The Skill System[edit]
The skill system in
Ultima Underworld is based on a 0 to 30 range for skill values. Attempts to use non-combat skills have a certain probability of success and every point the Avatar has in the relevant skill adds one chance in 30 to this probability. The base difficulty might vary from task to task; each locked door has its own difficulty of picking, each type of creature has a certain chance to be detected by Track and so forth; but it is generally the case that 1 point of skill adds 1 chance in 30 to the chance of success.
Combat works somewhat differently. Each creature type has a certain chance to hit and be hit in combat. Assuming the Avatar swings in a monster's general vicinity, the chance to hit increases by 1 to 30 units (as many units as half the
Attack skill plus the specific weapon skill), while the chance to avoid being hit increases (also by 1 to 30 units) by the
Defense skill plus half the weapon skill.
When the Avatar trains in a skill, the number of skill points gained depends somewhat on the value of the underlying ability score (Strength for combat skills, Intelligence for magic skills and Dexterity for all other skills). Skills tend to advance very quickly until they reach equal to half of the underlying ability score, then advance more slowly until the same value as the ability score is reached, and then advance very slowly thereafter.
Combat Skills[edit]
Combat skills are the most important in both games. While it is absolutely needed to train Attack and Defense, it is best to specialize on only one weapon type and stick with it. It has to be added that the weapons are not balanced: missile weapons are far too weak, useless if stronger enemies come into melee range and need ammunition. While unarmed combat is possible, it is not ideal.
Attack[edit]
Description: the more points, the more effective the Avatar is in hitting and hurting opponents. Adds 1/2 its value to the odds to hit in combat, with all weapons.
UU1 mantra: RA
UU2 trainer(s):
Geoffrey
Comments: while it is useful, it is a very poor choice, cost wise, to invest skill points here. This is because it adds only 1/2 to Attack odds per point; a weapon skill adds 1 per point to the odds, and adds 1/2 per point to Defense to boot. It is better to pick one weapon skill and investing solely in that. 30 points spent on attack would cost only 15 points on a weapon skill for the same to-hit bonus, leaving 15 points to spend on other skills.
Defense[edit]
Description: It determines how big the chance of stopping a blow is, while not swinging the weapon.
UU1 mantra: ANRA
UU2 trainer(s): Geoffrey
Comments: increases defense at a 1-to-1 ratio (twice that of a weapon skill). This and a weapon skill are the only ways to make one harder to hit.
Sword[edit]
Description: Together with Attack and Defense, this skill determines how well the Avatar can use sword weapons.
UU1 mantra: AMO
UU2 trainer(s):
Syria,
Lobar (is better than Syria)
Comments: thanks to the imbalance of weapons, with
Caliburn in
UU1 and the
Sword of Stone Strike in
UU2, it is the most useful weapons skill, also because many good swords are available early. Also, in
UU2, the trainer Lobar is special, in that he always adds 1 more point to the sword skill, on top of however many points you would normally gain. This makes sword the easiest weapon skill to maximize.
Mace[edit]
Description: the are several types of maces, with the "Mace of Undead Bane" being one of the best.
UU1 mantra: KOH
UU2 trainer(s): Dupre, fighters in Pits of Carnage (after getting respect)
Comments: this is a real alternative to swords, should one ignore the "Sword of Stone Strike".
Axe[edit]
Description: The strongest axe available is the
Axe of Firedoom, which should only be used while wearing the
Leather Vest of Flameproof.
UU1 mantra: GAR
UU2 trainer(s):
Dupre, fighters in
Pits of Carnage (after gaining their respect)
Comments: this is a real alternative to swords, should one ignore the "Sword of Stone Strike".
Missile[edit]
Description:
UU1 mantra: FAHM
UU2 trainer(s): Iolo
Comments: missile weapons are not any good; see the notes at the top of the category.
Unarmed[edit]
Description:
UU1 mantra: ORA
UU2 trainer(s): Syria,
Garg
Comments: unarmed combat is sheer desperation. While survival is possible, this skill should be ignored.
