Sosaria
Origins and History
Sosaria is a fictional world that serves as the setting for the Ultima series of computer games, primarily developed by Richard Garriott. The world of Sosaria has evolved and changed in its geography, political structure, and social order over the course of the series, reflecting the different creative directions and technological advancements of the games.
The first appearance of Sosaria was in Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness, released in 1981. In this initial iteration, Sosaria was depicted as a high fantasy world with a mix of medieval and futuristic elements. The world was divided into four continents, each ruled by a different king and plagued by a variety of monsters.
Geography and Climate
Sosaria's geography is diverse and has changed significantly throughout the Ultima series. The landmasses and their arrangement vary from game to game, reflecting the evolving design of the game world. The continents of Sosaria include the Lands of Lord British, the Lands of Danger and Despair, the Lands of the Feudal Lords, and the Lands of the Dark Unknown.
The climate of Sosaria is as varied as its geography, ranging from temperate zones to arid deserts and icy tundras. The world is also home to a variety of unique geographical features, such as the Stygian Abyss, a massive dungeon that plays a central role in Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss.
Flora and Fauna
Sosaria is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to the world. The flora ranges from common trees and plants to magical herbs used in spellcasting. The fauna includes typical medieval fantasy creatures such as dragons, trolls, and orcs, as well as unique creatures like the balron and the reaper.
Culture and Society
The culture and society of Sosaria are primarily medieval in nature, with elements of high fantasy. The world is populated by humans, elves, dwarves, and other fantasy races. Society is generally feudal, with kings and queens ruling over territories populated by peasants, artisans, and knights.
The society of Sosaria is also characterized by the presence of various guilds and orders, such as the Guild of Thieves and the Order of the Silver Serpent. These organizations often play significant roles in the quests and adventures of the player character.
Magic and Technology
Magic plays a significant role in Sosaria, with many characters, including the player's, capable of casting spells. The magic system in Sosaria is based on the use of reagents and the incantation of specific words of power.
In contrast to its predominantly medieval setting, Sosaria also features elements of advanced technology, particularly in the earlier games of the series. This includes time travel, space travel, and advanced weaponry, reflecting the series' blend of fantasy and science fiction elements.