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TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:33 pm | |
| | Sean Okotami wrote: | | Okay.... In my stories, I intended to have some rare encounter with undeads. Just found one out of pure luck. |
That's fine, I'm not saying you can't do it. I don't own the concept of undead or anything, so you certainly don't need my permission. 
I just get slightly annoyed when everybody assumes that an animated construct made out of a formerly living creature must be undead. There are ways to bind and animate a skeleton that have nothing at all to do with Necromancy; and a bunch of stitched together corpses animated is a typically a Flesh Golem, not an undead creature.
As per Cypress' example, a pile of bones inhabited by an elemental spirit would not qualify as Undead, because it's an elemental. Necro Elemental is as good a name for it as anything else, but thinking of it as undead would just be incorrect; anti-Undead spells would likely have no effect on it at all.
I'll probably start a seperate thread on the matter later, just want to post the Vine Elemental writeup before I head out to the movies._________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:56 pm | |
| Vine Elementals are nature elementals that have created a physical body primarily out of vines and vine-like plants. They are often very stealthy and more physically resilient than other Nature Elementals; while their vines can be cut, many species of Vine Elemental are capable of disincorporating most of their body into vines, making their vulnerable points difficult to pinpoint. Notable species of Vine Elementals are the Evernight Strangler and Kudzu Python. Evernight Stranglers are unusual elemental creatures, even by Felaryan standards. In their mobile state, they resemble a tremendous ball of tightly-woven vines, consisting of a few primitive organ-like structures (primarily stomachs). They spend very little of their lives in this mobile state, only entering it to move on to a new hunting ground. They are commonly found in the Evernight Forest, as their name suggests. Once a Strangler has found a tree large enough to support it, in a zone well-travelled, it relaxes into a writhing mass of vines, which then climb the tree and drape themselves from it. It then remains almost totally stationary, lurking in wait for potential prey to pass by. Evernight Stranglers are unusual in that their prey is strictly limited to giant predators; they possess an unusual lure, which consists of a woody humanoid structure tightly wrapped in vines, that they dangle beneath the tree. By subtly shifting their vines, they can make the lure squirm, appearing to be a human or neko struggling to get free of a vine snare. When a large predator attempts to "free" the victim in hopes of an easy meal, the Strangler lashes out with its tendrils, quickly binding their prey and lifting them off the ground. Predators caught in this manner have only a few seconds to free themselves, before they are so tightly bound that they can no longer move; once their prey has been securely wrapped up, an Evernight Strangler will curl back up into a ball around it, fixed to the branches of the tree it is in, while it slowly digests. Digestion can take weeks, during which time the Evernight Strangler remains dormant. Fortunately for most species, Stranglers are less voracious than other elementals; due to the sheer size of their prey, they typically only eat once a month or so. Kudzu Pythons are yet another animalistic variant of Nature Elemental, resembling large constrictor snakes made out of tightly woven vines. They are very fast, excellent swimmers and climbers, and capable of powerfully constricting their prey. Unlike true constrictor snakes, Kudzu Pythons swallow their prey alive; they squeeze it until all the fight is left, and then swallow the prey before they can get a second wind. Although they lack venom, elemental magic, or other such traits, Kudzu Pythons can be a threat to large predators and small humanoids alike. Piercing weapons are useless against a Kudzu Python, as the weapons will just slip between its vines; In addition, by relaxing slightly, a Kudzu Python can expand, making it a larger threat and capable of swallowing prey much larger than itself. _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | Sean Okotami Hero


Posts: 1373 Join date: 2008-01-20 Age: 19 Location: Shinnos
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Sun Jul 27, 2008 11:15 pm | |
| Okay.... _________________ "I don't need an excuse to act or think." - Sean Okotami
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|  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:15 am | |
| Came up with another couple, just doodling in my notebook. Glade UnicornGlade Unicorns are not actually unicorns, but rather a type of Flora Elemental that greatly resembles them. They are equine in appearance, but have hooves and a long, spiralling horn made of wood. They have leafy manes, "socks" above their hooves, and tails. In terms of coloration, they typically occur in woodland greens, but have also been spotted in autumn colors and bright floral colors as well. Despite their animal appearance, Glade Unicorns are extremely intelligent, and capable of communicating with other beings. As a rule, they are typically peaceable, just creatures; they feed on plants rather than animals or sentient beings. They sometimes have a reputation as crusaders; Glade Unicorns refuse to tolerate what they perceive as injustice, and will attack those they deem wicked. Unfortunately, due to their inhuman mindset, it's difficult to predict exactly how they define "injustice" and "wickedness", which means that they can pose a significant threat to humans under certain circumstances. When they must do battle, Glade Unicorns are fairly capable fighters with their hooves and horns; despite being made of wood, a Glade Unicorn's horn is capable of easily puncturing a steel shield or breastplate, let alone the average predator's skin, scales, flesh, and bones. Glade Unicorns also have an unusual ability some have described as an "Aura of Tranquility"; by shaking its mane, a Glade Unicorn can release spores into the air. Most creatures that inhale these spores will gradually become more and more relaxed and calm, until they are incapable of aggression. Glade Unicorns are fairly rare, and solitary, even for elementals. Many summoners travel into the forests of Felarya hoping to encounter one and befriend or establish a contract with it, as they are said to be powerful and reliable allies. Unfortunately for many would-be "masters", they have very high standards, and a summoner who is determined to be unworthy may find herself on the business end of the elemental's horn. _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | Sean Okotami Hero


