84 rooms · levels 30–50
A foul stench emerges from this crypt, the walls are black and there is no light what so ever. A nether world cold radiates from this place, almost freezing the blood in your veins. As you stumble about in absolute darkness your hand suddenly comes upon something cold, something which was once living, a corpse! Suddenly you realize that many corpses hang from the ceiling, ready to be animated into Mortenheim's servants. As your eyes slowly accept the darkness, you can barely make out a black throne by the northern wall, it is made from human bones... You are sure you notice some glowing eyes in the dark, but as you turn to look they are gone. Is someone watching you or are your eyes deceiving you? One thing is for sure, this is no place for mortal men to walk.
The screams of many souls echo through this hall. A long oaken table is placed in the middle of the room, a ghostly light spreads from the nearby torches. The chairs surrounding this impressive table, look comfortable, but how can you concentrate in this insane noise? If only something could silence the spirits. An enormous book, bound in black leather is placed at the end of the table, in front of a great throne.
Large bookshelves line the walls of this place. The books on the shelves are old and dusty, time has made the pages yellow and most likely unreadable, but nevertheless they are placed in this great laboratory. An oaken table functions as Mortenheim's study place. There are no chairs surrounding it but strange bottles containing colorful bubbling liquids are placed upon it. A pool of dry, brown blood covers the floor - What could take place in this horrible room when the lich is alone?
A staircase crafted from the clouds themselves floats a few feet above the ground. The stairs lead high into the heavens, only to end before the huge gates of a castle. One cannot help but wonder if it is safe to walk upon these stairs, after all they are made of air -- or so it seems...
As the first step is taken upon the stairs, it seems obvious that solid feet will pass right through the stairs of cloud... but they don't! It feels as if the stairs are made of solid granite. Above, a castle floats on an immense cloud. What creatures might live there? Judging from the huge scale of the place, they aren't human.
The cloud staircase comes to an end here at a small plateau high above the ground, the trees below looking like so many toys. From this height, the tip of Elminster's tower in Daleville can be made out. To the north, a huge gate blocks the entrance to the massive cloud castle.
Another staircase begins here, leading upwards to what appear to be the castle's battlements. The immense size of these halls rivals the largest ballroom of the wealthiest kingdom. Through huge gates to the south is the castle exit, and a passage leads north to a large courtyard.
Ballistae and catapults line the huge walls of the cloud castle. Busy giants wander about doing different chores. From here, distant lands can be seen, and the heavens appear close enough that one could simply reach out and touch them. The battlements continue east and west, while a staircase descends to a hallway below.
Giants move busily about as they check and double check the various weapons of the castle. A strong, yet odd magical feeling permeates the air. What kind of magic is this, and what is causing it? The castle's battlements continue to the west. To the east they end at a large tower, where a deep chanting echoes...
You have entered the room of Karanir, the mage. This room is decorated with pictures of giants in battle, marvelous tapestries adorn the walls. Bookshelves are to be found everywhere, and the books seem old as the dirt itself. Karanir's private chambers are deserted, no one is in here not even a single guard. Where could the mage be? A large cauldron is here, containing a strange brown liquid. A staircase leads up, west of here is the exit to the castle battlements.
This huge chamber is the home of Karanir the mage. It is most likely his workroom, as there is a huge wooden desk here. Some oaken bookshelves make this room seem even more like the home of a mage. There is a strong scent of old paper and dust.
Standing on the western side of the battlements, one has a view of distant lands. Heavy defenses are posted here, as this seems as a good place to prevent enemies from overtaking the castle. Archers are ready to fire arrows at unwanted visitors, as are the huge ballistae. The battlements lead east and west.
This is the workshop. Here is where armor and weapons are made by the castle blacksmith, Strongarm. Strongarm's armor and weaponry are known across the world for their greatness and beauty. The only visible tools are a big sturdy hammer and an anvil, which are incredibly large. Giant weaponry and armor adorn the walls of this room. The only exit is to the east.
This is the southern part of an enormous courtyard. It is where visitors first can get an impression of how huge this place really is. Very large buildings tower far above the head of an average human, and what looks like the inner part of the castle is to the north. South of here are the gates away from the castle, and back to Daleville.
