Elementals

Beings of the Elements

Elementals are manifestations of pure magic, representing one of the primal elements. They are more magical in nature than even the Mystics, and unlike corporeal beings, they do not possess true physical forms. Instead, they exist in a fluid state between visibility and formlessness. Their so-called “physical” form is a visual projection, not a tangible body, and its clarity or definition varies between elemental types.

Because they are not physical, elementals typically float rather than walk.

Behaviour

Elementals are elusive and difficult to study. They appear spontaneously and vanish without warning, seemingly at will. No one fully understands what draws them to particular places or causes them to depart. They can be trapped, however, and in such conditions, they show no need for sustenance and no signs of aging, leading many to presume they are immortal.

Elementals tend to avoid corporeals and rarely seek interaction, but they do observe the world. Some even respond to kindness, showing preference toward those who treat them with respect.

Intelligence

Their intelligence remains a matter of debate. Some clearly show signs of awareness—recognizing individuals, avoiding danger, and remembering past interactions. For example, spriggans have been observed recognizing specific humans or elves, while wisps have been seen to have a preference towards pestering those who antagonize them the most.

While certain elementals can produce sounds or even utter words, no meaningful communication has ever been established. They do not mimic speech like parrots, nor do they appear to understand language. Nonetheless, their behaviour suggests a measure of agency and decision-making.

Aggressiveness

Elementals span a broad spectrum of aggression. Some are entirely passive or shy, while others are hostile or territorial. Their temperament often reflects their element, though not always predictably so.

Ashrae

Water Elementals
Height: 1-1.5 Meters

The Ashra—plural Ashrae—are elementals of water. They are most commonly seen near moving water: leaping through streams, sliding off waterfalls, playing among the waves. They take the form of small humanoids with flowing features, fluid in motion and appearance, yet still distinctly male or female in shape. Ashrae are shorter than dwarves, nimble and quick to vanish when startled.

They are considered lucky omens by sailors and fishermen—seeing them swimming near a boat is said to bring fortune. However, they are easily spooked and will flee if disturbed. They are never hostile unless attacked first. Ashrae have a curious relationship with light elementals—when they appear together, they instinctively create a rainbow.

Wisps

Air Elementals
Height: 0.4-1 Meter

Wisps are air elementals, they are some of the most common since they are some of the few elementals that don't shy away from people. They still don't like cities tho, but they are common in the countryside. They are small and mischievous, they like to steal fruits for no apparent reason since they don't eat, and they also often fly fast like gusts of wind, mess up your hair, knock things over, and therefore they are considered pests by most people. It is however nearly impossible to catch or harm them because one cannot harm the wind, or tell it where to go. They can sometimes be heard making soft chuckling or laughing sounds, although they sound particularly not human. Because of their nature and interactions with people, parents might scold naughty children by comparing them to wisps. Like other elementals, they are nearly always seen alone, and there usually isn't more than one in the same place. Their physical form is that of small translucent boys or girls clad in nought but their skin. They are often yellowish, white or grey colours, and they are also the same colour throughout including their hair. The ones who are not familiar with people are notably more skittish than those who have seen them before.

Wisps are air elementals—one of the most common and most mischievous of their kind. Unlike many elementals, they do not shy away from people, though they dislike cities and prefer the countryside. They are small, fast, and playful. They’ve been known to steal fruit for no apparent reason, even though they don’t eat. They will dart around like sudden gusts, mess up your hair, or knock things over. For this reason, many view them as pests.

They are nearly impossible to catch or harm—after all, one cannot grab the wind. Some have been heard making strange, non-human chuckling or laughter-like sounds. Their physical form appears as small translucent children, usually unclothed, with skin, hair, and features in pale yellow, white, or grey tones. More isolated wisps tend to be far more skittish than those who have been around people before.

They are solitary creatures, rarely seen in pairs or groups, and vanish as suddenly as they arrive. Parents often use them as a metaphor when scolding unruly children—“You’re being a wisp today.”

