|
THE
ELEMENTAL |
An
Elemental is a powerful magical being,
consisting solely of one of the four elements (wind,
earth,
fire, water). Elementals do not exist
on their own, but have to be created first artificially, by a mage proficient in
casting xeuá magic (Level VIII Xeuá Spell:
Create Elemental). In the process of this creation, the mage strengthens the
bond of elemental xeuá, creating "life" in
the element of question. However, as the element will seek its normal form, the
Elemental will soon dissolve, the magical bonds
maintaining it being burnt out. Usually Elementals last only for a few hours
unless enhanced by further magic.
Unlike a golem for example, the Elemental is not bond to
its creator. Yet, controlling the fury of the elements is not an easy task, and
the Elemental can very well break free if under a spell's control, becoming a
danger to the sumoner himself and all others who might be in the area nearby.
Appearance.
An Elemental usually consists to a full percentage of the element it is created
from and resembles in general the form of its summoner (which is usually
humanoid), however the caster can make it any
form he wants. But as the Elements are not solid, Elementals can assume any form
needed, and usually appear as man-like shapes constantly churning around.
![]()
Special Abilities.
There are four different types of Elementals, and they all have their special
abilities, decided by their element. The abilities and types are as follows:
![]() |
|
The various types of Elementals. Click on pictures to enlarge. All pictures drawn by Quellion. |
The Air/Wind Elemental
Consisting solely of moving air, these
Elementals appear as shapes of dense fog, often mixed with whatever was caught
in the air when it became an Elemental. They can levitate, and are almost
invulnerable to common weapons like swords
or clubs. If attacked these creatures can strike their foes with bolts of
lightning. These Elementals cannot lift heavy things, and are mostly used in
combat or for personal protection.
The Earth Elemental
Representing the most similar type compared to the typical
golems, the Earth Elemental consists of dirt,
earth and rocks. This one is the best for
ordinary tasks such as moving things, especially due to its abundant strength.
The Earth Elemental takes the longest time to change form, and attacks with
punches and by throwing rocks at the enemy.
The Water Elemental
As the name implies, an Elemental created of
water (ice), these creatures are favoured at sea, as they can - if harnessed
- move whole ships without the need for wind.
Water Elementals are less vulnerable to common
weapons as well, yet not invulnerable. Blunt weapons can destroy them,
especially if the Elemental is mainly consisting of ice. If ordered to attack,
these beings attack with shards of ice as well as an icy breath.
Fire Elemental
These fiery beings consist of pure flame, and are used for light, heat, and
personal protection. Burning the enemies of their creator, these elementals are
the best for protection alongside Air
Elementals. These Elementals are completely immune to common weapons, however a
well-placed bucket of water can quickly
put an end on that Element.
![]()
Territory.
Being a short-lived artificially created being, Elementals do not have any
territory they can call their own. If controlled they are where their master is,
or, if they break loose, wherever they choose to go, which usually is to where
they can find more of their element to strengthen themselves.
![]()
Habitat/Behaviour.
The Elemental is
only
bound to the caster when created, however, as the energies
of the Elements are violent and hard to control, the
Elemental will break free
of the caster's guidance
as soon as it is powerful enough,
thus becoming a danger to everyone in its way.
Casting Create Elemental therefore is
limited to only very powerful mages, who are also capable of casting further
spells with the intention to lead the actions of the Elemental towards certain
directions. Elementals don't have "minds" in the common sense, but consist
mainly (aside from their physical appearance) of a pure Elemental will to
survive and may react very unpredictable to attempts to harness this will. It's
not uncommon that elementals turn against their "masters" right after being
created and if the spell meant to control the creature
fizzles or the Elemental
cannot be destroyed by other means immediately, the mage will be the first
target of attack of his own creation.
![]()
Diet.
Elementals do not require food, however they can replenish themselves by
absorbing more of their own element if needed: Water Elements for example may
enhance their powers by absorbing water from a stream or a lake (or even by
walking through rain), though this doesn't really increase life force as far as
is known, but only adds more strength to the Elemental.
![]()
Mating.
Elementals do not reproduce as they are only artificially created
magical beings. However, the saying goes that
during the War of the Chosen
Elementals were able to join with other Elementals, doubling their size and
power. If these stories are only a legends noone can say - today the creation of
Elementals is very rare and the producing of several Elementals at the same time
would be quite irresponsible as the consequences could be fatal.
![]()
Myth/Lore.
Nobody knows for certain when the ability to create beings from the raw elements
was discovered, nor by whom. However Elementals were used in large quantities
during the legendary War of the
Chosen, and are still created nowadays for various purposes, though much
more rarely. (It should be noted that the spell needed to create such powerful
Elementals is quite complicated, and only the advanced mages succeed in it.)
At the Magical Academy of
Ximax, there is a legend, probably as old as
the school itself, that if the four types of elementals are brought together,
and united trough the power of Xeuá Magic, one can create a Spectral Elemental,
an extremely powerful magical being consisting
of the four elements and having all the abilities of the elementals, as well as
abundant lifetime. It is said that there have been many who tried to accomplish
this feat, but so far we only learn more about these creatures from legends than
from reality.
![]()
|
Information provided by
Silfer Darklfare
|