In this, the first part in what is hoped to be a multi-part series, I will explore the subject of elementals: their capabilities, vulnerabilities and habits.
The four elements are earth, air, water, and fire; elementals exist of each of these types. The weakest elementals, what I choose to call Least Elementals can be harmed by nearly anything but their own element. For these, as long as you are not “fighting fire with fire”, so to speak. your efforts should be effective. More powerful elementals, what I call Lesser Elementals are unharmed by weapons that are not enchanted in some way. Greater Elementals are only harmed by their opposite elements, and may regenerate if not using the opposing element to wound them. The strength of an elemental is difficult to gauge without observing it closely so the best practice is to use the opposing element if possible.
It should also be noted that an elemental’s own element will often heal the elemental. Another capability of elementals that should not be ignored is the ability to hurl energy at foes. The Greater Elementals can throw quite devastating amounts of elemental energy. Keep this in mind and you will at least not be caught unawares.
Earth elementals are dark brown in color and have acidic attacks. Being opposed by the element of air they are vulnerable to lightning. Earth elementals are strong but slow. As such they are capable of great feats of strength and can hit quite hard. Greater elements will sometimes root themselves to the ground, using the surrounding Earth to resist most effects. Use this opportunity to get out of their reach and conserve your strength until they are once again in motion.
Air elementals are quick as lightning. They can close distances rapidly, and many of the taller ones have surprisingly long reach. Air elementals can emit strong gusts of wind and are clever enough to use this tactically to to turn a 2-on-1 fight into a one-on-one fight in an instant. As such it might be better to confront such creatures in larger groups or alternately allow an experienced fighter to fight them solo. Greater air elementals are also capable of whirlwinds that can push back all foes (and allies for that matter) of the air elemental. Air elementals are a light, whiting blue color. Be careful not to mistake them for water elementals.
Water elementals are a darker blue than air elementals. Water elementals will often absorb the first few attack or spells directed at them, and use these attacks on you later. To minimize this danger, wait to use your stronger attacks until it has stopped absorbing. Water elementals deal frigid cold ice damage, possibly freezing limbs. Their opposing element is fire.
Fire elementals are perhaps more likely than other elementals to hurl elemental projectiles, and more likely to hurl more deadly projectiles, including the dreaded fireball. Observe them carefully but remember fire is chaotic. If you can manage it, avoid casting spells with components at them, for you may find the component coming back your way, charged with elemental fire. They are best dealt with by ice magic.
There are four elemental sites in town: the air site at a rock just below the portal anchor; the water site just past the Gwendolar shrine; the fire site at the amphitheatre; and the earth site at the chimney of the old forge, between the amphitheatre and the upper cabin. Elementals tend to be drawn to the corresponding elemental site, or on rare occasions, the opposing site.
If you observe elementals acting strangely, especially near the elemental sites, or have further questions, seek out Loxi or Linarien.
Rybin vanHolt
Historian and Scholar
As an addendum to this wonderful primer, Greater Elementals have been known to be protected by an Elemental Flare, which will cause damage to any melee attacker in proportion to the damage inflicted.