What natural barriers could help when running away from a lightning elemental?
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Players are trying to steal magical items from Powerful Elemental Beings. They are not able to fight with them, so they need to somehow find a way to outrun them, preferably using environmental barriers.
By barrier I mean something the party can pass by on foot, but the elemental cannot (and the elemental cannot fly). For example, a Fire elemental would not be able to cross a river, and a Water elemental would not be able to cross a line made of salt.
The barrier should be natural, so players can encounter it in the wild (or it can be created by some druid spells).
The Lightning Elemental
One of the elementals will be a Lightning Elemental. To create this, I'm using the Air Elemental but removing the fly speed and giving them a 90' normal walk speed and changing the damage type of the Slam and Whirlwind to Lightning from bludgeoning.
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
The Party
The party is made of 11th level characters consisting of a druid, ranger, rogue, and fighter.
dnd-5e monsters environmental-hazards
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
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asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
Players are trying to steal magical items from Powerful Elemental Beings. They are not able to fight with them, so they need to somehow find a way to outrun them, preferably using environmental barriers.
By barrier I mean something the party can pass by on foot, but the elemental cannot (and the elemental cannot fly). For example, a Fire elemental would not be able to cross a river, and a Water elemental would not be able to cross a line made of salt.
The barrier should be natural, so players can encounter it in the wild (or it can be created by some druid spells).
The Lightning Elemental
One of the elementals will be a Lightning Elemental. To create this, I'm using the Air Elemental but removing the fly speed and giving them a 90' normal walk speed and changing the damage type of the Slam and Whirlwind to Lightning from bludgeoning.
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
The Party
The party is made of 11th level characters consisting of a druid, ranger, rogue, and fighter.
dnd-5e monsters environmental-hazards
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
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Let us continue this discussion in chat.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 15:16
3
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A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 17:39
add a comment |
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Players are trying to steal magical items from Powerful Elemental Beings. They are not able to fight with them, so they need to somehow find a way to outrun them, preferably using environmental barriers.
By barrier I mean something the party can pass by on foot, but the elemental cannot (and the elemental cannot fly). For example, a Fire elemental would not be able to cross a river, and a Water elemental would not be able to cross a line made of salt.
The barrier should be natural, so players can encounter it in the wild (or it can be created by some druid spells).
The Lightning Elemental
One of the elementals will be a Lightning Elemental. To create this, I'm using the Air Elemental but removing the fly speed and giving them a 90' normal walk speed and changing the damage type of the Slam and Whirlwind to Lightning from bludgeoning.
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
The Party
The party is made of 11th level characters consisting of a druid, ranger, rogue, and fighter.
dnd-5e monsters environmental-hazards
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
$endgroup$
Players are trying to steal magical items from Powerful Elemental Beings. They are not able to fight with them, so they need to somehow find a way to outrun them, preferably using environmental barriers.
By barrier I mean something the party can pass by on foot, but the elemental cannot (and the elemental cannot fly). For example, a Fire elemental would not be able to cross a river, and a Water elemental would not be able to cross a line made of salt.
The barrier should be natural, so players can encounter it in the wild (or it can be created by some druid spells).
The Lightning Elemental
One of the elementals will be a Lightning Elemental. To create this, I'm using the Air Elemental but removing the fly speed and giving them a 90' normal walk speed and changing the damage type of the Slam and Whirlwind to Lightning from bludgeoning.
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
The Party
The party is made of 11th level characters consisting of a druid, ranger, rogue, and fighter.
dnd-5e monsters environmental-hazards
dnd-5e monsters environmental-hazards
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
25.4k486156
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
asked Feb 25 at 13:43
ThamiarThamiar
4862421
4862421
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Let us continue this discussion in chat.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 15:16
3
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A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 17:39
add a comment |
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Let us continue this discussion in chat.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 15:16
3
$begingroup$
A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
$endgroup$
– NautArch
Feb 25 at 17:39
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Let us continue this discussion in chat.
$endgroup$
– NautArch
Feb 25 at 15:16
$begingroup$
Let us continue this discussion in chat.
$endgroup$
– NautArch
Feb 25 at 15:16
3
3
$begingroup$
A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 17:39
$begingroup$
A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
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– NautArch
Feb 25 at 17:39
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4 Answers
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There is an evocative line in the description of the Fire Elemental:
Water can halt its destructive progress, causing the fire elemental to shrink back, hissing and smoking in pain and rage.
... but there's nothing about Water Elementals and lines of salt. Although that's nice and seems like reasonable lore (fits with a highly-elemental setting like the Codex Alera series), the actual thing in the rules is that freeze damage slows the elemental (but not very much, really). Likewise, the Earth Elemental doesn't have an opposed-element weakness, but rather is vulnerable to sonic damage — thunder. And Air Elementals aren't given any special vulnerabilities at all!
Overall, the 5E Elementals don't particularly have a pattern of counter-forces of the opposing element, or any sort of "rock-paper-scissors" thing where one beats the other. That might be a missed opportunity, but, eh, that's what it is.
Therefore, I don't think there's really a canonical, rules- or official-lore-based answer, because there's not a pattern to slot the homebrew monster into. It comes down to making up something which feels satisfying, and that's really up to you and your imagination.
