Ultima VII Part 12: Love Triangle
Ultima VII: The Black Gate
Part 12: Love Triangle
Since we've made the world safe from that computer demon Exodus once again, let's get back on the trail of Elizabeth and Abraham.
This is Moonglow. Let's see who is around.
Who are you?
M-M-Morz.
What do you do?
I work with C-C-Cubolt, f-f-farming here.
Who is Cubolt?
He is T-T-Tolemac's older br-br-brother. I t-t-trust him.
Who is Tolemac?
T-T-Tolemac is m-m-my f-f-friend. I've kn-kn-known h-h-him f-f-for a long t-t-time. He just joined The F-F-Fellowship. He wants m-m-me t-t-to join, t-t-too.
Do you want to join the Fellowship?
T-T-Tolemac says they d-d-do m-m-many g-g-good things and they would h-h-help m-m-me m-m-make f-f-friends m-m-more easily. C-C-Cubolt thinks they're b-b-bad. I d-d-do not kn-kn-know what t-t-to d-d-do.
Bye.
B-b-bye.
Who are you?
I am Cubolt of Moonglow.
What do you do?
I am a farmer, Avatar. I manage my farm with the help of Tolemac, my brother, and Morz, our family friend.
What is with the stutter?
He started when he was five years old. He and my brother were wrestling in the back of a wagon driven by his parents. They hit a bump and he fell out -- and landed on his head. Ever since, he hath had his stutter. The odd thing is, neither he nor Tolemac remember the accident. Or at least, Tolemac doth not. I cannot convince Morz to talk about it.
Is Tolemac a good kid?
He is my younger brother. Need I say more? I am a little concerned about him though. I am used to his rebellious behavior, but recently he has joined The Fellowship. That frightens me. They frighten me. I have tried to get him to come to his senses, but he is too busy enjoying making me worry to listen. Also, he is trying to get Morz to join. I wish I could get him to reconsider.
What do you think of the Fellowship?
*spits* A bane to Britannia is what The Fellowship is. They have some odd philosophy that teaches thee to forget who thou art and follow them. The process is dehumanizing, and I think it meshes poorly with the eight virtues. Not only that, but their leader here in Moonglow has persuaded Tolemac to join.
Can you persuade him to reconsider.
Unfortunately, Tolemac will not listen to me. However, he just might listen to thee, Avatar. Perhaps thou couldst talk him into reconverting. I would very much appreciate that! Perhaps, thou couldst also ask Morz not to join.
Bye!
Take care, Avatar.
Who are you?
I am Cubolt of Moonglow.
What do you do?
I am a farmer, Avatar. I manage my farm with the help of Tolemac, my brother, and Morz, our family friend.
What is with the stutter?
He started when he was five years old. He and my brother were wrestling in the back of a wagon driven by his parents. They hit a bump and he fell out -- and landed on his head. Ever since, he hath had his stutter. The odd thing is, neither he nor Tolemac remember the accident. Or at least, Tolemac doth not. I cannot convince Morz to talk about it.
Is Tolemac a good kid?
He is my younger brother. Need I say more? I am a little concerned about him though. I am used to his rebellious behavior, but recently he has joined The Fellowship. That frightens me. They frighten me. I have tried to get him to come to his senses, but he is too busy enjoying making me worry to listen. Also, he is trying to get Morz to join. I wish I could get him to reconsider.
What do you think of the Fellowship?
*spits* A bane to Britannia is what The Fellowship is. They have some odd philosophy that teaches thee to forget who thou art and follow them. The process is dehumanizing, and I think it meshes poorly with the eight virtues. Not only that, but their leader here in Moonglow has persuaded Tolemac to join.
Can you persuade him to reconsider.
Unfortunately, Tolemac will not listen to me. However, he just might listen to thee, Avatar. Perhaps thou couldst talk him into reconverting. I would very much appreciate that! Perhaps, thou couldst also ask Morz not to join"
Bye!
Take care, Avatar.
Sweet!
Here is the good-ol' Friendly Knave.
What do you do?
I am the bartender here in Moonglow.
Tell me about Moonglow.
Thou wants to know about someone in the town? Thou hast asked the right person. I know all about the residents here in Moonglow. I would be happy to tell thee about any of the shop keepers, scholars, or farmers who live here. Or art thou interested in the trainer, healer, mage, or Fellowship leaders?
Tell me about the Fellowship leaders.
Dost thou want to know about the one in charge or his clerk?
