Elementals

Here we refer to "elemental/s" in the context of living entities. Elemental is a broad category which refers to a form of life native to the inner planes. Scholars suggest that such beings are the most primordial form of life and the essential beginning of life itself. They see the processes by which elementals are formed to be at the center of the even biological life. Others compare them to beings native to the outer planes which are birthed from those planes without the need for a spirit.

Each elemental plane generates a wide variety of elemental life which is tied to the element itself. (ie. the elemental plane of fire is host to a variety of fire elementals and their kin) All six primary planes as well as their quasi and para elemental planes have their own associated life. This includes the negative energy plane which is normally associated only with the undead that primarily populate it. However, planeswalkers have verified the existence of various elementals tied to the plane.

Elementals usually make their way to a prime material plane through a naturally occurring elemental vortex, via gate or by conjuration. Those not under the command of a spellcaster will typically remain in areas rich in the appropriate elemental energies or seek out natural phenomena most similar to their native plane. While some actively seek to return to the inner planes, others are indifferent to their displacement.

The following sub-categories of elemental are known to exist throughout the planes. This does not include all forms of elementals as some are difficult to categorize and at times seem unique in their nature.

**True Elementals**

True elementals are those beings most typically thought of when one pictures an "elemental". This may be partly due to these elements most commonly conjured by spellcasters for use as servants and guardians. These are beings made entirely from the substance of their parent element in its most raw form. They may take the form of a fragment of raw element or have shapes similar to other form of life. While this form may carry with it certain behaviors and natural abilities, they all exist in an energy cycle with their native element and do not require those things which are necessary to biological life. (Such as food, water, breathing.) The complexity of these lifeforms can vary wildly, from entities with only the most basic impulses to those with godlike power and sentience.

**Elemental beasts**

Elemental beast should not be confused with true elementals with a beast's form. Indeed, these are entities which have developed closer to a biological form. While still made of elemental stuffs, they have developed to varying degrees flesh, chitin, scales, etc... They also have more complex internal workings closer to those of biological life. Including digestion, reproduction and similar functions. This category of elemental is more likely to be found on prime material planes away from substantial sources of elemental energy and instead integrate into local ecosystems. Though in ecosystems without the appropriate predators, an elemental beast can prove unsetting to the local balance.

**Genie Kind**

Genie kind are similar to elemental beasts as being closer to biological life in form. They are responsible for the largest humanoid structures within the inner planes and are often considered the primary force there. This perception is usually held by mortals, especially humans, who place great importance in themselves within their own worlds.

**Elemental-kin**

Elementals which interact primarily with the mortal world and are near identical in function are considered elemental-kin. (Beings such as sylphs and pechs.) This category also includes those mortals who have elemental parentage, typically jinni. The determining factors are true biological needs and an elemental spark. An elemental spark is the fundamental spirit of all forms of elemental. Upon an elementals death or destruction this spark returns to the inner planes, similar to a mortal soul journeying to the outer planes or a fey spirit returning to its home world.