The 8 Virtues of Ultima Online

[Odin Hammersmith]

Greetings - herewith follows one of the reasons, if not the main reason why I became so enthralled by what this game had to offer, and twelve years on I am still enticed by what I might discover in the vast lands that are, Ultima Online.

The Eight Virtues of the Avatar

Many years ago, Lord British vanquished the forces of evil to lead Britannia out of the Ages of Darkness into the light of a single, just sovereign. Peace begot prosperity. Heretofore unknown riches spread across the land. Many grew fat and contented. For Lord British, these riches were mere trinkets, glittering baubles of distraction. Our noble King sought his riches elsewhere.

In a world without strife, he inquired of himself, what is the purpose of life? How was he to lead the people when he lacked such purpose? Is there value in leadership for its own sake? Like a gathering tornado, these questions spiralled into further questions, the answers to which he had none. He travelled about the kingdom to ask these questions to the wisest scholars and the humblest tradesmen. He journeyed through moongates to other worlds wherein the truths he sought were perverted by tyrants of many shades. He travelled the byways of his own experience. He gathered, assembled and pored over all these thoughts for a long time.

His mind rallied around a base assumption: it is right to be good. In goodness, we extend beyond ourselves, beyond our animal needs, to lend strength to our fellow man. In that shared strength resides greater power than in the individual mights therein. That power will be needed, when selfishness seeks to divide man from woman, parent from child, brother from brother. Thus, the power of virtue must be seeded in the minds of the people.

How, then, to define virtue? What are its properties? Lord British refined his thoughts to three Principles that could not be further divided: Truth, Love and Courage. These were his seeds. In isolation and in combination, they grew into the eight Virtues.

HONESTY

To the self, be true. Honesty begins with the will to regard the Truth in one’s heart.
A true heart spreads its warmth to the home and across the entire world. In seeing the world in true form, one can draw upon the magic that connects all living things: the power of the ether. To the self, be true. In repetition and experience, you shall find honesty whose comeliness inflicts shame upon evil.

COMPASSION

He who lives without compassion dies loveless. Compassion is the true child’s awe at the natural world and his love for all who live in it. Compassion for others reflects the Love in one’s soul. It requires strength to hold Compassion, for under duress, it is quick to flee. In testing your will to aid others, Compassion shall grow in your spirit like a wildfire.

VALOUR

Valour is the cloak that protects the other seven virtues. Valour gathers selfish Courage and shares it with the beliefs that one holds and protects. Valour is tested again and again, and through it, one sees the portal to virtue. To demand valour of oneself is to lead the way for others to find it in their hearts.

JUSTICE

Wherein Truth and Courage are reconciled lie the secrets of Justice. It bears no moderation, for it does not shine in the fog of war. The fiery will that spurs one towards Justice can lose sight of the Truth. To judge with a level eye demands Truth and Courage of conviction to pursue the Truth. In reward, Justice shall give temperament to your spirit.

SACRIFICE

Sacrifice gathers Love in the palm of Courage. Sacrifice requires a love of self to be given without consideration to others when that selfish love suggests safer choices. Where there is no choice, therein lies no sacrifice. Where the shape of those choices blur and lose definition, the highest standards of the common good find expression. In finding the Courage to share your Love, you shall find therein Sacrifice.

HONOUR

Truth is the tree from whose top sings the bird of Honour. The Courage to be true in repetition brings the song of Honour to your spirit. Though its melody sweetens over time, Honour can be lost in a moment’s hesitation. Honour sings from a lonely mountain. In finding the courage to pursue the truths in one’s life, you shall find honour.

SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is the urge towards steady improvement of the soul. The spiritual are never sated in their hunger for Truth, Love and Courage. From whatever place the Principles are viewed, spiritual energy rights them into proper balance. In the unity of Truth, Love and Courage, you shall infuse your spirit with peaceful Spirituality.

HUMILITY

On the road to virtue, humility is an elusive wind in the face. To lack Truth, Love and Courage is to spread the seeds of pride. Humility is that gentle breeze which, upon seeing the seeds of pride, sweeps away these begetters of hubris and discontent. Humility is often the last virtue captured, for pride is quick to flourish. To find humility, you must bear witness to the pride in your spirit. Only after such an examination, can you call forth the winds on humility.


Seldom if ever have I found the traits and trials of Life being mirrored in a game... until the day I found Ultima Online, I guess to me personally its more of a game, its a Lifestyle - A way of Life.

Regards - Odin

[Lagos]

Hail, brother Odin!
I say brother, as I think I sense the kinship of the fraternity of philosophers and scolars. As I read your essay on the virtues espoused by Lord British, I found in myself a desire to discourse upon these and perhaps other matters with so learned and astute philosopher as yourself. Indeed, my very name is derived from the old scolar's word for enlightened discourse "Logos," and I am by profession a Paladin of the lands Excelsior. My interest in virtues is thus a byproduct of both profession and scholarly fascination with cerebral realms. Perhaps you an I may share an ale and explore the domains of metis, Sophia, gnosis, and arete. I look forward to hearing more from you.

-Lagos