Tell me about the one in charge.
Rankin is in charge of the entire local branch. If thou hast any questions about The Fellowship, he can answer them.
Now, tell me about his clerk.
If thou hast any questions about The Fellowship, Balayna can answer them.
Tell me about the mage.
Ah, yes, Mariah is very nice. She can sell thee many spells.
Tell me about the scholars.
Ah, the learned scholars. I can tell thee about Brion, Nelson, Zelda, and Jillian.
Tell me about Nelson.
He is Brion's twin brother. Speaking of that, I would like to discuss Brion.
Okay, Tell me about Brion and Zelda.
Ah, so thou dost wonder, too. All I know is that every time someone mentions Brion's name to Zelda, her serious expression changes to a smile.
Thou canst find Brion at the observatory and Zelda at the Lyceaum.
Deal.
I wonder what is going on?
First I find Brion.
Who are you?
Why, thou mayest call me Brion.
What do you do?
I am the head of the observatory here in Moonglow.This is where the telescope is kept.
Tell me about the telescope.
First, tell me about Moonglow.
Why, I love living here in Moonglow. I very much like the people here.
What people?
Hast thou spoken with my twin, Nelson? He heads the Lycaeum. Or Elad? And surely thou knowest about the mage, Penumbra.
Your twin brother lives here?
I do not see him as often as I would like, for we are so heavily involved with our work. He will be easy to recognize shouldst thou see him, for people tell us we look identical. I do not see it, of course, for, not only was he born with the brains, but also the handsome face.
Later!
Show me the crystals.
It permits one to see mine orrery here from anywhere in Britannia. He seems thoughtful.I know thou cannot stay around here to see the alignment.
I thought thou wouldst. However, there is one problem. I still need one more crystal to completely finish the viewer. If thou wouldst visit the tavern, thou mightest find one of the merchants or travellers there who sometimes provide me with crystals. If thou canst find another crystal, I will be able to give thee the completed viewer.
Bye!
Good day, Avatar. Thou mayest use mine observatory as often as thou wishest.
It looks like I will need the Telekinesis spell to lower this drawbridge.
Moonglow
Who are you?
Thou mayest call me Rankin, Avatar.
What do you do?
I am the new branch leader of The Fellowship here in Moonglow.
Have you seen Elizabeth and Abraham?
What dear people! They were just here in order to give me my training session. I was just appointed branch leader. This is a new branch, thou knowest.
That makes me feel better.
Let's talk to some more
cult Fellowship members.
Who are you?
*suspicious look* My name is Balayna.
What do you do?
I am the clerk for the Moonglow branch of The Fellowship.
What does a Fellowship clerk do?
It is my job to keep records during the meetings, and to
administrate the decisions of this branch.
What happens at meetings?
*stares* We have our meetings at 9 at night -- the customary time. After Rankin's lecture, we all discuss the wonderful aspects of our life that have been enhanced by The Fellowship.
Tell me about Rankin.
He is the branch head here in Moonglow.
*cautious glance* Thou art travelling through the city, correct? And eventually going to visit another city -- Britain, perhaps?
I am unsure whether Rankin is worthy of his position. I heard him talking to the new member, Tolemac, just before Rankin persuaded him to join. He admitted to having doubts about The Fellowship. He told Tolemac that he thought, perhaps, The Fellowship encouraged its members to be nothing more than sheep, and that those really 'in charge' were charlatans, in it simply for the money. What does thou think about that?
*leans back*
Bye!
Goodbye, Avatar. Remember what I have told thee.
I wonder what Rankin would think of this?
Please tell me how I may be of assistance, Avatar.
Hey Rankin, Balayna told me you thought the Fellowship leaders were money-grubbing charlatans. What do you think about that?
I would not let it worry thee too much, Avatar. I am afraid Balayna is a bit too ambitious. I would expect she overheard one of my conversion speeches and misunderstood my words. I will have to discuss this with her when I have more time so I may allay her fears.
*surprise* I had forgotten, she requested a small vial of liqueur from an itinerant merchant who would be passing through Britain.
Yes.
Excellent, my friend. I thank thee.
*gives vial*
This isn't suspicious at all. Let's deliver the booze.
How may I be of assistance, Avatar?
Rankin asked me to give you this vial of liquor.
Hmm . . . I wonder why she did that?
Who are you?
I am Effrem, Avatar. I am but a simple resident of Moonglow. What is thy name?
