Skrael (Earth)

Frequency: Very Rare

No. Appearing: 1

Armor Class: 6

Move: 30’, burrow 20ft.

Hit Dice: 10d8 (45 hp)

% In Lair: 100%

Treasure Type: Nil

Attacks: 2 

Damage: 2d6 + 3  / 2d6 + 3 or Rollout (See Below) 

Special Attacks: See Below

Special Defenses: Resistance to Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage from nonmagical weapons 

Magic Resistance: Standard

Intelligence: High

Alignment: Neutral

Size: L (8’)

Psionic Ability: Nil

Level / X.P. Value: X / 900 + 14 per HP 

 

The Earth Skrael stands tall at eight feet, resembling a massive hedgehog sculpted from earth and rock. Its stony exterior is adorned with intricate patterns and sparkling blue eyes that radiate a sense of calm and wisdom. Despite its formidable appearance, the Earth Skrael is known for its gentle nature and peaceful demeanor.

These creatures are often found in tranquil natural environments, harmoniously coexisting with the earth and flora around them. Their presence brings a sense of stability and grounding to the land, serving as protectors of the earth’s secrets and guardians of ancient landscapes.

The Earth Skrael’s abilities are in tune with its elemental nature, allowing it to burrow effortlessly through the earth and use its sparkling gaze to mesmerize and deter potential threats. Its Rollout maneuver is a formidable attack that can crush adversaries under its massive weight, showcasing the Skrael’s surprising agility and strength.

Encountering an Earth Skrael is a rare and wondrous experience, as these creatures embody the essence of the earth itself, embodying longevity, resilience, and the enduring power of nature.

 

The Skrael are otherworldly entities born from the residual magical energies left behind by powerful spellcastings. Each type of Skrael – Earth, Fire, Stone, Water, Wood, and Magic – embodies a specific elemental affinity, drawing upon the essence of its corresponding element to manifest its form and abilities.

 

– Earth Skrael: These Skrael are rugged and durable, with rocky exteriors that blend seamlessly with the earth. Their movements are slow and deliberate, reminiscent of shifting tectonic plates.

 

– Fire Skrael: These Skrael flicker with inner flames, casting a warm glow around them. Their forms dance with heat and intensity, leaving trails of fiery embers in their wake.

 

– Stone Skrael: Solid and unyielding, these Skrael are encased in layers of sturdy stone that provide them with unparalleled defense and resilience. Their presence exudes a sense of stability and permanence.

 

– Water Skrael: Fluid and dynamic, these Skrael flow like liquid water, their forms constantly shifting and undulating. They can unleash powerful watery attacks with remarkable precision.

 

– Wood Skrael: These Skrael are cloaked in verdant foliage, blending seamlessly with the natural world. They possess a symbiotic connection to plant life, channeling the energy of the forest in their abilities.

 

– Magic Skrael: Among the most enigmatic and unpredictable, Magic Skrael are a swirling maelstrom of arcane energies, crackling with multicolored lights and arcane symbols. They wield potent and unpredictable magical abilities, capable of altering reality with a mere thought.

 

The origins of the Skrael are shrouded in mystery and tied to the residual magic left behind by powerful spellcastings. These ethereal beings are not bound by the traditional constraints of elemental creatures but are instead formed from floating motes of magical energy that contain elemental essences. When an excess of magical energy is generated, these motes coalesce and birth a Skrael under a specific elemental affinity, such as Earth, Fire, Stone, Water, Wood, or Magic.

The Skrael’s existence is transient and fleeting, with their lifespan varying based on the alignment and nature of the magic that created them. Skrael born from good magic may live longer and exemplify benevolent qualities, seeking to aid and protect those around them. Conversely, Skrael born from evil magic may have shorter lifespans, driven by destructive impulses and malevolent intentions.

Each type of Skrael embodies the essence of its corresponding element, displaying unique traits, abilities, and behaviors that reflect their elemental nature. From the Earth Skrael’s rugged durability to the Fire Skrael’s fiery creativity, each variant of Skrael embodies a distinct aspect of the natural world and its mystical energies.

Despite their ephemeral existence, Skrael leave a lasting impact on the world around them, influencing the balance of elemental forces and the harmony of magic itself. Their presence serves as a testament to the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of magic, weaving together elements of creation, destruction, and transformation in a delicate dance that transcends mortal understanding.

The School of Skrael Studies in the City of Thalias is a prestigious institution dedicated to the scholarly exploration and understanding of the enigmatic Skrael beings. Located in the heart of the city, the school serves as a beacon of knowledge and research, attracting students, scholars, and adventurers from far and wide who seek to unravel the mysteries of the Skrael.

The School of Skrael Studies offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves into the origins, behaviors, magical properties, and elemental affinities of the Skrael. Students are taught by esteemed professors and experts in the field of Skraelology, learning about the diverse types of Skrael, their interactions with the natural world, and the implications of their fleeting existence in the realm of magic.

The school boasts impressive libraries filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and artifacts related to the Skrael, providing invaluable resources for research and study. Students have access to laboratories equipped with magical instruments and tools for analyzing and experimenting with Skrael energies, furthering their understanding of these elemental beings.

The School of Skrael Studies also offers practical courses and fieldwork opportunities for students to observe and interact with Skrael in their natural habitats. Expeditions are organized to study Skrael behavior, elemental manifestations, and the effects of residual magic on the environment, allowing students to gain firsthand experience and insights into these elusive and mystical creatures.

In addition to academic pursuits, the School of Skrael Studies fosters a spirit of collaboration and exchange among scholars, encouraging dialogue and debate on Skrael-related topics. The school hosts annual conferences, symposiums, and exhibitions to showcase the latest research and discoveries in Skraelology, inviting experts and enthusiasts to share their findings and theories on the nature of the Skrael. 

As of now, no Air Skraels have been  discovered. The lack of discoveries of Air Skrael can be attributed to the inherent nature of the Skrael themselves. The elemental affinities and manifestations of Skrael are influenced by the residual magical energies left behind by powerful spellcastings, which coalesce into specific elemental forms such as Earth, Fire, Stone, Water, Wood, and Magic.

In the case of Air Skrael, the rare and elusive nature of these beings may be linked to the ethereal and intangible qualities of air itself. Air, as an element, is transient, formless, and ever-changing, making it challenging for the residual magical energies to stabilize and coalesce into a tangible Air Skrael entity. The subtle and elusive nature of air may present unique challenges in the creation and discovery of Air Skrael, leading to their absence in the known lore and studies of Skrael beings.