D&D Beyond has a Homebrew Lightning Elemental, which suggests:
They, like true lightning, are drawn to objects made of metal.
... and you could take that as inspiration. This may be easier in an urban or steampunk setting than in a traditional high-fantasy one — you might need to set up something with a dwarven mining operation, ancient ruins, or a-wizard-did-it chunk of metal.
Or, for an alternate approach — in some fantasy settings, the counter or opposite to lightning/electricity is something nature or plant-based. In D&D, one particular monster that comes to mind is the Shambling Mound, which has:
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
If you want a natural, wilderness setting, perhaps something could be done with that — although, this may be a case of trading one serious problem for another.
No matter what you pick, I think this will go better — and give your players more feeling of agency and involvement — if you set up the idea of opposing elements beforehand. Work out how the elements in your setting are related. If there is a "lightning elemental", is lightning itself an element? Is it part of air? Or are there energies associated with various elements? Maybe lightning is between water and air, and therefore opposed to lava (which is of course between earth and fire). Are wood and metal elements? And so on. Work all of this out, and then provide plenty of opportunities for your players to learn all of this beforehand, and perhaps see it in action (smaller elemental encounters before this big scene). In my experience, the general instinct of D&D players is to make a heroic battle against all odds, so if there's supposed to be an alternate solution, it's helpful to get everyone thinking in that way beforehand. (You don't need to lead them to the specific solution: just lay out that opposing elements may be a useful tool, and let them pick up the specifics.) I ran a game several years ago centered around elemental cults, and these details made it more fun for everyone.
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
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Chasms
Given that the creature does not have a fly speed, your best bet is to either have a chasm or let the players create a chasm between the elemental and their escape route.
You could either have it spanned by a bridge or unspanned and have your players figure out a way across, or let the players figure out a way to create one.
Once running, they need to come up with a way to destroy the bridge (if the chasm is real) so that the elemental can't follow them over the chasm.
If you want to make this 'thematic' electricity/lightning can't cross a gap without something to for it to finish the circuit.
But gotta slow it down first
The main issue is the speed of the Elemental. It's going to outrun your players even if they're dashing. A rogue using a Dash as an action and Bonus Action can outpace if it's slowed down, but the other players can't. Slowing it down with spells is your best bet here, but the players will be banking on it failing the save.
Some druid options to create difficult terrain for that are spike growth, erupting earth, plant growth, control winds, and maybe hallucinatory terrain to trick it into thinking there's a chasm.
The Wall spells may also work enough to slow it down, but do note when looking at options that the creature is immune to the following conditions: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious.
Let your players get creative
Rather than trying to come up with solutions for your players, let them come up with ways they want to do things and then adjudicate whether or not they'll work.
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
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@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
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– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
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Let's go the common sense route. How does one protect oneself from lightning normally? A lightning rod! The lightning rod will guide the lightning through a lightning protection system into the ground where it can do no harm. So let's see if we can come up with some lightning protection systems of our own.
A metal fence
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. An ideal lightning elemental stopper. Even a chain-link fence would do. Only downside is a metal fence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Though it is not inconceivable to encounter an old rusted metal fence in the woods (maybe something interesting is nearby).
Metallic shrubberies
It's not inconceivable that there's a plant that contains a high dose of metals in itself or has iron-plated stems. Or maybe the plant conducts electricity in another way. An abundance of undergrowth of these plants would make a natural lightning protection screen and stop the elemental.
A metal gate
Like a fence it conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. But again, not a natural occurrence. If your party is near a castle or town, this might be a logical barrier though.
Water
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground (well sorta) an is definitely not easy to get around. Even if the electricity is not actually conveyed into the earth, but I think the absorption capacity of a river lake, or sea is far bigger than even a very powerful elemental could create.
A Faraday cage
This would protect the players from the elemental, but also trap them. Maybe you could come up with a cave or special dwelling that could function as a Faraday cage (I'll admit this is far fetched though).
A metal spear
Two metal rods connected by a metal chain could be a powerful weapon against a lightning elemental. You just stick one end in the ground, and throw the other one (or poke the baddie if you wrapped a piece of insulation around the stick). A long metal rod or spear that you use to 'nail' the elemental to the ground could also function as a good weapon.
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
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3
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Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
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– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
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Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
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– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
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I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
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– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
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I can't talk about rules, but you said:
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
So I will use common sense-based.
Think about a lightning elemental, that thing doesn't exist in real life, so the closest thing we have is a statically charged animated stormy cloud which hates PC. So, it doesn't differ much from a normal cloud... so, it could be discharged or repelled.
Metal - Lightning rod
Any metal barrier which connects to the ground can stop the lightning elemental. Basically, you must turn the metal barrier into a Lightning rod. If the elemental tries to touch it it will lose his electrical charge (HP? Dmg? Speed?) and discharge.
A conductive floor should dissipate, but be aware that if any PC touches that metal it will get hurt.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Water
If you don't have metal, you can use water, like tidal wave or another water spell. Water is a conductor, and also its ability to store energy. The first batteries were Salt-Water batteries, so a body of water is able to diffuse and store the electrical charge of a lightning elemental, slowing down them.
Non-Conductive
If you want to imprison him just make a full metal cage, like a box of glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. If the box is fully closed the creature won't be able to move through it since it will be isolated from the rest.
