Voldin

Voldin
Voldin, from Ultima VII Part Two
Species:	human
Appearances
Ultima VII Part Two Location: Fawn

Voldin is head of the Great Captains of Fawn, a city on the Serpent Isle. He appears in Ultima VII Part Two.

Description

Like most of the men of Fawn, Voldin was a sea captain of a fishing vessel by trade. A brutal taskmaster, he was not particularly well loved by his crew. When a seat opened among the Great Captains (the three principle advisers to the ruler of Fawn), they rallied to get him a seat. This was to remove him from his duties at sea, under the pretense that this was due to his service to the city. He would eventually become the senior member of the Captains and easily control the other two (Joth and Garth).

Known for being politically ambitious, Voldin conspired with Kylista, the Priestess of Beauty, to directly control the revelations of the Oracle of Fawn. Using a system of mechanical levers, the two of them were able to secretly control the Oracle. Between this and Lady Yelinda's weak will, Voldin became the true power in Fawn. The other Great Captains and much of the citizenry were aware who the power behind the throne was, but were unaware of how deep Voldin's influence ran.

When the Avatar’s party declared allegiance to Lord British, the outspoken member was quickly jailed and put on trial. As Voldin prosecuted the case, the Avatar discovered the secret chamber where Voldin's controls were located, as he was operating them. Voldin attempted to slay the Avatar with a decorative sword, but was quickly cut down.

Lore

“

The Great Captains, Delphynia explained, served as advisors to Lady Yelinda, the leader of Fawn. Their names were Joth, Garth and Voldin. ... As I approached them, they interrupted their conversation and looked at me expectantly. I told them I was looking for information on their city. They took the time to tell me that their job was to deal with the day-to-day running of the city so that their fair leader, Lady Yelinda, would not have to be bothered with such mundane matters. They also told me that Kylista served their city as the Priestess of Beauty, and gave me directions to the temple so that I might meet with her. Although they were polite and helpful, their attitude was somewhat patronizing. – from Balancing the Scales (Ultima VII Part Two)

Trivia

• A search of Voldin's home in the northeastern area of the city will uncover a selection of plate and mail armour and 55 filari.

• Voldin's death is not essential to the plot. Once exposed, he will be jailed with his co-conspirator Kylista. In that event, he reveals much about the Oracle's background:

"So thou hast come to pity me, eh, (player name)? Well, I'm not done yet! Surely, thou dost not think that Leon the Preacher and Alyssand the Weaver have won? They don't have the strength to govern. Give it time. Perhaps three moons. And then the people will clamor for the old ways, and remember Voldin in his jail cell. Then I shall rule as I always deserved, as King of Fawn! The Oracle hath always been a fraud! Dost thou not comprehend? Even in our ancient homeland, the Statue of Beauty was controlled by the Great Captains. It said what we told it to. For centuries, the women of our culture have believed themselves to be divine. Yet the men governed secretly, through the revelations issued by the Oracle. Thou hast destroyed a great tradition, foreigner! It was glorious, while it lasted..."

If the Avatar is male, he has even more to say:

"Learn from our experience, Avatar! Women are easily controlled by their vanity. Tell them that they are superior -- and then manipulate them. That's the key! The females of our race are exceedingly willful, yet they lack common sense. Without men to dominate them, they would ruin everything."

He also has something to say to Kylista:

"Such a clever threat, girl! Dost thou not realize that thou dost live at my pleasure? Fear not -- so long as the nights remain cold, I shall have a use for thee..."