crypt of Bourbonnais


 * The crypt of Beyvin


 * The crypt of Jannati


 * The crypt of Romero


 * The crypt of Dwyer


 * The crypt of Gabriella

Gargoyle Lands

 *  (Vortex Chamber - no admittance)


 * (Human Chamber)


 * (Libram Chamber)


 * (Naxatilor the seer)


 * (Lord Draxinusom)


 * (Healer)


 * (Goodscrafter)


 * (Foodmaker)


 * (Weaponsmith)


 * (The Hall of Knowledge)


 * (The Sacrificial Slab)


 *  (Here lie the honored remains of those who have been sacrificed)


 *  (Within this chamber rest the bones of kings)


 * (Here lie those that had no names)


 * (The Vortex Lens)


 * (The Vortex Cube)


 * (The Altar of Singularity)

Britain










Rope maker

Thread maker





Scrolls

 * This scroll is filled with Lord British's notes on his astronomical observations.


 * "With love, from cousin Manrel."


 * If you're looking for the clue, there's something for you under a plant in Serpent's Hold.


 * Your next hint is under a beehive in Minoc.


 * You're doing well! Next you should search the harpsichord in the Blue Bottle Tavern.


 * Well done! Now go search the beds in the jail in Yew.


 * Most people would have given up by now... But since you haven't, you can find the next hint under a cauldron in New Magincia.


 * You're almost there! Search the stone lions in Lord British's castle.


 * Ho eyo he hum! You've won, you've won! Go to Iolo's Hut and ask Smith the Horse to tell you the clue!


 * Iolo's Place

Books

 * Baldwin's Big Book of Baking Though some might scoff at the idea, the making of breads, pastries, pies, and cakes is one of the highest callings in life. Study this book carefully, and someday you may be prepared to take on this awesome responsibility.


 * Hubert's Hair Raising Adventure Written and illustrated by Bill Pete Hubert the Lion was haughty and vain,~ And especially proud of his elegant mane.~ But conceit of this sort is not proper at all,~ And Hubert the Lion was due for a fall.


 * Log of 'The Empire'  This book appears to be the log of a ship called "The Empire." The last entry speaks of the burying of a great treasure, and of the growing discontentment of the crew. There's a hastily scrawled note at the end, in different handwriting, that says "Captain Hawkins won't be makin' no more log entries."


 * Ye Lost Art of Ballooning Back in the days of the Avatar's Quest, rumors spread of a strange sight in the skies. A tinker from the town of Minoc, claimed to have rediscovered the lost art of ballooning. According to ancient lore, this was a mystical practice that allowed one to soar through the air, higher than the birds themselves. No records have been found of the rituals used to perform this feat, but several farmers from the area still tell tales of strange sights. A strange sphere was seen, way up in the sky, and the voices of men could be heard drifting down from it. The apparition drifted up into the clouds and was lost to sight. This took place years ago, and naught has been heard of the mystic art of ballooning since that time.


 * A Treatise on the Lore of Gargoyles by Norlick the Elder Though gargoyles are considered by most to be mere legend, no records exist documenting the origins of the gargoyle "statues" that adorn many castles. Even the towering stone guardians of the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom have many of the physical characteristics of the "legendary" gargoyle. Nobody seems to know where they came from either. Despite the lack of hard evidence, there have been a fair number of unconfirmed reports of sightings of live gargoyles.It is the opinion of this author that daemons are a form of gargoyle. As many reliable encounters with daemons have been documented in various scholarly works, perhaps this is the best source of further information on the subject of gargoyles.


 * Tangled Tales Once upon a time, in a strange land far away, there was a wizard's apprentice. His master, Eldritch, sent him on three quests, knowing he would learn his lessons best with the real world as his classroom. He encountered many strange and wonderful things. Ghouls and griffins stood in his way, and ghosts and giants as well. But he also found new friends, and brave adventurers to help him. He rode on a flying carpet, and on the back of a giant turtle. Finally, after exploring an abandoned mine, a pyramid, and a castle in the clouds, he finished his third quest. He had learned so much on his journeys that his master rewarded him well, and declared him a wizard in his own right. He soon opened a school of his own, and as the years passed, and students came and went, his beard grew long with years.


 * Knights of Legend, Volume I Once, in the kingdom of Ashtalarea, there was a great war. For a time it seemed the forces of evil would triumph, but through the valiant efforts of Seggallion, the greatest knight in the land, the forces of the dark lord Pildar were finally driven back and defeated. All was well for a time, but years later Pildar had grown powerful again. From his dark tower he wove his evil schemes, and managed to capture the Duke, and the great knight Seggallion as well. With his greatest foe out of the way, he was prepared once more to set out on a campaign of conquest. In those troubled times, a party of great heroes arose. After many perilous adventures they finally won their way to Seggallion's prison and set him free. They then set forth to discover what had become of the Duke...