In the very center of the enormous courtyard, a well is located. The well is unlike everything else in here, in that it is not made from clouds. The well is crafted in white marble, and it is so big that a human could not reach up high enough to drink from it. A milky white liquid is in the well -- it looks quite refreshing. High above the courtyard hovers a large cloud, but there is no way to get there from here, at least not while walking. North is the main entrance to the keep. Passageways lead east and west.
To the west is something that resembles stables, although they are far too big to keep horses. What other creatures could serve as the giant's mounts? From within you hear a whip cracking, and a large creature's scream of pain. East of here is the well and even further to the east is the training grounds. There is a large iron staircase leading downwards.
This is where the mounts are trained. As suggested by the large scale of the building, they are not horses, but are instead huge griffins! The griffin trainer, Ragtung, works here to train the huge beasts. Whips, riding straps, and other equipment are hung on pegs. The beasts are kept inside the stables which lie to the west.
This is where the giants keep their mounts, only these are not horses. Giant griffins serve as mounts for the majestic cloud giants. Five huge cages are here, each containing a griffin of great strength. West of here is the courtyard, and down from here is a small platform, where the griffins can take off.
This platform is where the griffins take off, carrying their masters away into the sky. On this large stone platform, which is firmly suspended from the castle, their masters have plenty of room to mount, and the view is absolutely fantastic. Upwards is the stables, and downwards is only thin air.
Griffin droppings are all over the floor here, and the smell is terrible. This must be the stable boy's week off. Old food lies scattered around the floor and barrels filled with fouled water stand to one side. To the east and west are some cages, and to the south is the stable entrance. North of here are more cages, each containing a griffin.
Dirt and filth everywhere, the griffins walk around in their own droppings. The food and drinking areas have not been filled for weeks. The griffins are so weak, it is doubtful that they could fly. Conditions are so bad, it would almost be a mercy to put them out of their misery.
Dirt and filth everywhere, the griffins walk around in their own droppings. The food and drinking areas have not been filled for weeks. The griffins are so weak, it is doubtful that they could fly. Conditions are so bad, it would almost be a mercy to put them out of their misery.
This hallway is just as dirty as the one to the south. The cages east and west are as filthy and awful as those to the south. A much larger cage is to the north, set aside for a huge griffin. The northern cage is kept clean.
This is the cage of king Romius' mount, Breeka. Large claw marks in the floor mark her as a very large, powerful beast. Bones from various creatures lie scattered across the stone floor, mixed with fresh straw. A set of griffin barding is hanging on the wall here, used by Breeka when battle is near.
Dirt and filth everywhere, the griffins walk around in their own droppings. The food and drinking areas have not been filled for weeks. The griffins are so weak, it is doubtful that they could fly. Conditions are so bad, it would almost be a mercy to put them out of their misery.
This cage is empty, but still as dirty as the rest. The griffin who usually lives here, must be out flying.
High above the courtyard, wind blows past, and the sky is open in all directions. The air is full of the feel of freedom and excitement, with a tinge of power emanating from above. The sound of something snoring can be heard over the rushing of the wind, and there is a faint scent of gas. Birds flutter around, unafraid of the friendly giants in the courtyard below, or of any visitors to their castle.
High in the air above the courtyard, the clear view below provides a good overview of the castle. The giants work busily, appearing much like little ants. Above is a huge white cloud, that seems oddly stationary. The cloud shifts lightly, and for a moment there is a clear glimpse of some gargantuan wings fluttering a bit? Perhaps it was just an illusion of the cloud.
This is the home of Smirnug, the ancient cloud dragon. In this somehow solid cloud, gold and gems collected into a dragon hoard. It might be wise to leave, as dragons are notorious for their anger at those who intrude on their hoard. More cloud is to the north, and below is only thin air.
The eastern part of the cloud courtyard opens up to a walkway leading west, towards the cloud giant's training ground. The solid cloud that is the ground looks as if it is shaped into large paving blocks.
Here is the entrance to the training grounds, the place where giants come to train their weapon skills. A disgusting smell of sweat from hard work is corrupting the air here. The entrance to the training ground is east, through an enormous white arch.
