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Introduction

Page history last edited by Archaaz 3 weeks, 3 days ago

About GURPS: Ultima: An Unofficial Ultima® Sourcebook for GURPS® Fourth Edition.

This site represents an attempt to bring the world of the Ultima series of computer role-playing games to the realm of pen and paper. I had originally intended to use the D20 system, due to the fact that it was a system with which I have more experience. After encountering some issues along the way, not least trying to make the Shepherd (one of my favorite concepts from the series) a viable profession, and after purchasing a copy of the GURPS: Basic Set and GURPS: Magic, I decided that GURPS was a better fit for the manner in which I wanted to portray the Ultima universe. Nevertheless, I may attempt a full or partial D20 adaptation at some point.

While I have tried to remain true to the source material, I likewise took a bit of artistic license in adding certain elements including: the Murvani (an elaboration of the Gypsies from the Ultima series, including a brief glossary of the Murvani language), several breeds of horses, a custom calendar, a system of tarot cards, and others additions (all listed under the Book of Lore section). I have likewise expanded upon certain other elements of the lore. I have attempted to incorporate rules for each installment of the series, though I must admit a personal preference for Ultimas IV and V.

For the sake of simplicity, and not requiring an undue amount of extra source books, manuals, and the like, I decided to use only the aforementioned Fourth Edition GURPS Basic Set (including GURPS Basic Set: Characters and GURPS Basic Set: Campaigns) and the Fourth Edition GURPS: Magic, in creating GURPS: Ultima. I have likewise utilized a number of online resources, and have tried to attribute the credit for such works appropriately.

This work represents one person's interpretation, and there is certainly room for reinterpretation and improvement. The bestiary, in particular, leaves a bit of room for improvement and expansion. I am grateful to those who (unknowingly) provided most of the material for that section (and am sorry for any errors in presentation, attribution or modification). And, as with all things GURPS, there is, of course, freedom to adapt, change, and toss out any of the elements contained herein. I welcome any feedback, particularly by way of rules I may have misunderstood, areas which can be improved, or miscalculations.

The two Ultima Wikis contain much more detailed information than is included in GURPS: Ultima, and have proven invaluable to the creation of this site. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who created and maintain those sites. I would also like to personally thank Kenneth Kully (WtF Dragon of the Ultima Dragons Internet Chapter and the host of the Ultima Codex) for giving this project a page of its own in the Ultima Inspired works of the Ultima Codex, and to Fenyx (of the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom). And last, but not least, the members of the Steve Jackson forums, whose unknowing contributions added much to the bestiary.

GURPS: Ultima is an entirely fan-made, noncommercial endeavor; a homage to the Ultima series and universe.

About the Author:

My name is Joel Hardin, and I am an avid fan of the Fantasy genre, role-playing and of the Ultima series of CRPGs in particular. My favorite installment in the series is Ultima V, followed closely by Ultima IV. This project began as an attempt to emulate the particular era and atmosphere of those two games.

I also run a RunUO server, Paths Of Virtue, based on the general feel of Ultima VI and V, and set after the events of Ultima V. The shard was released in April, 2017, is currently in alpha, and is very much a work in progress.

I dabble in writing from time to time, and entered a short story (under my online alias Archaaz) in a contest on the Shroud of the Avatar forums. In the past I volunteered for some time as a lore writer for the upcoming, roleplaying-centric MMORPG Legends of Aryiure (formerly Adellion). I am likewise a registered, though thus far inactive, member of the Ultima Dragons, under the moniker Aesthetic Dragon. I am originally from the United States.

Disclaimers:

GURPS Licensing and Legal Discalimer:

The material presented here is the original creation of the contributors, intended for use with the GURPS system from Steve Jackson Games. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games.

GURPS is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and the art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy.

Other content, including quotes and artwork, is similarly used on the Codex of Editable Wisdom and the Ultima Codex Wiki and is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License unless otherwise noted; additional terms may apply. Links have been provided where appropriate.

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