 * The First Age of Darkness Early in the reign of Lord British there came unto the land of Britannia a powerful wizard named Mondain. He brang forth many creatures of great evil, using the power of his magic to control them. And there was great suffering throughout the land. It was in these days that the Avatar first came unto our realm, to vanquish Mondain and liberate our people.


 * The Second Age of Darkness After Mondain's passing, Minax the enchantress brought forth terrors to menace the populace. She had been apprentice to Mondain. Perhaps more than that, if the moaning and wailing that echoed through the halls outside their shared bedchamber bore any meaning. She established a reign of death and destruction, her magic fueled by the strength of her passion. Again it was only the return of the Avatar that put an end to the oppression. Minax was vanquished, as Mondain before her.


 * The Third Age of Darkness Once Minax was gone, peace reigned for twenty years. And then the last of Mondain's legacy became known. For he and Minax had together produced an unholy creation known only as Exodus. For many years it had stayed hidden, patiently gathering information to heighten its powers. Finally it chose to exploit the results of its diligence. Creating a mighty castle to reside in, Exodus brought forth a third plague of monsters, and nowhere in Britannia was safe from its relentless evil. This was the greatest challenge yet for our hero from another world; yet once again the Avatar proved triumphant. And with the defeat of Exodus, a new era of prosperity began.


 * The Quest of the Avatar In days not long past, the Council of Wizards erected shrines to the eight virtues, that people throughout the land might meditate upon them. It was through studying the eight virtues and the three underlying principles that the great hero, who had defeated the Triad of Evil, started down the path that led to Avatarhood. For verily it is known that the three principles are Truth, Love and Courage;~ And that from Truth arises Honesty;~ And from Love arises Compassion;~ And from Courage arises Valour;~ And that Truth comingled with Love gives rise to Justice;~ And Love comingled with Courage gives rise to Sacrifice;~ And Courage comingled with Truth gives rise to Honor;~ And Truth, Love and Courage all united create Spirituality;~ And the absence of all three principles leads to the vice of pride, which leads us to think of the virtue that is its opposite, that of Humility.   And on the quest to become the embodiment of the eight virtues, the Avatar recovered the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom, and discovered that the one underlying concept that leads to the three principles which lead to the eight virtues is Infinity. Ponder this well, oh seeker!


 * Warriors of Destiny After the shining example set by the Avatar, Britannia seemed all set to enter a golden age of peace and plenty. And then a great tragedy took place. Lord British, the beloved ruler who united the land of Britannia, and saw it through some of the hardest times in its history, was lost. He had gone on an expedition to explore the newly discovered underworld, and never returned. Many thought him dead. Lord Blackthorn took control in his absence, declaring martial law to maintain order. It was also around this time that the three shadowlords appeared at Stonegate. They were powerful, evil creatures, who could warp the minds of men and turn them away from the three principles. 'Tis said they could draw on "the power of the vortex" to transport themselves instantly anywhere in the realm. It was a dark time. The Avatar was summoned back to Britannia, and ultimately managed to rescue Lord British before the collapse of the Underworld, restoring him to his rightful place on the throne.


 * Windwalker In exotic Khantun, there was a benevolent Emperor known as Chao Ti. He ruled wisely and well until his Warlord, Zhurong, acquired an elixir from the evil alchemist Shen Jang to put the Emperor into a coma. Evil spirits from the Astral Plane took over shrines throughout the land, and it was a dark time. But a young student, after completing his studies of the martial arts in a small monastery, managed to liberate the shrines, defeat the warlord, and cure the Emperor with the Elixir of Immortality. Long will his name be honored in Khantun.


 * The Caverns of Freitag A great dragon named Freitag came unto the Mystic Isles, and there was much fear and anguish amongst the populace. One day the warrior Gertan set forth to beard the dragon in her lair, a vast series of caverns inhabited by strange creatures. He drove Freitag away from the land, and there was much rejoicing.


 * Snilwit's Big Book of Boardgame Strategy Chess: Try to control the middle of the board with your knights, bishops, and pawns. Nine Men's Morris: Don't let any of your pieces get trapped in the corners. Draughts: Keep your pieces along the sides of the board, where they can't be captured.


 * Of Dreams and Visions Some say that in our dreams our astral selves journey to other realms of existence. Others say that imps and daemons create dreams to disturb our sleep. Now let the truth be known! Dreams are messages from the spirit world. Someday we will learn to decipher them, and benefit greatly thereby.


