Virtues in Ultima IV

The Virtue system of Ultima IV is fascinating but complex. This article lists all of the actions that affect the player's tally of virtue. To become a partial Avatar in one virtue, 99 points have to be gathered. Also included here are tips on how to quickly raise a particular Virtue, the mantras for each and how to learn them, and the locations of the corresponding runes.

Honesty

"Take not the gold of others found in towns and castles for yours it is not!"

"Cheat not the merchants and peddlers for tis an evil thing to do!"

• +2 ... being honest to blind reagents woman by paying the correct sum to her or overpaying

• -1 ... stealing (open a chest in a town or castle)

• -X ... cheating blind reagents woman by paying less than demanded, in proportion to the amount underpaid.

The fastest way to rise Honesty is to buy reagents in quantities of 1 and always pay correctly. This saves money and, if done often enough (best buy something cheap like garlic), this virtue can be maxed out early.

Mantra: ahm – learned from Cromwell.

Rune: found under Mariah's chest (only search, opening counts as stealing).

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Compassion

"Kill not the non-evil beasts of the land, and do not attack the fair people!"

"Give of thy purse to those who beg and thy deed shall not be forgotten!"

• +2 ... giving money to beggar (sum does not influence gain)

• +2 ... fleeing from non-evil enemy

• +1 ... letting non-evil creatures flee

• -5 ... attacking non-evil creatures

The best way to gain Compassion points is to always give a little gold to beggars. However, one way to raise the virtue is to let Nate the Snake in Magincia attack and then flee; as he is considered non-evil, this doesn't lower Valor. This can be repeated again and again, since he regenerates as long as he isn't killed. Note that the non-evil rule only counts in random combat encounters and not in dungeon rooms.

Mantra: mu – learned from Cricket.

Rune: found in dead end in Britain.

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Valor

"Victories scored over evil creatures help to build a valorous soul!"

"To flee from battle with less than grievous wounds often shows a coward!"

• +0/1 (random)... winning a battle with an enemy (evil)

• -2 ... entire party fleeing from evil enemy

• -2 ... a character with full health fleeing from an evil enemy

Fairly obvious mechanics and will raise naturally without special attention since there is lots of fighting in the game. Note also that the non-evil rule only counts in random combat encounters and not dungeon rooms.

Mantra: ra – learned from Aesop.

Rune: found in northwestern tower in Jhelom.

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Justice

"To take the gold of others is injustice not soon forgotten. Take only thy due!"

"Attack not a peaceful citizen for that action deserves strict punishment!"

"Kill not a non-evil beast for they deserve not death, even if in hunger they attack thee!"

• +2 ... being honest to blind reagents woman by paying the correct sum to her (it is also rumored that overpaying is worth even more points)

• +2 ... fleeing from non-evil creature

• +1 ... letting non-evil creatures flee

• -1 ... stealing (opening) a chest in a town or castle

• -3 ... attacking non-evil creatures

• -X... cheating blind reagents woman by paying less than demanded, in proportion to the amount underpaid.

Again, the trick with Nate the snake in Magincia works here, as well as avoiding non-evil creatures. If, on the other hand, a snake initiates combat, there is no loss in Honor to the Stranger. Note again, the non-evil rule only counts in random combat encounters and not dungeon rooms.

Mantra: beh – learned from Silent.

Rune: Found in jail cell in Yew.

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Sacrifice

"To give thy last gold piece unto the needy shows good measure of self-sacrifice!"

"For thee to flee and leave thy companions is a self-serving action to be avoided!"

"To give of thy life's blood so that others may live is a virtue of great praise!"

• +5 ... giving blood (health) at a healer

• +1 ... getting killed in battle

• -2 ... a character with full health fleeing from an evil enemy

• -5 ... not giving blood at the healer

This virtue can be raised quickly by donating blood in Castle Britannia until the healer no longer solicits donations. Then petition Lord British for his healing powers, which then qualifies the Stranger to donate more blood.

Mantra: cah – learned from Singsong.

Rune: Found in the midst of the furnace of the blacksmith of Minoc.

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Honor

"Take not the gold of others for this shall bring dishonor upon thee!"

"To strike first a non-evil being is by no means an honorable deed!"

"Seek ye to solve the many Quests before thee, and honor shall be a reward!"

• +5 ... solving quests (finding items)

• +3 ... giving all money to a beggar (does not work in DOS version)

• +2 ... being honest to herbs (reagents) woman by paying the correct sum to her.

• -1 ... stealing (open) a chest in a town or castle

• -3 ... attacking non-evil creatures

• -X... cheating blind reagents woman by paying less than demanded, in proportion to the amount underpaid.

Honor is very easy to develop. Beside using the same trick as with Honesty, finding quest items will raise it over time without special attention. If, on the other hand, a snake initiates combat, there is no loss in Honor to the Stranger.

Mantra: summ – learned from Kline.

Rune: Found in SW corner of Trinsic beyond the poison fields.

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Spirituality

"Seek ye to know thyself. Visit the seer often for he can see into thy inner being!"

"Meditation leads to enlightenment Seek ye all Wisdom and Knowledge!"

• +(3 x cycle) ... meditating at a shrine

• +3 ... talking to Hawkwind the Seer

• -3 ... using the wrong mantra at a shrine

All successful meditation and consultations with Hawkwind will raise Spirituality over time without special attention.

Mantra: om - learned from Barren.

Rune: Found in SE corner of the treasury of Castle Britannia (just search, opening counts as stealing).

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Humility

"Claim not to be that which thou art not. Humble actions speak well of thee!"

"Strive not to wield the Great Force of Evil for its power will overcome thee!"

• +10... Answering questions by NPCs with humility

• -5 ... Boastful talk when talking to NPCs

There is a guard in the northwest corner of Castle Britannia whom the Stranger can deny being a valiant warrior over and over again.

Mantra: lum – learned by reversing the mantra of Pride, which is learned from Faultless.

Rune: Found in SE corner Paws in the hills.

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All Virtues

• +10... Throwing the Skull of Mondain into the Abyss
• -5 ... Using the Skull of Mondain