Easter Eggs & Real World References (Spoilers!)

Discussion in 'Player Created Resources' started by Rinaldi, Sep 5, 2016.

  1. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Zone: Central Brittany (inside Brittany Castle)
    Real world reference to Noah Antwiler (aka Spoony) & "What's a paladin?"

    Noah Antwiler (aka Spoony) has a Youtube channel that contains an online comedy video series where he reviews the worst (and sometimes best) movies, video games, and comics. He created an amazing review of Richard Garriott's Ultima series in his Ultima Retrospective. One of Spoony's most famous rants occurred during his review of Ultima 9, when he criticized the Avatar for asking "What's a paladin?". Here is an except from that review:

    (Warning: adult language in the videos below)

    [For the full video, see Spoony's review of Ultima 9: Ascension (Part 1) - above excerpt is at time 31:25]

    Later, at the end of his Ultima 9 review, Spoony defines a Paladin for the guardian.

    [For the full video, see Spoony's review of Ultima 9: Ascension (Part 3) - above excerpt is at time 45:20]

    In Shroud of the Avatar, an NPC named Spoony, who wanders inside of the castle in Central Brittany, is a direct reference to Noah Antwiler (see Lum's post about this reference).

    [​IMG]

    In the Release 42 Instructions, it states "...word has spread of a Spoony Bard’s arrival in Arabella’s court. This figure may have much to share, including the ability to answer once and for all, 'What’s a Paladin?'"
    After you ask many times for Spoony's words of wisdom, he will eventually reveal the following comments about a paladin:

    [​IMG]

    Most of the comments above are basically quotes from Noah Antwiler's Ultima 9 review!

    Also note that the phrase "What's a paladin?" arises many times throughout Shroud of the Avatar, including:
    1. Spoony's conversation above.
    2. One of the comments that may appear on the loading-screen when entering a scene.
      [​IMG]
    3. In conversation with some children throughout the land.
      [​IMG]
    4. In conversation with Jean Christian Dupre in the Cozy Goat Tavern in Brittany Fields.
      [​IMG]
    Many of Spoony's comments in-game make references to the Ultima games - see the post below.

    Also see: Spoony's Interview/Roast of Richard Garriott which was a stretch goal for the Shroud of the Avatar kick-starter campaign
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2019
  2. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Real world references to the Ultima Series by Richard Garriott (aka @Lord British)

    1) Chuckles the Jester - Chuckles is Lord British's court jester, and he appeared in multiple Ultima games. Chuckles is referred to in Spoony's dialogue (Spoony is in Central Brittany inside Brittany Castle).
    [​IMG]
    Also see pic below for Sherry the Mouse.
    2) Sherry the Mouse - Sherry the Mouse is a talking mouse living in Lord British's castle, and she appeared in multiple Ultima games. Sherry is is referred to in Spoony's dialogue (Spoony is in Central Brittany inside Brittany Castle).
    [​IMG]
    3) Killing children - in several of the Ultima games, killing children occurred in the game.
    a) Artifice - there are some children in a cage. You can kill the children (intentionally or accidentally) by activating a wall of spikes that will impale the children.
    b) Ardoris - you must figure out who is using arrows to kill the children.
    c) East Sanctus Forrest - you must kill zombie children in order to more easily kill Krampus. Note that Krampus is a seasonal boss that is only present in December & January.
    d) Central Brittany - see Spoony's dialogue below (Spoony is in Brittany Castle).
    [​IMG]

    4) The Guardian - The Guardian is the main adversary of the Avatar in Ultima 7, 8, and 9. The Gaurdian is referred to in Spoony's dialogue (Spoony is in Central Brittany inside Brittany Castle).
    [​IMG]
    Also see pic above for Killing children, where the Guardian is mentioned.
    Here is another in-game reference to the Guardian.
    5) Dupre the Paladin - Dupre was a recurring character in the Ultima series. To prevent the death of his friend the Avatar, Dupre pushed the Avatar aside, and jumped into the flames of a crematory, martyring himself to restore the world.
    a) See the "Want to buy a duck?" reference to Dupre.
    b) Dupre is referred to in Spoony's dialogue (Spoony is in Central Brittany inside Brittany Castle).
    [​IMG]
    c) There is also a reference to Dupre in Brittany Fields, where a NPC named Jean Christian Dupre hints at the fact that he is descended or related to Dupre from the Ultima series.
    [​IMG]
    d) There is a reference to Dupre in a type of food: duck stew (appropriate since Dupre is associated with selling ducks - See the "Want to buy a duck?" reference to Dupre).
    [​IMG]
    6) Sentri - Sentri was a recurring character in the Ultima series. In Ultima 3, Sentri was in a bar in Montor West. In SOTA, Sentri can be found in Sun and Moon Tavern in Elad's Lighthouse.
    [​IMG]
    7) Iolo - Iolo was recurring character in the Ultima series.
    a) In SOTA, Fiona FitzOwen (an NPC in off-line mode) quotes Iolo's dialogue from Ultima 1.
    b) The food item shown below is named after Iolo.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2020
  3. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Real World Reference to the robot woman from the movie Metropolis
    In Central Brittany (in the Oracle Temple)

