Cloud Giant
- Size: Huge
- Type: Giant
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 14
- Initiative: +4 (14)
- HP: 200 (16d12 + 96)
- Speed: 40 ft, Fly 20 ft . (hover)
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 27 | +8 | +8 |
| Dex | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 22 | +6 | +10 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Wis | 16 | +3 | +7 |
| CHA | 16 | +3 | +3 |
- Skills: Insight +7 , Perception +11
- Senses: Passive Perception 21
- Languages: Common, Giant
- CR: 9 (XP 5,000; PB +4)
Actions
Multiattack. The giant makes two attacks, using Thunderous Mace or Thundercloud in any combination. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Fog Cloud.
Thunderous Mace. Melee Attack Roll: +12 , reach 10 ft. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 8) Bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) Thunder damage.
Thundercloud. Ranged Attack Roll: +12 , range 240 ft. Hit: 18 (3d6 + 8) Thunder damage, and the target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn.
Spellcasting. The giant casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15):
At Will: Detect Magic, Fog Cloud, Light 1/Day Each: Control Weather, Gaseous Form, Telekinesis
Bonus Actions
Misty Step. The giant casts the Misty Step spell, using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting.
Lore & Background
Cloud giants are among the most civilized and sophisticated of all giant-kind, dwelling in magnificent castles built atop clouds or the highest mountain peaks. They value art, music, craftsmanship, and intellectual pursuits above brute strength, though they remain formidable warriors when necessity demands. Their society is built around concepts of nobility, refinement, and the pursuit of beauty in all its forms.
These giants have mastered the art of cloud manipulation and weather control, using their innate magical abilities to create floating fortresses that drift through the sky. Their castles are marvels of architecture and engineering, featuring soaring spires, elegant bridges, and gardens that seem to defy gravity. Cloud giants view themselves as the aristocracy of giant society, looking down both literally and figuratively upon their earthbound cousins.
Cloud giant culture emphasizes artistic achievement, scholarly pursuits, and diplomatic finesse. They are natural collectors and patrons of the arts, often commissioning works from talented mortals or trading with other races for unique treasures. Their long lifespans allow them to accumulate vast knowledge and wisdom, making them valuable sources of information about ancient history and forgotten lore.
Combat Tactics
Cloud giants prefer to fight from elevated positions, using their superior reach and magical abilities to control the battlefield. They excel at ranged combat with their thundercloud attacks, which can incapacitate enemies while dealing significant damage. Their thunderous mace strikes are devastating in melee, combining physical force with sonic energy that can disorient opponents.
These giants use their spellcasting abilities tactically, employing fog cloud to create concealment, control weather to manipulate environmental conditions, and telekinesis to reposition enemies or objects. Their misty step ability allows them to reposition quickly on the battlefield, maintaining optimal range and positioning against their foes.
When facing multiple opponents, cloud giants use their flight ability and weather magic to separate enemies and control engagement ranges. They are intelligent combatants who prefer to end fights quickly and decisively rather than engaging in prolonged battles that might damage their refined sensibilities or surroundings.
Encounter Ideas
The Sky Castle: A cloud giant's floating castle appears above a kingdom, raising questions about the giant's intentions and creating diplomatic opportunities or threats depending on the approach taken.
The Artistic Commission: A cloud giant seeks skilled artisans to create masterpieces for their collection, offering substantial rewards but demanding perfection that few mortals can achieve.
The Noble Court: Political intrigue in cloud giant society affects mortal realms below, as the giants' decisions about trade routes and weather patterns have far-reaching consequences.
The Weather Warden: A cloud giant has taken responsibility for controlling weather in a region, but their methods conflict with local needs, creating tension between divine mandate and mortal necessity.
Environmental Effects
Atmospheric Control: Cloud giants can manipulate local weather patterns, creating fog banks, directing winds, and influencing precipitation over wide areas.
Floating Architecture: Their presence often leads to the creation of semi-permanent cloud formations that can support structures and serve as aerial platforms.
Refined Atmosphere: Areas under cloud giant influence often experience more pleasant weather conditions, with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures.
Elevated Perspective: The giants' high vantage points allow them to observe events across vast distances, making them valuable sources of regional intelligence.
Treasure
Artistic Masterpieces: Priceless works of art collected from across the world, including paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and literary works of extraordinary beauty and craftsmanship.
Cloud Silk: Fabric woven from cloud essence and celestial materials, lighter than air but stronger than steel, prized for creating magical garments and accessories.
Giant-Crafted Items: Oversized weapons, armor, and tools of exceptional quality, often decorated with precious metals and gems in intricate patterns.
Weather Crystals: Magical gems that can influence local weather patterns, valuable for agricultural purposes or as components in weather-related magic.
Plot Hooks
The Diplomatic Mission: A cloud giant extends an invitation to visit their sky castle, but the journey requires navigating complex aerial politics and proving worthiness through artistic or intellectual achievement.
The Falling Castle: A cloud giant's stronghold is losing altitude due to magical interference or political upheaval, threatening to crash into populated areas below.
The Art Thief: Someone has stolen a prized piece from a cloud giant's collection, and the giant's efforts to recover it are causing widespread weather disturbances.
The Giant's Patronage: A cloud giant offers to sponsor a mortal artist or scholar, but their expectations and the social obligations that come with giant patronage prove more complex than initially apparent.