Water elementals were beings of living water drawn from the Elemental Realm of Water. When manifested on the Prime Material, they typically resembled a cresting wave given motion and intent. Their forms surged and folded in constant motion, yet they could dissolve seamlessly into any natural body of water, becoming indistinguishable from the surrounding liquid. They spoke Aquan but rarely chose to do so; though not especially intelligent, they possessed instinct and resented being torn from their native plane and bound into service.
Composed entirely of water, these Elementals required no air, food, drink, or sleep. They could flow through openings as narrow as an inch across, slipping under doors or through cracks with ease. Cold-based magic stiffened and restrained their movement, while acid and mundane bludgeoning or piercing weapons passed through them with little effect; only enchanted arms such as Enhanced Weapons could reliably wound them. Despite lacking conventional needs, they possessed a highly developed sense of taste, perceiving subtle changes within the waters they inhabited.
In combat, water elementals preferred to fight within rivers, lakes, or seas, where their strength was greatest. They overturned small boats, hindered larger vessels, and dragged foes beneath the surface. A favored tactic was to engulf one large creature or several smaller ones within their bodies, constricting and drowning them. When this failed, they hurled themselves forward in heavy, crashing blows.