    Thea von Harbou wrote a book called Metropolis, in which one of the characters was a robot called "Futura". In 1927, Fritz Lang created a German silent movie, also called Metropolis, which was based largely on von Harbou's book. In the movie, Rotwang (an inventor) kidnaps Maria (a poor worker) and transfers her likeness to a robot. The movie credits list a character called "Der Maschinen-mensch" (The Machine Human or The Machine Man, in English). After the movie was released in 1927, the robot has been given many names. Forrest J. Ackerman (a science fiction writer, avid collector of science fiction memorabilia, and coiner of the term "sci-fi") built a replica of the Metropolis robot and named it Ultima Futura Automaton (a name that used the initials of the studio that made the Metropolis film: UFA) [1] .



    On May 2,2017, Richard Garriott (aka @Lord British) gave a speech to Ubisoft in Quebec City, Canada. In his speech, he stated "...one of my big inspirations in life is a movie called Metropolis...the robot in Metropolis...the Ultima Futura Automaton.... I've borrowed that variation of that robot to bring back as our Oracle in Shroud of the Avatar."
    Click here to see the relevant part of his speech.

    Here is the whole speech (see time 54:25 to 54:55 for reference to Metropolis)


    In October 2017, @Hutch (one of the developers) posted The Making of the Oracle, which chronicles the creation of the oracle and affirms that the oracle was inspired by the robot in Metropolis.

    Therefore, the robotic woman in the movie Metropolis was the inspiration for the Oracle in Shroud of the Avatar (they have a similar name and appearance).

    Futura from the movie Metropolis:
    [​IMG]

    Ultima Futura Automaton (the Oracle) from Shroud of the Avatar:
    [​IMG]

    When you ask "Ultima Futura Automaton" about her name, she says she is "Der Maschinenmensch". Der Maschinen-mensch was the name of robot character in Metropolis (this was name the name listed in the movie credits).
    [​IMG]

    Another interesting fact: The robot in Metropolis was also the inspiration for C-3PO in Star Wars. [2]


    References:
    [1] Christopher M. O'Brien, The Forrest J Ackerman Oeuvre: A Comprehensive Catalog of the Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Screenplays, Film Appearances, Speeches and Other Works, with a Concise Biography (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc. Publishers, www.mcfarlandpub.com, 2012), page 54.
    [ISBN 978-0-7864-4984-2].

    [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maschinenmensch
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2018
  4. Spoon

    Spoon Avatar

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  5. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Easter Egg: Memorial to "Sweety the Bird"
    In the town of Spite

    This Easter egg was originally reported by @blacksheepboy in this post.

    In the town of Spite, there is a hidden memorial to "Sweety the Bird" that consists of a gravestone, a birdbath, a vase containing fresh flowers, a small table, and a letter on the table. If you hover your mouse over the grave stone, it reads "Sweety the Bird".

    [​IMG]

    Clicking on the letter reveals a eulogy poem for "Sweety the Bird"
    [​IMG]

    Addendum 7/6/2017:
    I spoke to the designer of Spite, Esteben Zaldivar (SorcerousSteve), who said "As far as the sweety bird poem, that was an idea Lord British had and I just placed myself in the shoes of a bird owner (shh... I don't own birds) and I wrote a sincere poem about a bird who has passed away and its owner who has to see him go."


    Go to the town of Spite. Find the East entrance/exit of the zone (see yellow arrow below), and then head south.
    [​IMG]

    Run across the fallen log.
    [​IMG]

    Then, run up and over the rocks.
    [​IMG]

    Then, run across a second fallen log.
    [​IMG]

    Then turn East and run across the rocks to a ledge on the cliff.
    [​IMG]

    Once on the ledge, you will find the memorial to "Sweety the Bird"
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2017
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  6. Browncoat Jayson

    Browncoat Jayson Legend of the Hearth

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    This may be a reference to the Dippy Bird that was always on camera during the early Shroud of the Avatar livestreams. It stopped working at some point, thus it "died". This might also be where @Chris took his UDIC name of Dippy Dragon.
     