I don't know about druids, but I am quite sure there must be a spell to mold or shape earth.
Faraday Cage
The opposite will be a Faraday cage were the PCs can get into. A cage made of conductive material, even if it isn't completely sealed will stop any kind of electricity or magnetic field to get into. Your characters will be safe to do a long rest.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Magnetism
I can't find any citation but I have heard that magnets can repel or deviate electricity. Lodestone, a stone used to cast the cantrip mending, also found in a component touch has a magnetic field, you might use that.
Also, a Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing since it's metal.
Force?
It isn't explained much what is the force elemental damage in D&D, but if you like you could think it as a strong magnetic field. The spell, wall of force may help.
Also, I found the spells Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but they are homebrew.
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
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1
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Why the downvote?
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– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
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You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
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– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
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@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
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– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
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"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
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– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
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@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
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– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
add a comment |
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There is an evocative line in the description of the Fire Elemental:
Water can halt its destructive progress, causing the fire elemental to shrink back, hissing and smoking in pain and rage.
... but there's nothing about Water Elementals and lines of salt. Although that's nice and seems like reasonable lore (fits with a highly-elemental setting like the Codex Alera series), the actual thing in the rules is that freeze damage slows the elemental (but not very much, really). Likewise, the Earth Elemental doesn't have an opposed-element weakness, but rather is vulnerable to sonic damage — thunder. And Air Elementals aren't given any special vulnerabilities at all!
Overall, the 5E Elementals don't particularly have a pattern of counter-forces of the opposing element, or any sort of "rock-paper-scissors" thing where one beats the other. That might be a missed opportunity, but, eh, that's what it is.
Therefore, I don't think there's really a canonical, rules- or official-lore-based answer, because there's not a pattern to slot the homebrew monster into. It comes down to making up something which feels satisfying, and that's really up to you and your imagination.
D&D Beyond has a Homebrew Lightning Elemental, which suggests:
They, like true lightning, are drawn to objects made of metal.
... and you could take that as inspiration. This may be easier in an urban or steampunk setting than in a traditional high-fantasy one — you might need to set up something with a dwarven mining operation, ancient ruins, or a-wizard-did-it chunk of metal.
Or, for an alternate approach — in some fantasy settings, the counter or opposite to lightning/electricity is something nature or plant-based. In D&D, one particular monster that comes to mind is the Shambling Mound, which has:
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
If you want a natural, wilderness setting, perhaps something could be done with that — although, this may be a case of trading one serious problem for another.
No matter what you pick, I think this will go better — and give your players more feeling of agency and involvement — if you set up the idea of opposing elements beforehand. Work out how the elements in your setting are related. If there is a "lightning elemental", is lightning itself an element? Is it part of air? Or are there energies associated with various elements? Maybe lightning is between water and air, and therefore opposed to lava (which is of course between earth and fire). Are wood and metal elements? And so on. Work all of this out, and then provide plenty of opportunities for your players to learn all of this beforehand, and perhaps see it in action (smaller elemental encounters before this big scene). In my experience, the general instinct of D&D players is to make a heroic battle against all odds, so if there's supposed to be an alternate solution, it's helpful to get everyone thinking in that way beforehand. (You don't need to lead them to the specific solution: just lay out that opposing elements may be a useful tool, and let them pick up the specifics.) I ran a game several years ago centered around elemental cults, and these details made it more fun for everyone.
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
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There is an evocative line in the description of the Fire Elemental:
Water can halt its destructive progress, causing the fire elemental to shrink back, hissing and smoking in pain and rage.
... but there's nothing about Water Elementals and lines of salt. Although that's nice and seems like reasonable lore (fits with a highly-elemental setting like the Codex Alera series), the actual thing in the rules is that freeze damage slows the elemental (but not very much, really). Likewise, the Earth Elemental doesn't have an opposed-element weakness, but rather is vulnerable to sonic damage — thunder. And Air Elementals aren't given any special vulnerabilities at all!
Overall, the 5E Elementals don't particularly have a pattern of counter-forces of the opposing element, or any sort of "rock-paper-scissors" thing where one beats the other. That might be a missed opportunity, but, eh, that's what it is.
Therefore, I don't think there's really a canonical, rules- or official-lore-based answer, because there's not a pattern to slot the homebrew monster into. It comes down to making up something which feels satisfying, and that's really up to you and your imagination.
D&D Beyond has a Homebrew Lightning Elemental, which suggests:
They, like true lightning, are drawn to objects made of metal.
... and you could take that as inspiration. This may be easier in an urban or steampunk setting than in a traditional high-fantasy one — you might need to set up something with a dwarven mining operation, ancient ruins, or a-wizard-did-it chunk of metal.
Or, for an alternate approach — in some fantasy settings, the counter or opposite to lightning/electricity is something nature or plant-based. In D&D, one particular monster that comes to mind is the Shambling Mound, which has:
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
If you want a natural, wilderness setting, perhaps something could be done with that — although, this may be a case of trading one serious problem for another.
