Cinder Motes
Cinder motes are believed to be the infant form of all fire-based elementals, born deep within the heart of the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Amorphous Appearance
In their natural state, cinder motes are hard to distinguish from an open flame due to their small size and amorphous appearance. These tiny elementals have not fully mastered the ability to change shape as they often flit between different forms every couple seconds.
However, cinder motes that have been bound as a familiar have a lot less difficulty thanks to the assistance of arcane or druidic magic that can help choose more permanent forms.
Mischievous Arsonists
Due to their small size, cinder motes tend to flock together in small swarms for protection, especially from larger elementals that may see them as a source of food. Typically, cinder motes can only be found on the Elemental Plane of Fire where there is plenty of fiery essence for them to absorb for sustenance.
However, it is not uncommon for them to find themselves stranded on the Material Plane. As open flames are both a source of food and protection, cinder motes are prone to starting fires in an attempt to make a more suitable environment for themselves.
To make matters worse, cinder motes are naturally curious creatures, especially since they are intrigued by things that do not burn infinitely like on the Plane of Fire. Unfortunately, their method of exploring new things is determining how flammable it is as they will try to set as many things on fire as they can. Many scholars speculate that these little elementals actually remember and categorize things based on how long it burns.
Elemental Familiars
Despite their troublesome behavior, cinder motes actually make for popular familiars among druids and wizards. They actually prove to be quite loyal and affectionate companions, although their means of exhibiting their love may result in something (or someone) being accidentally set on fire.
When bound as a familiar, cinder motes quickly get attached to their owner. In fact, they will often abandon their default amorphous appearance to mimic one that they believe their master would like such as pets, objects, or even people. However due to their age, these transformations are loose approximations as best as they are still learning to change their shape. However, they do have a tendency to become somewhat possessive and attention-seeking causing them to engage in slightly dangerous shenanigans in order to get their owner's attention.
Battle Tactics
In general, cinder motes do not directly pose a tremendous threat to humanoids. In fact, most cinder motes are actually quite frightened by anything bigger than them.
Unfortunately, their fear causes them to create a lot of collateral damage as will attempt to set their surroundings ablaze in order to escape. This can prove to be quite destructive if an entire swarm of cinder motes become agitated.
When encountering cinder motes, it is important to keep them calm so they do not panic. Instead, it is actually preferred to lure them away from a location instead. Open flames or even bright lights have proven to be effective methods for attracting their attention. However, if cornered, cinder motes have the ability to severely burn their opponents. Thankfully, these burns rarely prove to be lethal as the cinder mote will not engage in a prolonged fight, escaping at the first possible opportunity.
Cinder Mote
Tiny Elemental, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 13 (Natural Armor)
- Hit Points 5(2d4)
- Speed 30ft., fly. 30ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 5 (-3) 17 (+3) 11(+0) 6 (-2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1)
- Skills Perception +3
- Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical attacks
- Damage Immunities Fire, Poison
- Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
- Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 12
- Languages Ignan, Primordial
- Proficiency Bonus +2
- Challenge 1/2 (100 xp)
Elemental Nature The cinder mote doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep
Fiery Camouflage While in an open flame, the cinder mote is considered to be invisible
Fiery Form the cinder mote can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without squeezing
Heated Body When a creature touches or hits the cinder mote with a melee weapon attack while within 5ft. of it, the attack takes 3(1d6) fire damage.
Illumination The cinder mote gives off a bright light in a 10ft, radius and dim light an additional 10ft.
Luminous Flame Creatures or objects ignites by the cinder mote give off a bright light in a 10ft. radius and dim light an additional 10ft.
Actions
Igniting Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, 5ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d6+3) fire damage. If the target is a creature or a flammable object, it ignites for 1 minute. Until a creature takes an action to douse the fire, the target takes 3(1d6) fire damage at the start of each of its turns.
Igniting Cinders. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, 30ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d6+3) fire damage. If the target is a creature or a flammable object, it ignites for one minute. Until a creature takes an action to douse the fire, the target takes 3(1d6) fire damage at the start of each of its turns.