Library of Scars
The Library of Scars is a renowned academy of fighters in the city of Jhelom.
Description[edit]
When the Avatar first encountered the group in Ultima VII, the Library was led by Master De Snel, a swordsman who, unbeknownst to his students, once served as the chief assassin for the Fellowship.[1] De Snel's methodology was famous throughout Britannia, and young hopefuls, such as Timmons from New Magincia, flocked to Jhelom in the hopes of gaining his eye.[2]
The Library's weaponry all had a serpentine pattern to it, reflecting the academy's emblem, the snake, whose strike was said to resemble the fighting style of the Library - quick, silent, deadly.[3]
During the Avatar's adventures regarding the Black Gate, the hero found that several members of the Library of Scars had rallied together against a mild-manner innkeeper named Sprellic, who through happenstance had accidentally stolen and lost the library's "honor flag," unintentionally signaling to the fighters that he felt he could best the entire Library in combat. Eventually, the Avatar resolved the issue by having Kliftin, Jhelom's armourer and tailor, manufacture a replica honor flag, which was then returned to the academy.[4][5]
After De Snel's past was uncovered, he met his end at the hands of the Avatar. In the year that followed, the warrior Syria was appointed headmaster of the Library.[6] Although the group appeared to persist well into the Age of Armageddon, by the time of the Avatar's final return to the realm in Ultima IX, no trace of the Library or its students could be found - likely having disbanded in the tumult of the Great Cataclysm which destroyed Jhelom.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Located in the Valorian Isles in southwest Britannia, Jhelom is a meeting place for fighters, paladins, and rangers. It is the birthplace of many an esteemed Britannian warrior. This City of Valor is also known for its well-stocked armoury, the hospitality of its barmaids and for its local fighting club, the Library of Scars. |
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| “ | De Snel teaches at the Library of Scars. His subject matter should be obvious from the name of his academy. His skill in sword-play has attracted students from all over Britannia. He has three at the moment: Vokes, Syria and Timmons. Well, I am positive about the fist two. I remember hearing that Timmons had some difficulty qualifying for instruction, but I admire his determination. He is still here, after all. And that Syria. Her inner malice may not match Ophelia's, but when she is armed, I would face an entire squadron of Ophelias to avoid an encounter with Syria. – from Key to the Black Gate (Ultima VII)
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Members[edit]
Members of the Library of Scars in Ultima VII are:
Trivia[edit]
- In Ultima VII the Avatar has several options by which the affair with Sprellic and the Library of Scars can be resolved. It is possible for the hero to kill Syria, Timmons and Vokes in combat as Sprellic's champion, or to simply murder Sprellic before the duel. The creation of the false honor flag, however, is considered the canonical solution, as Ultima Underworld II features Syria and mentions Sprellic as being very much alive.
References[edit]
- ↑ Danag. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "De Snel".
- ↑ De Snel. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "fighters, job, Jhelom, potential".
- ↑ De Snel. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "weaponry".
- ↑ Sprellic. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "asleep, gone, Syria, Timmons, visitor, Vokes".
- ↑ Syria. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "have flag".
- ↑ Syria. Ethereal Software’s Ultima Underworld II transcript. Ultima Underworld II.