No matter what you pick, I think this will go better — and give your players more feeling of agency and involvement — if you set up the idea of opposing elements beforehand. Work out how the elements in your setting are related. If there is a "lightning elemental", is lightning itself an element? Is it part of air? Or are there energies associated with various elements? Maybe lightning is between water and air, and therefore opposed to lava (which is of course between earth and fire). Are wood and metal elements? And so on. Work all of this out, and then provide plenty of opportunities for your players to learn all of this beforehand, and perhaps see it in action (smaller elemental encounters before this big scene). In my experience, the general instinct of D&D players is to make a heroic battle against all odds, so if there's supposed to be an alternate solution, it's helpful to get everyone thinking in that way beforehand. (You don't need to lead them to the specific solution: just lay out that opposing elements may be a useful tool, and let them pick up the specifics.) I ran a game several years ago centered around elemental cults, and these details made it more fun for everyone.
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
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add a comment |
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There is an evocative line in the description of the Fire Elemental:
Water can halt its destructive progress, causing the fire elemental to shrink back, hissing and smoking in pain and rage.
... but there's nothing about Water Elementals and lines of salt. Although that's nice and seems like reasonable lore (fits with a highly-elemental setting like the Codex Alera series), the actual thing in the rules is that freeze damage slows the elemental (but not very much, really). Likewise, the Earth Elemental doesn't have an opposed-element weakness, but rather is vulnerable to sonic damage — thunder. And Air Elementals aren't given any special vulnerabilities at all!
Overall, the 5E Elementals don't particularly have a pattern of counter-forces of the opposing element, or any sort of "rock-paper-scissors" thing where one beats the other. That might be a missed opportunity, but, eh, that's what it is.
Therefore, I don't think there's really a canonical, rules- or official-lore-based answer, because there's not a pattern to slot the homebrew monster into. It comes down to making up something which feels satisfying, and that's really up to you and your imagination.
D&D Beyond has a Homebrew Lightning Elemental, which suggests:
They, like true lightning, are drawn to objects made of metal.
... and you could take that as inspiration. This may be easier in an urban or steampunk setting than in a traditional high-fantasy one — you might need to set up something with a dwarven mining operation, ancient ruins, or a-wizard-did-it chunk of metal.
Or, for an alternate approach — in some fantasy settings, the counter or opposite to lightning/electricity is something nature or plant-based. In D&D, one particular monster that comes to mind is the Shambling Mound, which has:
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
If you want a natural, wilderness setting, perhaps something could be done with that — although, this may be a case of trading one serious problem for another.
No matter what you pick, I think this will go better — and give your players more feeling of agency and involvement — if you set up the idea of opposing elements beforehand. Work out how the elements in your setting are related. If there is a "lightning elemental", is lightning itself an element? Is it part of air? Or are there energies associated with various elements? Maybe lightning is between water and air, and therefore opposed to lava (which is of course between earth and fire). Are wood and metal elements? And so on. Work all of this out, and then provide plenty of opportunities for your players to learn all of this beforehand, and perhaps see it in action (smaller elemental encounters before this big scene). In my experience, the general instinct of D&D players is to make a heroic battle against all odds, so if there's supposed to be an alternate solution, it's helpful to get everyone thinking in that way beforehand. (You don't need to lead them to the specific solution: just lay out that opposing elements may be a useful tool, and let them pick up the specifics.) I ran a game several years ago centered around elemental cults, and these details made it more fun for everyone.
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
$endgroup$
There is an evocative line in the description of the Fire Elemental:
Water can halt its destructive progress, causing the fire elemental to shrink back, hissing and smoking in pain and rage.
... but there's nothing about Water Elementals and lines of salt. Although that's nice and seems like reasonable lore (fits with a highly-elemental setting like the Codex Alera series), the actual thing in the rules is that freeze damage slows the elemental (but not very much, really). Likewise, the Earth Elemental doesn't have an opposed-element weakness, but rather is vulnerable to sonic damage — thunder. And Air Elementals aren't given any special vulnerabilities at all!
Overall, the 5E Elementals don't particularly have a pattern of counter-forces of the opposing element, or any sort of "rock-paper-scissors" thing where one beats the other. That might be a missed opportunity, but, eh, that's what it is.
Therefore, I don't think there's really a canonical, rules- or official-lore-based answer, because there's not a pattern to slot the homebrew monster into. It comes down to making up something which feels satisfying, and that's really up to you and your imagination.
D&D Beyond has a Homebrew Lightning Elemental, which suggests:
They, like true lightning, are drawn to objects made of metal.
... and you could take that as inspiration. This may be easier in an urban or steampunk setting than in a traditional high-fantasy one — you might need to set up something with a dwarven mining operation, ancient ruins, or a-wizard-did-it chunk of metal.
Or, for an alternate approach — in some fantasy settings, the counter or opposite to lightning/electricity is something nature or plant-based. In D&D, one particular monster that comes to mind is the Shambling Mound, which has:
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
If you want a natural, wilderness setting, perhaps something could be done with that — although, this may be a case of trading one serious problem for another.
No matter what you pick, I think this will go better — and give your players more feeling of agency and involvement — if you set up the idea of opposing elements beforehand. Work out how the elements in your setting are related. If there is a "lightning elemental", is lightning itself an element? Is it part of air? Or are there energies associated with various elements? Maybe lightning is between water and air, and therefore opposed to lava (which is of course between earth and fire). Are wood and metal elements? And so on. Work all of this out, and then provide plenty of opportunities for your players to learn all of this beforehand, and perhaps see it in action (smaller elemental encounters before this big scene). In my experience, the general instinct of D&D players is to make a heroic battle against all odds, so if there's supposed to be an alternate solution, it's helpful to get everyone thinking in that way beforehand. (You don't need to lead them to the specific solution: just lay out that opposing elements may be a useful tool, and let them pick up the specifics.) I ran a game several years ago centered around elemental cults, and these details made it more fun for everyone.
