                         Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
                  Written by: The Peeler and The Intellectual
                            Supplied by: The Armada
                                Written 9/22/85
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|                      The Book of Mystic Wisdom: Part 1                       |
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                         As told by Philpop the Weary,
                       magician to the court of his most
                            sovereign Lord British.

     Know ye, O seeker of the mystic wisdoms, that the ways of magic are diverse
and strange.  There exists the need for utmost concentration and the harvesting
of things magical in order that ye may harness the powers of the universe. Many
are the aeons of wisdom contained in these pages which I write for the benefit
of my pupils, yet still there is much to learn.

     All magic is accomplished by the use of means both human and of nature, for
true magic is but the melding of human will and natural force.  Without the
human voice to utter the chant, no spell may be cast.  Yet without the proper
natural catalyst, no spell may be effective.  Thus magic is twofold, a balance
struck between nature and humanity.  Let us examine both aspects here, begining
with those natural substances, known as REAGENTS, that lend power to the words
of the spellcaster.
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SULPHURUS ASH:     Sulphus is the substance found in nature that most useful in
the generation of fire.  It is the color of saffron and, when burned, gives off
an odor indicative of its great mystic strength.  Yet its true power is to be
found in the second burning - that is, in the use of the ashen residue of
sulphur that has been burned in a crucible fashion from the skull of a Balron.
Sulphurous Ash is not an uncommon substance, having been a staple of the
Wizard's profession through the ages.  It may be purchased from any reputable
purveyor of magical goods and is useful in the casting of Energy Fields and
Magic Missles, azs well as in spells requiring a quick burst of light or a
sustained glow.

GINSENG:     Long praised for its strength-giving and medicinal properties, the
root of the Ginseng plant is immediately recognizable for its forked shape, and
to those initiated in the mystic ways, by its overpowering rose-coloured aura.
It has been used for centuries by peasants who chew it or brew tea from a
powdered preparation of the root in order to gain strength and stamina as they
toil in the fields.  While commonly found throughout Britiannia, the Ginseng
used as a component in the casting of spells is generally black in colour and
found only on the slopes of the northern mountains.  It may be purchased in
virtually any shop that sells magical goods, and is most useful in spells of a
healing or narcotic nature, such as Cure or sleep enchantments.

GARLIC:     Even the most common of nature's gifts to our people have magical
properties as can be witnessed by the power of Garlic.  This pungent bulb is
found in every garden in the lands of Britinnia, and no stew or roast would be
complete without its sharp flavor.  Its aromatic nature makes Garlic a powerful
reagent in the casting of magical spells, and it is used in all spells of the
warding variety - be they the warding off of common and magical sickness or the
repelling of beings once dead.

SPIDER SILK:     The miracle of Spider Silk lies in its tensile strength.
Imagine, if you will, a grown man relying on a strand of catgut to hold his
weight all the days of his life.  A spider relies on the finest of threads to do
just that, and its silk never fails it.  We should praise the first wizardling
who realized the mystic secret of Spider Silk, for it is to him or her that we
owe the knowledge of binding and restraining spells.  The silk of the deadly
Albino Ghoul Spider - both the mimiature and giant varieties - has been used by
adepts through the years in rites of magic.  The spider farms of the south
produce perhaps a hundred pounds of the substance each year and sell it to the
merchants of magic, where it is made available to all who ply our trade.  It is
said that each year one worker dies the horrible death incurred by the bite of
the Albino Ghoul spider to ensure the potency of the silk, although never has
this deliberately been made to happen.

