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 Warriors of Destiny event cycle has, at the time of writing (March 2009), thus far consisted of the following Chapters.

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. The Void Shadow Dungeon was introduced and players finally 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. 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.