STUBBORN AS A ROCK
You find a sealed stone door with a raised tile in front of it. Putting any weight on the tile lifts the door, but it slams shut when weight is taken off.
Next to the door sits a large rock.
Lift the rock onto the tile and the door lifts… but the moment you try to pass, the door slams shut again. You notice the rock has moved off of the tile.
How will you get the stone door to stay open?
SOLUTIONS:
The rock is stubbornly choosing to slide off of the platform. It doesn’t like you and wants you gone.
Speak with the rock and it replies in a gravelly voice, “NO! GO AWAY! I WANT SILENCE!”
Nothing seems to convince this rock to stay put, except:
Threaten to smash the rock. It will stay put out of fear.
Smash the rock and it will break into smaller rocks who are even more stubborn.
Use some powerful magic or adhesive to keep the rock on the platform.
Use a strong item to keep the door open. It is very heavy and will destroy most items.
More solutions always exist! Keep an open mind.
NOTES FOR THE DUNGEON MASTER
The fun of this puzzle is roleplaying with the rock. Do your lowest growl and be rude to the characters.
When the rock opens its mouth, mention the glint of some treasure, a key or pieces of another puzzle.
Players can pry the rock’s mouth open and take what’s inside but it won’t be happy. If players trade another item the rock will be happier with the new snack.
Go with music that matches the dungeon. Put ambient cave sounds on loop or play some eerie cavern music.
