Ultima VII: The Black Gate
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Summary
Two hundred years have passed since the Avatar was last seen in our noble kingdom. Some believe it is now possible to understand the stories of the Avatar with the clarity that only time and history can provide. Others argue that as time continues, the truth of the past will only become more distant, and that we must now take it upon ourselves to preserve the legends as they are known to us. Still, there is general agreement on a few fundamental ideas. While a few still claim the Avatar's tales are nothing more than legend, nearly all respected scholars agree that at least some parts of the Avatar’s story are rooted in real events. Indeed, the evidence is compelling right there on the Isle of the Avatar, where one can see clear signs that the Avatar was a real person, if not a divine one. It is likely that there were multiple Avatars. All the records tell of the same individual who brokered peace between Britannia and the gargoyles and who once stood against the dark sorcerer Mondain in ages past. While most historians consider it unlikely, they do not completely rule out the possibility that there was only one Avatar. After all, our wise and long-lived monarch, Lord British, has shown that extraordinary lifespans are not unheard of. No matter which version of history proves true, it seems certain that the Avatar will not return to our land. All signs point to the end of the age of magic. With the fading power of mages and the kingdom’s growing distance from the arcane, it is unlikely that a threat of such magnitude—requiring the Avatar’s intervention—will ever arise again. And for that, we can be grateful. Now comes the age of The Fellowship, where we no longer wait for a savior to arrive in times of crisis. In this more grounded and practical era, we must rely on our own strength, our own wisdom, and our own courage to face the challenges ahead.
Storyline
A long period of peace has passed in Britannia, with no major dangers disrupting the lives of its people. Yet, something is wrong in the land. Magic appears to be fading, and mages are falling into madness. The populace is restless, feeling spiritually drained and deceived in their lives. A new group known as "The Fellowship" grows in numbers among the lower classes, gaining power through influential members who rise to key roles in society. The Player once again takes on the role of the Avatar. One night, a demonic, red face appears on the Avatar's computer screen on Earth, announcing its coming rule over Britannia. Concerned, the Avatar consults the circle of stones and discovers a moongate already prepared to send the hero to Trinsic. Upon arrival, it becomes clear that a violent murder has taken place. Investigating, the Avatar uncovers similar past killings and continues to witness such crimes throughout their journey. The Fellowship grows increasingly suspicious—especially its leader, Batlin. Additionally, a mysterious voice occasionally offers the Avatar questionable advice. Eventually, after many trials, the Avatar reunites with the Time Lord, who reveals the truth behind the recent events: The Fellowship is being controlled by the red-faced entity, the Guardian. The Guardian has set in motion a plan to enter Britannia through a Black Moongate, using three blackrock Generators to spread his influence before his arrival. The Avatar destroys the Generators and rushes to the Isle of the Avatar to stop the completion of the Black Gate. In a fierce battle with Batlin and the elusive murderers, the latter are captured while the former escapes through teleportation. Just before the Guardian can enter, the Avatar destroys the Gate. Britannia is saved, but at the cost of the Avatar being stranded in the realm, with a foreboding threat of further chaos and destruction left behind by the Guardian. Thus, the Age of Armageddon begins, continuing in Ultima Underworld II and Ultima VII, Part Two: Serpent Isle.
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Alternative titles
- Ultima 7— Other
- Ultima 7— Other Alias