Wolves
| Wolves | |
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 Wolf, from Ultima VII manual. | |
| Variants: | Timber wolves |
| First appearance: | Ultima VI |
| Last appearance: | Ultima IX |
Wolves are large predatory canines that may be found in the wilds of a variety of worlds. They appear in Ultima VI, Ultima VII, Ultima VII Part Two and Ultima IX.
Description[edit]
The grey wolves of Britannia and Serpent Isle are similar to those of Earth: muscular and swift apex predators who hunt in packs. Unlike Terran wolves, however, which tend to be skittish and avoidant of mankind, the wolves of the Sosarian-descended planets will not hesitate to attack humans that impinge on their territories. Despite this, these ferocious lupines are not man-eaters by nature, and wayfarers who stay close to the roads and cities seldom have reason to fear marauding wolfpacks out for blood.
Timber Wolves[edit]
In the cold northern reaches of Serpent Isle, a sub-species of the common grey wolf, known as timber wolves, may be found stalking the arctic plains. These predators share the same mannerisms and hunting patterns of their darker-skinned cousins,and pose a danger to travelers who find themselves lost too long amongst the snow fields. There is some evidence that this breed also existed on Pagan at some point in time -given Morghrim's companion, Windrunner- although by the time of the Avatar's adventures on that dark world, no such animals could be found.
Wolves in Symbolism[edit]
Wolves, given their abilities as hunters and their reliance on group attack patterns, have come to occupy a unique space in the symbolic imagination of many cultures. Seen as relying more on cunning and skill than on brute strength, wolves are venerated by warriors and rogues alike, and at one point, they lent their name to one of the totemic Commands that divided the city of Serpent Islander city of Monitor. This order of knights, known as the Wolves, took on a philosophy of defending the greater mainland of the world from the encroaching goblin tribes, erecting a series of watch towers along the road between their city and Fawn. During their quest in the realm, the Avatar would join the Wolf Command such that they might gain acceptance from the Monitorian people, and the hero would receive a wolfskin cloak and emblematic tattoo in the course of initiation.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Both revered and feared, this canine lord stalks the high plains and forest alike on its quest for survival. Never, ever, put this wary beast in a threatening situation! Its bite is far worse than its mournful howl. – from Compendium (Ultima VI)
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| “ | This plains and forest hunter has long had the greatly undeserved reputation as a vicious predator. While wolfpacks do thin the weak and the sick from herds of wild animals, and while farmers must occasionally be wary of their curiosity, there is little to support the notion that these animals are bloodthirsty man-eaters. – from The Book of Fellowship (Ultima VII)
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| “ | Larger than either dog or fox, wolves are among the most efficient hunters of the wild, travelling in fearsome packs across the plains. Their prey of choice is other animals, from the rodent to the sheep, However, in desperation, a few have been known to set upon humans, though only when with the pack. |
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| “ | Aided by the cover of the land, wolf packs use their numbers wisely and do not lose their own in the pursuit of food. An acute sense of smell can lead a wolf for miles to a wounded animal. Wolves do not attack humans lest you travel alone. However, wolves are not unknown, and wherein wolves are present, a night watch should be kept. Larger variants do not fear man at all. |
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Notable Examples[edit]
- Windrunner: a companion to Morghrim of Pagan; appears in Ultima VII Part Two.
Trivia[edit]
- During Ultima IX, uncharacteristically hostile wolves appeared briefly on the Avatar's home world.