Posts: 1373 Join date: 2008-01-20 Age: 19 Location: Shinnos
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:33 am | |
| It's okay I guess. I got another thread I need ideas to brainstorm to. _________________ "I don't need an excuse to act or think." - Sean Okotami
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|  | | Karbo Evil admin


Posts: 1658 Join date: 2007-12-08
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:43 am | |
| Ohh some excellent ideas here ! I especially loved the unicorn and the junction between nature elemental and treants. Somehow it made perfect sense  Well I guess I will have to make an entry for every type of elementals at this rate XD |
|  | | Sean Okotami Hero


Posts: 1373 Join date: 2008-01-20 Age: 19 Location: Shinnos
 | |  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:00 am | |
| | Karbo wrote: | Ohh some excellent ideas here ! I especially loved the unicorn and the junction between nature elemental and treants. Somehow it made perfect sense 
Well I guess I will have to make an entry for every type of elementals at this rate XD |
Hehe, thanks. I have another unicorn-like one I'm still working on, just not sure what to call it yet. Maybe Nightshade Unicorn, or something. It's going to be made out of poisonous plants, sort of a very nasty counterpart to the Glade Unicorn.
| Sean Okotami wrote: | | Not necessarily, we can say that when a spirit fuse with a source of element for a body, it may lead to all sorts of shape and creatures. Some humanoid, some animalistic, some...very unique. That would kind of bring more variety to Elementals in general. |
Um... it seems kind of like you're missing the point somehow. All of these ideas I've been posting are examples of exactly what you just said. And as for variety, I don't really see a lack of it here..?  _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | Sean Okotami Hero


Posts: 1373 Join date: 2008-01-20 Age: 19 Location: Shinnos
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:03 am | |
| Sorry, I said it before, I have pathetic knowledge. But, we can still say animalistic shapes is not exclusive to Nature Elementals. The examples are example of what only Nature Elementals can be. _________________ "I don't need an excuse to act or think." - Sean Okotami
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|  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:24 am | |
| | Sean Okotami wrote: | | But, we can still say animalistic shapes is not exclusive to Nature Elementals. The examples are example of what only Nature Elementals can be. |
Right, that's all they're intended to be. Different forms that Nature Elementals can take. I call them species, even though they're not really different species. It's just likely that's the way scientists would classify them, by virtue of common appearances. If a lot of Flora Elementals manifest in unicorn shapes, you can apply a standard template of sorts to them if they share common features.
This doesn't mean that there aren't unique Nature Elementals, though, or that all Flora Elementals that look like unicorns are the same. In fact, I have a few ideas for some unique character Nature Elementals that I will probably wind up posting later.
In addition, I agree that animalistic forms are not exclusive to Nature Elementals. I do think that perhaps they would be more common among Nature Elementals, just because they're closer to primal animals, but I've already made up some fire, lava, and ash elemental variants with animal forms for a story.
I very much dislike the idea of elementals as formless shapes of fire, water, etc.; while they are probably formless while spirits, and surely capable of sometimes changing their physical forms once manifested, it just makes them very generic and indistinct from one another. Applying a somewhat fixed shape template to them allows for more variety and distinction.  _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | gwadahunter2222 Hero


