A different look for elementals

[burrahobbit]

One aspect of D&D/Pathfinder mythology that I've always really enjoyed is the treatment of elements and elementals, from the planes and para- and quasi-planes to the Princes of Elemental Evil to the Moorcock-inspired images of the elementals themselves to Pathfinder's Ifrits, Oreads, and so on.

I really like the iconic look of the classical elementals (masses of the constituent element with vaguely human characteristics), but someone looking to mix things up a little and play with player's expectations might take a look at the "Four Elements" series of paintings by Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo.

Arcimboldo's elemental portraits are bizarre beings composed of masses of the relevant animals (or, in the case of "Fire," tools and weapons). In a PF campaign, they could be reskinned elementals, divine messengers for elemental powers, or new beings entirely. There's something creepily appealing about Arcimboldo's vision that I could see fitting in the right kind of campaign.

[3.5 Loyalist]

Magnificent!

[Stubs McKenzie]

Very interesting take... I like that look for a sort of half-elemental divine being or something.

[3.5 Loyalist]

Yes, not just an element, but animals and things that represent the element.

A friend wanted more fey, perhaps he needed more elementals like this?

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

reminds me of eliseum (spelling?) creatures.