I am Elzair, the Avatar.
Hello, Avatar. Say `hello' to the Avatar, Mikhail.
What do you do?
Me? I do not have a job. Not a real one like my wife has. All I do all day is watch over my little Mikhail, here. He turns to look at the baby, taking on a patronizing tone. Yes, I take care of thee, do I not? Yes, I do. I sure do. He kisses the boy and then looks back up at you,embarrassed.Where was I? Oh yes. All I do is take care of the boy. What I should be doing is working, not staying at home. That should be Jillian's job. She belongs here at home, not me.
Your wife is the one who works?
My wife? Jillian? She's the scholar. She is a very good one, too. Not that I could not have done well. I could have. Better, in fact. But it is not worth arguing about now. She has her occupation, even if I do not have one. I should have a job, though. Dost thou not agree, Avatar? This is not what a man ought to be doing. Staying at home raising the children, like this. 'Tis a disgrace!
Tell me about Moonglow.
What about Moonglow? He shrugs, 'Tis a fair town, but a little too crowded these days. I hear it was a much nicer place back when Moonglow was separate from the Lycaeum. Much smaller.This place is too large to really get to know anyone. Not that I have had much of an opportunity, having to stay at home and take care of my son. This is not a job for a man. My wife should be home with the boy, not me. I should be out earning a living. That is what I ought to be doing!
Have fun!
Leaving so soon? Ah, that's all right, Avatar. I understand, thou hast real man things to do.
Yes I do.
This is Penumbra's House. It is locked. The sign out front reads Hammer here to enter. I will do that later.
Here is some comic relief.
Who are you?
My name is Frank, devout follower of honesty.
*bows* And who wouldst thou be?
Elzair, the Avatar.
It is good that thou didst tell me. One should always be honest in one's dealings with others. By the by, thy voice crackles too much.
Excuse me?! What are you doing here?
I, am on a quest. A quest for honesty.
*sniffs* By the by, thou mightest have more friends if thou didst bathe a little more often.
I have plenty of friends, thank you very much.
Speaking of thy friends, I have heard that thy companion, Dupre, is a drunken sot.
Hey, I don't think --
Yes, from what I have been told, that Dupre has no will when confronted by a tankard of, well, anything. As a matter of fact, thou hast fairly poor taste in companions overall.
What's wrong with my companions?
I am glad thou didst ask, Avatar. Thy friend, Iolo, charges far too much for his bows. Perhaps thou couldst have a chat with him.
Too much? What dost thou mean, too --
His bows and crossbows just aren't of the quality that is worth the kind of gold he charges.
*recoils* Gads! Thy breath could gag an ox. Thou shouldst consider taking better care of thy teeth, or thy fellows will leave thee.
His teeth?!
That is the reason for thine offensive mouth odor. I have not seen anything that yellow since the time thy fellow Shamino ran away from a battle in fear.
Thou must be mad! This rogue needs to be taught a lesson.
And thy friend, Shamino, Avatar, has quite a bellicose temper.
Bellicose?!
Yes, bellicose, warlike, angry. If thou dost not know that, I believe thou needest to improve thy vocabulary. Thou art too unschooled.
Me, unschooled?!
Trust me, Avatar, thou art too ignorant to argue with me.
Oh, this is too much!
And,
*stares* I never noticed how large thy nose is. 'Tis amazing thou canst find enough air to breathe.
Now, my nose is ugly?!
Truly quite large, and not in the least bit attractive.
Let's get out of here.
Thou hast the manners of a pig. 'Tis not polite to break conversation
so abruptly.
Oh, I'll show you the manners of a pig, alright.
I don't care if that was unvirtuous. God it felt good!
Now, let's enter the Lycaeum.
Who are you?
Thou mayest call me Nelson.
What do you do?
I am the Lycaeum head here in Moonglow, but,
*leans in* mine assistant, Zelda, does most of the work.
Tell me about Zelda.
She is an excellent assistant. The Lycaeum has never performed better. However, she is a little too stern, I believe, and,
*leans in again* I think she is quite beautiful.
Beautiful?!
Dost thou not agree? I am flushed whenever her fair presence passes by. But! he holds up his index finger, I fear she does not share a mutual attraction. And she is far too serious for me to feel comfortable with a proposal.
Err . . . tell me about Moonglow.
I love the island and the people. Mostly the people.
Which people do you love best?
