Difference between Elementals and Sprites (1.0 to 2.0)

[Enkidoh]

If you're up to the level 35 WHM quest then you would have seen elementals long before then - two show up during the level 25 CNJ class quest fight to assist you in the battle. But as Moose has stated, although the elemental power over the Black Shroud has weakened considerably due to the Calamity, it is still an extremely potent and dangerous force that could claim the lives of everyone who resides there. The only 'dark underbelly' of Gridania is the illegal poaching and hunting going on, and most that is done by desperate people who were refused permission to live within.

Everything that Gridania's government does, has to be run past the elementals first - ultimately they're the ones who have the final say. And, as shown in the video Moose linked, a seemingly innocuous action like burning a tree down can soon change one's mind about whether the elementals exist or not (as Krhimm found out the hard way. ).