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
edited Feb 25 at 21:42
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
answered Feb 25 at 16:12
mattdmmattdm
17.1k878128
17.1k878128
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Chasms
Given that the creature does not have a fly speed, your best bet is to either have a chasm or let the players create a chasm between the elemental and their escape route.
You could either have it spanned by a bridge or unspanned and have your players figure out a way across, or let the players figure out a way to create one.
Once running, they need to come up with a way to destroy the bridge (if the chasm is real) so that the elemental can't follow them over the chasm.
If you want to make this 'thematic' electricity/lightning can't cross a gap without something to for it to finish the circuit.
But gotta slow it down first
The main issue is the speed of the Elemental. It's going to outrun your players even if they're dashing. A rogue using a Dash as an action and Bonus Action can outpace if it's slowed down, but the other players can't. Slowing it down with spells is your best bet here, but the players will be banking on it failing the save.
Some druid options to create difficult terrain for that are spike growth, erupting earth, plant growth, control winds, and maybe hallucinatory terrain to trick it into thinking there's a chasm.
The Wall spells may also work enough to slow it down, but do note when looking at options that the creature is immune to the following conditions: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious.
Let your players get creative
Rather than trying to come up with solutions for your players, let them come up with ways they want to do things and then adjudicate whether or not they'll work.
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Chasms
Given that the creature does not have a fly speed, your best bet is to either have a chasm or let the players create a chasm between the elemental and their escape route.
You could either have it spanned by a bridge or unspanned and have your players figure out a way across, or let the players figure out a way to create one.
Once running, they need to come up with a way to destroy the bridge (if the chasm is real) so that the elemental can't follow them over the chasm.
If you want to make this 'thematic' electricity/lightning can't cross a gap without something to for it to finish the circuit.
But gotta slow it down first
The main issue is the speed of the Elemental. It's going to outrun your players even if they're dashing. A rogue using a Dash as an action and Bonus Action can outpace if it's slowed down, but the other players can't. Slowing it down with spells is your best bet here, but the players will be banking on it failing the save.
Some druid options to create difficult terrain for that are spike growth, erupting earth, plant growth, control winds, and maybe hallucinatory terrain to trick it into thinking there's a chasm.
The Wall spells may also work enough to slow it down, but do note when looking at options that the creature is immune to the following conditions: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious.
Let your players get creative
Rather than trying to come up with solutions for your players, let them come up with ways they want to do things and then adjudicate whether or not they'll work.
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Chasms
Given that the creature does not have a fly speed, your best bet is to either have a chasm or let the players create a chasm between the elemental and their escape route.
You could either have it spanned by a bridge or unspanned and have your players figure out a way across, or let the players figure out a way to create one.
Once running, they need to come up with a way to destroy the bridge (if the chasm is real) so that the elemental can't follow them over the chasm.
If you want to make this 'thematic' electricity/lightning can't cross a gap without something to for it to finish the circuit.
But gotta slow it down first
The main issue is the speed of the Elemental. It's going to outrun your players even if they're dashing. A rogue using a Dash as an action and Bonus Action can outpace if it's slowed down, but the other players can't. Slowing it down with spells is your best bet here, but the players will be banking on it failing the save.
Some druid options to create difficult terrain for that are spike growth, erupting earth, plant growth, control winds, and maybe hallucinatory terrain to trick it into thinking there's a chasm.
The Wall spells may also work enough to slow it down, but do note when looking at options that the creature is immune to the following conditions: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious.
Let your players get creative
Rather than trying to come up with solutions for your players, let them come up with ways they want to do things and then adjudicate whether or not they'll work.
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
$endgroup$
Chasms
Given that the creature does not have a fly speed, your best bet is to either have a chasm or let the players create a chasm between the elemental and their escape route.
You could either have it spanned by a bridge or unspanned and have your players figure out a way across, or let the players figure out a way to create one.
Once running, they need to come up with a way to destroy the bridge (if the chasm is real) so that the elemental can't follow them over the chasm.
If you want to make this 'thematic' electricity/lightning can't cross a gap without something to for it to finish the circuit.
But gotta slow it down first
The main issue is the speed of the Elemental. It's going to outrun your players even if they're dashing. A rogue using a Dash as an action and Bonus Action can outpace if it's slowed down, but the other players can't. Slowing it down with spells is your best bet here, but the players will be banking on it failing the save.
Some druid options to create difficult terrain for that are spike growth, erupting earth, plant growth, control winds, and maybe hallucinatory terrain to trick it into thinking there's a chasm.
The Wall spells may also work enough to slow it down, but do note when looking at options that the creature is immune to the following conditions: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious.
Let your players get creative
Rather than trying to come up with solutions for your players, let them come up with ways they want to do things and then adjudicate whether or not they'll work.
