Ultima VI: The False Prophet/Dungeon Despise and Heroes Hole

'According to the Ultima philosophy, Despise is the opposite of Compassion. The virtue of Compassion comes from the principle of Love, whose opposite is Hatred. Therefore, Despise derives from Hatred.'

Dungeon entrance


North-east of Castle Britannia is a guardpost. From there, take the mountain pass to the north-east. Hug the mountainside counterclockwise. Eventually, you will reach the end of a narrow valley at the center of the mountains.

Dungeon walkthrough
Apparently, the layout of this dungeon may seem complicated. It is actually quite an easy dungeon, and it is only three floors deep.

The gold path
As soon as the Companions enter Dungeon Despise, they can see a gold nugget to their right. Follow that gold path down one level, then up back on the first level. When you see a dead body, be careful: there is a hidden trap. Walk around the rock and loot the dead body.

On the same floor, there are useful items in the north-eastern corner, i.e. the opposite point to where the dead man is.

Deep down
Backtrack to the second level. There is a narrow passage that allows acces to an area to the east. There, there is a ladder down to the third level.

On the deepest level, a series of stalagmites prevents the Companions from going south. Nevertheless, there is a skiff on a pier, and it can be used to explore the coast of the underground lake. South from the lake there is a tangle of passage. Once you can get past the maze, a dangerous silver snake and some hidden traps guard a stash of potions. The tombs nearby are empy: nothing can be found in them, even using a shovel.

Back to the underground lake, more items can be found in the north-west area. An islet in the middle of the lake allows access to an area on the upper floor. There, four magic rings may be obtained.

The Heroes Hole or Heftimus Cave
Back to the first floor, instead of exiting the dungeon, continue east. Another ladder brings down. This passage connects to the Heroes Hole, also known as Heftimus Cave. This is a large area devoid of any usful item. Same goes for the smaller second floor.

Still, it can be useful to give experience to a character that needs it. Group all your characters near the exit of Heftimus Cave, then save. Go in solo mode with the character you want to upgrade and move him/her just a bit north; then, change to the Avatar, and cast a Energy Field; get back to the "northern" character, and let him fight enemies at leisure, while the other companions are protected by the energy field.

Summary
There are no items in the Heroes Hole (also known as Heftimus cave), nor in the passage that links it to the rest of Dungeon Despise.

The fishing pole can be used to get food for free. Exchange the gold nuggets for gold coins in Britain (1 nugget = 10 coins).