 * Crossbow Marksmanship by Iolo Fitzowen There is a zen to shooting well. Become one with your crossbow. Clear your mind of all thoughts save that of flying with the bolt to strike the target, and you will not miss.


 * Dilzal's Almanac of Good Advice Gambling is the surest way of getting nothing for something. Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned. Never play backgammon with a centaur.


 * Plant Lore Mistletoe is easiest to find in the spring. Cut the sprigs with your left hand for greatest effectiveness. Hibiscus leaves can be used to make a tea which is excellent for sore throats. Never step on a dandelion, for it will anger any leprechaun who sees you do so.


 * The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum A little girl named Dorothy, from the far off land of Kansas was carried to the realm of Oz by a tornado. And her little dog, too! She met three faithful companions, who vowed to help her find a way home. There was a scarecrow, who was on a quest for truth, a man of tin, who was questing for love, and a lion, who quested for courage. Before their quest was done, little Dorothy slew the wicked witch, freeing the land from her evil influence. Her friends completed their quests, and she returned home to Kansas.


 * Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Alice saw a peculiar white rabbit one day. It was looking at its pocket watch and worrying about how late it was. Alice chased it down a rabbit hole, and fell a very long way. She found herself in a strange land. She went to a tea party there, with a mad hatter and a dormouse. She also met a strange caterpillar, and a cat that could vanish, with its grin dissappearing last. The queen of hearts yelled "Off with her head!" and her guards ran up to grab Alice - but then she awakened, and realized it had all been a dream.


 * The Lost Book of Mantras Ahm Kim Rum Bem Mu Dim Sum Kyo Ra Lox Nid Pey Beh Un Or Us Cah Biff Pow Ohm Summ Bang Lis Zowie Om Cow Frem Ort Lum Spam Mho Yum Tea Meow


 * The Book of Spirituality In your travels through life, remember always that Spirituality embodies the sum of all virtues. Chant the mantra "om" as you meditate on Spirituality, and all will become clear to you.


 * Plans for the construction of a hot air balloon. First you must have a wicker balloon basket made, large enough to carry several passengers. Then you'll need a big iron cauldron, to hold a fire to generate the hot air. Next you must have a huge bag sewn out of silk, to hold the hot air in. Lastly, get enough rope to tie the balloon securely to the basket. Once you've gathered all of these together, use these plans to assemble them. When flying your balloon, you'll find that a ship's anchor makes the best ballast, and is also useful for stopping the balloon where and when you wish.


 * The Codex of Ultimate Wisdom As always, the Codex is open to the pages bearing exactly the information you need. "To return the Codex to the Vortex, place a convex lens exactly midway between the Codex and the Flame of Singularity, so that the light from the flame converges on the Codex. Place a concave lens between the Codex and the Flame of Infinity, so that its light diverges over the Codex. Then place the eight moonstones within the Vortex Cube. Set it on the ground in front of the Codex, and use it to return the Codex from whence it came."

Gravestones

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 *  <AS I AM NOW YOU SOON SHALL BE> <PREPARE FOR DEATH WHEN THIS YOU SEE>


 * <ON HIS WIFES BIRTHDAY> <RALPH WAS CLEVER> <A TOMBSTONES THE GIFT> <THAT LASTS FOREVER> <BURMA GRAVE>


 * <GOLDEN LADS AND LASSES MUST> <LIKE CHIMNEY SWEEPERS COME TO DUST>


 * <THIS GREAT MUSICIAN> <IS NOT JUST DOZING> <HERE HE LIES NOW> <DECOMPOSING>


 * <HERE LIES JOHNS BODY> <WE LOST HIS HEAD> <BUT HE DOESNT NEED IT> <BECAUSE HES DEAD>


 * <HINGES RUSTY> <ON YOUR LOVED ONES COFFIN> <TIS NOT A BOX> <YOULL OPEN OFTEN> <BURMA GRAVE>


 * <HERE LIES A MAN TWAS KNOWN AS ED> <SO LOUD ALIVE SO QUIET DEAD>


 * <HUSBAND THE FIRST> <SIR CEDRIC BURNED WITH FIRE BOLD> <TILL HIS LIFE WAS QUENCHED WITH A DAGGER COLD>


 * <HUSBAND THE SECOND> <RODERIC PASSED WITH AN AWFUL WAIL> <WHEN SOMEONE SERVED HIM POISONED ALE>


 * <HUSBAND THE THIRD> <WALTER PASSED ON IN HIS SLEEP> <HIS LAST THOUGHTS A SECRET> <THAT DEATH WILL KEEP>


 * <HUSBAND THE FOURTH> <ROGERS MANNER WAS FORMAL AND STIFF> <TILL ONE DAY HE FELL OFF A CLIFF> <BUT NOW HIS BODYS A CORDIAL HOST> <TO WORMS AND MAGGOTS> <FOR HES A GHOST>


