Can an Earth Elemental be summoned burrowed?

[Kryptik]

Question as per the title.

All the spell specifies is close range, and the monster appears where you designate.

[bodhranist]

As far as I know, you need to have line of effect to where the spell effect takes place, so probably not.

[mplindustries]

bodhranist wrote:

As far as I know, you need to have line of effect to where the spell effect takes place, so probably not.

This is correct. You can't summon in a location you can't see or that lacks line of effect.

[BigNorseWolf]

I would say no, no line of effect.

[Pauper Princess]

What if the Earth Elemental was summoned partially burrowed, say all but its "head"? What if you summoned it perfectly shaped as the earth around (assuming there was no grass) with its body contouring to the ground? Could either of these be done causing some sort of perception check to notice it?

[Xaratherus]

From the general rules on Conjuration spells:

Conjuration wrote:

A creature or object brought into being or transported to your location by a conjuration spell cannot appear inside another creature or object, nor can it appear floating in an empty space. It must arrive in an open location on a surface capable of supporting it.

[Lincoln Hills]

Pauper Princess wrote:

What if the Earth Elemental was summoned partially burrowed, say all but its "head"? What if you summoned it perfectly shaped as the earth around (assuming there was no grass) with its body contouring to the ground? Could either of these be done causing some sort of perception check to notice it?

I've been at several tables, but never one where 5-foot squares were partially underground. Ground level is the assumed 'bottom' of one five-foot square and the 'top' of another... even on sloping ground (and now that I notice that, it doesn't make much sense, does it?)

Moot anyhow, as Xaratherus indicates, since the rules specify that creatures must not materialize inside an object (the ground qualifies.) On the other hand, within those rules, you can materialize an elemental into a trench or hole that will fit it.

[Arizhel]

If you yourself were burrowed, earthgliding, or had some ability to see through earth, I would allow it, just as I would allow you to summon a shark/squid/octopus under water, or an air elemental/eagle/etc. in the air. If you are not underground and/or able to see underground, I would say it blocks line of effect.

[Ximen Bao]

Arizhel wrote:

If you yourself were burrowed, earthgliding, or had some ability to see through earth, I would allow it, just as I would allow you to summon a shark/squid/octopus under water, or an air elemental/eagle/etc. in the air. If you are not underground and/or able to see underground, I would say it blocks line of effect.

Line of Sight and Line of Effect are different things.

Even if you have some ability that lets you see through the ground, the ground is still there and is blocking your line of effect.

This is why I love burrowing. It's a giant middle finger to spellcasters unless they saw it coming and prepped for it.