Proficient with natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
True elementals have mutable forms. An air elemental might look like a bird made of wispy smoke while an earth elemental might appear to be a giant turtle compiled of giant boulders.
Is a true elemental considered proficient in simple weapons if it is generally humanoid in form?
they're not mutable individually. the ones that look humanoid have approriate weapon proficiency, the others don't.
An elemental is an outsider. The bestiary says that outsiders are "proficient with all simple and martial weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry". So yes, they're proficient.
When the sub-type says 'proficient with natural weapons ONLY, unless...' that's what it means, the sub-type is modifying the type.
Ah, now I feel silly for having overlooked what was right in front of me. Yeah, specific trumps general; disregard my earlier comments.
Since the term "form" is undefined in this case, it's ultimately up to GM discretion. I don't see enough info to make a hard ruling. The descriptive text of fire elemental uses the words "form" and "appearance" interchangeably, so I'm leaning towards yes.
they're not mutable individually. the ones that look humanoid have approriate weapon proficiency, the others don't.
That's what I meant.