The rules say that pulling, pushing and sliding is normally horizontal movement. However that changes in water or for flying creatures, where the forced movement can be in any direction.
What about the transitions?
1. Can I pull, push or slide a target off of dry land into a body of water? Is there a difference between a dock (straight drop) and a beach (gradual slope)?
1a. If the creature is able to fly, but is not currently flying, does he hover over the water or fall in?
2. Can I pull, push or slide a target out of water onto dry land? Is there a difference between a dock (straight drop) and a beach (gradual slope)?
3. Can I pull, push or slide a target that is able to fly, but is not currently flying, into the air to a hovering position?
4. Can I pull, push or slide a target that is flying over water into the water?