Grapple

The grapple is an important tool for mountain-climbing. It appears in Ultima V.

Description
Mountains pose a problem for most travellers, being that they are normally an impassable obstacle. With the right equipment, however, they become a surmountable - but less than simple - challenge. With a grapple, it is possible to climb over the mountains in question, with only the highest peaks still being impassable. There is always the danger of falling if the traveller isn't a skilled enough climber, but that is the price for this highly-desirable shortcut.

The grapple was seen (and is absolutely essential) during reign of the Shadowlords. After hearing rumors about it from the bard Bidney in Buccaneer's Den, the Avatar asked Lord Michael of Empath Abbey for the grapple and received it without any further hassle. Only with this piece of equipment could the quest be completed.

Ultima V: Lazarus
In Ultima V: Lazarus, the grapple can still be obtained from Lord Michael, but its use has been greatly simplified. When the party comes into possession of the grapple, large white arrows will appear throughout the land, indicating places in which the grapple can be used. If the player selects the arrow, they will be automatically transported to their destination without the risk of damage to the party.

Trivia

 * It's impossible to win without it, since many plot-critical areas can only be reached by mountain-climbing. Besides the whole of the Underworld, this also goes for Stonegate, Bordermarch, Windemere and the valley with the Glass Swords.