De Snel
| De Snel | |||||
 De Snel, from Ultima VII | |||||
| Species: | human | ||||
| Profession: | trainer | ||||
| Appearances | |||||
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Master De Snel is a trainer and the head of the prestigious fighting academy, the Library of Scars, in Jhelom and a former chief assassin for the Fellowship. Encountered by the Avatar in Ultima VII, De Snel’s past comes back to haunt him when the hero investigates a murder in Minoc linked to his academy. His talent as a fighter, coupled with his ruthless nature, makes him a dangerous adversary.
Description[edit]
De Snel’s ruthless nature, honed during his time as the Fellowship's chief assassin (a position later filled by Hook),[1] continues to manifest itself in his role as head of the Library of Scars. His methods of combat instruction reflect his violent past, and the academy's prestige grants him significant political sway within Jhelom. Even Mayor Joseph fears direct confrontation with the headstrong fighter, believing it would likely result in his own assassination disguised as a duel.[2][3]
If questioned by the Avatar about a serpentine dagger found at a murder site in Minoc – a weapon whose style is characteristic of the Library – De Snel claims it was stolen. Realizing the hero might connect him to Hook's crimes, he then challenges the Avatar to a "demonstration" of his skills, attacking regardless of whether or not his offer is accepted.[4]
Lore[edit]
| “ | De Snel teaches at the Library of Scars. His subject matter should be obvious from the name of his academy. His skill in sword-play has attracted students from all over Britannia. – from Key to the Black Gate (Ultima VII)
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Services[edit]
De Snel offers the following training services:[5]
| Points | Benefit | Cost (gp) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | +2 Combat | 40 |
Trivia[edit]
- De Snel's counterpart in reality is Dallas Snell, who was executive producer of Ultima VII. Snell also appears earlier in Martian Dreams as Dallas Garrett, a bodyguard hired by Nikola Tesla to accompany him on his rescue mission to Mars.
- In Ultima Underworld II, Syria will reminisce about the hero's duel with De Snel, implying that questioning him about the serpentine dagger and killing him in the resultant battle in Ultima VII is canonical, even though it is an optional action within the game itself.
- In the SNES-port of Ultima VII, De Snel is portrayed as less bloodthirsty, and is glad to resolve the affair with Sprellic, even knowing that the new honor flag being offered to the Library is a facsimile.[6]
Gallery[edit]
De Snel meeting his end
References[edit]
- ↑ Danag. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "De Snel".
- ↑ De Snel. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "fighters, job, Jhelom, potential, weaponry".
- ↑ Joseph. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "challenge, get involved".
- ↑ De Snel. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "dagger, murder site".
- ↑ Morris, Andrew P. Ultima VII Clue Book (Ultima VII). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1992. Page 51.
- ↑ De Snel. Ultima VII SNES transcript. Ultima VII. "banner, Sprellic".