There are a ton of rules online for forcing outsiders and elementals to do your bidding when using spells like Planar Ally and Planar Binding, but they really don't cover a ton of details on what you would need in order to handle one in a conversation without magic.
Provided you wanted to approach a conversation with an elemental peacefully and diplomatically to attempt to gain them as a follower or an ally, how would Diplomacy play into it? What do elementals actually LIKE?
I know that the Elemental Ally Druid Archetype gets a form of Elemental Empathy and that Wild Empathy can be expanded to work on Elementals, so how do you translate that into normal social skills?
Looking forward to the responses!
This is the rules forum, so the answer has to be that elemental is bound exactly like anything else.
It would fit though that a knowledge: the planes roll would be able to help figure out what sort of tasks the elemental wouldn't mind and what sort of rewards it would want for the 0-6 circumstance bonus. I would make the DC fairly easy, something like 5 + CR of the called creature since it would be relatively general information. And of course you would need to be able to communicate, which for many elementals unlike a lot of other outsiders means knowing their language.
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If you came across an elemental peacefully, you could absolutely try to use Diplomacy, just like any sentient creature. I remember running at least one PFS scenario with an elemental in it who wanted to talk.
If you came across an elemental peacefully, you could absolutely try to use Diplomacy, just like any sentient creature. I remember running at least one PFS scenario with an elemental in it who wanted to talk.
What about Elementals who are just off doing their own thing? Like a Magma Elemental swimming around a pool of Lava?
I'd totally want to convince it to come work at my Forge with me.
Well, I just had a look at the statblocks of the various elementals with a focus on their mental ability scores and languages.
They all start with very low intelligence but rise to average human levels as they go from small to elder. Their charisma and wisdom on the other hand are always at an average level. They also all speak their relevant elemental language.
What that tells me is that elementals always have will and personality, but aren't necessarily the brightest bulbs in the box. Anything with will and personality will have wants and desires, and will be capable of forming relationships of some kind, so definitely diplomacy-able.
As to what they desire, I would likely have them interested in things related to their element.
Maybe making a burnt sacrifice will please a fire elemental.
Maybe rare jewels or metals would be a good gift for an earth elemental.
Maybe creating a man-made lake would be good for a water elemental.
I'm drawing a bit of a blank on Air elementals, but you get the picture.
As they get bigger and smarter I would treat them as more complex creatures who might have broader aims and long-term goals.
The beautiful thing is that this is a roleplaying game. Stuff like this is handled through roleplaying. The GM determines the personality of the elemental and the player interacts with it. Via roleplaying. Because this is a roleplaying game.
Can I stress roleplaying enough? :)
If you're the player, then play (roleplay) this game with your GM.
If you're the GM, then you've got a more difficult job, and your question is a somewhat valid one. What do elementals need or want?
The answer is, at a simplistic level, the same for all creatures: The Four F's: Food, Fight, Flight, Fornication.
What does this elemental eat (or consume)? The answer to this might lead to quest ideas and/or negotiating tactics - maybe the PCs can bring it food in exchange for favors.
What does it fight (or fear)? Is there an enemy nearby that the PCs can handle?
Where is it safe? Everything needs a place of safety. Even elementals who don't sleep might want to rest and not be constantly vigilant for danger. Maybe it's home is in danger, or maybe even friendly creatures are encroaching on its territory and it needs help dealing with that.
How does it reproduce? Maybe it needs help with that. Everybody needs a wingman from time to time. Or a bachelor pad for some alone time with that special lady elemental. Or a gift to get her attention. Etc.
If you get through the "Four F's" and can't think of anything to add to the "wants and needs" list of this elemental, then the final consideration is leisure activities. No creature spends any time thinking about or engaging in leisure unless all four F's have been taken care of. (One could argue that the last F is leisure, but Mother Nature would disagree) Starvation, conflict, fear, and the lack of a family/tribe/mate all drive creatures into urgent activity, not leisure.
But, when those are all handled, creatures like to play. What does this elemental do for fun? Reading? Collecting pretty stuff? Pulling the wings off of butterflies? Whatever it is, maybe it wants help in that, or just someone to play with.
Surely thinking down this path (or other similar process to evaluate a creature's needs) is a useful tool for GMing in many situations.
I'm drawing a bit of a blank on Air elementals, but you get the picture.
As they get bigger and smarter I would treat them as more complex creatures who might have broader aims and long-term goals.
I would go with wind chimes personally. 4 int is about the level where I honestly think jangly keys are a valid option.
Also, anything that would look nice flowing in the wind may do well. Perhaps a nice light scarf/ribbon/whatever. I am sure elementals also want to show off, and air elementals seem like they would be the biggest show off, flying in the air where everyone can see.
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As to what they desire, I would likely have them interested in things related to their element.
Maybe making a burnt sacrifice will please a fire elemental.
Maybe rare jewels or metals would be a good gift for an earth elemental.
Maybe creating a man-made lake would be good for a water elemental.
I'm drawing a bit of a blank on Air elementals, but you get the picture.
Fire elementals: traditionally they like to destroy (i.e. burn) stuff.
Earth elementals: rare and unusual minerals and mineral formations.Air elementals: smells, odors, incense
Water elementals: mineral water, hot springs, magical fountains
/cevah