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
edited Feb 25 at 18:44
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
answered Feb 25 at 16:28
NautArchNautArch
60.7k8217402
60.7k8217402
3
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
add a comment |
3
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
3
3
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
$begingroup$
@mattdm Indicate un-valuable answers with votes instead of comments. You also have the option of polishing your own answer to make it preemptively address any problems you see in other answers.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 17:57
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Let's go the common sense route. How does one protect oneself from lightning normally? A lightning rod! The lightning rod will guide the lightning through a lightning protection system into the ground where it can do no harm. So let's see if we can come up with some lightning protection systems of our own.
A metal fence
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. An ideal lightning elemental stopper. Even a chain-link fence would do. Only downside is a metal fence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Though it is not inconceivable to encounter an old rusted metal fence in the woods (maybe something interesting is nearby).
Metallic shrubberies
It's not inconceivable that there's a plant that contains a high dose of metals in itself or has iron-plated stems. Or maybe the plant conducts electricity in another way. An abundance of undergrowth of these plants would make a natural lightning protection screen and stop the elemental.
A metal gate
Like a fence it conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. But again, not a natural occurrence. If your party is near a castle or town, this might be a logical barrier though.
Water
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground (well sorta) an is definitely not easy to get around. Even if the electricity is not actually conveyed into the earth, but I think the absorption capacity of a river lake, or sea is far bigger than even a very powerful elemental could create.
A Faraday cage
This would protect the players from the elemental, but also trap them. Maybe you could come up with a cave or special dwelling that could function as a Faraday cage (I'll admit this is far fetched though).
A metal spear
Two metal rods connected by a metal chain could be a powerful weapon against a lightning elemental. You just stick one end in the ground, and throw the other one (or poke the baddie if you wrapped a piece of insulation around the stick). A long metal rod or spear that you use to 'nail' the elemental to the ground could also function as a good weapon.
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Let's go the common sense route. How does one protect oneself from lightning normally? A lightning rod! The lightning rod will guide the lightning through a lightning protection system into the ground where it can do no harm. So let's see if we can come up with some lightning protection systems of our own.
A metal fence
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. An ideal lightning elemental stopper. Even a chain-link fence would do. Only downside is a metal fence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Though it is not inconceivable to encounter an old rusted metal fence in the woods (maybe something interesting is nearby).
Metallic shrubberies
It's not inconceivable that there's a plant that contains a high dose of metals in itself or has iron-plated stems. Or maybe the plant conducts electricity in another way. An abundance of undergrowth of these plants would make a natural lightning protection screen and stop the elemental.
A metal gate
Like a fence it conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. But again, not a natural occurrence. If your party is near a castle or town, this might be a logical barrier though.
Water
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground (well sorta) an is definitely not easy to get around. Even if the electricity is not actually conveyed into the earth, but I think the absorption capacity of a river lake, or sea is far bigger than even a very powerful elemental could create.
A Faraday cage
This would protect the players from the elemental, but also trap them. Maybe you could come up with a cave or special dwelling that could function as a Faraday cage (I'll admit this is far fetched though).
A metal spear
Two metal rods connected by a metal chain could be a powerful weapon against a lightning elemental. You just stick one end in the ground, and throw the other one (or poke the baddie if you wrapped a piece of insulation around the stick). A long metal rod or spear that you use to 'nail' the elemental to the ground could also function as a good weapon.
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Let's go the common sense route. How does one protect oneself from lightning normally? A lightning rod! The lightning rod will guide the lightning through a lightning protection system into the ground where it can do no harm. So let's see if we can come up with some lightning protection systems of our own.
A metal fence
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. An ideal lightning elemental stopper. Even a chain-link fence would do. Only downside is a metal fence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Though it is not inconceivable to encounter an old rusted metal fence in the woods (maybe something interesting is nearby).
Metallic shrubberies
It's not inconceivable that there's a plant that contains a high dose of metals in itself or has iron-plated stems. Or maybe the plant conducts electricity in another way. An abundance of undergrowth of these plants would make a natural lightning protection screen and stop the elemental.
A metal gate
Like a fence it conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. But again, not a natural occurrence. If your party is near a castle or town, this might be a logical barrier though.
Water
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground (well sorta) an is definitely not easy to get around. Even if the electricity is not actually conveyed into the earth, but I think the absorption capacity of a river lake, or sea is far bigger than even a very powerful elemental could create.
A Faraday cage
This would protect the players from the elemental, but also trap them. Maybe you could come up with a cave or special dwelling that could function as a Faraday cage (I'll admit this is far fetched though).
A metal spear
Two metal rods connected by a metal chain could be a powerful weapon against a lightning elemental. You just stick one end in the ground, and throw the other one (or poke the baddie if you wrapped a piece of insulation around the stick). A long metal rod or spear that you use to 'nail' the elemental to the ground could also function as a good weapon.
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
$endgroup$
Let's go the common sense route. How does one protect oneself from lightning normally? A lightning rod! The lightning rod will guide the lightning through a lightning protection system into the ground where it can do no harm. So let's see if we can come up with some lightning protection systems of our own.
A metal fence
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. An ideal lightning elemental stopper. Even a chain-link fence would do. Only downside is a metal fence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Though it is not inconceivable to encounter an old rusted metal fence in the woods (maybe something interesting is nearby).
