Shepherd
| Shepherd | |
|---|---|
 Shepherd | |
| Magic ability: | none |
| Bonus: | none |
Shepherds in Britannia have an unseeming and monotone job, but are the backbone of an entire field of agriculture.[Citation needed]
The Way of the Shepherd[edit]
They are persons who herd livestock for a living, expressly sheep. Their job holds little reward and no grounds for improvement. It is very monotonous work, but it is the backbone of much of the industry of Britannia. Thus, the shepherd is the true epitome of the virtue of Humility. Many shepherds live on the island of New Magincia, where there is plenty of open land on the island for their sheep to graze. Their knowledge of the land, and their simple unassuming nature, makes them a steadfast companion on any adventure.
Most shepherds are unskilled in any form of combat, and few ever receive formal training in the mystic arts. Most are proficient with only the basics needed to protect their flocks, such as staves, daggers, or a simple sling. Leather armour is sometimes the strongest protection a shepherd can afford or desire. On the rare occasion shepherds have had a more perilous fate thrust upon them, some have opted to secure sturdier protection.
Statistics[edit]
In Ultima IV, shepherds cannot use magic. The best normal armour they can wear is leather and the best normal weapons they can wield are a sword and a sling.
In Ultima V, shepherds have zero mana and cannot perform magic. There are no more restrictions on armor and weapons, and surprisingly, the shepherds of this time are quite capable fighters.
In Ultima VI, shepherds continue to have no magical power.
In Ultima IX, the shepherd receives +15 karma and the Crook of Charming as a starting bonus, meaning that one attribute cannot be risen to the maximum.
Examples[edit]
Considering their virtue, shepherds in general avoid anything having to do with fame, but some are known nonetheless:
- Katrina. one of the Companions of the Avatar.
- Aurendir, a humble shepherd knowing the mantra.
- Dorin, a shepherd in Paws.
- Landri, a shepherd guarding the back entrance to Hythloth.
Lore[edit]
| “ | It is uncertain whether the Shepherds are skilled in any form of warfare or in the mystic arts. However, they are highly valued traveling companions for their humility and their knowledge of the ways of the land. – from The History of Britannia (Ultima IV)
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| “ | And paladins, shepherds, and rangers, long having fought valiantly at the side of the elite fighters from the Valorian Isles, are generally associated with fighters. – from Book of Lore (Ultima V)
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| “ | I have given some thought to the introduction of sheep into the Abyss, and for that reason would like to encourage shepherds to make their way to our isle. Herders vary widely in their training, some being adept at certain weapons or even spells, but the one certain attribute of every shepherd is a degree of humility which would be most welcome here. – from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus (Ultima Underworld)
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| “ | Shepherds are drawn from fiercely independent rural peoples. Often forced to fight wild animals and hostile neighbors to defend their flocks, their simplicity and humility can be deceptive. They vary widely in their abilities; some are skilled in folk magic, others in combat, still others in stealth and woodcraft. |
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See Also[edit]
| The Major Professions | |
|---|---|
| The Professions | Mage ☥ Bard ☥ Fighter ☥ Druid ☥ Tinker ☥ Paladin ☥ Ranger ☥ Shepherd ☥ Avatar |