Oak Grove
The Oak Grove is a sacred site found at Empath Abbey. It existed briefly, appearing in Ultima IV and being absent from the abbey grounds by the time of Ultima V.
Description[edit]
Within the confines of the oak grove, truth-seekers of the various professions whose virtue descended from Love came to engage in study and meditation. During the time of the Stranger's quest toward Avatarhood, Derek the bard, Deirdre the druid, Thomas the tinker, and Lastro the ranger could all be found in contemplation here. A counselor, Diane was also present, helping those to achieve the insights they sought. Eventually, once the Stranger had attained partial Avatarhood in all eight of the Virtues, Sir Simon would reveal to the aspirant adventurer that the Mystic Armour lay hidden within the grove, and the hero was thereafter able to retrieve it before their descent into the Abyss.[1]
Lore[edit]
| “ | Be sure to visit the Oak Grove, a spot of wonderous tranquility. Mark ye well that all is not always as it might seem in the Abbey as in other places... even that which has the appearance of lifeless matter my be of some aid to thee in thy seeking. – from The Way of the Avatar (Ultima IV)
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Trivia[edit]
- In the novelization of Ultima IV in Ultima: The Avatar Adventures, the Stranger (here portrayed as a male) describes a deep and immediate feeling of platonic love for all around him as he enters the grove, which serves to strengthen the romantic infatuation he has developed for his companion, Jaana.[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ Sir Simon. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima IV transcript. Ultima IV. "mystic".
- ↑ DeMaria, Rusel et al. "Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar". Ultima: The Avatar Adventures (Ultima IV). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1992. Page 52.