Dark Path
The Dark Path is a huge network of interconnected passageways residing in the Ethereal Void.
History[edit]
It was constructed by the Hierophants under guidance from the three Serpents to facilitate swift, convenient travel between the various Shrines and temples on Serpent Isle. 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 Gate 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.
How it Works[edit]
The Dark Path is an excellent way to travel fast on the Serpent Isle; however, a Serpent Jawbone is needed to enter it. Also, the fitting teeth are needed to open the doors inside the path, which block the way to the exit gates. The Serpent Jawbone (originally in Erstam's possession, and later obtained by the Avatar) enables teleport by just using a Serpent Gate. However, the teeth have to be found for the doors inside the path, and then placed into the jawbone. The teeth are small and difficult to find. Here is a list of where to find them:
| Target Location | Tooth Location |
|---|---|
| Fawn | Vasculio's hideout |
| Furnace | Rotoluncia's manor |
| Northern Forest | Vasculio's hideout |
| Isle of Crypts | given by Xenka after her return |
| 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 |
| Skullcrusher | Batlin's remains |
| Spinebreaker | Batlin's remains |
| Sunrise Isle | Yenani after returning her locket from Hazard (after the Banes are freed) |
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 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 any way, so here is a map of the Dark Path and where the various gates lead to.
Gallery[edit]
Sketch of the Dark Path
Labeled map directly from the game engine