BLOOD MOSS:     Is the bane of farmers and the boon of maficians.  It is a keep
red fungus that attacks the crops of those who raise grain, yet it is a vital
component in the casting of spells.  An oddity to those who spend their lives
observing the growth of that which is not animal in nature - Blood Moss grows
onl in the dryest of times, when all around it is perishing from drought.  It
cannot survive the absence of direct sunlight, and thus passes from the earth
each night, only to return when the sun blazes mercilessly upon the land.  Blood
Moss seems to feed only in ripening grain - it can lay waste to an acre of corn
in single day and vanish without a trace as night falls, leaving naught but
fruitless stalks swaying in the cool, night breeze.  The magic of Blood Moss is
thought to reside in its fleeting nature, for it is used in the spells of
movement - from the simplest levitation to making the very earth tremble.  As
harvest time comes each year, the merchants send runners to wait by the fields
and gather the Blood Moss.  Farmers consider these runners unlucky and try to
chase them from their fields, but enough show persistence the ensure their
masters a plentiful supply Blood Moss to sell.

BLACK PEARL:     The Black Pearl is the most highly prized of all the pearls:
Well-formed ones command a price from jewellers that would bankrupt a score of
wizards.  Yet Black Pearls are vital in the casting of spells that are hurled
from the mage's person and must travel to a final destination.  Fortunately for
our profession, even rarer than a normal Black Pearl is one that is perfectly
shaped.  Most are lopsided and lack symmetry - the very quality that makes the
jeweller desire them so highly.  This ensures a ready supply for the thaumaturge
- the weaver of magic.  It is said that, unllike the ordinary pearl which is
formed inside an oyster when it seeks to protect itself from a piece of sand or
grit, the Black Pearl only forms when the seed of the great pearl is yet another
pearl of much smaller size cast adrift by the death of another oyster.

NIGHTSHADE:     Not to be confused with the rank-smelling plant of the same
name, the mushroom that is only found in the deepest, most remote forests.  It
is said to be quite venomous to the touch of all save those present at its
harvest, thus it is never sold in shops and is among the scarest of magical
reagents.  To obtain it, one must seek in the deepest forest on the blackest of
nights when not even a moonbeam illuminates a single blade of grass.  I know not
of the precice locations where this mystic fungus can be found, but there are
rumored to be those in the lands of Britannia that know this secret.  Its chief
magical properties are connected with the use of poison and the creation of
illusions so real that they can lay the mightiest warrior to the ground.  So
rare is the Nightshade that it is primarily used in the creation of only the
most potent of magics.

MANDRAKE ROOT:     The root of the poisonous Mandrake plant is instantly
recognizable by its humahn shape and its crimson colour.  It is said that the
sap runs blood-red when the plant is cut down in order to harvest the root.
Long prized for its narcotic and purging effects when consumed in minute
portions, the Mandrake Root is the most powerful knonwn substance in the weaving
of magical spells that give new shape to the very world around us.  The variety
of Mandrake Root used in the mystic arts is found only in the marshy terrain,
where the root can thrust deeply into the earth.  The more earth that must be
moved to retrieve the Mandrake Root, the more potent its effect in the magic of
the finder.  Many years ago, when our people were but scattered tribes of
nomads, the Mandrake was plentiful.  As our people have tamed the land, however,
and the practice of the mystic arts has become refined, the Mandrake has all but
vanished from the face of the land we now call Britannia.  It is never seen in
the shops of the towns and castles, and hardly even sold privately if found.
Many of our profession have devoted lifetimes to the search for Mandrake Root
without ever coming into possession of a single piece of it.

     These then are the eight mystic reagents used in the weaving of enchaments.
Some are readily available, while others are costly or must be hunted and
harvested by the mage that intends to use them.  Guard will your supply of these
magical components, for without them there can be no magic.  Use them wisely, as
ye must use the forces that they unleash.  Remember that Magic is to be used
only for the the cause of righteousness and for the greater good.  Should you
use the mystical arts for personal gain of vengeance, be prepared for the
desertion of your powers.

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                                     Spells
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AWAKEN:     Should you or any of your followers ever be so unfortunate as to
come under the influence of a magically induced slumber, the use of a Spell of
Awakening will often alleviate the condition.  It is a simple spell which may be
cast by the beginning student of the mystic arts with little effort or cost.  It
requires the use of Ginseng for its healing qualities and Garlic in order to
ward off the coming of sleep until the victim's body has returned to its normal
cycle of wakefulness and rest.  Blend the two reagents carefully and apply the
mixture to the brow of your sleeping companion and chant 'LEVATE' loudly.

