Day 122: Fireday the 18th, Abadius, 4708
I woke up after our night together fully rested. I gently extricated myself from the bed and got up and started making breakfast. A quick easy meal for Savah and myself. I brought it back into the bedroom and gently woke her up. Savah was happy waking up to see the meal. We ate and discussed our plans. I told her that Igor, Veronica, and I would be working on the plane's gun today, to get it finished. Savah said that she was going to go through the "loot" we got last night and put it into the store for sale. I told her that I also would like her to greenlight getting the supplies for Niddler's farm. Savah said that she would do so while I was out, but hoped that it wouldn't take too long for me to get back.
We got up and got dressed and ready for the day. We both headed downstairs and we separated to go deal with the things that we were individually dealing with. I headed over to the university workshop where everything had been moved over to and saw that Igor was getting ready to help Veronica. I sent a thought to Veronica, asking if she would like assistance. Veronica nodded and we both took up positions with her. Fairly soon, I was taking over the majority of the build, with components from either of the two being handed to me for addition and implementation into the build.
This went on for almost eight hours, until the time came to integrate it into the ship itself. When we left the university Faunra was at the plane with Vaeren, finishing up on their last day of enchantments. The ship was already much lighter than it had been, with the enchantment that Faunra had placed on it causing it to almost float. The three of us nodded at them and they nodded back. We headed to the nose of the ship and added the railgun to the retractable turret that had been designed for it. The controls were already installed and just required to be attached to the railgun itself.
When we were finished, we watched Faunra finish up on her enchantments for the lights. When she was done, she informed us that the only people who saw the lights would be the pilot and co-pilot. I nodded and said that this was a great innovation that would reduce the visibility of the plane. Faunra noted that she would look into putting in a cloak mechanism later. I told her that I didn't know if I would worry about that for this mission. I asked Faunra if she was ready to take a trip in the place for the test. Faunra declared that she could be okay with it and we both got in.
I sent to Savah that I was going to be taking the Quadjet for a spin, and that we'd be back as soon as we could. Savah wished me luck and told me that I better come back. I told her that I had every intention of doing so and Faunra yelled over the radio that she'd be keeping me safe too. Savah came back saying that she would hold Faunra to that. Savah wished me well again and I set the radio down in the cradle in the cockpit.
We both sat down and I went over the hybrid controls. They were remarkably simple compared to what I remembered modern day controls held. I mean, I didn't need to focus on many of the things that they needed to deal with, as the lift was mostly dealt with by the magical lift that Faunra had installed. With the plane ready and everyone clear of the takeoff area, I took the controls and started the engines. I buckled up and suggested that Faunra do the same. She did and I ramped the engines up while keeping the brakes activated.
Once we were at the point that the wheels were hopping, I told Faunra to be ready. Without another word, I released the brakes and we shot forward. I pulled up on the controls and we pulled up sharply. It was exhilarating to be travelling at something faster than moped speed again. Teleporting got you there faster but you were not really moving. We ramped up speed and I realized that I had not included any way for measuring speed. It's not like I'm going to need to compare against other travelers right now.
We were ramping up to speed nicely, and I was estimating how fast we were going. The engines were in good condition, with no heat or cavitation worries, and there was clear travel. I corrected course and we headed towards Destrier Manor, to loop around and pass over Faunra's Tower before heading back. I decided that I was going to give this all it could on the return path back, and informed Faunra of such. She asked why, when we were already moving much faster than we ever could with the bikes, and I told her that we needed to know what it was really capable of.
We zoomed along and by the rate at which we were travelling, it looked like we were pulling an easy eighty miles-an-hour. It looks like my calculations where I overestimated how much for everything negative was coming back to the positive for us. Zipping around on a decent bank around the manor with plane's very good maneuverability, we circled a few times, before zipping off towards Magnimar. Faunra asked what we were doing going this way, and I told her that we needed distance to really give this thing a good workout. Faunra said that it made a little sense at least, but asked if we should wait for the rest of the group to be available for the trip to Magnimar. I felt guilty and said that she was right.
