Cloud Castle (Magic Castle)

Few things in the realm of fantasy inspire a sense of wonder equal to that of a castle nestled among the clouds, serene and (perhaps) peaceful, commanding a view of the country below such as few people ever see. Cloud castles are usually inhabited by high-level priests or wizards, cloud or storm giants, titans, silver or gold dragons, or other lofty, powerful beings. They are very rare, and their creation is a long and complicated process.
A high-level wizard is usually required to construct a cloud castle, and he or she should have a large force of men and monsters to complete the task. First, a cloud must be found that meets the wizard’s requirements for size, shape, and altitude-an area of little rain or one rich in cumulus clouds is preferred. Altitudes above two miles should be avoided for lack of breathable air. A flying carpet, broom of flying, or similar spell must be used to give the wizard a stable platform from which to cast spells.
Next, the wizard must summon an air elemental (16HD) and command it to shape the cloud into the desired form. Elementals are not hostile when informed of the purpose of their summoning, and willingly cooperate with the wizard. Shaping the cloud involves flattening a space for the castle, adding decorations (of somewhat vague form) to the cloud as the wizard sees fit, and preventing precipitation. Within one turn after the air elemental is dismissed, the wizard must cast wish and control weather on the cloud mass to permanently maintain its form and stability. A second wish may be used to anchor the cloud over a particular location, so it doesn’t drift.
Now the wizard must start casting walls of force to form the construction base of the castle: this could be a lengthy and tedious process, depending on the size of the castle the wizard has in mind. Obviously, the higher the wizard’s level, the bigger the walls of force, which are laid in an alternating tile pattern on the flattened base of the cloud. Immediately after each force wall is created, a permanency spell must be thrown on it so that it doesn’t fade. When finished, another wish is cast over the whole to ensure the surface is level, interlocking, and cannot be dispelled except by acts of greater powers. This entire process may take days or weeks and the wizard must be fully absorbed in the project.
When this is done, the wizard casts a wish and a reverse gravity and another permanency spell upon the cloud mass, so that now it will support any weight placed upon it, even the weight of vast amounts of masonry and stone This step may only be circumvented if the wizard or the creature the castle is being built for (a cloud or storm giant, or a titan) is a worshiper of Crius, titan of Density and Gravity. A great sacrifice made to Crius (DM’s option) may induce him to work on the cloud castle base for one hour, after which it will support nearly any weight. At this point, the lucky wizard may start construction of the stronghold with whatever materials he or she deems necessary. If large blocks of quarried stone are to be carried to the site, then a retinue of cloud and storm giants may be helpful (perhaps payment is in the form of a co-ownership of the castle). Otherwise, variations of Tenser’s floating disc at high level may suffice, or teleport, or wish. Once the castle is built, a final wish is used to absolutely lock the castle to the cloud-the deed is done. If allowed then to drift, it will do so in a random direction, at a speed never exceeding 10’ an hour.
A few final notes. Remember that, unless a water tower or garden is included, the inhabitants may well have to hunt frequently or starve, as dragons and giants must do. High-level priests may provide food, but this isn’t recommended for longer periods of time. The walls of force are translucent, so if a transparent floor is desired, allow for the cloud to be cleared away underneath the designated area: otherwise, cover the floor to prevent vertigo. Glassteel and similar spells may provide windows to enhance the view, and remember that if the castle drifts freely it also rotates slowly. Note that if a cloud castle descends to within 10’ of the ground, there is a 5% cumulative chance per round that, regardless of the spells used to protect it, the wall of force spells on the base cease to function, bringing the whole to the earth as precipitation, if the cloud strikes a mountaintop, the base is not dispelled, but there may be severe structural damage to the castle, as an earthquake spell.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Castles