 * <HUSBAND THE FIFTH> <MARTIN LEFT THIS WORLD OF TOIL> <WHEN HE FELL IN A VAT OF BOILING OIL>


 * <THOUGH SHE OUTLASTED HUSBANDS FIVE> <NOW BETH TOO IS NO MORE ALIVE> <BUT AS SHE DREW HER FINAL BREATH> <SHE SMILED A SMILE TO SCOFF AT DEATH>


 * <HERE LIES CAPTAIN HAWKINS> <HE DIED A HARD DEATH AND HE DESERVED IT>

Paintings

 * This painting portrays a square staircase with no beginning or end. There are a number of hooded monks facing in both directions. As you look at the painting, you notice that the monks in the picture are moving, very slowly, ascending and descending the staircase endlessly.


 * This is a painting of a painting hanging on a wall. The painting within the painting is of a pipe, floating in midair, with smoke curling up from its bowl. The frame in the painting has a little plaque on it that says "This is not a pipe."


 * This painting shows a strangely familiar scene. In a small museum, several people stand regarding a painting hanging on the wall. You see only their backs. You reach up to scratch your head, and one of the figures in the painting does likewise. It's you! This painting shows whatever happens in front of it, like a mirror, but it shows you the other side of everything, as if it were hanging on the opposite wall.


 * This is a a very fancy portrait of you. At the bottom of the frame, a small plaque reads simply "The Avatar". The portrait is signed "Woodroffe" in the lower right hand corner.


 * This is a painting by the famous Captain Fox.


 * This painting is by the renowned artist Helen Garriott.


 * This painting bears the signature of the well known artist Musgrave.


 * This is a painting by the respected artist Elmore.


 * This painting shows a satyr playing panpipes for the creatures of the forest. It bears the signature of the highly talented Monica Knighton.


 * This is a painting of a tiger and a dragon, poised to do battle, painted by the incomparable Elissa Martin.

Gargoyle Books

 * (The Book of Ritual) <vervid ben kua i, naksatilor, skri kuo i porle kodeks uide terreg ew estade kalle ante tim benommani: ku auks lorrelinlem i beninle vorteks lorrel, o kua i le vid kodeks kuater lem terinit anporle. i inle vorteks kuad re inbet grav ok orblap ew trakpor vorteks destrak termur. estatim i perle lorrel re inuislor kodeks ad kuad. vorteks tanle uide terailem, uislor inle ailemde, ew kodeks porle des re perle bende pa uide zenmur.> (Heed well as I, Naxatilor, write of how I brought the Codex to our land and thereby ushered in the time of prosperity: With the help of the Lensmaker I crafted the Vortex Lens, by which I could  see the Codex where it originally rested. I created the Vortex Cube to focus the power of the Moonstones and draw  the Vortex down to the world. Then I used the lens to form an image of the Codex upon the cube.The Vortex touched our plane, the image became solid, and the Codex was  brought down to be used properly by our race!)


 * (The Book of The Underworld) <alt desde terreg ai ali terreg. ante esta terreg manite mur aniw zen. plu tri de ista zen vid zaw ve uide anvolde lem. ista daemon ade pal ew delsa. kualem lokte ista daemon de destermur sa lok. ew kerde, lem inte son esta misve uide liy. a kua lemmur uiste, an zen anku vol verde uis. feluis de lokde daemon nes ankredle.> (Deep below the land there is another land. In that land live many strange creatures. The most interesting of these creatures look something like our wingless ones. These daemons, however, are pale and soft. Some say that these daemons from the underworld can speak. And, to be sure, they make sounds that are similar to our language. But as everyone knows, no creature without wings is truly intelligent. Fables of talking daemons must be discredited.)


 * (The Book of Administration> <dur anmurde vastim ui volde lem monte anvolde lem. ista ver ew behde. a ui nes tutim reski lem an min persa de ui. zentu ku an uiscar ansa por. a ni sa zentu ku an porcar. tu nes per te pri si kui re leinle. er duk anvolde lem, ew ark lem de via feltas. a duk lem ku lentas ew vervid.> (For countless ages, we winged ones have led the wingless ones. This is right and proper.*~ But we must always remember that they are no less valuable than we. A body with no head cannot move. But neither can a body with no legs. All must function in unity if anything is to be achieved. So guide the wingless ones, and keep them from paths of error. But guide them with respect.)