Posts: 1381 Join date: 2007-12-08 Age: 26
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:31 am | |
| I don't think the spirit at the origin of the elemental was always the spirit of a humanoid creature. And if I remember some old humanoid spirits can take another form than their original ones. _________________ I can call the snows, and wind, and lightning. The trees may bend to me when I ask. The rivers may flow where I ask them to. But I am granted these things because I ask , with respect in my heart, and I am willing to offer something in return. I request only the barest needs for myself and my people.
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|  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Mon Jul 28, 2008 7:27 am | |
| AtropaThe Atropa, also sometimes called a Nightshade Unicorn, is a twisted counterpart to the Glade Unicorn. It is an Flora Elemental creature resembling a unicorn made of plants, however, the Atropa is comprised of poisonous plants. Atropas are darker in coloration than Glade Unicorns, often dark shades of green, purple, red, and sickly yellow. Its leafy mane, socks, and tail are dotted with poisonous berries of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Like Glade Unicorns, Atropas are highly intelligent and capable of communication. Also, like the Glade Unicorn the Atropa does not eat meat... in fact, they don't seem to actually eat anything. That is where the similiarities between the two end, however. Even though they are non-predatory, Atropas pose a High threat to humans and pretty much any creature that crosses their path. Atropas are extremely malevolent, and their sole purpose for existing seems to be to spread poison as widely as they can. This includes poisoning predators, animals, humans, nekos, and anything else they can lay their hooves or horns on. Atropas do not sleep, and do not rest; they don't do anything except roam in search of new victims to poison. They are indiscriminate and random, which makes them highly unpredictable and dangerous; what's worse is that they will even plunge through flames to attack a victim, even if it leads to the destruction of their body. It isn't known exactly why Atropas are so vicious, and why they try to taint everything in sight. Some have theorized that the Atropa somehow gains sustenance from poisoning others, in effect "feeding". If this is true, it explains why they don't eat anything else, and implies that Atropas are extremely voracious. Atropas have sometimes been witnessed shaking loose berries from their foliage and grinding them beneath their hooves. They then coat their wooden teeth, hooves, and horn with this poisonous mixture. Some have even been observed rolling in it to smear it onto their bodies, making them a toxic mouthful for even the largest predators. Unlike a Glade Unicorn's horn, the horn of an Atropa is crooked and jagged, resembling a lightning bolt more than a spiral. Their hooves are also razor sharp, as they deliberately grind them to an edge against rocks and trees. Even a slight scratch from an Atropa can be deadly, making the best method for combatting one simply to avoid contact with it. This can be extremely difficult, however, as they are fast and agile. Although they are even more vulnerable to fire than most plant-based creatures, due to the oils in its body, setting one ablaze is not a deterrent. Even on fire and on the verge of destruction, an Atropa will do its best to poison you just out of spite. In addition, the smoke produced by the burning Atropa is toxic itself, and breathing it in is just as bad (if not worse than) as getting tagged by its horn, teeth, or hooves. There have been tales of summoners who tried to establish a contract with an Atropa, by persuasion or coercion; these stories typically end very badly. An Atropa does not make a good summoned elemental, even if forcibly bound; it is certain to take the first opportunity it can to lash out in revenge at the summoner, and you do not want to entrust your life to the goodness of an Atropa's heart. Fortunately, Atropas are very rare. Perhaps more fortunately, Atropas and Glade Unicorns loathe one another, and will immediately battle to the point of mutual destruction should they cross paths. They are immune to one another's powers, so it comes down to a matter of hooves vs. horns, which leaves them pretty evenly matched. You can't ask for better protection from an Atropa than having a Glade Unicorn in the area, as it will do everything in its power to destroy the toxic elemental, even if it means destroying itself along with it. Also fortunate (or perhaps less so) is the fact that being poisoned by an Atropa is not always fatal. They use a variety of poisons, and some of them are non-lethal... but leave the victim in excruciating agony or a physically debilitated state. Atropas use these poisons for no reason other than to leave their victims suffering rather than dead. Yes, they are evil. Unfortunately for the these "lucky" survivors, Atropa poisons are extremely difficult to cure; only the most powerful antidotes and counter-agents will neutralize any Atropa poison. Ironically, two known cures are the spores of a Glade Unicorn and... Dryad saliva. Since Glade Unicorns are as rare as Atropas are, the second cure is the "easier" to obtain, but... it poses its own problems. Here you go. My Little Pony from Hell, a unicorn that pretty much hates everybody and everything, and poisons everything it can just to be a jerk.  _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | Karbo Evil admin


Posts: 1658 Join date: 2007-12-08
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:33 pm | |
| I have added some of your ideas wih some slight changes to them  Tell me what you think ^_^ |
|  | | TheQuantumMechanic Temple scourge


Posts: 646 Join date: 2008-06-25 Age: 31 Location: Fresno, California, USA
 | Subject: Re: Nature Elementals Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:00 pm | |
| | Karbo wrote: | I have added some of your ideas wih some slight changes to them  Tell me what you think ^_^ |
Very nice job!
Combining Flora and Vine Elementals into a single category was an interesting choice; I don't disagree with it, but I wonder why you did. Did you feel there wasn't enough difference between them to have them seperate?
Also, what did you think of the Atropa/Nightshade Unicorn? 
I have a few ideas for creature/being templates for other types (Fire, Water, etc.) of Elemental... but I worry about that page length limit, and if other people are even interested.  _________________ " Common Sense tells us, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it!'." " Scientific Method tells us, 'If it isn't broken, break it and figure out how it works!'." " Quantum Mechanics tells us, 'If it can be fixed, it isn't really broken!'." ------------------------------------------- For a larger version of my avatar, see http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9602/quantummechanicsxn2.jpg |
|  | | Karbo Evil admin


Posts: 1658 Join date: 2007-12-08
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