Armoury
Armouries are shops that sell both, weapons and armour, to the adventurer.
Description[edit]
Britannia's armouries – producers of both, weapons and armour – are a key factor in the security and prosperity of the land. Providing both armaments and armour for the valiant and employment for armourers and blacksmiths, these shops offer high quality armour and weaponry of many types – although most often not missile weapons, which instead fletchers and bowyers offer for sale. Most armouries will consider buying used equipment, as they recognize the likelihood that one will then need new. The prices they will pay do vary, but expect not nearly full value.
The selection of goods sold also vary among armouries; shoppers may have to visit many of them to find the wares they seek. Prices vary.
History[edit]
Age of Enlightenment[edit]
During the earliest Age of Enlightenment in Ultima IV, armouries did not yet exist as weapons and armour each were sold in separate shops, the weapon shop and armour shop. Only during the dictatorship at the time of Ultima V were both merged into one single business, offering weapons and armour from one source. This situation essentially stayed the same in Ultima VI as well.
Age of Armageddon[edit]
By the Age of Armageddon in Ultima VII, some provisioners had also taken to sell some armour and weapons – although of course their catalogue was very small compared to what the real armouries had to offer, which despite the long peacetime had flourished. However, during that time, the armouries were not buying used weapons and armour – possibly due to the market being saturated. Even the Great Cataclysm did not manage to harm this business and armouries were still found in Britannia even in Ultima IX, with the blacksmiths still offering a mix of weapons and armour for sale.
Other Worlds[edit]
On the Serpent Isle, the only armoury was located in the city of Monitor, where the warrior arts were taught, run by Standarr, while Pothos in Moonshade sold some magic weapons and armour parts. On Pagan, the only armoury was run by the blacksmith Korick.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Sosarian metalsmiths know no peer. From a simple carved mace, reinforced with good iron, to the most exquisite greatswords of tempered steel, the weapons of the Realm are truly works of art. 'Tis rumored that some of the arms one may find in the distant reaches of our land surpass all belief. – from The First Age of Darkness (Ultima I)
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| “ | The tailors of protective garments await your pleasure in the armories of Sosaria. The finest craftsmen in the Realm will swiftly fit you in a suit made of worked leather or metal. Price varies according to the level of protection offered. – from The First Age of Darkness (Ultima I)
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| “ | Buy and sell superbly handcrafted weapons. Each weapon is guaranteed not to break for 1,000 fights, or thy next of kin gets double thy purchase price back. – from The Book of Play (Ultima III: Exodus)
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| “ | Buy fine armor, or trade in captured booty for gold. Please note that anytime thou dost sell armor or weapons, thou needst to re-equip thyself afterwards. – from The Book of Play (Ultima III: Exodus)
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| “ | Here one may purchase the finest in weaponry that blacksmiths can forge. [...] The weapon shops also offer liberal trade-ins on used equipment, although if thy axe is greatly notched from battle, do not expect much for it. |
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| “ | Fine armour may be purchased in the armouries of Britannia. 'Tis just the item to keep highwaymen from slipping a dirk into thy ribs! [...] The armouries will likewise offer trade-ins on used armour, although most would not consider them liberal. By the time most fighters get around to seeking improved armour, the old armour is almost completely falling apart, and its principal value is as scrap for the foundries. |
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| “ | Armouries provide a market for both weapons and armour. Most armouries will consider buying used equipment, as they recognize the likelihood that one will then need new. The prices they will pay vary, but expect not nearly full value, as they must make a profit on resale. The types of goods sold also vary among armouries; shoppers may have to visit many armouries to find the wares they seek. |
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| “ | Britannia's armouries are a key factor in the security and prosperity of the land. Providing both armaments for the valiant and employment for armourers and blacksmiths, these shops offer high quality amour and weaponry of nay types. Most armourers will gladly repurchase used equipment, though usually at prices far lower than originally paid for them. – from Compendium (Ultima VI: The False Prophet)
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| “ | Here one may purchase armour and shields made for the protection of a fighting man in combat. Most armourers will also sell weapons, thus completely preparing any would-be fighter. Armour is generally sold piecemeal, but certain armourers have been known to sell entire suits at a cheaper price than the total cost of each individual piece. |
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| “ | Those hard-working men and women who toil long over the anvil deserve some mention, for the ability to work metal is not a common skill. Some smiths, called weaponsmiths or armourers, work specifically on forging and selling arms and armour. Others make utensils for eating, chopping and construction. Some have called the smith’s skill magic. While we know better than to think any spell craft is involved, the compliment is, indeed, well deserved. |
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| “ | As any member of the militia is sure to admit, finding good weapons and armour is extremely important. Even though the Zealan raids ended some time ago, there is always need for arms to protect against the wilds of nature. The weaponsmith forges and sells all sorts of swords, axes, maces and hammers, in addition to a wide assortment of armour and shields. However, being a metalworker, the smith rarely sells lighter forms of protection. Fortunately for those who have taken an oath to police and protect the city, the current captain of the the guard crafts armour from toraxen hides, and has been known to offer his wares for sale upon request. – from The Chronicle of Pagan (Ultima VIII: Pagan)
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Gallery[edit]
Darkwatch Armoury in Ultima V
The Paladin’s Protectorate in Ultima VI
Zorn's armoury in Ultima VII
Korick's armoury in Ultima VIII
See Also[edit]
| Shops | |
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| Shops | Apothecary ☥ Armoury ☥ Bakery ☥ Clothier ☥ Fletchers and bowyers ☥ Grocery Healer ☥ Inn ☥ Jeweler ☥ Provisioner ☥ Shipwright ☥ Stables ☥ Tavern ☥ Trainer |
| Shops of Old | Armour shop ☥ Magic shop ☥ Oracle ☥ Weapon shop |