The magic system at the time of Ultima IX is very different from the ones of previous ages. In fact, it is so different that it is a break with the previous system, resulting in a new system of magic. Therefore, here is a short explanation how the magic of that era works and what has to be considered.
Spell Scrolls[]
Spell scrolls are back in circulation in Britannia. A scroll allows a single use of the spell without any mana cost to the caster, and without any experience restrictions. However, the scroll then vanishes. Using scrolls can be wasteful, since some scrolls are very rare to find. Therefore spell scrolls are usually transcribed in a ritual to allow repeated usage of the spell in question.
Binding Spells[]
Ultima IX spellbook
To bind a spell permanently to a spellbook, the mage must be in possession of one. Each spellbook is divided into nine groups of four spells. The first circle contains the linear spells, which are always available at no mana cost. The other eight circles require the mage to bind scroll spells into the book.
First the mage has to find a fitting binding circle -- a pentagram surrounded by five candles; next, the scroll in question has to be laid into the middle of the pentagram, followed by the needed reagents; then, all the candles have to be ignited with the fitting linear spell ignite; lastly the mage has to say the fitting words of power to bind the spell into the book.
Now the spell is available at any time and no further cost, apart from mana.
Warning: should the wrong words be said or the wrong reagents be used, then both scroll and reagents are lost to the mage.
Real-life notes[]
- It is possible to re-use reagents by removing them while chanting the words of power.
- In the game, the number of repaired shrines corresponds with the highest circle in which spells can be bound and used, but does not apply to scrolls.
New Spells[]
a binding circle
A number of new spells had appeared by the time of Ultima IX, which are listed here. Note that this doesn't include the linear spells.
Reagent Codes:
- Black Pearl: BP
- Blood Moss: BM
- Garlic: GA
- Ginseng: GS
- Mandrake Root: MR
- Nightshade: NS
- Spider Silk: SS
- Sulfurous Ash: SA
| Spell | Circle | Reagents | Words of Power | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create Reagents | 1st | All of them | IN ORT YLEM | Creates reagents. The reagent created depends on the ground the caster stands on. |
| Crystal Barrier | 2nd | BP BM MR | IN VAS YLEM | Creates indestructable crystals between caster and enemies. |
| Infernal Armour | 2nd | MR SA SS | UUS FLAM SANCT | Creates temporary fire-protection. |
| Fog | 3rd | GA NS SS | AN WIS HUR | Surrounds the caster in a thick fog, confusing enemies. |
| Freeze | 4th | BP MR SA | VAS AN FLAM GRAV | Freezes a foe solid for a limited amount of time. |
| Levitate | 5th | BM SS | POR UUS YLEM | Allows the caster the levitate off the ground for several seconds. |
| Mana Breath | 6th | GS MR SS | ORT MANI HUR | Allows breathing under water, constantly drains mana. |
| Meteorite | 6th | BR MR SA | KAL JUX YLEM | Smashes a meteorite into the foe. Does only work on the overworld. |
| Inferno | 8th | BM MR SA | VAS KAL FLAM GRAV | Causes multiple, variated fire attacks. |
| Searing Rain | 8th | BM MR | VAS KAL AN FLAM JUX | A rain of acid kills all foes nearby, works only on the overworld. |