Spike-Crowned Earth Elemental
“YE-OW!” Koram shouted in pain.
“Now wha-OW!” yelped Chalk.
“What are you two…YIKES!” shrieked Gnybaro.
“There is a certain wisdom in taking a more cautious path, my fellow adventurers,” said Valance the Cleric.
They all thought they heard a deep chuckle as a patch of the spiked dungeon floor rippled slightly.
Spike-Crowned Earth Elemental
No. Enc.: 1 (1d4)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 10’ (2’)
Armor Class: 5
Hit Dice: 5
Attacks: 1
Damage: 1d8 (1d12, for elder)
Save: F3
Morale: Not Applicable
Hoard Class: Not Applicable
One of those strange creatures that is part monster and part hindrance, the Spike-Crowned Earth Elemental is a type of elemental guardian that is bound by a wizard to lurk just below the surface of a dungeon floor or wilderness area, usually all that is visible are the monster’s eyes (from two to eight) and the stony spikes that give the creature its name. Whenever the elemental senses an approaching creature it will lie in wait and when the victim is walking on what is the creature’s head the elemental will send the rocky spikes upwards, usually into the foot of whoever or whatever is walking upon it, causing 1d8 points of damage. An Elder Spike-Crowned Earth Elemental that has been plane-bound for ages has grown in its earthy den and possesses larger spikes which cause even more damage (1d12 points).
A wizard or druid who can break the spell and release this creature from its servitude will receive a reward of 2d4X1000 gold pieces worth of precious gems.
[Inspired in part by American Barbarica’s weird arm monster and one of the seeds in Plants vs. Zombies, a silly game that I enjoy immensely.]
Funny! This could cause players some real “WTF was that!” moments. 🙂
—MS
Thank you, MoonSylver! It seemed like an idea that could be warped into an oldschool post and that would mess with player’s heads.
I just thought of it, but a whole series of these guys could be fun. A flame elemental that moves around (like a moving bonfire), Moving water elemental (a pool or lake that moves!) , an air elemental that jets up out of the ground, etc.
—MS
Certainly, MoonSylver! That is the idea, run with these concepts and make something unexpected for your game!