Hast thou met my twin brother? He heads the Observatory here. And somewhere in the Lycaeum thou canst find Mariah. Sadly, she is not well up here. He touches his head.Jillian, the sage, also studies here in the Lycaeum. A good person to see about other residents of Moonglow would be the bartender at the Friendly Knave. Phearcy knows almost all of us here on the island.Oh, and thou must not forget the legend of Penumbra. 'Twas two hundred years ago she cast herself into a deep slumber. Now that I think about it, Avatar, thou art the one she predicted would awaken her.Better hasten, Avatar.
*chuckles*
What do you know about Penumbra?
Interestingly enough, no one has ever discovered how to enter her house.
Tell me how my former companion Mariah is doing.
She was once an adept mage, but ever since the wizards began losing their, er, faculties, she followed suit.
Bye!
Good day, Avatar. Thou of course dost have free reign of the Lycaeum.
Well, LB sure is a hippy alright.
Who are you?
I am Zelda.
What do you do?
I am the advisor at the Lycaeum.
So you advise people?
Yes, My job is to manage and regulate the events in the Lycaeum. And provide assistance to the people here in Moonglow -- when they need it!
Tell me about Nelson.
Nelson is very competent, although a little eccentric. I do wish he would refrain from showing off his collection of trinkets to everyone who enters the building. It always makes such a commotion.
Tell me about Brion.
*smiling* Brion, is very open-minded and idealistic. He knows the
heavens quite well.
Unless, perchance, thou wilt aid me? Wilt thou agree to tell him for me, Avatar?
Sure.
*blushes* Thank thee, Avatar. Thank thee. For thy kindness, I will give thee this white potion I found once while straightening the basement.
I head back to the observatory to get this love triangle sorted out.
Hey Brion! Did you know Zelda has the hots for you?
*shrugs* Oh, I see. I never really thought about my brother's assistant in such a manner. That is too bad, for my time permits nothing but mine observations.
I return to the Lycaeum to tell Zelda the bad news, but then a thought strikes me.
Zelda, did you know Nelson has the hots for you?
I return to Nelson to tell him the good news.
Yo Nelson! Zelda wants to hook-up.
Let's see what our old
useless mostly useless former companion Mariah is up to.
Who are you?
But who art thou, and where are my pastries?
What do you do?
*smiles* I have a very important job, I do. My, are not those shelves lovely? So neat and orderly. Be careful! The ink wells are full, and the quills so sharp.
*giggles*
Why are you talking about ink wells? You are nuttier than a Payday bar!
They are always so full and ready for use. They are so good about keeping them filled and clean!
They?
Yes, they do! But I only sell.
You sell?
Yes, I do indeed sell. I even spell. In fact, I even sell spells! But, if thou desirest reagents, thou art out of luck, for I only sell those during one of the seven weekdays. Wouldst thou like to know which day?What a lovely set of books thou must have! I have just the item for thee to match thy shelves -- a potion. If thou wilt buy a spell or reagent from me, I will sell thee a potion for only its normal price!
Which day?
Why, today. Thou art in luck. Buy a spell.
She is another spell/potion/reagent merchant. Her prices are always insane (literally).
1st:
Light
Create Food
Cure
Detect Trap
2nd: 60
Wizard's Eye
Telekinesis
Protection
Destroy Trap
3rd: 60
Heal
Peer
Sleep
Protect All
4th: 100
Mark
Recall
Seance
Unlock Magic
5th: 100
Invisibility
Charm
Fire Field
Dance
6th:
Clone
Sleep Field
Cause Fear
Magic Storm
7th: 80
Mass Might
Energy Mist
Restoration
Energy Field
8th: 40
Resurrect
Time Stop
Sword Strike
Invisible All
Reagents:
Garlic 1
Ginseng 2
Mandrake Root 7
Nightshade 6
Black Pearl 8
Potions:
Orange 15
Black 90
After stocking up on some spells, I return to Phearcy to tell him what I found out.
Yes.
I get some beef jerky out of the deal. Now, let's head for Terfin!
First, let's see what is in this cove.
Pirates, of course!
Magic locks?!
We don't need no stinkin' magic locks!
This guy has a full suit of Magic Armor and a Sword of Defense on him.
Ssswwweeeeet!!!
Gold is always nice.
I give all my new goodies to Shamino. Pretty soon the entire party will be stiling in magic duds.
This is the Shrine of the Codex. There is nothing interesting going on, so let's get back to chasing Elizabeth and Abraham in the next update.