Vylja's Cloud Shape
(Alteration)(Combat, Weather)

Range:  0
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  2 rounds per level
Casting Time:  9
Area of Effect:  The caster
Saving Throw:  Special

This spell transforms the caster's body into one that has the height (24 feet) and Strength (23) of a cloud giant. The caster's face will also change somewhat, so that only creatures well known to the priest will recognize him in his new shape. Other creatures will likely consider him a true giant, although real giants and Titans are never fooled by the spell. Note however that the priest's skin colour will not change in the least: a dark elf in cloud shape still appears as black as the night.
The advantages of the spell are solely on the physical level: his skin turns as hard as that of a real cloud giant, granting him an Armour Class of 0 (Dexterity, defensive spells, and armour of cloud giant size can improve this Armour Class further); his Strength becomes 23, granting him a +5 bonus on his to-hit rolls and 11 points of additional damage on each physical attack (open doors checks will succeed on rolls of 18 or less (16 for magical doors); bend bars and lift gates checks have a 90% chance of success). Also, the priest gains 1d6 HP for as long as the spell lasts. Finally, the priest can also understand and speak the tongue of cloud giants.
Vylja's cloud shape also has some major disadvantages: as long as the priest assumes this shape, he can only cast spells of first and second level. Exceptions to this rule are granted powers (including spells), innate abilities (like the spells drow can cast), and of course spells that are stored in items. The second disadvantage is that only the caster's non-magic items will partake in the transformation, effectively rendering most of his magic items absolutely useless for the duration of the spell. Magic rings, cloaks, gauntlets, boots, necklaces, bracers, armour (and other pieces of clothing) have to be removed prior to the casting of this spell or they will be utterly destroyed.
The spell normally lasts for 2 rounds per level of the caster. However, the caster can at any time decide to change back to his natural shape (note that this change is definitive - no shape swapping is possible). The caster regains 1d10 points of damage when he does so. If a successful dispel magic forces the caster to transform back to his normal shape, he does not gain these hit points. Should the priest die while in cloud shape, he is instantly transformed to his normal form.
The priest needs his holy symbol to cast this spell.

