Ssithnos

Ssithnos was the last Great Hierophant of Balance, in the time of the Ophidians on Serpent Isle. Not much is known about his life, besides the fact that he was the Great Hierophant at the time when the Great Earth Serpent was abducted from the Ethereal Void.

Right before his death, Ssithnos wrote a letter titled Principles of Balance, trying to preserve the philosophy of the Ophidians for the future, and to ask for help in repairing the Imbalance. The letter in its entirety can be read above.

Soon after writing his letter, Order forces stormed his keep. His death was blamed on the followers of Chaos, giving Order an excuse to storm Skullcrusher and murder the inhabitants, beginning the War of Imbalance. From all evidence gathered, it becomes clear that Calithiss had led her people against Ssithnos, and afterwards blamed Chaos in an attempt to gain full power for Order over the Serpent Isle. Ssithnos was entombed on the Isle of Crypts.

Ssithnos letter was found by Erstam years later. He transcribed it into the book Beyond the Serpent Pillars. The Avatar, at the beginning of Ultima VII Part Two, found this letter. The Avatar later travelled to the Isle of Crypts, and it was there that the Avatar spoke with Ssithnos via the Summon Shade spell, to learn what to do to restore Balance. After that, Ssithnos' soul escaped to the void, finally at peace.