Lap-Lem
| Lap-Lem | |||||
 Lap-Lem, from Ultima VII | |||||
| Species: | gargoyle | ||||
| Appearances | |||||
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Lap-Lem is a wingless gargoyle working in the Vesper mine in Ultima VII.
Description[edit]
Lap-Lem was the sole gargish miner in Vesper, remaining in the employ of the Britannian Mining Company after others, like Anmanivas, had left in the face of the overwhelming racial bigotry present among the human Vesperians. Saddened by his former co-worker's bitterness, Lap-Lem would admit that he had considered quitting as well, but claimed that he needed the continued income to survive. Like many gargoyles, the tensions of the segregated settlement took a toll on the worker and he worried greatly about an escalation to violence between the two races.[1] Nevertheless, members of his community such as Ansikart and For-Lem spoke highly of his continued tolerance of human prejudices, and considered his behavior in the face of it admirable.[2][3]
Should the Avatar speak to Blorn and learn of the man's accusations that Lap-Lem had assaulted him, the hero could take the matter to the mild-mannered laborer. When confronted about the incident, the gargoyle would admit that he had been in an altercation with Blorn, but claimed that he had acted in self-defense when the human had robbed him of an amulet of sentimental value. If the Avatar returned to Blorn, applying pressure on the thief to surrender the stolen property would yield success, earning the hero Lap-Lem's respect and thanks when it was returned to him.[4]
Lore[edit]
| “ | The mining company began to hire Gargoyles because they lack intelligence and work cheaply. Being so far away, they have no idea how poorly the pitiful beasts work. I am surprised Cador and Mara are willing to continue working with the one that is still there. What is his name ... Lap-Lem, I believe. At least Cador had the good sense to get rid of the other one after a few months. – from Key to the Black Gate (Ultima VII)
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Trivia[edit]
- In an earlier draft of the Ultima VII's plot, this character was named "Austinium."[5]
- Lap-Lem translates to "Rock One" or "Stony One" in Gargish, although Blorn incorrectly claims that his name means "Man Slayer." ("Man Slayer" would be rendered as something akin to "Hiuman-In-Korp-Lem.")
- The hero may, of course, opt to slay Lap-Lem on Blorn's behalf, which will draw congratulations from his avowed enemy.[6]
- In the SNES-port of Ultima VII, Lap-Lem will reward the Avatar with helpful information after the return of his amulet, recommending the hero should seek to befriend the Emps of the Deep Forest.[7]
References[edit]
- ↑ Lap-Lem. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "conflicts, job, only miner, race, town".
- ↑ Ansikart. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "Lap-Lem, tolerance".
- ↑ For-Lem. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "others".
- ↑ Lap-Lem. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "Blorn, give amulet".
- ↑ Morris, Andrew. Ultima: The Black Gate 1.0: City Plots Vesper, Moonglow, Empath Abbey/Yew. June 6, 1991.
- ↑ Blorn. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "Lap-Lem".
- ↑ Lap-Lem. Ultima VII SNES transcript. Ultima VII. "help".