The Balloon
A Hot-Air Balloon is a very safe and comfortable way to travel in Britannia. It floats over everything and only air-borne enemies can attack it. However, it can only drift with the currents of the wind, thus the Wind Change spell is essential for it. A Balloon basically consists of a balloon basket, a big silk bag, a cauldron for the fire and lots of rope to tie all of it together. It is anchored to the ground with a ship's anchor.
The Hot-Air Balloon was originally invented in the time of Ultima IV, but bandits stole it. The Stranger found it at the exit of dungeon Hythloth, on the Isle of the Avatar, and used it to reach the White Stone. In Ultima VI, a Balloon is needed to reach the Shrine of Singularity. By then, he/she had already heard rumors about a balloon builder, who had traveled to Terfin. The Avatar finds the plans deep under Terfin by the dead balloon builder, and built the Balloon from scratch. With the Balloon and wind from the south, it was easy to reach the shrine. An Hot-Air Balloon was never seen after that again in Britannia.
Trivia
- The Balloon weights 25.0 stones in Ultima VI.