BLINK:     Many are the occasions that the thaumaturge needs to be elsewhere in
very short order and finds that neither horse nor ship nor anyh other
conventional form of travel is of sufficient promptness for the situation.
Magical means of travel must then be used, of which the blink spell is the most
common.  This spell disassembles the mage and companions and reassembles them at
a spot many leagues distant in any chosen direction.  There are means of travel
that cover far greater distances than the Blink, but they are far more costly
and have other limitations which we shall examine later in this tome.  The Blink
can only move the party distances perceptible to the mind of a common person.
     The components needed for the casting of a Blink spell are Spider Silk and
Blood Moss.  The binding powers of the Spider Silk prevent the essence of the
travellers from being scattered during transit, while the Blood Moss aids in the
movement from one location to the next.  Equal quantities of each reagent ensure
the proper working of the enchantment.  The concentration required for Blinking
is such that the spellcaster will most certainly feel the effects, but not be
left exhausted.

CURE:     Venomous creatures abound throughout the lands of Britannia.  Rarely
are they evil, nature having provided them with their sting as a means of
defense against larger predators, but without proper attention wounds can fester
and lead to the death of a victim.  Furthermore, evil mages may cast noxious,
poisonous energy fields during battle of erect such barriers to prevent the
virtuous from reaching their caches or sanctuaries.  Fortunately, the great
wizard Jaanth Nor devised a countering magic for the effects of all venom and
recorded his findings for future generations to use.  The cure spell is effected
by the use of a mixture of Garlic and Ginseng and the calling of the victim's
name to sooth the envenomed soul.  The curative powers of the ginseng nullify
the effects of the poison iin the victim's system, while the use of Garlic wards
off the return of any virulent residues that may lie dormant in the blood.

DISPEL:     One of the staples of the wizard's profession is the use of energy
fields.  We shall discuss the casting of such fields shortly, but first let us
examine the means of dismantling them when they are encountered.  Alghough there
are various forms of such fields, they are all created with a similar magic and
thus may be Dispelled with a single spell.  The dispel enchantment is one of the
moderate difficutly, for more exhausting than the creation of energy fields.
Often touching the field may prove disastrous, so the enchantment must be cast
from afar and then required the use of the preciuos Black Pearl needed in all
projectile spells.  Furthermore, Sulphrous Ash is needed to provide the flash of
power that beings the dissolution of the forces holding the field together.
Finally, the warding powers of Garlic are also employed to prevent the forces
from reassembling at the spot where they were previously concentrated.  To
effect the spell, speak backwards the colour of the type of field encountered.

ENERGY FIELD:     There are four types of Energy Fields known to the
practitioner of the mystic arts: Sleep, Poison, Fire, and Lighting.  their
effects are varied, but the magic used to erect them is the same in each
instance.  Any person attempting to pass through an Energy Field will run the
risk of either falling asleep or being poisoned in the case of the first two
types; is the field is of Fire then their flesh shall burn as they pass through
an they shall feel much pain and anguish; while the field composed of Lightning
is impenetrable.  The casting of Energy Field composed of Lighting is
impenetrable.  The casting of Energy Fields is not difficult and requires only a
small exertion on the part of the spellcaster, but the fields are only effective
in enclosed areas such as subterranean passages and inside of rooms.  The
reagents necesary in the casting of these Energy Fields are Sulphurour Ash for
the burst of creation, Spider Silk for the binding of forces to a single spot,
and Black Pearl for the launching of the spell to a spot away from he who works
the magic.  It would be a grave error indeed to cast such a spell without the
latter component, for you would find yourself in the midst of the field!

FIREBALL:     When beset upon by evil, the spellcaster has many offensive tools
at his or her disposal.  We have discussed some of the indirect magics such as
Energy Fields, but there are times when more direct action is required.  There
is a class of missle spells for such occasions, of which the Fireball spell is
the intermediate one.  All such spells call for the use of the precious Black
Pearl for its power in the launching of projectiles.  In the case of the
Fireball, Sulphurous Ash is also called for in equal proportion for its powers
of fireflash are integral to the creation of flaming missiles.  Speak the name
of your enemy when the spell is cast and your aim shall be unerring and your
enemy will be devastated by the flames of the magical fire.