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  7. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Real world reference to the Poets' Circle
    In Ardoris

    Poets' Circle is a guild that is dedicated to making music for Shroud of the Avatar; however, this particular guild has contributed some very special content to the game: members of Poets' Circle have composed almost all of the background music in the Shroud of the Avatar!

    Poets' Circle was the first group to receive the Royal Warrant from Lord British (an award for a groups making outstanding contributions to Shroud of the Avatar). Also, many of the Poet's Circle members are also recipients of the Order of the New Britannia Empire (an award for a individuals making outstanding contributions to Shroud of the Avatar).

    Additional recognition of Poets' Circle exists in-game: in the town square in Ardoris, the developers included the "Poet's Circle Guildhouse".
    [​IMG]


    Inside the guild house, you will find musical instruments and books. On one of the tables, a note refers to the Royal Warrant awarded to Poet's Circle (Holt Ironfell is the founder of Poet's Circle):
    [​IMG]

    And on the top floor, their is a "circle" of benches. When the guild sits on these benches for a guild meeting, they form a Poets' Circle!
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2017
  8. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Got a screenshot for ya!

    Real word reference to a character called Ensorcio from Ultima 7 Part 2
    In Ardoris

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Easter Eggs - multiple references to classic Samurai movies (Part 1 - Easter Eggs 1, 2, & 3)
    In Celestis

    In the description of Celestis in the release 43 instructions it states "There are also a few Easter-eggs throughout the scene which pay tribute to some of developer Sea Wolf’s favorite chambara (classic samurai films)." [Addendum: Sea-Wolf told me there are 5 samurai related Easter eggs in Celestis].

    In appreciation of @Sea-Wolf's Easter eggs, I am sharing the ones I have found.

    1. Homage to the movie "Seven Samurai"

    At the top of a hill, there are 7 samurai swords that "are firmly stuck in the ground and cannot be removed." These 7 blades are an homage to the classic movie Seven Samurai (which is typically ranked as one of the best samurai movies of all time).

    [​IMG]

    To find the 7 swords, go to the pagoda. Then head north across the wooden foot-bridge next to the pagoda, and follow the trail to the second wooden foot-bridge. As soon as you cross the second bridge, turn northwest and head up the rocks. On the compass, this location shows up as a point of interest called "Memorial to the Seven".

    [​IMG]


    2. Homage to the "Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart" movies

    In one of the valleys, there is a wooden cart. This cart is a replica of the baby cart used in several of the Lone Wolf and Cub movies (including Baby Cart at the River Styx, Baby Cart to Hades, Baby Cart in Peril, and Baby Cart in the Land of Demons).

    [​IMG]


    To find the baby cart, run into the valleys below the pagoda. One of these valleys has the baby cart. On the compass, this location shows up as a point of interest called "Stroller of the Cub"

    [​IMG]


    3. Homages to the movie "Yojimbo"

    Relevant movie info: The main character in the movie, Sanjuro, is a samurai without a master. He arrives in a small village, which is dominated by two feuding gangs. Sanjuro offers his services as a bodyguard to both of the gang leaders and waits for the best offer. Ultimately, Sanjuro is assaulted by one of the gangs. To escape the violence, the injured Sanjuro is hidden in a casket and smuggled out of town by the Tavern Keeper (Gonji). Sanjuro takes refuge in a temple, recovers from his injuries, and returns to the village to defeat the gangs. When Sanjuro returns to the village, he finds Gonji hanging by a rope from a wooden structure.

    First Homage
    On one of the dirt roads away from the main city of Celestis, there is a wooden structure with a rope hanging from it: this is an homage to one of the final scenes in Yojimbo.

    In the movie, Gonji (the man who smuggled Sanjuro out of town in the casket) is bound and dangled by a rope from a wooden arch-like structure. The rope and wooden structure are remarkably similar in the movie and in SOTA.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Second Homage
    Near the wooden arch with the rope, there is a wooden barrel-like container. This container is the casket which was used to smuggle Sanjuro out of the village.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The barrel-like casket can be found a short distance from the wooden arch with the rope. On the compass, this location shows up as a point of interest called "Casket of the Bodyguard" (Sanjuro was the bodyguard who was smuggled in the casket).

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2017
  10. Sea-Wolf

    Sea-Wolf Avatar

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    Nice! There are still two left though!
     
