The Nightmare II (Gnomish Drop Bear)
Overview​
A gnomish biplane of the Drop Bear class, named by Carl after the original Nightmare Express from Floor 4. Served as an aerial combat and transport vehicle during the Orthrus mission on Floor 5.
Owner​
First Appearance​
Book 4, Chapter 25
Description​
A two-seat open cockpit biplane with a radial engine, twin throttles, yoke, foot pedals, gyroscope, and a rear-facing tail gun. The engine was poorly maintained when acquired — pistons were gummed up and some were not attached. Katia Grim performed emergency repairs before the first flight.
The plane had a rudimentary autopilot: a lockable gyroscope that maintained the current trajectory level. It lacked a proper escape hatch as of Chapter 32.
Tactical Use​
- Stored in the garage of the Royal Chariot flying house; launched by dropping off the edge while airborne
- Used to lure the feral god Orthrus out of the water quadrant using a Scroll of Meat Hooks
- Carl and Donut used the Nightmare II to heal Orthrus mid-flight, raising his health from roughly 10% to 100% while flying
- Operated by Carl as pilot with Donut in the rear seat during the Orthrus mission
Appearances​
- Book 4, Chapters 25, 30, 32