GATE TRAVEL:     In the repertoire of teleportation enchantments, Gate Travel is
by far the most powerful.  This is because it not only utilizes the reagents and
chants of most magics, but also the power of the gates of the moons that control
the very oceans and tides.  The moongates are located throughout Britannia, and
apear only at certain phases of the twin moons Trammel and Fulucca.  To cast the
spell of Gate Travel, one must speak the name of the moons as the reagents are
stirred.  As the enchantment takes effect, the spellcaster and any companious
will be instantly carried to the location of the desired moongate.
     It has been a long-standing tradition amont the practitioners of the mystic
arts to zealousy guard the secret of the components to the Gate Travel spell.
It is said that revealing these reagents will seal the sue of the gates to the
one who divulged the key.  Of course, none have dared to speak of them for fear
of losing one of the most powerful and exhausting spells in the lore of
enchantment.  This writer is no exception to this belief.

HEAL:     One of the cornerstones of the good and true path of the wizard is the
use of enchantament for beneficial ends.  We have discussed the Cure spell which
renders venom as harmless as the purest of well water, but the most common form
of injury is the physical wound rather than the internal disruption brought on
by poison.  Swords and talons do not discriminate and the tools of justice are
often used for unjust purposes.  When you or your companions have suffered
physical injury that hath rent or seared the flesh, the Heal spell is
invaluable.  Mix similar quantities of the healing essence of Ginseng with
integrating strength of Spider Silk and apply it to the wound.  Speak the name
of the victim and the flesh will be hastened along the road to wholeness.

ICEBALL:     Once again, the invaluable Black Pearl is the key to the casting of
the missile spells, of which the Iceball is the second most potent in the mage's
arsenal.  Unlike the previously discussed Fireball spell, the Iceball requires
only the use of Mandrake Root in conjunction with the Blck Pearl.  The
necromantic Mandrake will bring the chill of the grave upon your enemy and the
very blood of the victim will freeze as if it were midwinter.  Ice is heavy and
the toll of casting this spell is equally weighty.  All but the sturdiest of our
profession will needs take rest after casting but a pair of these potent
enchantments.  Remember to speak the name of your intended victim as you cast
the reagents aloft, lest your efforts be for naught.

JINX:     There are but two enchantments more power and difficult than the Jinx
spell, and but one of similar potency.  When faced with a closely packed horde
of enemies, mix together equal quantities of Black Pearl, deadly Nightshade, and
the crimson Mandrake Root to cast at your opponents.  Call to their attention
the vulnerability of their backs and weave the magic.  They shall turn and smite
each other as if each was alone in a crown of mortal foes.  The Balck Pearl
shall carry your spell to their very mist, while the hallucinatory might of the
Nightshade will confound them beyond the boundaries of common sense.  Mandrake
Root lends the power of conviction to their misconceptions.  The duration of the
enchantment is varied, but throughout its course the spellcaster will be
reminded of its potency by the presence of a glowing "J".  Be warned, however,
that the casting of the Jinx spell requires great exertion.

KILL:     The Kill spell is the most powerful of the missile enchantments.  It
is the favorite of evil wizards and its use is prohibited by most teachers of
the mystic arts.  Nevertheless, when faced with a foe of singular strength and a
truly evil nature, the wise magician will prepare a mixture of the highly toxic
Nightshade and the mercurial Black Pearl and speak the Truename of the enemy
while casting the reagents toward the foe.  As the last syllable of the chant
fades, all of the target's vital organs shall cease to function for the space of
seven heartbeats.  This is usually fatal, although some beings of exceptionally
hardy constitution will survive a shigle Kill spell.  The enchantment may be
woven several times, but takes a fierce toll on the energy and concentration of
the caster.  It is easier to Dispel a field of vibrant energy than it is to stop
the functioning of a living being.

