Monster Spotlight: The fury of the Elemental Cataclysm has been unleashed!

The realms of Dungeons & Dragons are no strangers to elemental chaos. Raging wildfires, tidal waves, and earth-shaking tremors often result from the elemental planes spilling their wrath into the Material World. But what happens when that raw destruction is given form? Enter the Elemental Cataclysm, a monstrous embodiment of unbridled natural disaster unleashed upon the battlefield. A new addition to D&D 2024, this gargantuan force of nature is a walking apocalypse.

Origins of Destruction

The Elemental Cataclysm is not a mere elemental spirit—it is devastation incarnate. Legends whisper that these entities form when the Elemental Planes of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air collide in violent upheaval, their energies fusing into a singular force of annihilation. Others claim that ancient and reckless archmages, seeking ultimate power, have summoned these horrors only to be consumed by the fury they unleashed.

Some scholars theorize that an Elemental Cataclysm is a direct result of planar instability—perhaps a shattered portal to the Elemental Chaos or the fury of a betrayed primordial seeking revenge on mortal civilization. Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: when an Elemental Cataclysm manifests, nothing is safe.

A Force of Nature Given Form

The Elemental Cataclysm towers above the battlefield, its form a constantly shifting mass of stone, flame, rushing water, and howling wind. Its very presence distorts reality, causing storms to rage, the ground to crack, and fires to ignite without warning.

Highlighted Game Statistics (D&D 2024)

• Gargantuan Elemental (Titan), Chaotic Neutral

• Armor Class: 20

• Hit Points: 370

• Speed: 50 ft., burrow 60 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 80 ft.

• Damage Immunities: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Poison, Thunder

• Immunities: Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Stunned, Unconscious

Cataclysmic Event: The Cataclysmic Event Action is a feature unique to the Elemental Cataclysm stat block. It causes a random event inspired by a natural disaster to occur coving a massive area. In addition to causing a great deal of damage, each effect is also tied to an unresistible condition.

Control Weather: The Elemental Cataclysm can cast the Control Weather spell at will, requiring no components. This feature can be useful to set up before an encounter occurs.

Legendary Actions

The Elemental Cataclysm can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Elemental Cataclysm regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Eruption: The cataclysm makes one Elemental Burst attack.

• Rumbling Movement: The cataclysm moves up to its Speed, Fly Speed, or Swim Speed without provoking opportunity attacks. Each creature within 5 feet of the cataclysm as it moves must succeed on a DC 23 Constitution saving throw or be knocked prone. The cataclysm can’t take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Tactics & Encounter Design

Fighting an Elemental Cataclysm is like battling a natural disaster given sentience. It does not strategize like a mortal warrior but instead unleashes unrelenting destruction upon its foes. Dungeon Masters can use the following strategies to make encounters with this monster unforgettable:

• Multi-Area Threat: Have the Cataclysm’s destruction affect not just the battlefield but the surrounding area. Bridges collapse, rivers overflow, and towns crumble, forcing the party to think beyond direct combat.

• Legendary Actions & Layered Challenges: Rather than a straightforward brawl, consider making the encounter a multi-phase battle. Perhaps the party must sever its elemental ties one at a time or retrieve an artifact to stabilize its chaotic energy.

Adventure Hooks

Looking for ways to introduce an Elemental Cataclysm into your campaign? Try these story ideas:

• Torn Asunder: The world shudders as a great rift between the Elemental Planes opens, and an Elemental Cataclysm steps forth. Only by closing the rift can the party prevent further devastation.

• The Sleeping Storm: A kingdom is built upon the remnants of a long-dormant Elemental Cataclysm. When the seal weakens, the monster stirs once more.

• An Unstable Summoning: A cabal of warlocks seeks to bind the power of an Elemental Cataclysm, but their ritual goes awry. Now, the party must stop the beast before it destroys everything in its path.

Final Thoughts

The Elemental Cataclysm is a force beyond mere mortal reckoning. It is not a villain to be reasoned with, nor a creature to be easily felled—it is a walking catastrophe, an embodiment of destruction, and a thrilling challenge for high-level adventurers. If you’re looking for an adversary that will leave your players awestruck, terrified, and exhilarated, then unleash the Elemental Cataclysm upon your world. Just don’t expect the landscape to survive the encounter.

Art by Johan Grenier