The absorption elemental is best described as a floating sphere of elemental chaos. At their smallest, they are fist-sized spheres of elemental matter. For example, you might see a sphere of water with slow-moving lightning inside or a ball of earth and rock with veins of molten fire. As they grow, these elements become more prevalent and chaotic, creating a constant clash of elemental forces.
Absorption elementals increase in size by absorbing energy from their surroundings, fueling the chaos within. Once this energy is consumed, the elemental shrinks back to its original size. If a constant energy source is available, the elemental can grow to an enormous size, but this poses a risk. Rapid expansion can lead to the elemental bursting in a violent explosion from unspent energy. For instance, an elemental in a pool of lava can quickly grow to its maximum size.
These elementals form where the veil between elemental planes thins and interacts with another plane, creating a small ball of chaotic elemental energy. Absorption elementals lack motivation, floating instinctually in search of energy sources, often stumbling upon them by accident. However, once they engage with a source of energy, they rarely relent, seeking to consume every bit they can. This makes encounters with them dangerous, as fighting them can increase their strength. They aren’t aggressive, but adventurers might find one trying to enter their campfire for energy or seeking a wizard practicing spells during a lunch break.
Absorption Elemental
Tiny Elemental, Typically Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class 8
Hit Points 150 (20d4 + 100)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 7 (-2) | 20 (+5) | 1 (-5) | 8 (-1) | 1 (-5) |
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 9
Languages —
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Deathburst. When the elemental dies, it releases the energy it has absorbed in an explosion. Each creature within 30 feet of it must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 5 (1d10) force damage plus a number of additional d10s of force damage equal to the difference between the elemental’s size and Tiny. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage.
Overload. At the start of the elemental’s turn, if its size is Gargantuan, it dies.
Pressure Release. At the start of the elemental’s turn, If it hasn’t been dealt damage since the end of its last turn, its size decreases by one category–from Medium to Small, for example.
Actions
Multiattack. The elemental makes one Slam attack and two Elemental Lash attacks. It can’t make both Elemental Lash attacks against the same target.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus a number of additional d8s of bludgeoning damage equal to the the difference between the elemental’s size and Tiny.
Elemental Lash. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) of a type of the elemental’s choice: cold, fire, or lightning.
Reactions
Absorb. When the elemental is dealt damage, it may halve the damage it takes and increases its size by one category.
Downloads
Further Reading
Re-flavor other creatures into elementals with Monster Re-Flavor: Elemental Flavor.
A quest with an absorption elemental could involve defeating it to gain materials to craft a prismatic quill.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