Weapons are all over this room: swords, halberds, axes bows and crossbows. The weapons seem normal save that they are twice the normal size. Young cloud giants come here to learn the fine art of battle.
To the north is a large door. This door leads to the old keep of the castle. It is unusual for such an important place to be not even guarded, but from inside are the sounds of rattling armor. South of here is a well, it looks quite refreshing. Busy giants wander about like hard working ants, not noticing any intruders.
The first impression of this huge hall is of the guard post just inside the huge doors leading in from the south. Could it be to prevent something from getting out rather than to protect those inside? The inside of this castle looks like any other castle. It is made from stone, not clouds as it appeared from the outside. A huge wooden staircase leads upwards. Large suits of armor are placed along the walls for decoration. Large swords adorn the walls, and some seem to have been used. This is clearly the home of skilled warriors. A hallway leads east and west.
These corridors lead to living quarters. Doors in the northern wall lead to other rooms, there are no doors in the southern wall. Paintings adorn the southern wall though, illustrating a mighty king commanding his subjects into war.
This is a little cozy chamber that seems to be empty except for the beautiful furniture, furniture suitable for a king's finest guest. A cozy fire is burning in the fireplace and even through the smoke one can sense the light trace of perfume. Could a beautiful woman be inhabiting these quarters?
A door in the northern wall leads to a guest chamber. The paintings on the southern wall here illustrate the king writing a letter, with a serious look on his face. There is a sign placed on the handle of the door. Who could be hiding behind this enormous door?
This is a large bedchamber. A large pile of bed linens is on the bed, moving slightly. The room is decorated well and fine clothes are hanging on a nearby closet door. The huge bed seems to be of the finest quality and looks quite comfortable.
Unlike the other parts of the western hallway, there are no pictures on the southern wall here. There is a door to the north though. The corridor ends to the west with another door. A sign above the western door indicates that it leads to a dining room. A scent of fresh meat comes from the other side of the western door.
This simple, clean chamber is set aside for the use of a holy man. Other than a simple straw pallet and a simple, yet beautiful, private altar, there is no furniture in the room. The room has a feeling of goodness and blessing, and welcomes all who enter.
This large dining room is empty at the moment, apart from the servants making the room ready for dinner. Expensive silverware is placed on the table, and the dining room is ready for use. The smell of fresh meat emerges from a door in the northern part of the dining room, and a loud singing followed by an axe chop can be heard from what is probably the kitchen in that direction.
This is the kitchen. Most of the silverware here looks as if it hasn't been cleaned for months. There is, however some clean silverware, probably the king and queen's. Some soup is being boiled here, causing a pleasant smell to fill the room. There is a lift here which is used to freight food to the kitchens above, perhaps one could enter the lift if they wanted to. It might be small to a giant, but even a half-giant could fit in there.
This great wooden staircase leads to the first floor, a balcony above allows people to gaze down in the hall below. This staircase is of fine craftsmanship just like everything else in the Cloud Castle. Alas, the staircase seems to have collapsed which hampers further ascension. The only option is to return to the hall below.
To the south is a double wooden door with a sign above it reading: Dining Room. The corridors continue in a circle above the hall. There are doors in almost every wall, leading to different chambers, one to the east. A huge wooden staircase leads down into the hall from here, but alas, it has collapsed and is not usable. Why the stairs have collapsed remains a mystery.
This room is where the royal people of the Cloud Castle dine. They have access to the finest dishes from all of Daleville, all brought to them by their wondrous cook, Dedmeet. Fine silverware adorns the table. The room is ready for use. A door leads east into a small room of some sort, probably the kitchen.
This small room only holds the most important things of a kitchen, it is definitely not here the food is being cooked, but perhaps the food is being prepared below. There is a lift here which is used to freight food to the kitchens below, perhaps you could enter the lift if you wanted to. It might be small to a giant, but even a half-giant could fit in there.
A door in the northern wall leads to the roof of the castle. It does not seem that it is used very often. There is a large sign placed upon the door.
This staircase leads to the roof above from where a gentle breeze blows. The staircase seems new, in fact, it does not seem to be used very often. The fresh breeze almost seems to invite one to take a look at Daleville from the top of this great castle.
