Did I find Castle Shard?

In a recent blog post, I explored the concept of using real-world items, people, and locations as inspiration in Dungeons and Dragons. While browsing pictures of castles, I came across Castel del Monte and immediately felt a sense of familiarity. It reminded me of Castle Shard, the imposing fortress that dominates the skyline of the fictional city of Ptolus.

Castel del Monte

Ptolus was created by Monte Cook, a notable game designer and author, as a campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons. It was first introduced in 2006 in a role-playing game supplement called "Ptolus: City by the Spire" and quickly became known as one of the most immersive and detailed campaign settings in tabletop gaming. In fact, it was even used as the playtest world for 3rd Edition D&D when Monte Cook was working on the core books. Personally, I have run at least three campaigns set in Ptolus.

Castle Shard is a testament to the power and wealth of the ruling family that commissioned its construction. It is a magnificent structure, with walls that are several feet thick and numerous towers and battlements. Meanwhile, Castel del Monte is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Puglia region of Italy. Built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, it is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a testament to the power and sophistication of the Holy Roman Empire.

Both Castle Shard and Castel del Monte use a unique octagonal design that is a masterpiece of geometric balance and symmetry. Given that Ptolus was written by Monte Cook and the actual castle is called Castel del Monte, one could argue that this majestic centerpiece of the city was inspired by the Italian castle. However, it's also possible that it's just a coincidence. Regardless, the similarities between the two castles are remarkable and a testament to the power of real-world inspiration in fantasy storytelling.

Editors Note - While researching, I also found that Castel del Monte makes an appearance in Forge of Empires. You learn more every day.

Cheers - Ed