Should D&D Abandon Pairing of Elements & Damage Types?

[Al'Kelhar]

I've always disliked the association of acid with the earth element.

The earth element is associated with alkali substances, traditionally salts of various sorts. D&D has tended to use the term "acid" as a sort of "corrosive substance" analog, which alkalis most certainly are.

 

[Luce]

Humor

for:am181d

 

[Falling Icicle]

The earth element is associated with alkali substances, traditionally salts of various sorts. D&D has tended to use the term "acid" as a sort of "corrosive substance" analog, which alkalis most certainly are.

Ok, but using those kinds of justifications makes it seem like one is trying too hard to mix real world science with medieval magic. The elements are as much philosophical as they are literal. Earth is supposed to be the element of endurance, patience, perseverance, stubborness, and so on. The corrosiveness of acid just doesn't fit well with it, even if acids are in fact made from salts. There's also the curious thing that earth elementals are not immune to acid, unlike fire elements which are immune to fire.

Of course, one shouldn't read too deeply into it. It just doesn't feel right to me. If I ever were to make an earth magician, I very much doubt that acid spells would have come to mind. Rather, I'd imagine picking spells that drop boulders on people, split the ground beneath their feet, or trap them in walls of stone.