My GM just gave me a high-end, multiple use magic item (think Rod of Lordly Might, but sillier). It's final use is as follows:
"When button 6 is pressed, the rod points in the direction of the nearest cloud. No one as of yet has figured out the purpose of this button."
I'm taking this ability as a friendly challenge from my GM to come up a purpose or benefit to being able to pinpoint the location of clouds. Can y'all think of anything?
The secret is that if you say the right command word while pressing that button, it not only points to a cloud, it tells you what the cloud looks like.
The secret is that if you say the right command word while pressing that button, it not only points to a cloud, it tells you what the cloud looks like.
It is a powerful device designed as part of the truce agreement between druidic circle and a cloud based oracle temple after they fought a long and bloody war regarding the correct method for interpreting clouds.
Actually- I think I could BS something with cloud shapes as a GM. The rod would require either a knowledge check (maybe religion?) or use of a special book with instructions on how to interpret shapes. Effect: the rod acts like an augury spell cast with CL 20. "The cloud is shaped like a fluffy bunny. That means that you have a high chance of success in romantic endeavors, but it means danger when you have something that others would want to take from you".
Additional effect: when used by catfolk, there is a small chance of receiving a message from their ancestors, which carries the effect of a commune spell. At least one of the questions answered has to relate to stopping the cruel reign of an uncle that has stolen the leadership of the catfolk's tribe.
How about a 'Detect Hands' spell?
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Would it track creatures in gaseous form?
If it does, you could use it to track escaping vampires.
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Perhaps the creator had a fascination with locating the mythical cities of the Cloud Giants and you are now beholden to take on that search for fame, fortune, and beanstalks?
Legends abound of magical cloud giant cities nestled in the very clouds themselves that float with the winds and circumnavigate the world. While most cloud giants recognize this as a fantasy, there are some who not only claim to have seen them but have dedicated the entirety of their long lives to finding them again.
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You misheard your GM. It doesn't point to the nearest "cloud," it points to the nearest "clown." I'm sure I don't have to spell out how much more useful this is.
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If the game has computers, some Cloud Giants have taken to storing data in actual clouds. You can locate their servers by attaching the device to your computer and pushing the button. An android holding the device can push the button and uplink to the nearest cloud server. Then they can make a +4 knowledge check by doing a data search.
Does it detect magically generated clouds? If so, it can be used to notice if a wizard needs cover or as part of a signalling setup while underground.
There's a type of cloud that doesn't move and is attached to a geographical feature, so the device could be used to locate the mountain (assuming sufficiently arid surroundings)
How forcefully does it point in the direction of the cloud? something that maintains a specific angle could be useful, as could be hitting things with it while it's adjusting
Not aware yet of how forcefully it points to the nearest cloud. Will add that to the list of things to test.
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It's useful for finding clouds. That was easy.
If someone in your group uses Gaseous Form to scout ahead, it could be handy for keeping track of their location, assuming they count as a cloud.
If you're under the effects of an air walk or fly spell it would let you know where some additional cover is.
alternatively, with a really good bluff check you could convince an enemy that the cloud is actually really important to you in some way.
You: "checks rod"
You: excellent! he's still in there
enemy: ???
You: "checks rod again"
You: Hehe, you'll never see it coming
enemy: ??!
Best use I've come up with: bind small storm elemental (a living cloud), have storm elemental follow a target, be able to track their movements (given how far away and how clearly visible a normal cloud in the sky would be, this should be pretty accurate).
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Assume you're on a desert. No humidity and no cloud in sight. Detect Cloud spell may show you the fastest way out of the desert.
Unless it also reacts to dust clouds.
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It will help you see that dust storm coming.
Sand storm too.
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helps you avoid that Hungry Fog