Fire Elemental
- Size: Large
- Type: Elemental
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 13
- Initiative: +3 (13)
- HP: 93 (11d10+33)
- Speed: 50 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| DEX | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| WIS | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| CHA | 7 | -2 | -2 |
- Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing
- Immunities: Fire, Poison; Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 10
- Languages: Primordial (Ignan)
- CR: 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)
Traits
Fire Aura. At the end of each of the elemental's turns, each creature in a 10 -foot Emanation originating from the elemental takes 5 (1d10) Fire damage. Creatures and flammable objects in the Emanation start burning.
Fire Form. The elemental can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without expending extra movement to do so, and it can enter a creature's space and stop there. The first time it enters a creature's space on a turn, that creature takes 5 (1d10) Fire damage.
Illumination. The elemental sheds Bright Light in a 30foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 30 feet.
Water Susceptibility. The elemental takes 3 (1d6) Cold damage for every 5 feet the elemental moves in water or for every gallon of water splashed on it.
Actions
Multiattack. The elemental makes two Burn attacks.
Burn. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft . Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) Fire damage. If the target is a creature or a flammable object, it starts burning.
Lore & Background
Fire elementals are living embodiments of flame and heat, beings of pure elemental fire summoned from the Elemental Plane of Fire. These creatures represent the destructive and transformative power of fire - they can consume and destroy, but also provide warmth, light, and the energy needed for creation. Fire elementals appear as towering columns of flame with vaguely humanoid shapes, their forms constantly shifting and dancing like a bonfire.
In their native plane, fire elementals exist in vast cities of brass and flame, serving powerful efreet and other fire-based beings. When summoned to the Material Plane, they often feel constrained by the cooler environment and yearn to return to their blazing homeland. They communicate through the crackling and roaring of flames, and their presence raises the temperature of their surroundings significantly.
Combat Tactics
Fire elementals are aggressive combatants who prefer direct confrontation. They use their Fire Form ability to move through enemy spaces, dealing automatic fire damage to any creature they pass through. This makes them excellent at breaking up enemy formations and forcing opponents to spread out.
Their Touch attack deals significant fire damage, and they can ignite flammable objects and materials with ease. Fire elementals are particularly effective against creatures vulnerable to fire damage and can quickly turn the battlefield into a blazing inferno. However, they are vulnerable to cold damage and will often target spellcasters who might have access to cold-based magic first.
Encounter Ideas
The Forge Awakened: A master blacksmith's forge has been burning continuously for decades, and the accumulated elemental energy has given birth to a fire elemental. The creature now guards the forge jealously, attacking anyone who tries to use it or extinguish its flames.
Wildfire's Heart: A massive forest fire has been burning for weeks, and at its center lurks a fire elemental that feeds on the destruction. The party must find a way to reach the elemental and banish it before the fire consumes nearby settlements.
Salamander's Bargain: A fire elemental has been bound to serve a salamander noble, but it yearns for freedom. The party might negotiate with the elemental to help them against its master in exchange for breaking its bonds.
The Burning Library: An ancient library's protective fire elemental has gone berserk after sensing the presence of water elementals trying to extinguish its sacred flames. The party must calm or defeat the elemental while saving precious books from the fire.
Environmental Effects
Fire elementals dramatically alter their surroundings through intense heat and flame. The temperature within 30 feet of a fire elemental rises by 20-30 degrees, causing discomfort for most creatures and potentially igniting flammable materials. Metal objects become hot to the touch, and water begins to steam and evaporate.
The elemental's presence can trigger natural phenomena like updrafts and heat mirages. Wooden structures may begin to smolder, and dry vegetation can spontaneously combust. The air shimmers with heat waves, making it difficult to see clearly at long distances.
Treasure
Fire elementals themselves rarely carry traditional treasure, but their presence often indicates valuable fire-related materials nearby. Fire opals, rubies, and other heat-resistant gems might be found in areas where fire elementals have dwelled for extended periods.
Charcoal created by a fire elemental's touch has magical properties, burning hotter and longer than normal charcoal. Elemental ash left behind after a fire elemental is destroyed can be used as a component for fire-based spells and magical items.
Plot Hooks
The Eternal Flame: A temple's sacred flame has been burning for centuries, tended by fire elementals. When the flame begins to dim, the elementals grow desperate and start attacking anyone who enters the temple, believing they're trying to extinguish their charge.
Elemental Imbalance: The appearance of multiple fire elementals in a region signals a growing instability between the elemental planes. The party must investigate what's causing this imbalance before it leads to catastrophic elemental storms.
The Phoenix Egg: A fire elemental has been tasked with incubating a phoenix egg, but the process is taking far longer than expected. The elemental grows increasingly agitated and violent as it fears it's failing in its sacred duty.
Forge of the Gods: An ancient dwarven forge powered by bound fire elementals has been discovered. The elementals offer to teach the party the secrets of elemental smithing in exchange for their freedom, but doing so might anger the dwarven spirits who originally bound them.