Warriors of Destiny
Warriors of Destiny is the name given by the UO developers for what is described as the long-term, epic scenario or event cycle that heralds the coming of the Shadowlords.
The name comes from one of the single-player games upon which UO is based, specifically "Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny." The events of the cycle followed the storyline of that game very closely, with another character taking the place of Blackthorn, who was by this point in the UO timeline long-dead.
The Warriors of Destiny event cycle featured an unprecedented linkage of many different aspects of gameplay, including Event Moderator events (thus giving each Shard a different "spin" on events), Factions, Artifact hunting, and other play-styles.
The Warriors of Destiny event cycle has, at the time of writing (Summer 2009), thus far consisted of the following Chapters.
Contents
Prologue: Inu the Crone
In this chapter, a strange woman from the Tokuno Islands appeared in Britannia, and began to make incoherent statements about the future that had a funny habit of coming true. A variety of hitherto-unknown monsters made one-time appearances (for example, the Blood Witch of Khaldun). The Void Shadow Dungeon was introduced and players got to see the Ethereal Void, which would play an important role later. Also, Blackrock began to reappear in the lands, and the Time Lord was spotted near dimensional rifts. Along the way, the Ophidian War was fought, having been started by Ricardo the Thief. The Book of Truth was stolen from the Lycaeum, and that institution suffered attacks by Dark Wisps. The minions of the Shadowlord of Hate attacked the Shrines affiliated with the Principle of Love, and characters' visiting the Candle of Love could be helpful.
These events seemed unconnected, or barely connected, for a long time. However, in retrospect they can be seen as foreshadows of the coming of the Shadowlords, and/or the effects of early attempt of theirs to enter our world.
Chapter I: Magincia Invasion
In this chapter, the City of Magincia was invaded, and largely smashed, by Demonic entities. Some said this was a punishment for the city's Prideful ways.
Chapter II: Mad Mage
In this chapter, the Blackrock Detector, a long-delayed project of the "Mad Mage," Kronos, was completed. Instead of doing what it was supposed to do, it tore a hole in the fabric of reality, opened a gate to the Ethereal Void, and allowed the Shadowlords to enter Britannia. Towards the end of this, the NPC Andrew, a servant of the Shadowlords, made his first appearance.
Chapter III: The Vanguard
This chapter featured attacks by the Vanguard, the advance forces of the Shadowlords. Also, mysterious, powerful entities known as The Six eventually began to appear.
Chapter IV: Hope for the Future
This chapter featured the murder of the Ruling Council, and a desperate race against time to track down their killers. The long-dormant Followers of Armageddon were revealed to be in league with the Shadowlords. Given the events of this chapter, it can only be assumed that the title is sarcastic.
Chapter V: War of Shadows
This chapter was dominated by the onslaught of the forces of the Shadowlords against towns in Trammel. The game mechanics of the invasions featured an unprecedented linkage of Faction play in Felucca and events in Trammel.
Chapter VI: Ascension
While the Shadowlord onslaught continues, Casca, the last surviving member of the Ruling Council except for the missing Sherry the Mouse and the comatose Clainin, is appointed, or appoints himself, King. An event held the weekend of March 20 to 22, called Fire and Ice, effectively marked the end this Chapter.
Chapter VII: Salvation
Casca continues to step up his control of the realm, taking credit for the (apparent) end of the Shadowlord invasions. A new creature appears that may, or may not, be on our side. There is increasing evidence that Britannia is trapped in the middle of some kind of blood feud among ancient, and powerful, races of dragons.
Chapter VIII: The Last in Line
Action unfolds on multiple fronts, at least five fronts are known and more are possible, as events rush rapidly towards their climax. Old friends return, newer enemies appear in-force. The title of this chapter comes from a heavy metal song. At the time of writing, late July 2009, it appears that this will be the last chapter of the saga.
As of the time of writing, late July 2009, this event cycle approaches completion, but is not yet done.
The future of Britannia will be written with both words and deeds.