We zipped along towards the tower and did a few circles and figure eights to make sure that the controls responded. I wasn't about to do a barrel roll with her in the vehicle. Not yet at least. Once we had done that, I warned Faunra that we were going zip off at speed and see what this can do. Faunra said that she was ready, but I could tell that she wasn't really comfortable with the level of speed yet. I ramped the speed up to what I figured was optimal speed that might only make my job of upkeep not too difficult.
While we were heading over the farmlands, Faunra pointed out that there was a dire bat up ahead heading towards a farm. I smiled and told her that we would get to try out the rail gun. Faunra smiled and asked how it would work. I showed her the flip up switch that allowed the railgun to be deployed. I showed her how the gun would be moved by the co-pilot controls and told her that the button on the top fired. I handed her the lens portion of the helmet that looked through the other lens that had been used by Niddler at the battle of Sandpoint. Faunra aimed and fired.
The dire bat was hit with the round from the railgun and the dire bat almost disintegrated. Faunra squealed with glee. I saw the battery bar that I had installed decrease by one percent of capacity as the round went out. We were travelling at approximately one-hundred and twenty miles an hour and Faunra had just bulls-eyed a flying dire rat. She was a natural for Hawkeye. We made it back from Felldoom Tower to Sandpoint in under ten minutes. Before we made it to Sandpoint, I got on the radio and told Savah that we would be back shortly.
We touched down carefully and Faunra rushed out of the plane laughing and jumping around. I was about to radio in to Savah that we were there when she rushed out. I got out of my chair and headed to the door ramp. Faunra was telling everyone how great it was, and yelling about how much fun it was. I was happy to be going as fast as we were. Savah came up and asked me how far we had gone. I told her that we had circled Destrier Manor, then Felldoom Tower, and then came back over the Farmlands. Savah smiled and noted that we were gone only about half an hour. I nodded and said that this was the new mode of travel for us to go anywhere further than town. Savah asked how long it would take to get to Magnimar.
I did some math in my head. I told her that if we could go leisurely, it would only take about forty-five minutes, but if we needed to rush, we could get there in about twenty or so minutes. Savah noted that this was shorter time than even my commute used to be. I smiled and told her that I was only going about five miles an hour faster in the plane than the car. Savah asked if it was safe. I told her that it should be okay, that people travel at this speed and faster all the time.
Faunra said that we had to have everyone here, to do the test run to Magnimar. I noted that there was a new horse at Destrier Manor, so they might be busy. Faunra offered up that she could go talk to them when she was heading back here for movie night. Savah suggested that we could go get lunch and let Jonathan and Shayliss know about tomorrow as well. Faunra said that it sounded like a great idea, and that she'd be back this afternoon for the movie. Savah asked me how many seats were available for the first flight. I told Savah that there were enough seats (that folded down to uncomfortable bench beds) for six people, and an additional two for the pilot and co-pilot.
Savah asked if I'd be willing to take a small group of people around after lunch. I told her that as long as we didn't head to Magnimar, or further than Destrier Manor or Felldoom Tower I didn't think it would be an issue, as I needed to log some more time on the controls anyway, and she needed to learn too. Savah smiled and went off to go tell Erika and Vaeren. I went into the school workshop to check in on Veronica and Igor. They were both busying themselves with cranking out parts for the farm and animal pens. I told Veronica that the railgun worked beautifully and that it would definitely help us.
I added that I would be glad to see any other combat innovations that she might come up with for it, especially in the big damage range. Veronica sent to me that she'd get started on plans tomorrow. I thanked her again and asked if there was anything that they needed from me. Both of them looked at each other and sent to me that they'd appreciate an easier way to communicate with each other. I told them that I'd check in with Faunra to see what she can do for all three of them. Veronica and Igor thanked me and went back to what they were doing.
I walked over to where Niddler was dealing with his livestock. I watched him ply his trade in the small ramshackle area for a bit before Savah came up and told me that she was ready to head to the Barghest. I snapped out of my reverie and noted that the group was getting really entrenched in the town. Savah smiled and noted that it just meant that we would be here to protect it for the foreseeable future. I agreed and said that we could really start to get things done for the future betterment of the town. We walked back to the garage where we hopped on my bike and we headed over to Jonathan's establishment.