LIGHT:     The enchantment of Light is a trivial one, often the very first spell
aqcquired by the budding sorceror.  It requires but a pinch of Sulphurous Ash,
which is applied to the end of a staff and gently blown upon until it begins to
glow with a soft yellow light.  The spellcaster must concentrate briefly on the
image of a candle and expend a slight amount of energy to start the magical
glow.  From then on it will burn softly until, the reagent is consumed, lighting
the underground passages where the thaumaturge treads.  There are two principal
avantages to the use of Light spells in place of ordinary torches: They are
unaffected by all but magical winds or breezes; and they do not smoke and cause
one's eyes to smart.  Many a warrior has suffered grievously because his eyes
were shut by the sting of a wealth of tears.

MAGIC MISSILE:     There are generally very few if any spells that are learned
early in the practice of wizardry which are both useful and eagerly sought after
by those dabbling in the mystic arts.  The beginning thaumaturge almost always
yearns for spells that devastate or create startling effects.  The weaving of
weather or the mastery of short vertical teleportations do not impress
onlookers. The one simple spell that does truly inspire awe at little expense to
the spellcaster is the Magic Missle.  It requires the use of two parts of
Sulphurous Ash to one part of Black Pearl in the casting, and it will cause a
tremendously bright flash of blue light to strike an enemy.  While not visibly
marked, the enemy will sustain a fair amount of internal damage, said by the
cynical to be brought about by fright more than by power.  The Magic Missle is a
useful enchantment in battle, but if is more spectacular that effective and will
not deter most enemies larger than the spellcaster who wields it.

NEGATE:     When faced with a greater or more telling magic than one's own, the
practitioner of the mystic arts may decide it best for all involved to suspend
everyone's use of thaumaturgy for a short time.  At this time one shoud invoke
the powers of the Negate spell by mixing Garlic with its warding characteristics
together with the exotic Mandrake ripe wikth mystic potency.  To this blend add
but an equal amount of Sulphurour Ash to provide the spark of fision and speak
your own name backwards.  All magic shall instantly cease save the enchantment
of Negation itself which is manifested by the vision of a glowing 'N' hovering
before your eyes.  The Negate spell will last onlyh a bried time, which should
beused for either the annihilation of your enemies of for the judicious removal
of your presence from the troubled spot.

OPEN:     There was once a time when all beings were fair and just.  The
principal vessel used for the transport of one's worldly possessions is these
times was the wooden chest, which is still the popular means.  But since the
comng of the evil ones and their lasting influence on the inhabitants of our
fair land, the practice of placing obnoxious and sometimes lethal traps on the
locks of chests has become quite commonplace.  Virtually all fold use such
devices, even the denizens of the underworld who guard naught but ill-gotten
wealth.  To bypass these sisister mechanisms the thaumaturge need but utter the
chant "Appar Unem" and sprinkle a mix of Sulphurous Ash and Blood Moss on the
offending lock.  The flash of the Sulphurous Ash powers the movement potential
of the Blook Moss and the lock will open itself safely, leaving the contents of
the chest at the disposal of the spellcaster.

PROTECTION:     There are times during the heat of battle when one finds the
best form of offense to be naught but a good defense.  When hard-pressed by
fierce antagonists, the wise magician wil mix together the reagents Sulphurous
Ash, Ginseng, and Garlic and invoke the spell of Protection.  The wholesome
qualities of the Ginseng, together with the repellent strength of the Garlic,
serve to shield the wizard and all companions from the onslaught of their
enemies.  Such Protection is not always effective, but may be of great use.
Sulphurous Ash provides the mystic fire that fuels the infcantation, and also
serves to startle one's opponents with an initial flash as the spell begins to
function.  Protection is not a simple spell, but neither is it an exceptionally
strenouous spell to cast.  Its duration is short, and during the course of its
shielding the mage will be reminded of its effects by a glowing 'P' hovering
before his or her eyes.
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