Despise
From Editable Codex
- Dungeon type: Cave
- Opposes the Virtue: Compassion.
- Word of Power: VILIS
[edit] Description
Also known as the Maze of Lost Souls, as a sign in Runic reads at the entrance of Despise in Ultima V, the caves of Dungeon Despise are located in the Serpent's Spine mountains north of Britain. While only few monsters like Trolls and Gremlins call these caves their home, Despise is dangerous because of another fact: It is the worst maze in all of Britannia, with many locked doors, pit traps, false leads and dead ends. Many a warrior had descended into this cave system, only to never return form it, having starved to death in its depths after getting lost in the maze.
However, if the adventurer is well-orientated and has a good sense of direction, Despise is the easiest of the dungeons of Britannia, since the monsters in it are weak and the maze can be mastered. And at the end of the maze, rich treasure awaits.
[edit] History
The Anti-Compassion Dungeon of Despise was first entered in Ultima IV. The Yellow Stone was found in it, and the magic orb in it gave one experience boost and it connected to one of the altar rooms. It was a natural cave system filled with nasties. After the end of the Quest of the Avatar, the Great Council sealed the dungeon, to lock in the horrors within.
New monsters settled in the dungeon in Ultima V, when Despise again was visited. The Avatar yelled the Word of Power "VILIS", learned from Annon, to open the entrance. It connected to the Underworld, where Captain Johne was found. In Ultima VI, nothing special was going on with the dungeon.
The Avatar entered Despise in Ultima VII to loot it, finding the mage Garok Al-Mat in the process, and helped him out of the dungeon.
In Ultima IX, the former cave system was turned into a dungeon. Before the Great Cataclysm, a mage by the name of Kiran chose the dungeon as his new abode. He refurnished the place, constructing an underground fortress. His magic shield is hidden inside.
[edit] Trivia
- Despise is the only dungeon in Ultima V with no dungeon rooms at all.
- In Ultima VII, Despise and Shame are confused with each other.