Metallic shrubberies
It's not inconceivable that there's a plant that contains a high dose of metals in itself or has iron-plated stems. Or maybe the plant conducts electricity in another way. An abundance of undergrowth of these plants would make a natural lightning protection screen and stop the elemental.
A metal gate
Like a fence it conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground and is not easy to get around. But again, not a natural occurrence. If your party is near a castle or town, this might be a logical barrier though.
Water
Conducts electricity, is anchored in the ground (well sorta) an is definitely not easy to get around. Even if the electricity is not actually conveyed into the earth, but I think the absorption capacity of a river lake, or sea is far bigger than even a very powerful elemental could create.
A Faraday cage
This would protect the players from the elemental, but also trap them. Maybe you could come up with a cave or special dwelling that could function as a Faraday cage (I'll admit this is far fetched though).
A metal spear
Two metal rods connected by a metal chain could be a powerful weapon against a lightning elemental. You just stick one end in the ground, and throw the other one (or poke the baddie if you wrapped a piece of insulation around the stick). A long metal rod or spear that you use to 'nail' the elemental to the ground could also function as a good weapon.
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
answered Feb 25 at 17:13
PieBiePieBie
2233
2233
3
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
add a comment |
3
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
3
3
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
$begingroup$
Given that a lightning elemental is already successfully (magically) avoiding grounding itself out when it's walking on the ground, this might need a bit more work to sell the idea.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Feb 25 at 18:49
2
2
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
Do we have a reason to believe contact with metal represents this much of a problem with lightning elementals? They already contact lots of very conductive things, such as adventurers wrapped in metal.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:14
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
$begingroup$
I'm not well-versed in the rule-books and lore of D&D, so I can't give you any specific sources (also, that's why the answer relies on common sense). Also, one might assume a lightning elemental has a (weak) magnetic field around it so it doesn't actually touch the ground when it walks.
$endgroup$
– PieBie
Mar 18 at 16:43
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I can't talk about rules, but you said:
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
So I will use common sense-based.
Think about a lightning elemental, that thing doesn't exist in real life, so the closest thing we have is a statically charged animated stormy cloud which hates PC. So, it doesn't differ much from a normal cloud... so, it could be discharged or repelled.
Metal - Lightning rod
Any metal barrier which connects to the ground can stop the lightning elemental. Basically, you must turn the metal barrier into a Lightning rod. If the elemental tries to touch it it will lose his electrical charge (HP? Dmg? Speed?) and discharge.
A conductive floor should dissipate, but be aware that if any PC touches that metal it will get hurt.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Water
If you don't have metal, you can use water, like tidal wave or another water spell. Water is a conductor, and also its ability to store energy. The first batteries were Salt-Water batteries, so a body of water is able to diffuse and store the electrical charge of a lightning elemental, slowing down them.
Non-Conductive
If you want to imprison him just make a full metal cage, like a box of glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. If the box is fully closed the creature won't be able to move through it since it will be isolated from the rest.
I don't know about druids, but I am quite sure there must be a spell to mold or shape earth.
Faraday Cage
The opposite will be a Faraday cage were the PCs can get into. A cage made of conductive material, even if it isn't completely sealed will stop any kind of electricity or magnetic field to get into. Your characters will be safe to do a long rest.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Magnetism
I can't find any citation but I have heard that magnets can repel or deviate electricity. Lodestone, a stone used to cast the cantrip mending, also found in a component touch has a magnetic field, you might use that.
Also, a Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing since it's metal.
Force?
It isn't explained much what is the force elemental damage in D&D, but if you like you could think it as a strong magnetic field. The spell, wall of force may help.
Also, I found the spells Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but they are homebrew.
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I can't talk about rules, but you said:
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
So I will use common sense-based.
Think about a lightning elemental, that thing doesn't exist in real life, so the closest thing we have is a statically charged animated stormy cloud which hates PC. So, it doesn't differ much from a normal cloud... so, it could be discharged or repelled.
Metal - Lightning rod
Any metal barrier which connects to the ground can stop the lightning elemental. Basically, you must turn the metal barrier into a Lightning rod. If the elemental tries to touch it it will lose his electrical charge (HP? Dmg? Speed?) and discharge.
A conductive floor should dissipate, but be aware that if any PC touches that metal it will get hurt.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Water
If you don't have metal, you can use water, like tidal wave or another water spell. Water is a conductor, and also its ability to store energy. The first batteries were Salt-Water batteries, so a body of water is able to diffuse and store the electrical charge of a lightning elemental, slowing down them.
Non-Conductive
If you want to imprison him just make a full metal cage, like a box of glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. If the box is fully closed the creature won't be able to move through it since it will be isolated from the rest.
I don't know about druids, but I am quite sure there must be a spell to mold or shape earth.
Faraday Cage
The opposite will be a Faraday cage were the PCs can get into. A cage made of conductive material, even if it isn't completely sealed will stop any kind of electricity or magnetic field to get into. Your characters will be safe to do a long rest.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Magnetism
I can't find any citation but I have heard that magnets can repel or deviate electricity. Lodestone, a stone used to cast the cantrip mending, also found in a component touch has a magnetic field, you might use that.
Also, a Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing since it's metal.
Force?
It isn't explained much what is the force elemental damage in D&D, but if you like you could think it as a strong magnetic field. The spell, wall of force may help.
