James (U7)

James is the owner and proprietor of the Wayfarer's Inn in Britain during Ultima VII.

Description
James lacked the natural interpersonal charisma which might have suited him to his job as an innkeeper, making it clear to the Avatar if spoken to that he saw his job as a burden. Weary of tending to the needs of others and listening to the complaints of guests, James day-dreamed of seeking a life of adventure in Buccaneer's Den, fantasizing about leading a romantic life as a pirate. To further compound his dissatisfaction, the dour man was concerned about his wife, Cynthia, fearing that her job at the Royal Mint would lead her to hunger for more than the modest capital he earned from his father's inn, given the vast quantities of gold she processed each day.

Should the Avatar wish, the hero could speak to Cynthia about her husband, learning in the process that the devoted wife was worried about her partner's seeming unhappiness. She would ask that the hero relay to James that she cared for him very deeply, despite the time they spent apart each day. Should the Avatar bring the disgruntled innkeeper these tidings of his wife's affection, the normally gruff man would soften, obviously touched by Cynthia's sentiments, and would appear to find new contentment in the assurance of his spouse's love.

Trivia

 * Diane, one of James' friends who voices concern over his unhappiness, will mention that she believes he's infatuated with Cynthia - implying that she isn't aware that they are, in fact, married.
 * According to design documents for Ultima VII, James was at one point to have been a barkeep at Britain's inn rather than the innkeeper, himself, with an unused NPC known as "Jenkins" serving as the the establishment's actual owner.