 * (The Book of Prosperity) <vas praetim, vas vidlem naksatilor kalle kodeks ante termur. ita rele vastim benommani. kodeks terle ante terort pritas, teresta re vidle pa lem nesde vasuis. vidlem terreg, monle pa naksatilor, juksarkle kodeks ku saeykt grav. sol lem ad omde vestas trak uis canle terpor ew leg kodeks. ante kodeks skrile pri ben ew ver res kui kuae. lem nes sol terpor kodeks, leg lem, ew inuislok lemde monuis aptade. ku verinde uis ew ankadsa ski, tu mante est ten un, or, ew us nesle re pos apta via. ista est desintas uide murom, ew ita uide zenmur sa per kodeks uisde ew bende. ista est kuauis kodeks est: re mon gar{ zenmur trak ultim benommani.> (Long ago, the great seer Naxatilor summoned the Codex into the world. Thus began the great time of prosperity. The Codex was placed within the Temple of Singularity, there to be viewed by those requiring its knowledge. The seers of the land, led by Naxatilor, protected the Codex with a forcefield. Only those upon sacred quests for wisdom are allowed to reach and read the Codex. Within the Codex is written the one right and true answer to any problem. One has but to reach the Codex, read it, and interpret its advice properly. With perfect wisdom and infallible knowledge, all that remains is to have the control, passion and diligence required to follow the proper course. These are the underpinnings of our society, and so our race is able to use the Codex wisely and well. This is the reason why the Codex exists: to lead the gargoyle race to ultimate prosperity.)


 * (The Book of Family) <kuatim betlem grespor de ov, lem inzenle anku vol. a vel de inzen lem sa ski si betlem re invas est volde au anvolde lem. anvolde lem ansa lok, ew anten skitas de volde lem. lem nes dukle. volde lem anmur, a lem kredonle ku skitas ew uis de zenmur. lem nes dukte. sek volde ew anvolde lem sal de mis ov, ew sek dete de mis xen. tu per ve pride tutas, re plu ben inten agratas trak temanitas ante uide termur.> (When a child hatches from his egg, he is born without wings. But even from birth one can tell whether a child will grow up to be a winged or a wingless one. The wingless ones cannot speak, and lack the intelligence of the winged ones. They must be guided. The winged ones are few, but they are entrusted with the intelligence and wisdom of the race. They must guide. Both winged and wingless ones spring from the same eggs, and both belong to the same family. All function as a single whole, to better maintain the struggle for survival in our world.)


 * (The Book of Circles) <tu rete ku qi aksi: un, or, ew us. de un sal traktas. de or sal sent. de us sal tepertas. a ista qi bentas an plu mag de sekde pen: un kuporte ku or re don mistas. or kuporte ku us re don leintas. ew us int ku un re don benintas. anai de un, or, ew us est anord. ita anai de aksi vidukte trak semde bentas, ord. qi aksi priinte re in pritas. ista est okde bentas, a lem mistim pri, kuauis kuante pritas sa venle tu aksi, ew ita tu bentas. kir ten an fin. lem teinte tutim, ku tu car parde mag te benfin de tutas. uide murom mis. lem mis teinte tutim, ku tu carzen, ew tu bentas, par car de priinle tutas.> (All begins with the three principles: Control, Passion and Diligence. From Control springs Direction. From Passion springs Feeling. From Diligence springs Persistence. But these three virtues are no more important than the other five: Control combines with Passion to give Balance. Passion combines with Diligence to yield Achievement. And Diligence joins with Control to provide Precision. The absence of Control, Passion and Diligence is Chaos. Thus the absence of the principles points toward the seventh virtue, Order. The three principles unify to form Singularity. This is the eighth virtue, but it is also the first, because within Singularity can be found all the principles, and thus all the virtues. A circle has no end. It continues forever, with all parts equally important in the success of the whole. Our society is the same. It too continues forever, with all members (and all virtues) equal parts of the unified whole.)

Miscellaneous

 * This way


 * Drop to your death!


 * That way


 * The Maze of Death!


 * Off limits


 * The bearer of this letter is granted permission to visit the solitary confinement cells in the Yew city jail. This permission is given by my hand this day. -- Lenora


 * Kafiristan Pass

Trivia

 * Burma Grave is a reference to Burma Shave, a brand of brushless shaving cream famous for posting rhyming billboards next to highways.


 * A floating pipe is a reference to the painting, The Treachery of Images by René Magritte.


 * The monks on a staircase are a reference to the painting, Ascending and Descending by M. C. Escher.


 * Many of the crypts in Moonglow are references to various Origin employees.


 * Knights of Legend, Tangled Tales, and Windwalker are references to other Origin titles.