Also, I found the spells Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but they are homebrew.
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I can't talk about rules, but you said:
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
So I will use common sense-based.
Think about a lightning elemental, that thing doesn't exist in real life, so the closest thing we have is a statically charged animated stormy cloud which hates PC. So, it doesn't differ much from a normal cloud... so, it could be discharged or repelled.
Metal - Lightning rod
Any metal barrier which connects to the ground can stop the lightning elemental. Basically, you must turn the metal barrier into a Lightning rod. If the elemental tries to touch it it will lose his electrical charge (HP? Dmg? Speed?) and discharge.
A conductive floor should dissipate, but be aware that if any PC touches that metal it will get hurt.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Water
If you don't have metal, you can use water, like tidal wave or another water spell. Water is a conductor, and also its ability to store energy. The first batteries were Salt-Water batteries, so a body of water is able to diffuse and store the electrical charge of a lightning elemental, slowing down them.
Non-Conductive
If you want to imprison him just make a full metal cage, like a box of glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. If the box is fully closed the creature won't be able to move through it since it will be isolated from the rest.
I don't know about druids, but I am quite sure there must be a spell to mold or shape earth.
Faraday Cage
The opposite will be a Faraday cage were the PCs can get into. A cage made of conductive material, even if it isn't completely sealed will stop any kind of electricity or magnetic field to get into. Your characters will be safe to do a long rest.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Magnetism
I can't find any citation but I have heard that magnets can repel or deviate electricity. Lodestone, a stone used to cast the cantrip mending, also found in a component touch has a magnetic field, you might use that.
Also, a Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing since it's metal.
Force?
It isn't explained much what is the force elemental damage in D&D, but if you like you could think it as a strong magnetic field. The spell, wall of force may help.
Also, I found the spells Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but they are homebrew.
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
$endgroup$
I can't talk about rules, but you said:
I'm looking for a rules or common sense-based barrier that would slow this lightning elemental down.
So I will use common sense-based.
Think about a lightning elemental, that thing doesn't exist in real life, so the closest thing we have is a statically charged animated stormy cloud which hates PC. So, it doesn't differ much from a normal cloud... so, it could be discharged or repelled.
Metal - Lightning rod
Any metal barrier which connects to the ground can stop the lightning elemental. Basically, you must turn the metal barrier into a Lightning rod. If the elemental tries to touch it it will lose his electrical charge (HP? Dmg? Speed?) and discharge.
A conductive floor should dissipate, but be aware that if any PC touches that metal it will get hurt.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Water
If you don't have metal, you can use water, like tidal wave or another water spell. Water is a conductor, and also its ability to store energy. The first batteries were Salt-Water batteries, so a body of water is able to diffuse and store the electrical charge of a lightning elemental, slowing down them.
Non-Conductive
If you want to imprison him just make a full metal cage, like a box of glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. If the box is fully closed the creature won't be able to move through it since it will be isolated from the rest.
I don't know about druids, but I am quite sure there must be a spell to mold or shape earth.
Faraday Cage
The opposite will be a Faraday cage were the PCs can get into. A cage made of conductive material, even if it isn't completely sealed will stop any kind of electricity or magnetic field to get into. Your characters will be safe to do a long rest.
A Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing. Not sure about a druid.
Magnetism
I can't find any citation but I have heard that magnets can repel or deviate electricity. Lodestone, a stone used to cast the cantrip mending, also found in a component touch has a magnetic field, you might use that.
Also, a Forge Cleric could use its Artisan's Blessing since it's metal.
Force?
It isn't explained much what is the force elemental damage in D&D, but if you like you could think it as a strong magnetic field. The spell, wall of force may help.
Also, I found the spells Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but they are homebrew.
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
edited Feb 25 at 23:11
V2Blast
25.4k486156
25.4k486156
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
answered Feb 25 at 19:01
Ender LookEnder Look
1,2141835
1,2141835
1
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
1
1
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
$begingroup$
Why the downvote?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:03
1
1
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
You're making some very specific suggestions about how a lightning elemental ought to behave based on a real world physics system that doesn't account for lightning elementals. Most of this is very [citation needed], especially the claim that touching something like a lightning rod should immediately dissipate such an elemental.
$endgroup$
– doppelgreener♦
Feb 25 at 19:09
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
$begingroup$
@doppelgreener, that is why I said common sense-based. Lighting elementals don't exist in real life, but if you think them as a statically charger stormy cloud that moves an attack, touching a lightning rod should discharge it.
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Feb 25 at 19:11
2
2
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
"Also, I found this spell Magnetic Field and Magnetic Orb, but I am a 99.99% sure they are homebrew." - They are, as indicated by the "Homebrew Page" banner at the top. See also: Why does dandwiki have a poor reputation?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 25 at 19:22
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
$begingroup$
@EnderLook Yeah but this would be more akin to trying to discharge an entire electrical generator. Assuming that one touch of conductivity would destroy a powerful elemental seem as far-fetched as saying that plugging in a lamp in your house discharges the power supply to your house.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Feb 25 at 20:09
add a comment |
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– NautArch
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A reminder for those answering with homebrew additions/solutions: please answer with our Good Subjective standard. If we don't do that, this may be closed for Opinion-Based answers.
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– NautArch
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