Standing on the roof of this magnificent castle in the clouds one gets a superb view of many areas in Daleville. In the courtyard below, giants are working hard, oblivious to others around them. Above the center of the courtyard, a huge, white, fluffy cloud is hovering. There seems to be movement on the huge cloud which is to the southwest.
A magnificent view of the castle can be seen from here. Below, the giants look like busy little ants.
This corridor ends at a huge gate, above which hangs a sign. Through the gate is a stairway leading down. To the west is the hall.
The sound of chains rattling can be heard coming from below. A dark staircase leads in that direction. There is a horrible stench coming from below, like that of vomit, mold, and decaying food. To the west is the hall.
A wooden table and chair set here, seemingly small for the giants that roam here. The walls are covered with thick mold, making breathing a bit difficult. The prison cells are located to the east.
The guards are obviously not doing a good job, as the prison cells to the north and south are empty. The cloud giants don't get many visitors and therefore do not have many prisoners...as if the guard could keep them locked up anyway.
The only thing of interest in this room seems to be a dirty bedroll and a loaf of moldy bread. Small insects are buzzing around in here. They seem quite fond of the bread. The walls are made of granite and it appears as if they would be impossible to penetrate. The dungeon corridor is to the south.
This cell is empty and the stench here is horrible. Only the bugs seem to like the atmosphere. The walls are made of granite and it seems as if they would be impossible to penetrate. Along the south wall, however, it looks as if a prisoner has attempted an escape. A small pile of hay seems to be covering something along that wall. A low sound of running water can be heard.
This passage is small and was certainly not made by a giant. The passage is most likely an escape route of a former prisoner of the cloud castle. The secret passage leads further to the south.
A dead skeleton is lying here! It must have been the hard working prisoner who almost tasted the smell of freedom. This secret passage ends at a small hole in the southern wall. The prisoner was so close, but, alas, he never made it. The sound of running water is quite loud and through the hole is what looks like a sewer. This could explain the horrible stench. To the north is the path to the cells.
Confusing as a labyrinth, these sewers lead in many directions, the floor is covered with a strange white liquid. This place is no longer in use, not used as it was designed for anyway. Although it is inhabited by creatures such as small spiders, sewer rats and other minor insects. There is a small crack in the northern wall, where could it lead?
Confusing as a labyrinth, these sewers lead in many directions, the floor is covered with a strange white liquid. This is far too complicated to be a sewer, but if not that, what could it be? The strange twisted corridors are rather confusing.
Confusing as a labyrinth, these sewers lead in many directions, the floor is covered with a strange white liquid. This place is no longer in use, not used as it was designed for anyway. It is, however, inhabited by creatures such as small spiders, sewer rats and other minor insects.
A strange phenomenon seems to appear in the sewer ceiling. There is a hole leading upward, blocked by strange, white liquid. Nothing seems to be holding it up there, except perhaps a magical force. A thin line of this white liquid drips from the mass overhead, creating a tiny stream. The walls here seem to be made from marble.
Confusing as a labyrinth, these sewers lead in many directions, the floor is covered with a strange white liquid. This place is no longer in use, not used as it was designed for anyway. It is, however, inhabited by creatures such as small spiders, sewer rats and other minor insects.
This is a dead-end in the labyrinth. An occasional sewer rat speeds across the floor. Seemingly out of place, a huge door made from solid titanium stands in the southern wall.
Riches of a king are here, stashed away in a place where no enemy would look. Gold and jewelry lie scattered about the floor, as well as piles of rich clothing and golden statues. Taking this treasure would be theft, a cruel and evil deed. Surprisingly this place is not guarded, on the other hand... who would seek treasure in a sewer?
The white water seems to flow south with increasing speed. Why would the water run faster? Could there be a hole in the ground somewhere? It is a bit colder here than in the rest of the sewers. The ground seems shaky here, as if it may not hold much longer. Remember, this castle is floating high above the ground!
This is a dead end, the strange white liquid enters a small hole in the wall. The ground here seems shaky, very shaky. Perhaps no one has been standing here for a long time. Suddenly the ground gives and you plunge into oblivion. The turbulence in the air makes it impossible to fly or cast spells...
