Clay Elementals
Clay elementals are another kind of hybrid elemental that can be found both on the Elemental Planes of Earth and Water. At first glance, clay elementals are indistinguishable from earth elementals. However, upon closer inspection, the clay elemental's malleable form clearly gives it away from its terrestrial counterpart.
Malleable Form
Thanks to their amorphous form, clay elementals are able to flourish in any environment, both on the Elemental Plane of Earth as well as water. Thanks to their malleable body, they are able to blend into the nearby stone to avoid detection and to escape dangerous opponents. Due to their somewhat liquid form, they are also able to flourish in completely aquatic environments. However, despite their ability to swim, they prefer to reside at the murky depths of rivers and oceans.
Waste Accumulators
Many druidic circles view clay elementals as a beneficial addition to the nearby ecosystem. In general, clay elementals acquire sustenance by absorbing minerals and natural resources from its surrounding into its skin However, as it acquires the materials it needs, it often exchanges excess mineral and elemental matter back into its surroundings helping stimulate the growth of plants and the circulation of resources.
They also have the additional benefit of filtering out toxins and waste from the surrounding land and water, absorbing it into their body. As a result, it is not entirely uncommon to find clay elementals residing in sewers and even in urban settlements.
Battle Tactics
Despite the beneficial role in nature, it is still important to recognize the clay elementals can be quite dangerous when threatened. Thanks to their malleable bodies, they are able to squeezing through the narrowest or opening. They also have the unique ability to assume the shape of any rock or stone around them. Because of this ability, their favorite tactics include merging into the floor or wall to avoid detection before using their amorphous limbs to entangle their unsuspecting foes.
Petrifying Clay
However, their deadliest tactics is their ability to turn living creatures to stone. Clay elementals are able to drench their opponents in acidic clay that eats away at the target's skin. However, this acid does not corrode flesh but instead begins to slowly turn one's skin into clay. If not dealt with properly, their opponents will eventually turn completely into solid mud or clay. Thankfully, this effect is easily reversible with powerful restorative magics or potions.
Clay Elemental
Large Elemental, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 17 (Natural Armor)
- Hit Points 114(12d10+48)
- Speed 30ft., climb. 30ft
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 19 (+4) 16 (+3) 19(+4) 5 (-3) 10 (+0) 17 (+3)
- Skills Acrobatics +6, Stealth+6, Perception +3
- Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical attacks; thunder
- Damage Immunities Poison
- Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
- Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 13
- Languages Aquan, Primordial, Terran
- Proficiency Bonus +3
- Challenge 6 (2300 xp)
Acid Absorption When the clay elemental takes acid damage, it can regain a number of hitpoints equal to the damage dealt.
Earth Glide The clay elemental can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone. While doing so, the elemental doesn't disturb the material it moves through.
Elemental Nature The clay elemental doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep
False Appearance While motionless, the clay elemental is indistinguishable from a stone or a statue.
Malleable Form The clay elemental can move through a space as narrow as an inch without squeezing
Siege Monster The clay elemental can deal double damage to buildings and objects
Spider Climb The clay elemental can climb difficult surfaces, including ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Actions
Multiattack. The clay elemental can make two attacks with either its Slam or Mud Toss
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, 10ft., one target. Hit 11 (2d6+4)bludgeoning damage + 5(2d4) acid damage. On a hit, a Medium or smaller creature is considered to be grappled by the clay elemental (escape DC 15).
Mud Toss Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, 60ft., one target. Hit 11 (2d6+4) bludgeoning damage + 5(2d4) acid damage. On a hit, the target must succeed a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or become blinded until the end of its next turns.
Petrifying Clay(Recharge 5-6) Creatures in a 30ft. cone must succeed a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed saving throw, the target takes 15(6d4)acid damage and begins to turn to stone and is restrained. The restrained creature must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn, becoming petrified on a failure or ending the effect on a success. The petrification lasts until the creature is freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic. On a successful saving throw, the targets take half damage and are otherwise unaffected
Bonus Actions
Earthen Camouflage The clay elemental has the ability to camouflage itself in the surrounding earth. As long as there is unworked stone or earth, the clay elemental can take the Hide action, even if it is not obscured.