A blog dedicated to fictional short stories and role-playing across a spectrum of video-games and fantasy worlds.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Water Elementals- A Research Paper

*A neatly written thesis is left on Professor Knox's desk. Two additional copies of the document are also left in the Dawn building, one marked for a Miss Kaetta, the other for a Mister Jazari*

Water Elementals- A case study
by the Sorceress Malandrae Moonwhisper, Former Second Advisor to the Queen's Research Council

For uncounted thousands of years, spellcasters across the width and breadth of Azeroth have made use of elementals in their everyday lives, from research tools to simple menial servants and guardians. These constructs are amazingly versatile, and have been used in an uncounted number of different applications.

A basic water elemental is composed of two key elements; magic and water. The water may be obtained from an existing source in the world, or may even be formulated from the very moisture in the air if one is lacking a suitable body of water from which to draw. The magic infused into the liquid will quickly bind it together, forming the body of the creature.

Although these constructs are mindless automatons with no personality of their own, it is possible and in many cases likely that the creator of the construct may infuse some of their own 'personality' into the construct. This is especially true with a more aggressive magic user, and these spellcasters will typically have more hostile water elementals. These constructs should never be mistaken for living creatures though, as they are a sum total of magic and a specific element, and not naturally created, living things. They are tools only, but a tool that can help you accomplish anything!

I have conducted a number of field trials using these constructs and have found the following key points when dealing with such magic. Please note that I have personal experience with all points and can confirm from first hand observation that they are accurate.

1) Water elementals are exceptionally useful for removing wounded allies from battle, however they will utterly soak the target of the rescue attempt. They are not recommended for use in this fashion in cold weather!

2) Water elementals vary greatly in consistency. Some may be more firm while others will be like the liquid they are composed of depending on the mineral content of the water used to create them. You should not attempt to hug them (No matter how much you like them!) nor should you attempt to run through them on a hot day, as you may find either too much resistance, or too little in some cases (resulting in accidental collision with objects behind the water elemental such as a solid wall).

3) Water elementals are excellent at putting out fires!

4) Water elementals should NOT be used to put out grease fires. Ever.

5) Water elementals will soak anything that they are standing on. When left on objects that are subject to water damage, such as hardwood flooring, they may cause extensive damage, such as the warping of said flooring.

6) You cannot drink your water elemental, nor should you use a straw to do so.

7) Sticking a straw in your water elemental and blowing bubbles may be considered rude by other spellcasters, or at the very least get you odd/mean looks.

8) If your water elemental suddenly and suspiciously turns yellow, someone may be playing a practical joke on you. You should dismiss such a water elemental immediately, preferably outside.

9) With a small touch of dye, your water elemeental can be stained to match your outfit or hair color!

10) Water elementals should not be assigned to carry research documents or spellbooks, as they will ruin them. This is especially true in Professor Knox's house.

11) Water elementals are not permitted in Stormwind's Royal Library. There is a reason for this.

12) Water elementals should not be assigned to touch or carry your buzzbox. For some reason they interact poorly and buzzboxes will cease functioning soon after. I suspect that this is due to them lacking a basic understanding of their function.

13) If you are on a ship, you should not allow your water elemental to stand between you and the wind.

14) Water elementals are not good to bring on camping trips, or at the very least, near camp fires.

15) When standing in public, always make sure your water elemental has not accidentally positioned itself on a gnome or dwarf, as they may drown. If they do NOT drown, they may become extremely cross with you.

16) Water elementals cannot be used as the base liquid for soup.

17) It is apparently considered impolite to have your water elemental jump off of a tall structure and then dismiss it in mid-air as other people are walking on the street below.

18) You should not count on your water elementals to absorb or block thrown objects; they may pass right through the surface area of your construct and strike you anyway.

19) Water elementals should be dismissed when no longer needed. Summoning multiple water elementals may lead to confusion as to their location, and property damage when they are left in a location for too long.

20) Water elementals may cause mildew in some areas. This can be fixed by summoning an additional water elemental and ordering it to wash away the mildew.

Summary

Water elementals are extremely versatile and helpful for any type of spellcaster. They are safe, adorable looking, and not likely to cause distress by non-magic using bystanders the way other conjured creatures might. When used carefully and with consideration to their limitations, they are simply one of the best tools that you can have, as is all magic! 

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