Jonathan and Shayliss were in the middle of a busy lunch crowd, with Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock at stalls. I walked up to Jonathan to talk to him about tomorrow while I thought that Savah was going to get us a table. Jonathan was intrigued with the plane and said that he figured that this was what everyone was talking about. I told him that I knew that he was busy today, but that we were scheduling the first flight to Magnimar tomorrow. Jonathan said that he'd make sure that they were available for the voyage.
Jonathan thought quick and he added that they might even have some supplies that he needs to pick up for the business. I laughed and told him that we could land on the Irespan and then we would be right in the Capital District. Jonathan nodded and said this could work, as he needed to pick up some things in that district anyway. I told him that we could arrange that easily. Jonathan said that he'd get everything set up and let us known before we left tomorrow. I thanked him and he glanced over my shoulder before telling me that Savah had picked out an interesting table.
I looked over and Savah was sitting, in deep discussions apparently, with both Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock. I walked over and noticed that one of Jonathan's wait staff was there, waiting for my order. I rushed over and sat down, smiling to the waiting employee and asked for my usual. They wrote it down and took off, to get the order finished. Mayor Deverin asked me first thing if I really had a way to get eight people from Sandpoint to Magnimar in under an hour. I told her that if I needed to, I could push that to under thirty minutes if the need was great. Sheriff Hemlock asked if he could see this method. Savah spoke up that there was a flight that would be happening later today, and that there was space for four people onboard.
I looked a little embarrassed at Savah but confirmed what she had said. I added that there were a few seats already picked out, based on those who worked on the project, and that we wouldn't be heading to Magnimar today, but that they were more than welcome to come along. Mayor Deverin asked if they could bring along two more people from the town council, just to have impartial observers. I asked her who she was suggesting. She told me.
That was how I ended up on a plane made from less than a week's worth of frantic crafting from two homunculi, over thirty disembodied forces, my technological "expertise", and Faunra's enchantments, with the Mayor of Sandpoint, the Sheriff, the town High Priest, the Town's Headmaster of the school, my wife, my shop apprentice, my wife's shop apprentice, and, secretly, the two homunculi. I explained to everyone that in the worst case scenario, the hull of the plane is enchanted to provide lift, so we should be safe. I took my position in the pilot seat and Savah took hers in the co-pilot. I picked up the little sound powered speaker set up that I had designed for this, with the port for my phone to plug in for audio, and announced that everyone should sit back in their seats and buckle their seat belts. I jokingly told them that I would light the unfasten sign when it was safe to walk about the compartment.
I started up the engines and ramped them up slowly while keeping the tire brakes on. I held out until just before takeoff to make a final announcement, that we were just about to take off, and that I'd be playing a song that was traditional on a first flight. I pulled up my phone music app and loaded up the only song that could be played for this kind of moment. Steppenwolf played as I let the brakes free and we rushed forward and I pulled back on the controls to get us to lift. It was a little bit harder than before, likely due to the increased weight, but we took off fairly well.
I got us up to cruising speed very readily and the sluggishness that I noted in the takeoff seemed to be more of an issue with me not remembering to get the controls back into a neutral position before starting takeoff, something that I vowed to remedy thereafter. After we got to cruising speed, a decent eighty-five miles an hour by my estimation, I let the rest of the song play, but made an announcement when it was over. I told everyone that we were now travelling at over eighty miles an hour and that we would continue this speed until we passed Destrier Manor, in less than fifteen minutes. I added that we would continue over to the Ashen Rise before heading right back home. I finished up my announcement with saying that we would be going for a higher speed on our way back, and that everyone should say seated when they don't need to move, but can get up if they need to.
There was a knock on the door of the cabin and I politely asked Savah if she could see who it was. She got up and opened up the peep hole. Savah said that it was Father Zantus. I thanked her and gave her leave to let the Father enter. Father Zantus asked me how I had come about the knowledge to build this. I told him that I had the plans to build a kit plane, but that I had modified them to work with what we had available. Father Zantus said that he could understand that and asked if I had any thoughts about using this to offer travel up to those who would desire it. I shrugged in my seat and said that I had not even thought that far ahead but that it sounded like it was a good idea.
