The toppings are made of some crusty edible material which keeps indefinitely. I will save the decorations and assemble them in a clear plastic display case after I divide up the cake.
It's definitely rolled fondant or some variation on that.
I've been known to put similar cakes together on occasion. I've got to do an 18" tall R2-D2 for a friend's wedding coming up soon.
If anyone's near Denver and wants something done, I've been aching to find a reason to do a gaming-related cake (or anything else, for that matter). Drop me a PM.
-CD