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  11. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Here are the other two!

    Easter Eggs - multiple references to classic Samurai movies (Part 2 - Easter Eggs 4 & 5)
    In Celestis

    Homage to the movie "Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island"

    Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island is the 3rd movie in the Samurai Trilogy.

    Relevant movie info: The main character, Musashi (aka Takezo), is challenged to a duel by a relatively unknown skillful swordsman, Sasaki Kojiro. Musashi agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time. After one year, Musashi takes a rowboat to Ganryu Island to duel Kojiro. As the boat crosses to Ganryu Island, Musashi carves an oar into a wooden sword (bokken). The dual takes place on the beach at sunset, and Musashi uses his wooden sword to defeat Kojiro, leaving Kojiro dead on the sand.

    This Easter egg can be found on the Northwest beach of Celestis. Instead of a wooden sword, an oar is laying next to the body on the beach. On the compass, this location shows up as a point of interest called "Body of the Duelist"

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]



    Easter Egg # 5 - Homage to Zatoichi

    Relevant background info: Zatoichi is a fictional character in a long series of samurai movies and television episodes. Zatoichi appears to be a harmless blind man; however, he is a skilled swordsman. He wanders the land, and makes a living by giving massages and by gambling (playing dice).

    This Easter egg can be found inside the Inn & Tavern in the town of Celestis.
    When you enter the building, walk to the West corner of the first floor (shown by the arrow):

    [​IMG]

    On the compass, this location shows up as a point of interest called "The Gambler's Belongings". If you look at the items on the floor you will see:
    • A bedroll - which is essentially a portable massage table (Zatoichi gave massages)
    • A cup with some dice (Zatoichi gambled with dice)
    • A sword (Zatoichi was a talented swordsman)​

    [​IMG]

    Zatoichi used a shikomizue (a sword concealed in a cane or walking stick; also called a cane sword). The picture below is an example that shows the blade and sheath of a cane sword. When the blade is placed inside the sheath, the whole assembly can be used as a walking cane. The sword in the SOTA picture above shows the blade portion of the cane sword. If you hover the mouse over the sword, you will see that it is called "shikomizui" and you can pick up the sword and equip it!
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2017
  12. Animosh

    Animosh Avatar

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    [​IMG]

    [​IMG] Rick Holtrop is that you?

    This is found in Libris ruin. When you figuire out the puzzles You can see it as you go along
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2017
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  13. Animosh

    Animosh Avatar

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    This one is kind of fun

    Meet Eddie


    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    This guy can be found near this item:

    [​IMG]

    Now why is this important? and why is Eddie here?

    Eddie is the Zombie guy on the cover of Every Iron Maiden album. He has 2 video games just to himself. here you can see him headbanging Near an iron Maiden item.

    Now I will point you to this album:
    [​IMG]

    On this album is a song titled The prisoner



    Libris Ruins is a giant run down prison.

    Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar on his twitter account he said he likes to shred guitar. @Berek Please see my Question for the next Telethon
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2017
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  14. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Two Easter Eggs
    1. "Rick Was Here" scratched in the prison wall
    2. Reference to the rock band Iron Maiden and their mascot Eddie
    In Libris Ruins


    Rick Was Here
    Esteben Zaldivar, developer and creator of the Libris Ruins, confirmed that the "Rick was here" message refers to Rick Holtrop (alumni developer of SOTA). Esteban said that he included Rick's name because "...he has a short name and he is a cool guy." Get the key on the floor next to the "reception desk" on the first floor of the prison, then find the cell with the skeleton in it that is shown below (Location -20.4, 105.9, 67.7). Open the gate to the cell and you will see the writing scratched on the wall. You can loot the skeleton, and grab the key on the floor next to him.​

    [​IMG]
    This Easter egg was originally found by Animosh (Crow in-game) - but re-posted here because his picture links expired.

    Iron Maiden Reference
    Esteben Zaldivar, developer and creator of the Libris Ruins, said this Easter egg was initially suggested by Art Lead Michael Hutchison. Esteban plays guitar and likes heavy metal, so it seemed appropriate.

    On the second floor of the prison (Location -49.7, 105.9, 28.3), there is an iron maiden torture device (red arrow in pic below). Nearby is a zombie named Eddie (yellow arrow in pic below) who periodically does the headbang and sing emotes.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    You can talk to Eddie, but he does not say anything interesting. You can also kill Eddie (he drops the usual loot for a zombie).

