Underworld

---

This article is about an underground formation in Britannia last seen in Ultima VI. For other uses, see Ultima Underworld (disambiguation).

---

Underworld
The Underworld in Ultima V
Located in:	Britannia
Type:	cave system
The Underworld as seen on Apple II disk label

As the name implies, the Underworld lies deep within Britannia, a system of huge caves and tunnels and the breeding ground for horrible monsters.

History

The Underworld was discovered in Ultima V by a band of adventurers who found an entrance in the Spiritwood. It was huge, and could be reached from each of the seven dungeons, since their grounds had collapsed after Ultima IV. Lord British was intrigued by the adventurer's tales and mounted an expedition into the Underworld where he was captured by the Shadowlords.

In Ultima VI, the Underworld had mostly collapsed, causing catastrophe in the Realm of the Gargoyles.

For a solution to the problem, see Objectives in the Underworld.

Lore

“

We embark again, following a navigable stream south. After a short distance, a tributary branches off to the east, but we continue south. The cavern walls now tower above us, dimly reflecting our torchlight. ... Finally, we pass into a small, tranquil lake. We land on the south shore and examine the area. Though a large fissure in the cliff walls provides a land exit to the south, no navigable waterway leaves the cavern. There is no choice: we shoulder our remaining provisions and continue on foot through the fissure. The rough ride over the falls has eliminated another option: if we ever return to Britannia, it will not be by retracing our steps. The path leaving the cavern is at first swampy and tedious to walk upon, but the way becomes easier as we leave the lake behind. Soon the path curves north again and we come upon a great cavern with an uneven rock ceiling many stories high. We are now walking on yellow grass-like growth. – from Journey to the Underworld (Ultima V)

Inhabitants

• Captain Johne

Places of Interest

• Ararat
• Dungeon Doom

Trivia

• While the Underworld in Ultima V does have the exact same size as the overworld, it essentially is a massive red herring, as despite its size the objectives to be achieved in it are limited to exactly seven tasks: finding the three shards, Captain Johne, the amulet, the mystic armour and weapons and then entering Dungeon Doom.

Gallery

• 

  Discovery of the Underworld, from the FM Towns Ultima V introduction

• 

  The doomed expedition, from the FM Towns Ultima V introduction

• 

  The Underworld in the manual of the NES-port of Ultima V

---

Geography