Elementals Basics

[Symph]

Elementals:

Basics:

There are six elements in the world of Illiria. Each element represents a different region or area of the country. They are as follows:

Air (Sylphs) = Eastern Realm
Fire (Salamanders) = Western Realm
Water (Undines) = Northern Realm
Earth (Gnomes) = Southern Realm
Dark/Shade (Jinn) = Umbra
Life/Light (Harpies) = The Frozen Spine

Just because a particular element is a particular region, that does not limit the actual elementals to that area only.

For example, although it says water = the northern realm, Undines can be seen just about anywhere there is water.

The Elementals:

In this world, elementals can come in many shapes and forms. They are able to take human form (all of them) and various other elemental forms. Others are limited to something more specific, like the Jinn.

For example, an undine can appear as a human, as a figure in the waves of the sea, a mermaid or perhaps an exotic fish.… In a sense they are shape shifters, but are limited to their element. So an undine could not appear as, say, a bird or a figure in the flames. They are limited to water-related things.


Sylphs:

Sylphs represent the element of air.

Appearance:

Sylphs are able to appear in human form or they can take the shapes of fairies, airy spirits and possibly some birds. A Sylph can take just one form, or some prefer to take multiple forms. It depends on the Sylph’s preference and their ability to do so. (i.e. Symph generally appears as a human and is not yet able to take any other forms). As humans they tend to be very beautiful and delicate looking.

Personality:

They are known to be very benevolent creatures and generally work to do good and inspire others. They are happy creatures and have great intelligence although they tend to change their minds about things often.

History:

The Sylphs’ homeland of Zephria lies in the Eastern Realm. They have been known to live there for as far back as anyone can remember, although it is rumored their true homeland is nestled in the sky somewhere, beyond clouds and strong winds.

Zephria is often visited for its pure, clean air that is said to heal many illnesses.

Sylphs are generally a very peaceful group and have no history of conflicts or war with anyone else.


Salamanders:

Salamanders represent the element of fire.

Appearance:

Salamanders are able to appear in human form or they often appear as balls of flame or a lizard-like shape in flames. Generally they are rarely seen and when they are it is usually in some sort of fire. Salamanders have the ability to extend their size or diminish it, as needed. As humans they tend to be very dark-skinned and exotic looking.

Personality:

They are said to be passionate and quick to anger, though few have actually been able to communicate with them. Salamanders are also said to be highly energetic and are attracted to others with the same personality traits. They are also known to be mischievous.

History:

The Salamanders are the spirit of fire. Without these beings, fire cannot exist. Salamanders are rumored to be the most powerful elementals of all.

Little of their history is known. There homeland is also unknown, though it is thought to be somewhere in the western realm.


Undines:

Undines represent the element of water.

Appearance:

Undines are able to take a human form, though they are more commonly seen as water sprites, mermaids, sea nymphs or a figure or face in waves/water. Undines are always described as being beautiful and they are the most graceful of all the elementals. As humans they are most commonly seen as being female.

Personality:

They are known for being emotional and graceful and generally kind. They tend to have the same personality as the body of water they inhabit. (i.e. An Undine from a small, tranquil pond would be a little quiet and have a very calm personality versus an Undine that inhabits a waterfall, who would be more emotional, strong and outspoken. They are very friendly creatures.

History:

Undines are known to be the guardians of their chosen source of water. They live in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, oceans etc… just about anywhere there is a body of water.

Undines are most commonly seen near their bodies of water and are said to be well spread throughout Illiria. There are many stories of sailors and travelers being rescued and tended to by Undines.

They do not seem to have just one major city or homeland in general, although they are most commonly sighted/encountered in the northern realm.


Gnomes:

Gnomes represent the element of earth.

Appearance:

Earth elementals are generally small. They can take a human form though they are more commonly seen as earthy spirits or very small elves or goblins. Many look like the plants they inhabit. Supposedly the ones that inhabit poisonous plants are frightening to look at. As humans they tend to be short and stocky.

Personality:

It is not easy to win a gnome’s trust. They are known to be vengeful and you would not want one as your enemy. A common trait seen in earth elementals is the need to indulge. They tend to eat a lot and also tend to collect things.

History:

Again, little is really known about the elementals history, including the Gnomes. They are not known to show themselves as often as Sylphs and Undines, however they are seen more often than Salamanders.

They are most commonly seen throughout the southern realm, especially throughout the Forest of Lost Souls (those who dare enter it).