This is part two of our monster flavor series. Spice up your creatures with elemental flavor. Adding one or more of the traits below can create an elemental version of a creature. Optional traits can make fighting certain creatures more difficult, especially for lower level characters.
A party visiting an the elemental plane of fire could encounter a group of flame berserkers on their way to the City of Brass or be chased by a pair of ember ettins. A natural stone bridge might be guarded by a clay troll who burrows into the bridge until unsuspecting travelers attempt to cross.
The characteristics tables can be useful for NPC characters to give them an elemental heritage or perhaps a curse. A merchant with veins that glow like hot embers could have a quest looking for a cure.
The description of the creature’s appearance, behavior, and actions are as important as the added trait. Use the tables below for examples.
Air Elemental
Breeze, Cloud, Gust, Sky, Wind, Vapor, Zephyr.
Like the Wind. The creature gains resistance to lightning and thunder damage and it can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
Flight (Optional). The creature gains a flying speed equal to its movement speed.
Air Elemental Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hair and fur moves as if blown by a breeze. |
| 2 | The creature’s body is wreathed in storm clouds. |
| 3 | The creature moves as if gliding on wind. |
| 4 | The creature’s body is made entirely of clouds. |
| 5 | The creature’s legs are wrapped in a tornado. |
| 6 | The creature’s voice has an undertone of howling wind. |
Earth Elemental
Clay, Dirt, Dust, Loam, Mineral, Mud, Terra, Turf.
Grounded. The creature has a burrow speed equal to its walking speed and can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone without disturbing the material it moves through.
Earth Elemental Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature’s eyes are unpolished gems. |
| 2 | Exposed veins shine like precious metal. |
| 3 | The creature’s skin is cracked like dry earth. |
| 4 | The creature’s skin or scales are made of marble. |
| 5 | Hair and fur is made of clay and mud. |
| 6 | The creature’s voice is deeper. |
Fire Elemental
Blaze, Charred, Ember, Flame, Pyre, Scorch, Sear.
Fuel to the Fire. The creature has resistance to fire damage and when it deals damage, it instead deals fire damage.
Searing Touch (Optional). When another creature hits this creature with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it, the attacking creature takes fire damage equal to this creature’s proficiency bonus.
Fire Elemental Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Small flames pour from the creature’s eyes. |
| 2 | The creature’s skin is hot. |
| 3 | Hair and fur is different shades of red and orange. |
| 4 | The creature is wreathed in flames. |
| 5 | The creature’s skin has a charred appearance. |
| 6 | The creature’s veins glow like hot embers. |
Water Elemental
Aqua, Dew, Flood, Mist, Sodden, Tide, Torrent.
Fluid Flow. The creature has resistance to acid damage and it can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing. It gains a swim speed equal to its walking speed.
Water Elemental Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature is always wet. |
| 2 | The sound of crashing waves can be heard when the creature speaks. |
| 3 | The creature smells like the ocean. |
| 4 | The creature’s hair and fur has a sleek wet look. |
| 5 | A gentle mist emanates from the creature. |
| 6 | The creatures skin is a mixture of green and blue coloring. |
6 thoughts on “Monster Re-Flavor: Elemental Flavor”