Death is calling your name. ------ / \ | # # | \ '' / | ... | \___/
This is the chamber of the king's daughter, Mina. Mina must be one of the king's favorite possessions, as this room is all a young woman could want. The very spoiled young woman has had this room painted with pink colours, and cute, red pillows adorn her bed.
To the north is a huge double door, crafted from pure gold. The doors stand wide open allowing anyone to enter, if they pass the elite guards that are often posted outside this great room. Peeking north, one can discover that it is the throne room of King Romeius. The biggest challenge might be getting past the guards that often stand there.
The walls of this room are made from white marble, surely crafted by the best craftsmen in all of Daleville. There is about 120 feet to the ceiling. White pillars prevent the ceiling from collapsing. A huge golden throne is placed in the room, the throne of King Romeius. Two enormous silver lions are standing on each side of the throne. Although they are made from silver, they almost seem to stand as a warning to not come too close to the king. Clearly decorated by a warrior, this room is adorned with many weapons; swords, halberds, armor, mauls, warhammers, and axes. All of the weapons seem to have been in use at least one time, most likely by the king himself.
This is the eastern part of balcony-like corridor that surrounds the hall. A door in the eastern room leads further into the keep, the more private part. The corridor continues east and south around the hall.
This beautiful corridor has doors to the north and south. Only illuminated by a few torches, this place seems quite cozy. A pleasant warmth fills the air. The sounds of a fire can be heard behind each door. This seems as a place suitable for the king himself.
This room is large, almost larger than the hall below. Fine furniture adorns this room, indeed it is suitable for a king. The cozy fireplace spreads a pleasant feeling through the room. A huge bed is placed in the northern part of this room, it seems large enough for 10 humans to sleep in, and sleep well they could. Judging by the decoration of this room, the king is a rich and clever man, indeed. Many books are placed in the huge bookshelves along the walls, clearly he has been reading a lot.
This room is clearly the room of a fine lady. The sweet scent of fine perfume hangs in the air and the room is decorated with red colours. The fire from the fireplace makes the colours a bit darker, almost blood-red. A large bed is lined along the northern wall. Fine closets containing a huge amount of fine dresses are to the west. The door to the north leads back into the nice corridor.
This place is so huge and filled with so much marvelous clothing, only fine enough for queens to wear. A table is here too, where the queen can freshen up a bit. The perfume scent is so strong in here that it ceases to be pleasant...women, why do they always have to over do it?!
The smell of fresh meat wafts in the air here. Someone must be cooking nearby. This staircase leads downward into the barracks of the Cloud Castle's garrison.
There are doors on each side of this corridor, each leading to different halls or rooms. The corridor continues forward toward a door where it ends. There are a few torches on the walls here but other than that, no light.
The corridor ends here. A large wooden door stands to the north. The smell of fresh food emanates from the crack below the door.
This kitchen is big enough for many giants to sit and dine. A mound of newly made food is lying on the tables and the smell is quite appealing, they must have a good cook. There is a lift here which is used to freight food to the kitchens above, perhaps one could enter the lift if they wanted to. It might be small to a giant, but even a half-giant could fit in there.
Many beds are in this room, and all seem to be used frequently. There is a smell of men in this room, real men, real stinky men, real sweaty and stinky men.
A large number of huge beds are in this room, each belonging to a cloud giant soldier of the Cloud Castle. Beside each bed is a little night table, with a small beeswax candle placed on each. There is a strange odor in this room...
You are in a small lift which is used to freight food from one floor to the other. You can reach the handle on the outside, it can only be pulled from where you are sitting though. You can exit the lift as well.
You are in a small lift in Dedmeet's kitchen, the lift is used to freight food from this floor to either the barracks or the small kitchen. You can reach the handle on the outside. It can be pulled or pushed, doing so will make the lift move either up or down. You can exit the lift as well.
This small lift is used to receive food from the floors below. There is a small handle on the outside which can be pushed. The lift is made from solid oak and it seems quite sturdy, although it's not that big. You can exit the lift as well.