Solve this puzzle (actual puzzle from a campaign)

[Gentlegamer]

Ah, perhaps they needed a party caller to reduce confusion? Coupled with a designated chronicler, they could have more quickly deduced the correct combination of language and command.

 

[Quasqueton]

Well, the "puzzle" was not supposed to be difficult. It wasn't even a "puzzle" for the [ancient] original occupants of the dungeon (elemental worshippers). They occassionally needed the keys to open the special door, and having to summon and ask the elementals was really more of a ritual than security. But for those not knowledgeable of the ritual, it seemed like a puzzle.

Quasqueton

 

[Driddle]

IIRC A summoned creature must obey his summoner.
so speak in terran: Grummock, give me the medaillon (or the key).
If this does not function, ask the elemental in his language under which circumstances it will give you the key.

Well, DUH. :\ My wife and I were just thinking the same thing.
And without reading the thread any further ... If this isn't the answer, it should be.

 

[SWBaxter]

Well, the "puzzle" was not supposed to be difficult.

Frankly, I'm amazed your group even approached it as a puzzle. Pretty much every group I've played in or DMed would've tried things the violent way first, unless the elementals were clearly far more powerful than the group. Individual characters might have wanted to try and figure it out, but those more thoughtful souls tend to get overruled with an "Enough talk!" followed by mayhem.

 

[Driddle]

OK, we've read the rest of the thread.

And we both agree (a rare occurence; we hardly ever agree twice) that it's a teeeensy bit petty to require so many detailed components to reach the goal: Spoken in proper language, sure. Call the elemental by name, OK. Ask for the key, a no-brainer. But to specify THAT specific key, the one hanging around the critter's neck, the only key in his possession ... Well, we disagree with your stubborness.

Addendum: We just asked the cat. She agrees, too.

 

[Soullessweare]

At first I misunderstood, thinking the different elementals would all be summoned to the same room. In which case the 'opposing' elements could just get it over with for the players

 

[Quasqueton]

But to specify THAT specific key, the one hanging around the critter's neck, the only key in his possession

Yeah, the key whose name is written on the wall behind the elemental, in the same sentence that gives the elemental's name. Ironically, they had no problem identifying the key, or the elemental. They just couldn't put both in the same sentence.

Quasqueton

 

[Driddle]

Yeah, the key whose name is written on the wall behind the elemental, in the same sentence that gives the elemental's name. ...

So that particular perspective doesn't sit well with you. Gotcha. You're looking for validation that you were right and they were wrong?

OK. They're a bunch of morons. YOU WIN!!! Yay, you! DM beats multiple opponents at gaming table with very, very simple puzzler, because he's smarter.

Your award is in the mail.

 

[Quasqueton]

Whoa! Who peed in your cereal this morning?

Quasqueton

 

[Pielorinho]

Okay, deep breaths everyone! No need for snark.

Quasqueton, on the one hand I see what you're saying: it does seem very simple, and especially once they'd stumbled on the solution, it seems reasonable to expect them to hit it again.

On the other hand, there might be a lesson in here for DMs: when a puzzle is just being frustrating and getting in the way of the fun, sometimes you can find ways to move things along.

For example, elementals are intelligent beings, and these elementals had been summoned before. I can understand the earth elemental patiently awaiting the correct wording, but why would the fire elemental wait? Once they ask for the key in the incorrect format, it could've shouted, "YOUIDIOTSWASTINGMYTIME!CREZZIXGIVEMETHEFIREKEYCREZZIXGIVEMETHEFIREKEYCREZZIXGIVEMETHEFIREKEY!WHATAREYOUWAITINGCREZZIXGIVEMETHEFIREKEY!GOGOGOGOGOGOASKASKASKASKASKSOICANLEAVELEAVELEAVE!GAHSTUPIDSLOWHUMANSASKASKASK!"

dANIEL