    Eddie (also know as Eddie the Head) is the mascot for the heavy metal rock band Iron Maiden. Here is an example of Eddie on the cover of the album entitled "The Number of the Beast"
    [​IMG]
    And on this album is a song entitled "The Prisoner"

    This Easter egg was originally found by Animosh (Crow in-game) - but re-posted here because his picture links expired.

    .
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2018
  15. Animosh

    Animosh Avatar

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    The Alchemy shop in Ardoris is named Bell Book and Candle.
    This happens to be a a good vintage movie
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051406/

    The shop in the movie is also called bell book and candle
     
  16. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    The bell, book, and candle may refer to many possible real-world things. It seems that the original idea of the Bell, Book, and Candle arose in the medieval Roman Catholic Church, where these items were used during an excommunication ceremony. In SOTA, the Bell, Book, and Candle may be referring to the Ultima games in which these items were part of the story-line.
    • Ultima 4 - the avatar had to use the Bell of Courage, the Book of Truth, and the Candle of Love to open the Abyss.
    • Ultima 9 - the Guardian trapped Shamino's soul in the Ethereal Void. The avatar had to use the Bell of Courage, the Book of Truth, and the Candle of Love to pull Shamino's soul out of the void and return it to Shamino's body.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2017
  17. Animosh

    Animosh Avatar

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    But the movie is a shop, where the woman makes a love potion to seduce a man. Could also be the reason Bell book and Candle is in the city of love
     
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  18. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Easter Egg - Novia from SOTA is basically Sosaria from Ultima 3!

    This gem (hidden in plain sight) was first reported by @scorpius2 (Joe in-game).

    The configuration of Sosaria (from Ultima 3) is very similar to Novia (from SOTA). Compare the maps below.

    [​IMG]


    But the similarities run far deeper than the shape of the continents. With further investigation, we found a lot of similarities, including:
    1. The Palace of the Mountain and the Palace of the Winds (SOTA) have a similar configuration to East Montor and West Montor (Ultima 3): they are on opposite sides of the river mouth.
      [​IMG]

      Detailed view of the Montor towns in Ultima 3 and the palaces in SOTA.

      [​IMG]
    2. The town of Yew (Utima 3) and the town of Yew (SOTA) are in a similar location.
      [​IMG]
    3. Lord British's castle + the City of Britain (Ultima 3) and Lord British's castle + Central Brittany (SOTA) are in a similar location.
      [​IMG]
    4. Exodus's Castle (Ultima 3) and Artifice (SOTA) are in a similar location. In both places: a) truth is revealed, b) a special type of permission is required to enter, and c) several items must be inserted to complete the quest (in Ultima 3, four cards must be inserted. In SOTA, three keys must be inserted).
      [*][​IMG]
    5. The dungeon of Perinian Depths (Ultima 3) and the Graff Gem Mines (SOTA) are in a similar location (they are both underground zones).
      [​IMG]
    6. The Dungeon of Doom (Ultima 3) and Etceter Crag Mine (SOTA) are in a similar location (they are both underground zones).
      [​IMG]
    7. The town of Grey (Ultima 3) and the town of Aerie (SOTA) are in a similar location.
      [​IMG]
    8. The Dungeon of Fire (Ultima 3) and the Hellfire Rift (SOTA) are in a similar location. These areas both have a lava flow surrounded by mountains.
      [​IMG]
    9. There is a central area enclosed by mountains in Sosaria and in Novia. In Novia, the area is isolated by mountains, water, and passes.
      [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2017
  19. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    Real world references to Richard Garriott (aka @Lord British)
    In Crypt of the Avatar

    Real world references to Richard Garriott
    In Crypt of the Avatar


    As developer Scott Jones (@Scottie) stated in a SOTA update, "I had a bit of fun recently designing the very-specifically-described sarcophagus-like tomb near the entrance to the Crypt of the Avatar scene…the dashing, bearded, single-braided figure in ornamental armor carved on the lid…I wonder who that mysterious figure is supposed to resemble?"

    In one of the first rooms in the Crypt of the Avatar, there is sarcophagus with the lid dislodged.


    [​IMG]

    Look closely at the lid. You will see that the face engraved on the lid is the face of Richard Garriott.
    The engraved figure is in armor, which looks similar to the space suit worn by Garriott during his space flight:

    • The wide rounded collar is the same on the armor and on the space suit.
    • There is a mid-chest circular element in both the armor (green symbol) and the space suit (blue thingy).
    • The stripes around the shoulder and arms are similar on the armor (gold stripes) and the space suit (blue stripes).
    [​IMG] [​IMG]


    And if you look in more detail, you will see that the engraving also shows Garriott's long, narrow braid of hair!

