Steam Mephit
Small Elemental · · CR 1/4
- Elemental
- Small
- Tier 1
Steam Mephit, CR 1/4, fills the small elemental role with neutral evil disposition. Encounter regions: underwater and planar. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 1/4
- Type
- Elemental
- Size
- Small
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Underwater, Planar
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Steam mephits are minor elementals born where the Plane of Water meets the Plane of Fire, condensing from clouds rising over volcanic seas. They feed on heat and moisture, congregating around geysers, sulfur springs, and ruptured boilers. Their bodies require constant warmth and humidity, so they huddle near fissures or planar bleed-throughs. Mortal climates rarely sustain them more than a few days unless they nest near forge-heated baths or thermal vents that mimic their home conditions.
Behaviour
Mephits gossip ceaselessly, sharing rumors with anyone who will not swat them. They are vain, easily flattered, and quick to anger when mocked. They form loose courts around the largest mephit and squabble for prestige with petty theft and steam pranks. A single mephit alone is anxious and clingy; in groups they grow brave and cruel. They love bargains, especially trades involving warm food or perfumed water.
Origin
Sages debate whether mephits are spontaneous condensations of elemental friction or the spawn of older elemental lords like steam-djinn or fire-naiads. Some texts claim mephits were once a single species split into kinds when the planes were forcibly separated by the gods. Others insist each mephit is the dream of a sleeping elemental, and waking the parent would unmake them all. Both theories explain why mephits hate philosophers.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Steam Mephit
- What is the challenge rating of Steam Mephit?
- The CR on Steam Mephit is 1/4. That CR matches a tier-1 group in low-stakes encounters.
- What type of creature is Steam Mephit?
- The bestiary type for Steam Mephit is elemental, small size.
- Where does Steam Mephit live?
- You'll find Steam Mephit in Underwater, Planar according to the bestiary entry.