Lord British: Friend or Foe?

Proving the pen is mighty indeed, the response to our call for questions UO players would like to pose to Origin's Richard Garriott has been tremendous.

So even if you can't get through to Lord British himself, .

After GameSpot News asked you to forward questions you would ask Lord British, literally hundreds of responses were electronically delivered to us.

While the voices of discontent have echoed loudest, there has been a consistant chorus from those who believe that Ultima Online is a "giant step for mankind" - or at least a super fine effort of one of gaming's most creative minds, Richard Garriott.

As we sift through e-mails (watch for our report on Tuesday), we present a single list of questions to British sent by Lizard (playing as Agamar) that capture the curiosity - if not bemused bewilderment - that comes with playing Ultima Online.

Lizard's questions:

"I have eight questions for thee!

Wilt thoua) Take Compassion on new players and those who wish to be virtuous, and smite the murderers who plague thy land, orb) Heartlessly accept the coin of those who live only to pillage and plunder?

Wilt thoua) Honor thy pledge to make this a living, virtual world, which will keep players entranced for years, orb) Dishonor thy pledge by means of too-rapid advancement leading to boredom and abandonment of the game, so that countless new suckers might fill thy coffers?

Wilt thoua) Humbly admit thy goals exceeded thy ability, orb) Pridefully claim all works as thou claimed it wouldst?

Wilt thoua) Honestly admit the game was shipped far too early, orb) Deceitfully claim thee thought the game ready for release?

Wilt thoua) Seek the Spiritual path of putting gameplay above profit, orb) Materialistically grab for gold while thy world suffers?

Wilt thoua) Sacrifice short-term profit and the coin gained from murderers and parasites, orb) Covetously look at but this month and take coin from all, no matter their character?

Wilt thoua) Provide ample creatures of evil upon which we can test our Valor, orb) Continue to shape the world so that only the Cowards who attack other players may rule?

Wilt thoua) Justly remove those from thy world who abuse its laws and its people, orb) Unjustly permit them to thrive on the blood and work of others?

Thy answers shall determine thy destiny!"

There's still time to imagine yourself on the telephone with Lord British, so .