You see the shriveled treant, its bark marred by galls. As it collapses, a black whirlwind erupts, revealing the ala—shadowy, with malevolent eyes and tendrils of darkness spreading from its form.
Daughters of the Whirlwind.
Alas have windblown hair and wear smoky black rags, but their true form is that of a whirlwind, which can always be seen by šestaci, those men and women with six digits on each hand. In flight or in battle, an ala takes on a form with the upper body of a hag and a whirling vortex of air in place of hips and legs. When an ala enters a house in human form, the whole building groans in protest, as if it had been struck by a powerful stormwind.
Alas live in the hollows of trees that were struck by lightning. They are most active when thunder rocks the forest, and when they travel hail or thunderstorms spawn around them.
Enormous Appetites.
The huge-mouthed alas have voracious appetites. In the wild, they devour wolves, bears, and badgers. They prefer to hunt in settled areas, however, because they favor the taste of innocents above all else. Unsavory tribes of savage humanoids may beg an ala’s favor (or divert its wrath) with gifts of bound captives.
Energized by Storms.
In battle, an ala is constantly on the move, weaving between foes like the wind. It tears at its foes with claws and a poisonous bite, or throws wicked lightning bolts and hailstorms from afar. Woe betides the hero who confronts an ala while a storm rages overhead, because such storms energize the ala and make its lightning stronger. Because alas wield lightning with such mastery, some sages associate them with the god of lightning.
Environment:
The Core Elementals are ancient and enigmatic beings, each representing one of the fundamental forces that shape the cosmos. Born from the very fabric of existence, they embody immense power and share an unbreakable bond with their respective elements. While the elements of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air are widely recognized, the hidden essences of Shadow and Light weave even deeper into the fabric of reality, adding mystery and balance to the cosmic order.
Each Core Elemental serves as the eternal guardian of their elemental realm—a mystical domain where their element reigns supreme. These realms are awe-inspiring and teeming with raw energy:
These domains are as diverse and vibrant as the forces that sustain them.
Though they primarily reside within their elemental realms, Core Elementals can be summoned by powerful spellcasters, adventurers, or other extraordinary beings. When summoned, they take on breathtaking corporeal forms—a fusion of elemental essence and humanoid shape.
Each manifestation is as unique as the essence it embodies, blending beauty, power, and mystery.
Core Elementals play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the universe. They ensure their respective elements remain neither unchecked nor overly suppressed:
Together, they preserve harmony, maintaining the natural order of creation.
The abilities of the Core Elementals are vast and awe-inspiring:
Each Core Elemental wields their power with precision, embodying the full might of their element.
In countless adventures, acquiring the essence of a Core Elemental becomes a highly coveted quest. These ethereal essences grant individuals extraordinary elemental abilities and forge a profound connection to the chosen element. The essence of Shadow offers unparalleled stealth, manipulation, and an intimate understanding of the unknown, while the essence of Light bestows clarity, healing, and radiant power.
Such quests often lead to journeys of self-discovery, heroic deeds, and a deeper understanding of the elemental forces that shape the world.
The Core Elementals, including the enigmatic forces of Shadow and Light, offer a rich tapestry of potential stories and adventures within your campaign. Interacting with these ancient beings, harnessing their power, and unraveling the secrets of their realms can spark epic sagas, unforgettable quests, and memorable encounters. They are a thrilling and dynamic addition to your world, adding layers of depth and wonder to your storytelling.