Rage of Elements introduces the different elemental planes, bringing with it new spells, monsters, and places to explore. It is the first book to be part of the new Remaster line.
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to preview the Air section from Pathfinder Rage of Elements. Now, with it being released on August 3, 2023, let’s talk about the book as a whole. First things first, this book is chocked full of new stuff. A new items, new enemies, new spells, you name it. It’s also the first book to be published with Remastered editions. So what can you expect from this book?
They get new feats that allow them to get elemental familiars, changing their blasts to a rare form of their element (cold for air, acid for water, etc.), infusing their blasts with two elements, changing the size of their aura, plus so many more. Because the Planes of Wood and Metal have been found, kineticists now get access to those elements as well.
Where would a kineticist be without their impulses? In addition to all the element specific impulses, there are also Composite Impulses they can take. The only prerequisite to getting Composite Impulses is having access to the elements used in it.
Ardande and Talos Geniekin are the two new ancestries for the wood and metal elements. Each as varied as the element they come from. While I’ll probably never play one, I kind of like the Moldersoul feat where you decompose the foliage around you. I’d be more likely to pick the Springsoul feat so I can cast tangle vines.
At the end of each elements section, you are given new creatures who inhabit the plane: genies, elementals, and Sootsoldiers. Each elemental breakdown gives you different forms that the element can take like Lava Otters and Crystal Striders. And let’s be serious, who doesn’t want a Lava Otter as a pet?
I feel like the different aspects of the elements are well represented in the different types of spells provided. While fire can burn others, being able to sense heat signatures is not something I would’ve thought of as a use for it. Nor would I have thought to use it to create overconfidence and carelessness in a target.
Again, there are a lot of interesting items I would never be able to dream up with utilizing the aspects of the elements they represent.
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to preview the Air section from Pathfinder Rage of Elements. Now, with it being released on August 3, 2023, let’s talk about the book as a whole. First things first, this book is chocked full of new stuff. A new items, new enemies, new spells, you name it. It’s also the first book to be published with Remastered editions. So what can you expect from this book?
Kineticists
Kineticists are back and better than ever. They’ve awakened their kinetic gates, supernatural conduits within their bodies that can channel elemental forces straight from the plane. This can manifest as a single gate where they get great power over one element or a dual gate which allows them to combine two elements for more versatility. Now, one of the things they can do at 5th level and every 4 levels after that is choose between expanding their portal to attune better to one of their elements or forking their path to add a new element to the mix.They get new feats that allow them to get elemental familiars, changing their blasts to a rare form of their element (cold for air, acid for water, etc.), infusing their blasts with two elements, changing the size of their aura, plus so many more. Because the Planes of Wood and Metal have been found, kineticists now get access to those elements as well.
Where would a kineticist be without their impulses? In addition to all the element specific impulses, there are also Composite Impulses they can take. The only prerequisite to getting Composite Impulses is having access to the elements used in it.
Backgrounds and Ancestries
I’m not going to lie; I squealed like a little kid when I saw the Crystal Healer background just because I like shiny rocks. I make no promises that if I every play a character with that background I won’t bring a ton of rocks to game as props. Each of the six elements has their own new background and there are a couple of uncommon and rare backgrounds that allow you to pick the element or elements you gain Lore in.Ardande and Talos Geniekin are the two new ancestries for the wood and metal elements. Each as varied as the element they come from. While I’ll probably never play one, I kind of like the Moldersoul feat where you decompose the foliage around you. I’d be more likely to pick the Springsoul feat so I can cast tangle vines.
The Planes
Each planar chapter starts with a description of the plane and places of interest. None of the places have more than a description, allowing you to fill in the details of what all goes on in them. You are also introduced to the Elemental Lords of each plane, complete with their devotee benefits.At the end of each elements section, you are given new creatures who inhabit the plane: genies, elementals, and Sootsoldiers. Each elemental breakdown gives you different forms that the element can take like Lava Otters and Crystal Striders. And let’s be serious, who doesn’t want a Lava Otter as a pet?
New Spells
This is always the first thing I look at when I crack open a new gaming book. I will always love spells because I usually play a spell caster. This book does not disappoint when it comes to new and interesting spells. Glass Shield allows you to summon up a shield of glass that functions as the shield spell, but it has a Hardness 2 and 4 hit points. When it breaks, if the breaker is within 5 feet, they must succeed in making a Reflex save or take damage from the shards.I feel like the different aspects of the elements are well represented in the different types of spells provided. While fire can burn others, being able to sense heat signatures is not something I would’ve thought of as a use for it. Nor would I have thought to use it to create overconfidence and carelessness in a target.
New Items
With new areas to explore come new items. You can’t expect to go on a trip through the planes without picking up a souvenir or two. How about a curious teardrop from the Metal Plan to assist you or just keep you from getting lonely on your travels? Or a brine dragon scale to add acid damage to your weapon? Animal nip is great if you want to pass through an area where there are a lot of animals you don’t want to fight.Again, there are a lot of interesting items I would never be able to dream up with utilizing the aspects of the elements they represent.
