Elemental Gem

• Category: Wondrous Item
• Rarity: Uncommon

This gem contains a mote of elemental energy. When you take a Utilize action to break the gem, an elemental is summoned (see "Monsters" for its stat block), and the gem ceases to be magical. The elemental appears in an unoccupied space as close to the broken gem as possible, understands your languages, obeys your commands, and takes its turn immediately after you on your Initiative count. The elemental disappears after 1 hour, when it dies, or when you dismiss it as a Bonus Action. The type of gem determines the elemental, as shown in the following table.

Gem	Summoned Elemental
Blue sapphire	Air Elemental
Emerald	Water Elemental
Red corundum	Fire Elemental
Yellow diamond	Earth Elemental

Tactical Applications

Combat Strategy: Single-use item that summons a CR 5 elemental ally for 1 hour. The elemental follows commands and acts immediately after your turn. Different gem types provide different tactical advantages.

Class Synergies:

• Any Class: Powerful ally that can turn the tide of difficult encounters
• Spellcasters: Elemental provides frontline support without concentration
• Support Classes: Summoned elemental acts as tank or damage dealer
• Strategic Players: Each elemental type offers unique environmental solutions

Build Considerations: Air elementals for mobility and flying enemies, earth for tanking, fire for damage, water for versatility. Save for boss fights or overwhelming encounters.

Acquisition Methods

Crafting Requirements: Requires pure elemental essence, gem cutting expertise, and binding rituals. Creation cost 1,200-2,000 gp and takes 2 weeks per gem.

Common Sources:

• Elemental plane expeditions and planar research facilities
• Treasure hoards of elementalists and conjuration specialists
• Rewards from elemental beings for services rendered
• Gemcutter shops in major magical cities (rare stock)
• Found in ancient temples dedicated to elemental powers

Alternative Acquisition: Sometimes discovered in the belongings of defeated elementalists or purchased from planar traders at magical markets.

Value & Trade

Estimated Value: 1,000-2,500 gp depending on elemental type, with air and earth gems typically commanding higher prices.

Trade Considerations: Popular among adventurers facing challenging encounters. Different elemental types have varying regional demand based on local threats.

Character Integration

Roleplay Elements: Suggests knowledge of elemental magic, connections to planar studies, or experience with summoning magic.

Character Concepts:

• Conjuration specialist or elemental scholar
• Planar researcher with elemental plane experience
• Character with elemental heritage or bloodline connections
• Adventurer who relies on summoned allies for combat support

Adventure Hooks

The Elemental Imbalance: Using gems upsets local elemental balance, drawing attention from elemental courts and their agents.

The Planar Expedition: Gathering gems requires dangerous journeys to elemental planes or negotiations with elemental beings.

The Summoning Competition: Magical duels or competitions where elemental allies determine victory.

The Gem Shortage: A disruption in gem supply leads to investigation of elemental plane conflicts or gem-cutting monopolies.

Variants & Customization

Greater Elemental Gem (Rare): Summons CR 7-8 elementals with enhanced abilities and longer duration (2 hours).

Dual Elemental Gem (Rare): Contains two different elemental types, allowing choice at activation.

Bound Elemental Gem (Very Rare): Contains a specific named elemental with unique abilities and personality.

Specialized Variants:

• Combat Gems: Elementals optimized for specific combat roles
• Utility Gems: Elementals enhanced for environmental manipulation
• Guardian Gems: Elementals bound to protect specific locations or people

Lore & History

Origins: Developed by ancient civilizations that maintained diplomatic relations with elemental planes and their inhabitants.

Historical Significance: Enabled early planar exploration and allowed smaller forces to compete against larger armies through elemental allies.

Cultural Impact: Different cultures favor different elemental types based on their environmental needs and magical traditions.

Magical Craft: Represents advanced understanding of elemental binding and the delicate balance required to contain elemental forces.

Balancing Notes

Introduction Timing: Appropriate for levels 5-10 when a CR 5 ally provides meaningful assistance without trivializing encounters.

Campaign Impact: Single-use nature prevents overuse while providing dramatic moments. Each elemental type offers different tactical solutions.

Resource Management: Players must decide when the situation justifies expending a valuable single-use item.

Encounter Design

Recommended Challenges:

• Encounters where specific elemental resistances or abilities are crucial
• Environmental challenges that favor particular elemental types
• Overwhelming odds where additional allies tip the balance
• Situations requiring elemental-specific solutions (flight, earth movement, etc.)

Tactical Adjustments: Consider how summoned elementals change encounter dynamics and adjust enemy tactics accordingly.

Related Items

Summoning Items: Figurine of Wondrous Power, Horn of Valhalla, and other items that provide temporary allies.

Elemental Equipment:

• Items that interact with or enhance elemental magic
• Equipment providing elemental resistance or immunity
• Tools for planar travel and elemental communication

Complementary Equipment: Items that enhance summoning magic or provide backup options when elementals are defeated.

Roleplay Opportunities

Elemental Politics: Summoned elementals may provide information about elemental plane conflicts and politics.

Planar Knowledge: Characters gain insights into elemental nature and planar magic through repeated use.

Resource Decisions: Choosing when to use precious single-use items creates meaningful tactical and story choices.