Father Zantus gave a blessing to the vessel from his goddess and it seemed to subtly get better. I can't confirm it at all, but I think that the plane was waiting for it. Father Zantus said that he believed that his goddess was pleased with this and I joked that with a few modifications, it could be converted to fly into space, at least if the show was correct. Father Zantus was speechless at that for a good minute before I noted that we were getting close to Destrier Manor, and that everyone should be seated. Father Zantus mumbled that he was taking his seat and Savah got down and buckled up as well.
I took the turn around Destrier Manor at a decent clip, circling the tower at about a three-hundred-foot distance from the tower, circling twice before heading on to the "Ashen Rise". It was a very short trip to the next stop. I wasn't about point out the location of Faunra and Shalelu's home, since it wasn't common knowledge, but I made a more curving path to the Farmlands. When over the farmlands I saw where the dire bat had been shot down and pointed it out to Savah. Savah asked if she could ever shoot the railgun and I told her that if the opportunity came up, I'd definitely give her the opportunity.
As we passed the bat, I spoke up over the intercom that we'd be ramping up the speed, and that we'd be back in Sandpoint in under fifteen minutes. I goosed the speed up and got a remarkable increase out of it. We were going even faster than we had with just Faunra and me in it. We zipped over the Lost Coast and into the territory of Sandpoint. I did a circle around the town and slowed down to touch down back at the ramp that had served as the take off for this flight. I announced to everyone when we were done that we had landed and were back in Sandpoint.
I unbuckled and got up, with Savah following suit. We went out through the hatch and visited the six people in the passenger area. They were all getting up at various rates, with Father Zantus getting up the quickest. He told us that he was amazed to be travelling as fast as we were, and that he'd definitely be wanting to inform the Desnan clergy about this revolutionary new form of travel. I told him that there was nothing revolutionary about it, that this place had flying dragons, griffons, and even just enchanted items that allowed flight. It wasn't even that my plane was revolutionary, as moving via spells was frequently quicker even for longer distances. Father Zantus just shook his head, saying that I wasn't grasping how important that this was, but that he'd want to talk to me later.
I thanked him and he headed off to record his observations. Mayor Deverin came up next, shaking both Savah and my hands. Mayor Deverin mentioned that she didn't know what all we'd be up to next, but if it was anywhere near as exciting as this, it would definitely bring Sandpoint to be much more desired of a place. I thanked her for her kind comments and Mayor Deverin asked what it would cost to make another of these for the town. I told her to check with Savah, and that she'd get her the pricing on this, with and without the armaments. Mayor Deverin gave me an odd look, but nodded and said that she would.
Sheriff Hemlock was the next to come up, briefly saying that he had to go check in with the deputies, but that he'd want to talk more about aspects of how the town could benefit from this. I told him that we had some things coming up in the next few days, but that I'd be glad to incorporate it into the town's defense. Sheriff Hemlock nodded and asked about the armaments. I told him that there was only one gun on this plane and that it was a single fire siege gun. Sheriff Hemlock nodded and quietly said to me that he felt that only one was too few. I smiled and thanked him for his assessment.
Sheriff Hemlock tipped his hat, all cowboy like, and headed down the ramp exit. Ilsoari came up next, with Vaeren and Erica coming up with him. Ilsoari looked like he was gathering his thoughts up before he got up to the both of us. Ilsoari nodded as he spoke, saying that he could understand why I wanted to advance the technology level of the town if this was just a taste of what technology could provide. I told him that I could only work on so many things at a time. Ilsoari nodded and said that he'd be checking with his pupils to see which among them would be the most receptive to learning at the school I was opening up. I told him that I wasn't going to be opening the school up until I was done with this Runelord nonsense. Ilsoari nodded and said that he'd keep an eye out for promising pupils anyway. I thanked him and the trio headed out.