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    .

    Near the main castle, there is a sign next to a well, that states this area is called "Garriott Commons"
    [​IMG]

    Real world references to Richard Garriott
    On the Jack of Diamonds & in other zones

    On the Jack of Diamonds (an airship that can only be boarded in certain towns), there is a picture of Garriott with a rusty dagger stabbed into the picture.

    This picture of Garriott can be found in several other zones, including inside Britannia Manor in Northwood.

    [​IMG]

    There are many references to Lord British throughout the game, here are a few:

    In Owl's Head
    Nob the stableboy recounts all the ways Lord British has been killed through out the ultima series - see this post for details.

    In the Confluence Chamber
    Historically, Lord British advocated living by the virtuous principles. However, this child in the Confluence Chamber, says that you should abandon Lord British's virtues because they are boring.
    [​IMG]

    In Elad's Lighthouse
    Elad (who is in the lighthouse building in the city of Elad's Lighthouse), says he used to work for Lord British. He also reveals several things about Lord British:
    • The city of Brittany is named after Lord British
    • Lord British has "been seen around these parts once or twice" (referring to the fact that Lord British, Richard Garriott's avatar, makes periodic appearances in-game).
    • Lord British is "fascinated by learning" and was "constantly trying to learn more."
    [​IMG]

    See this post for the Easter egg regarding Elad.
    Various Items

    1. Lord British Shield
    [​IMG]
    2. Lord British Fur Collared Cloak
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2019
  20. Rinaldi

    Rinaldi Bug Hunter

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    In this post:
    1. Real world references to Ultima characters Shamino, Mariah, & Jaana.
    2. Real world reference to priapism

    Real World Reference to Shamino from the Ultima Series
    On the Overworld Map


    There is a zone in Novia called Shaminian Hills, which is near the Hellfire Rift and just south of Kiln. Shaminian Hills is named after Shamino, a recurring character in the Ultima series.
    The Codex of Ultima Wisdom wiki page on Shamino states "Shamino's counterpart in reality is Ultima creator Richard Garriott. Garriott also appears in the games as Lord British, whom Shamino often greatly resembles in physical appearance. The ranger was initially a Dungeons & Dragons character played by Garriott...the name itself originates from the designer's misreading of the Shimano brand of gears on his bicycle."

    SHAMINO = Garriott's character
    SHIMANO = bike gear company​

    There are 2 homages to the Shimano bicycle gear company in SOTA (and thus, these are references to the origin of Shamino's name):
    1. The river that flows by Shaminian Hills is the Shimano River (which is the name of the bicycle gear company).
      [​IMG]
    2. In the Shaminian Hills zone, there is a visual reference to Shimano bicycle gears; the gears appear in the power coupling wheels used to solve the puzzle in this zone.
      [​IMG]


    Real World Reference to Mariah from the Ultima Series
    On the Overworld Map


    There is a zone on Novia called Mariah Overlook and the mountains nearby are called the Mariah Mountains. This is likely a reference to the recurring character Mariah from the Ultima series.

    [​IMG]
    Screenshot taken in-game using the SOTA Map feature (www.shroudoftheavatar.com/map/).


    Real World Reference to Jaana from the Ultima Series
    On the Overworld Map


    This reference was already posted by @Alexander, but I wanted to add some additional information.

    The city of Jaanaford and its nearby rivers (Jaana River and West Jaana River) are named after the character Jaana from the Ultima Series.

    [​IMG]
    Screenshot taken in-game using the SOTA Map feature (www.shroudoftheavatar.com/map/).

    In fact, you can talk to Jaana's grand daughter (Jenna Karttunen) in Jaanaford, who specifically tells you that Jaanaford is named after Jaana (see pic below). And as @Alexander described in his post, she also also tells you some additional lore about Jaana.
    [​IMG]

    Real World Reference to Priapism
    In Ardoris


    This a funny reference to television commercials for erectile dysfunction medications, which almost always warn "to avoid long term injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than 4 hours."
    An erection lasting longer than 4 hours, a medical condition known as priapism, can result in permanent loss of erectile function. In most cases, Priapism must be treated immediately in order to minimize the risk of permanent damage.

    When you ask Darcy of Paxlair (an NPC in Ardoris) about arousal, he responds "If your ephemeral arousal lasts more than four hours, you may need to seek the aid of an apothecary."
    It certainly seems appropriate that this warning is being delivered in Ardoris, the city of love!

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2018