The world of Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy setting that blends elements of early 20th-century Europe with magic and arcane technology, creating a unique realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred. It is set in the kingdom of Ingary, where fairytale themes are accepted ways of life. The world features inventions like airships, automobiles, and warplanes, alongside magical entities such as enchanted walking castles, wizards, witches, and demons.
| Played | 2 times |
| Cloned | 4 times |
| Created | 29 days ago |
| Last Updated | 11 days ago |
| Visibility | Public |
Howl's Moving Castle
A massive, ramshackle castle on mechanical legs powered by a fire demon, moving across the landscape with a creaking sound and steam clouds. Its chaotic patchwork exterior reflects the fragmented personality of its wizard owner and the chaotic world around it. One of the most remarkable features of the castle is its magical, multi-dimensional doorway. By turning a dial, the door can open to various locations, from serene rural landscapes to bustling cities, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. This feature reflects the themes of escape, control, and possibility central to the story. Inside, the castle contrasts its chaotic exterior with surprisingly cozy and homely spaces, such as a living room and kitchen reminiscent of classic European homes. These interiors provide warmth and comfort, standing in stark contrast to the cold, mechanical machinery elsewhere in the structure. It does not obey to normal dimensional laws, and rooms often change depending on howl's mood.
Ingary
A richly imaginative kingdom blending early 20th-century European aesthetics with magic and whimsical technology, featuring walking castles, airships, and mechanized vehicles amidst picturesque towns and war-torn landscapes. In this society, wizards and magical beings are not hidden but walk openly among ordinary citizens, shaping the rhythm of everyday life. Magic is both wondrous and dangerous: it can transform people, animate inanimate objects, and alter the very fabric of reality. Ingary is also home to magical constructs like Howl’s castle—a towering, ramshackle, walking fortress powered by a fire demon named Calcifer. The castle itself is a central symbol, reflecting Howl's own complexity and emotional turmoil; its doors open to different locations, and its interior is as chaotic as its master.
Kingsbury
Kingsbury is the grand and wealthy royal capital of Ingary, home to the Royal Palace, the King, and the Royal Wizards. It serves as the kingdom's political and magical center, ruled by the king and the sorcerer Suliman, and is the heart of Ingary's power and administration. Strangia and Ingary are often at odds, with Strangia’s army being less magically advanced than Ingary’s. This leads to repeated conflicts, as Strangia is sometimes overrun by Ingary due to the latter’s superior magical forces. Ingary’s rulers must balance military strength with diplomatic strategies, such as royal marriages, to maintain stability and security.
Market Chipping
A bustling early 20th century European-inspired town in Ingary, blending magic and technology, Market Chipping borders a desolate wasteland and mountain ranges, featuring a vibrant town center, industrial districts, and a comprehensive transport network including steam trolleys and railways. Sophie’s family hat shop is located in the industrial district, reflecting the town’s blend of commerce and industry. The city’s lively character and industrial backdrop play a key role in the story, making it more than just a setting but a reflection of the world’s blending of tradition and modernity
Porthaven
A small coastal village in Ingary known for its hilly terrain, quaint half-timbered cottages, and a major military port. The sea-folk here are hardworking, relying on the harbor for fishing and defense, embodying tranquility and resilience amid war.
Strangia
Strangia is a mysterious country bordering Ingary and the desert lands near the Sultanates of Rashpuht. Known for its diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to arid desert edges, it is steeped in ancient magic and folklore, with many ruins and hidden enclaves. Strangia and Ingary are often at odds, with Strangia’s army being less magically advanced than Ingary’s. This leads to repeated conflicts, as Strangia is sometimes overrun by Ingary due to the latter’s superior magical forces. After periods of war, there is evidence of attempted reconciliation. For example, after Ingary wins a war against Strangia, Prince Justin of Ingary is expected to marry Princess Beatrice of Strangia, suggesting that royal marriages are used to cement peace and foster alliances.
Sultanates of Rashpuht
A sun-scorched desert confederation of kingdoms marked by bustling bazaars, intricate social customs, and a strong belief in fate and prophecy. The society is shaped by intricate customs and formal courtesies, especially in business and social interactions. For example, buyers and sellers in the city of Zanzib, a prominent city in Rashpuht, converse in highly formal and flowery language, adding layers of meaning to their exchanges. Deception and self-preservation are considered important life skills, and fate is seen as an inescapable force—prophecies are believed and accepted as inevitable truths. The region's social structure is patriarchal: men may have multiple wives, while women are expected to remain with a single husband. It's tales and mythos reflect the middle eastern storys found in the Arabian Nights.
The Continent
A vast and diverse continent with Ingary on the western coast, bordered by the Eastern neighbor Strangia, High Norland to the north, and the southern Sultanates of Rashpuht. The land is marked by frequent conflicts and uneasy alliances among these regions, with rugged mountains, dense forests, and sprawling deserts shaping its varied cultures and power struggles.
The Folding Valley
A large, lush valley in the kingdom of Ingary, nourished by a winding river and surrounded by rolling hills, rugged northern terrain, and the wild southeastern Waste. It supports thriving agricultural communities, including the towns of Market Chipping and Upper Folding, and is known for the occasional sighting of Howl's moving castle wandering its hills.
The Waste
A vast, arid desert of packed clay with no vegetation, marked by relentless sun and extreme heat, serving as the exile domain of the Witch of the Waste who lives in an ominous fortress somewhere within.
Zanzib
Zanzib is a bustling, magical city within the Sultanates of Rashput, known for its vibrant markets, sultanate governance, and an atmosphere steeped in Arabian Nights-inspired mystique. The city blends exotic architecture with magical elements, creating a lively hub of trade, intrigue, and enchantment.