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Hello all, I was thinking about how you can add puzzles to a PF(or any)RPG, without them being thoroughly hard or boring for the players.
I have had several ideas, such as mnemonics, some math puzzles but I'm struggling to think of any others, so I came to you for aid.
Discuss and post any ideas you think are good, and prepare to challenge your players!
One way is to use props. A few images that can be rearranged can represent something you are interacting with. If the dm has a effect planned for moving each image, he can know exactly how to describe a response. That way, the players can have lots of feedback and figure out what they are supposed to do through both reasoning and trial and error.
I once played through a maze which warped space. There was a logical pattern to it, so we were able to figure it out, but until we did it was both frustrating and engaging.
I have never been a fan of puzzles or riddles despite them being iconic. In short, either the players "get it" or they don't. Very boolean, and very OOC. It's the players solving them, not the characters. Iconic but just not something I think really works. Food for thought.
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Well, when I played Library of the Lion, we solved the puzzles as players, but it was a team effort we all enjoyed. They were clever enough to be entertaining, and just the right difficulty.
The puzzles were also on places that made sense (opening secret doors), and there were some options in the adventure in case the PCs don't succeed; the adventure wouldn't come to grinding halt. But if you solved the puzzles the mission was a lot easier.
Also important: the puzzles were strongly tied to the theme of the area they were in. So they didn't feel random or arbitrary.
I enjoy using puzzles and riddles. I too allow all the players to participate, so it is an pocket thing. In addition, if a puzzle is really stumping them I allow INT checks to obtain hints, usually scaling the DC if more than one check is required.
Plan ahead of time what hints you want to give, or look for a puzzle website that offers hints.
I have had a variety of players in different groups enjoy the puzzles. I also recommend physical puzzles with props, as others have mentioned, or math riddles. In a group setting, these challenges can usually be overcome.