Balloon

A hot-air balloon is a very safe and comfortable way to travel in Britannia. It floats over everything and only airborne enemies can attack it. However, it can only drift with the currents of the wind, thus the Wind Change spell or the Magic Fans are essential for control over it. A balloon basically consists of:
 * A balloon basket.
 * A big silk bag.
 * A cauldron for the fire.
 * Lots of rope to tie all of it together.
 * A heavy ship's anchor to keep it on the ground.

History


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 Abyss, and used it to reach the White Stone. In Ultima VI a balloon was needed to reach the Shrine of Singularity. By then, the Avatar had already heard rumors about a balloon builder who had travelled to Terfin. The Avatar found the plans deep under Terfin by the dead balloon builder, and used the plans to successfully build the balloon from scratch. With the balloon and wind from the south, it was easy to reach the shrine. The hot-air balloon has not been seen in Britannia since.

Trivia

 * The Balloon weighs 25.0 stones in Ultima VI.