I recently learned that there's a guy in Texas who calls himself "Iolo" who is known for making high quality medieval replica crossbows.

I learned a long time ago that with the older Ultima games Richard Garriot modeled all the characters after people he knew. He was also into elaborate fantasy and role playing for a really long time.

Did Richard Garriot know this Texan Iolo, and was that person the basis for Iolo from Ultima? Does anyone know?

Well I don't have any real confirmation for you, but Garriot was raised in Texas, so it's certainly a possibility.

Given my memory of the Ultima games, I'd say that's a downright certainty.

It was also a name used in the myth series of books for a legendary crossbow maker... wonder if one or the other was nod there

Visit him (either of them) and ask.

Bye
Thanee

How do contact Lord British?

British telecom

Well, back in the day, when Tabula Rasa was still online, I would actually kow how, because he would pop into the game every now and then.

But now... no idea.

Bye
Thanee

Iolo might be easier to contact since he'll probably have a public contact for people interested in buying one of his crossbows.