Dark Path
The Dark Path is a network of interconnected passageways residing in the Ethereal Void. It can be accessed by use of a serpent jawbone and allow adventurers to quickly traverse the Serpent Isle. It appears in Ultima VII Part Two.
History[edit]
It was constructed by the hierophants under guidance from the three mystical Serpents to facilitate travel between the various Shrines and temples. In conjunction with a serpent jawbone, it is possible to use one of many serpent gates to teleport to the hub of these passageways. Each tooth in the jawbone enables admission to a particular serpent gates on the Dark Path, which in turn leads back to its corresponding location on Serpent Isle itself.
The Avatar exploited the Dark Path's network in Ultima VII Part Two as a means to travel unhindered around Serpent Isle.
Mechanics[edit]
In order to enter the Dark Path the adventurer requires a serpent jawbone. In order to exit the Dark Path at the desired location, a corresponding tooth is needed. Placing this tooth in the jawbone will open a door to the appropriate serpent gate. The jawbone (originally in Erstam’s possession, and later obtained by the Avatar) enables teleportation by just using a serpent gate. The teeth are small and difficult to find. Here is a list of where to find them:
| Gate Destination | Tooth Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fawn | Vasculio’s hideout | |
| Furnace | Rotoluncia’s manor | |
| Northern Forest | Vasculio's hideout | |
| Isle of Crypts | given by Xenka | she must first return after her return[Clarification needed] |
| Isles of the Mad Mage | given by Erstam | |
| Monitor | body in the park of Furnace | |
| Monk Isle | given by Erstam | |
| Moonshade | given by Erstam | |
| Inn of the Sleeping Bull | Batlin’s remains | |
| Temple of Discipline | Batlin’s remains | |
| Temple of Emotion | Torrisio’s manor | after the Banes are freed |
| Temple of Enthusiasm | Batlin’s remains | |
| Temple of Ethicality | Gustacio’s manor | after the Banes are freed |
| Temple of Logic | Batlin’s remains | |
| Temple of Tolerance | given by Stefano (or found in his mansion) | after the Banes are freed |
| Shrine of Balance | Yenani | after returning her locket from Hazard after the Banes are freed |
| Skullcrusher | Batlin’s remains | |
| Spinebreaker | Batlin’s remains |
Lore[edit]
| “ | What I discovered amazed me. The Serpents of Balance, Order and Chaos aided the Hierophants in construction of a series of passageways through the Ethereal Void. These passageways allowed the Hierophants easy transportation between the various shrines and temples across the island. This aided the Hierophants in their day-to-day oversight of the island, as well as allowing for quick movement should they ever come under attack. They knew this passageway as the "Dark Path.” The Hierophants moved from place to place by what they called “Serpent Gate”. They used something called the “Serpent’s Jaw” and the “Serpent’s Teeth”. Whether or not these were the actual jawbone and teeth of some giant serpent, I know not. Each “tooth” was bonded to a particular location within the Dark Path. – from Balancing the Scales (Ultima VII Part Two)
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Map[edit]
The paths are not marked in-game so a marked map is helpful.
Gallery[edit]
Sketch of the Dark Path
Labeled map directly from the game engine
