Ultima 9: Classes
From Play It Hardcore
Classes
As mentioned before, classes in Ultima 9 are determined by how you answer the Gypsies questions in the beginning of the game. Each question will put one virtue over another in a simple process of elimination. You'll first face four questions, putting two virtues against each other. Then you will face three further questions, pitting the remaining virtues against each other. Whichever one you favor three times ends up being the class you choose.
Your starting class also determines what starting equipment you are given. Most class equipment is fairly bogus and not worth mentioning, but some of it is actually useful.
Of note is the artifact item Arms of the Magi. You can get these as any class near Moonglow, but only Mages get them to start. They reduce the mana cost of all spells by a whopping 75%. If you are planning to use a magic-heavy character, take them. However, keep in mind that you can find Arms of the Magi in various other places around the world, including Moonglow for free, which is about the time you start needing magic more.
Of second note is the Crook of Charming, which Shepherds start with. Upon striking an enemy, it has a 20% chance of charming them. Given how trivial combat is and how horrid of a class the Shepherd is, I'd say ignore it. Aside from that, however, it is a decent 2-Handed weapon and if you are playing on Pure Mode it's not a bad choice at all.
Of third note is the gold key for Rangers. This key unlocks a chest in Skara Brae that holds a Blackrock Helm. A nice helm, for sure, but it comes so late in the game you'll likely forget what you ever needed the key for.
Here is a list of the virtues and which classes they correspond to, along with what statistics you will start with:
| Class | Virtue | Strength | Dexterity | Intelligence | HP | Mana | Starting Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bard | Compassion | 1 | 3 | 1 | 30 | 15 | Map of Paws, Target Bow, 42 Arrows |
| Druid | Justice | 1 | 2 | 2 | 30 | 25 | Map of Yew, Gnarled Staff |
| Fighter | Valor | 3 | 1 | 1 | 90 | 15 | Map of Valoria, Scimitar |
| Mage | Honesty | 1 | 1 | 3 | 30 | 35 | Map of Moonglow, Arms of the Magi |
| Paladin | Honor | 2 | 1 | 2 | 60 | 25 | Map of Trinsic, Chain Coif |
| Ranger | Spirituality | 2 | 2 | 2 | 60 | 20 | Sextant, Gold Key |
| Shepherd | Humility | 1 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 25 | Crook of Charming |
| Tinker | Sacrifice | 2 | 2 | 1 | 60 | 15 | Map of Minoc, Buckler |
