The nature of the Elementals is never specified, but they act basically like some cloudy patron pantheon based onthe classic elements (Water, Fire, Earth and Wind) and are guardians of the Black Shroud. Gridanians revere them as forces of nature and they are the source of power from where Conjurers get their power (or at least the Guild), and it is known that they can drive the wood creatures into attacking specific people (this phenomenom is called 'woodwrath'). Gridanians will not help anyone victim of the woodwrath, as it's the "Will of the Elementals" that they be killed or driven off from the Black Shroud.
So, in a way, you could say they -might- be Primals, but aren't considered such. The game implies they are just some kind of force of nature.
So, in a way, you could say they -might- be Primals, but aren't considered such. The game implies they are just some kind of force of nature.