Wait, so I don't need any NPC or spell or any other item, etc., and YET I can't solve the puzzle by simply pressing the 4 plates in some specific order??? That doesn't make sense. You either need an external force or you don't. "Think about elemental interactions and what it means to 'defeat' an element" - OK, that would require some sort of spell, but it was also stated that you don't need a spell to solve the puzzle...
"How about this one: You can't solve the puzzle with your current information, so just keep exploring a bit further". OK, there is far too much contradictory advice here. You either solve the puzzle by pressing the 4 plates in a specific order without needing anything else OR you do need something like a spell to defeat some element, such as fire, which can be defeated with a rain spell, and YET you don't need a spell! I am more confused about this puzzle than before, BUT I'll just keep exploring because advice regarding this puzzle will probably get in the way of figuring out the actual solutions. Thank you for your input!
