Skiff
A skiff is a small rowing boat that can hold up to eight persons.
Description[edit]
Skiffs are made to travel over shallow waters where bigger ships cannot pass, and are also able to enter moderately deep waters in order to dock with said ships. However, deep seas are very dangerous for skiffs, and they tend to sink quickly under such conditions. Once skiffs became available, every shipwright has skiffs for sale, and if the adventurer actually buys a frigate, a skiff is already included in the price of the ship – since there otherwise would be no way to make landfall in most places.
History[edit]
Skiffs appeared for the first time in Ultima V, where the Avatar could either purchase one directly from a shipwright, or have it included with a frigate. They were necessary to reach the shallow waters that the larger frigates could not for making landfall. Lord British had also used a skiff on his expedition which could be found in the Underworld. In Ultima VI, skiffs gained the ability travel over all water surfaces, and in turn could no longer dock with frigates. However, to make up for that a strong companion now was able to carry the skiff to also safely pass underwater rivers that otherwise were impassable.
After that time, skiffs no longer were usable, and the ones encountered were either static (as in Ultima VIII) or part of a ferry system (as seen in Ultima IX).
Lore[edit]
| “ | Small double-lock rowboats, used as lifeboats on frigates, skiffs can make their way through all but the shallowest mud or swamp. Widely used for exploration of riverheads and mountain streams, they are also occasionally found being put to more recreational uses in townes. They provide a charming way to follow the little estuaries that crisscross Britannia. In fact, there are said to be little-known places unreachable by any other means. However, skiffs are unsafe on deep ocean waters. – from The Book of Lore (Ultima V)
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| “ | Several of the port towns along the shores of Britannia boast of craftsmen renowned for their dedication to the construction of safe, dependable sea vessels. Whether you need a small skiff to get upriver, or a mighty sailing vessel for open sea travel, the local shipwrights will be more than happy to discuss terms. It is wise to pay attention to information about local sea and wind conditions before setting out in a new craft. – from Compendium (Ultima VI)
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| “ | These are handy for getting around. A strong fellow like Dupre can carry one, if he's not too loaded down to start with. Having one with you is a good idea, particularly if you're exploring caves, where you may run across underground lakes or rivers. – from The Book of Prophecy (Ultima VI)
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The Ultima 6 Project[edit]
This is an Ultima 6 Project-related article or section. The information within may not apply to Ultima VI or other Ultima games.
In The Ultima 6 Project, the various shipwrights in Britania tell the Avatar, that due to the current war situation they do not have any skiffs to offer for sale. Dupre reacts with relief to this news, having feared the Avatar would force him to carry the skiff around. This banter is a reference to the original Ultima VI, where it indeed was the best idea to let Dupre carry the skiff, being the strongest character in the party.
Gallery[edit]
Skiff and frigate in Ultima V
Unusable skiff in Ultima VIII
Skiff used as a ferry in Ultima (and the warning against misuse)