Savah, Veronica, Igor, and I all left the plane, and shut the person entrance. We had an hour or two left before the movie would start, so I paged out a message to everyone with our radios that we would be watching the Avengers again tonight. Faunra came in over the radio and announced that she'd be 'porting over to Dame Rebekah to pick her and Chelger up before arriving here. I noted that I'd go pick up food and drink and check with Jonathan and Shayliss to see if they were going to show up. Faunra acknowledged this and I told Savah that I was heading to the Barghest. Savah wished me luck and headed inside.
When I got to the Barghest, Jonathan welcomed me in and I noted that the Restaurant was much less busy now. I told him that we'd be playing the Avengers in two hours and that I wanted to order some snack foods and drinks. Jonathan smiled and said that Shayliss and him would be there and that they'd bring the food and drink with them. I thanked him and asked if they needed anything. Jonathan noted that they'll be fine, but that we really needed to be heading out to the Runeforge soon, as we needed to not lose our edge.
I told him that I could agree with that, and that we could discuss this with everyone when they showed up tonight. Jonathan nodded and said that he'd get his gear ready to go for a long trip tomorrow, after the trip to Magnimar. I thanked him and told him that we already had the rations dealt with and would be stored in the hanger with Faunra's bike and mine. Jonathan nodded and said that this at least meant that we could get to where we needed to go quickly. I headed back to the house, wondering why Jonathan was so concerned about this.
When I got back home, I went in to go talk to Savah. She was up in the bedroom, getting changed back to more comfortable attire. I told her how the conversation went with Jonathan and Savah told me that she was feeling it too, that we needed to strike quickly while we could before the other side could catch up. I noted that it meant that I would be gone sooner. Savah smiled wryly and noted that while I'd be gone sooner, I should be getting back sooner too. I told her that I could readily accept this and we hugged for a few minutes while time went on.
Savah and I made our way out to the common room and everyone was already there. Veronica, Igor, and Niddler even showed up to watch. Before the show started, everyone took time to get their chosen meals from the platter than Jonathan had brought. I took Faunra aside and told her that I was interested in finding a way for the Homunculi to speak. She told me that there was a fairly easy enchantment that she could perform for them, but that it would be a little bit expensive.
I asked her how much, and she told me that it would be two hundred and fifty gold each. I told her that I'd check with Savah, but that it shouldn't be a problem. Faunra smiled and said that she expected as much. Faunra said that she'd have the materials tomorrow morning and complete the alterations before we flew to Magnimar tomorrow. I thanked her and told her that it was for the best for the affairs of the household, since we were getting into more dangerous waters. Faunra nodded, saying that she was going to do much the same herself. I followed it up with noting that Jonathan had heavily implied that we were going to need to head out sooner rather than later.
Faunra sighed and told me that yes, Shalelu and her had isolated the area that we needed to head to from the riddle and some lore of the area. She added that it would be important to get there sooner, to try to get a handle on this before we got mired down into this town and everything that was going on. I smiled and laughed a little and noted that that there was something that I was forgetting that would really relate to this exact problem, of trying to get four to five different adults to be available for something at the same time was an impossible thing.
Faunra noted that we needed to check with Dame Rebekah, but that she could be ready to go the day after tomorrow. I told her that Jonathan had said that he'd be ready then too. I added that I had told him that we had already gotten rations for the trip with the money that had been set aside. Faunra said that she'd deal with some last minute updates to the ship to try to eke out some additional performance. I told her that I was going to have Veronica research into some additional upgrades as well.
Faunra smiled and said that she was going to do some interesting upgrades to a lot of things on this plane before we were fully done with it. I told her that the town might want to look into purchasing one of these for their own use. Faunra smiled. We rejoined the conversation with everyone else and I started up the movie.
While we watched the movie, I could tell that there was a lot more cognizance from the people who had watched other movies in the series, as it wasn't just flashing pictures and explosions, but now had a storyline. I didn't have to field as many questions, and the ones that I did were a lot more cerebral and thought provoking, except for the ones that were continuing to ask how we didn't have magic, and at one point I gave up and told them that no one I knew had access to the magic that they did, but maybe there were memories of it from long ago. That actually caused Faunra to think deeply, at least from what I could see.
