Backpack

The Avatar checks her backpack in Ultima VII

A backpack is the best way for an adventurer to transport much gear without being hindered. They appear in Ultima VI, Martian Dreams, Ultima Underworld, Ultima VII, Ultima Underworld II, Ultima VII Part Two, Ultima VIII and Ultima IX.

Description

Backpacks can carry large amounts of equipment, tools, provisions and cargo. Worn on the back, it not only does not hinder the adventurer's movement in any way, but allows transportation of numerous items without problem. It is therefore a necessary part of an adventurer’s equipment.

History

Backpacks were first available for purchase in Ultima VI, although during that time they were only used as a way to have extra space to carry more things, since space in the character inventory was limited. Backpacks served the same sole purpose in Martian Dreams. In the Underworld-titles having a backpack became critical because otherwise the Avatar could not carry more than 10 items at the same time. Thankfully, they were in both instances supplied with one early on. Starting with Ultima VII, backpacks were freely available for purchase, while in Ultima VII Part Two, every character already came equipped with one, thus purchasing one was not needed – though they could still be purchased.

From Ultima VIII onwards, the backpack became an integral part of the interface and could not normally be un-equipped. In Ultima IX, the backpack would be confiscated in plot events, severely hampering progress until getting it back.

Trivia

• In Ultima IX, Blackthorn takes away the Avatar’s backpack at one point in the game. The game progress is seriously hindered by this. When the player gets it back, its contents are in disarray. The backpack can also be taken away by the guards in Wrong when arresting the Avatar.
• From Ultima VII onward, size and mass of item caused constraints. This was only changed in Ultima IX.
• The backpack in Ultima IX can hold exactly 20 items, regardless of mass and size. Thus the need for bags to get more storage space. The backpack, as seen, also holds the journal, spellbook, map and all arrows. The rolled-up map is not the Ultima IX map. Instead, it's from Ultima Online.

Gallery

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  The Avatar's backpack in Ultima VIII

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  The backpack in Ultima IX

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  Losing the backpack in Ultima IX

See Also

• Bag