Nymphs

Light Elementals
Height: 1-2 Meters

Nymphs are light elementals. In their physical form, they appear as beautiful women with radiant eyes and long, flowing hair. Their bodies seem to shimmer in the light, with a grace that feels almost unreal. They are secretive beings, preferring secluded places—forests, glades, lake shores—and they avoid people whenever possible.

When seen, they will often retreat behind trees, slip into reeds, or disappear altogether. Some cultures consider their appearance a bad omen or a sign of misfortune, while others describe their presence as soothing, even transcendent. They are said to sing when alone—a melodic language unknown to any mortal race. Some dismiss this as a trick of the wind, but those who have heard it speak of music that lingers long after the sound is gone.

Nymphs do not attack or defend themselves; they simply vanish if threatened.

Cinders

Fire Elementals
Height: 1-100 Centimeters

Cinders are tiny fire elementals—living sparks that flit through the air around open flames. They are often seen emerging from crackling fires and remain close to the source of their creation. Playful and joyful by nature, they watch flames with fascination and sometimes dance within them.

In physical form, they resemble children made of flickering fire. In their natural form, they appear as darting sparks or flame-spirits. Though not made of true fire, they can still ignite flammable materials and cause injury if provoked. However, cinders are not inherently dangerous—they can control their ignition ability and rarely burn unless threatened.

They are generally kind, curious creatures. If angered, however, they may lash out by igniting the objects they are struck with or releasing bursts of flame in retaliation. In many places, children are taught not to provoke cinders, both out of respect and fear of accidentally starting a fire. In some cultures, the presence of a cinder at a hearth is considered a sign that the fire—and the meal being cooked—is blessed by the spirits.

Infernae

Inferno Elementals
Height: 2-10 Meters

Infernae are rare and powerful fire elementals born from immense heat and destruction. They appear only in places of extreme fire—raging wildfires, volcanic eruptions, or massive arson. When they emerge, they take the form of enormous humanoids composed of roaring flame, their expressions twisted with fury. These beings are incarnations of destruction.

They are almost always hostile. Their arrival amplifies nearby flames, spreads chaos, and inspires panic. Cities see them as omens of ruin, and their presence near a settlement often signals deliberate arson. Orc cultures, however, revere them—viewing them as divine spirits of fury, strength, and unrestrained power.

Infernae cannot be reasoned with, but skilled mages can sometimes contain or suppress them long enough for them to exhaust their fury. Eventually, they vanish—though they leave devastation in their wake.

Spriggans

Plant Elementals
Height: 1.5-2 Meters

Spriggans are plant elementals—the living embodiment of forest life. They appear as humanoids formed from twisted branches, moss, leaves, bark, flowers, and vines. The plant types that compose their bodies reflect the environment in which they dwell.

They are generally peaceful and avoid contact with people. However, if the forest is harmed, especially through reckless or senseless destruction, spriggans become dangerous protectors. They do not mind foraging or grazing animals, and they tolerate respectful harvesting. What enrages them is thoughtless destruction or exploitation of the forest by sentient beings.

Unlike most elementals, spriggans do not shift between forms. Their appearance remains constant—a symbol of their permanent bond with the living forest.

Trolls

Stone Elementals
Height: 0.5-2 Meters

Trolls are rare rock elementals typically found in mountainous or rocky regions. They are squat, sturdy humanoids resembling mossy boulders or stone statues, often with sour, frowning faces. When inactive, they blend easily into the landscape, remaining still for hours, days, or even years.

Unlike most elementals, trolls prefer the company of their own kind. It is not unusual to find them in clusters, sometimes piled atop one another while in stone form. Though generally peaceful, trolls are not to be trifled with. If threatened or harmed, they respond with slow but immense strength.

Their behaviour in captivity is strange. Some have been seen sinking into the earth and vanishing. Others crumble into sand, leaving no trace behind. Whether this is a defense mechanism or some form of death is unknown.