When the movie was over, I answered more questions that were posed and Dame Rebekah addressed all of us. She told us that there had been an inquisitor at her hostel earlier (she hated calling it a Manor) and that they had barely passed his inspection. Dame Rebekah continued with noting that she could see that we would get more and more entrenched into local dealings if we didn't head out for the next part of our mission soon. Jonathan said that he had noticed that there were more and more creeping dealings that were starting to firm themselves up to try to prevent us from solving this issue, and they seemed to be directed at the acquisition of gold. I shuddered and realized that if the town council was trying to get me to stay with the possibility of a big purchase of something that they really didn't need, I was getting snared too. Faunra told the others that beginner adventurers were frequenting her tower's shop trying to entice her with lucrative commissions.
Savah told us that she could see now that we were getting wrapped up into things that were not normal for this town, as if someone was trying to influence us through an inherent desire for prosperity that we all had. I told her that I thought that she was right, and that we needed to head out from here sooner rather than later, holding Savah's hand as I said such. Savah smiled to me and we all agreed that come hell or high water, we would head out the day after tomorrow. As everyone was about to head out, I realized something. We were still delaying. I brought this up to everyone, and asked if they could be ready tomorrow morning. Faunra asked about what I had needed done, and I told her that if we delay, other problems will pop up.
Veronica, Igor, and Niddler all noted that they would be okay with dealing with the lack of voice for a few days further. I mentally thanked all three of them and they responded back appropriately. Jonathan looked to Shayliss and they both agreed that it would be for the best. Dame Rebekah and Chelger shared a minute as well and said that it was the right thing to do. Faunra said that Shalelu wouldn't be back for a while anyway, so she'd just leave her a better note. And a gift, Savah added. Faunra smiled and added the phrase.
Everyone got their things together and started heading out. Dame Rebekah and Chelger headed out to get their steeds and head home. Vaeren and Erica said that they were heading out to Cracktooth's for a drink, and to meet up with some friends. Oren and Arika (who was going by Ari when she was near Erica), were heading to Cracktooth's too, but they were going to discuss some details of their new property with the Carpenter's Guild representative. That left Jonathan and Shayliss here and they both had the look of people who had something to discuss.
I asked Jonathan and Shayliss what was wrong. Jonathan looked off for a second and noted that he was going to be frank with us, that he didn't think that all of us might be coming back from this trip. He told me that he worried that we would be facing foes that we couldn't defeat on our own. I asked him if there was anything that would help us in his mind. Jonathan told me that there was a lot of issues with our capabilities quickly becoming less effective, but he didn't know how to fix it. I assured him that I'd keep working on things and we can take a slower path if he felt it was wise. He stopped me, saying that it was the slower paces that were giving him the worry, that we were performing best when we were quick and decisive, rather than trying to spare enemies.
I looked to Savah and she nodded with him. I told him that I'd be more aggressive in our next encounters. I added that I wasn't a pacifist, but that the idea of rampant murder was something that I was just getting used to. Jonathan nodded and told me that the rules from where I was and the rules from here are very different. They are both cut-throat in different ways, and that I'd have to adapt. Jonathan told me that he'd save anyone in the group as best he could, but that if they didn't keep up, he would look to the others first. I told him that I'd take his advice to heart and he nodded. Shayliss spoke up, telling me that I really shouldn't worry too much about this, as she had gotten no messages from Calistria saying that I needed someone to come for me for vengeance, so I wasn't in trouble that way. I thanked her too, for the odd, yet comforting statement, and the pair headed out.
The trio sent me messages of good night and that they were going to be in the school, working on getting it ready. Apparently Niddler was helping out with the room that had been set aside for a greenhouse for the classes. As they left, I silently looked at Savah. Savah nodded and said that I did need to let go of the instinct to not kill. I told her that I'd do my best. Savah looked a little stern. She told me that I'd do better than my best, that I'd be coming back home after this trip. I yelped a little and agreed and she softened instantly. Savah smiled and said to me, let's get to bed.