From base camp, we have a day travelling about like this, across the ice flats, and finishing our day here, at point two.

On day two, we use the lift system that's in place to make a series of climbs, ending the day at point three.

From point three the next day, we make our climb through spiral cave, ending up directly in the cave that will take us to the nexus on day four.

That all seems simple enough, but you said it was complicated.

Well, it will be complicated.

Most elementals of the mountain retreat to the ice flats during climbing season, due to the wards put up along the main trail.

As such, on the first day, although the climb will not be steep, there will likely be elementals looking to vent their frustrations on anyone crossing the ice flats.

You said your group are no strangers to fighting, yes?

We have quite the experience of fighting elementals, yes.

That is good! I am a climber and guide, I am not a fighter. I am not sure you could offer me a sum where I would fight alongside you.

Day two... the lifts will work, but they are likely in the upward position.

Usually they only leave the lifts down when the monks travel down the mountain, so they can use them to climb back up with the cargo.

As such, some will need to do some climbing with me to get to the various lift controls, so we can lower them for everyone else.

I believe some of us should be able to do that.

Good! That only leaves day three and spiral cave.

While the elementals of the mountain retreat to the ice flats, the beasts of the mountain usually take up refuge in spiral cave.

Again, I am no fighter, but the beasts will retreat if you can scare them.

Many will leave us alone as long as we do not appear to threaten their young.

Spiral cave is long, and I believe most beasts will leave us be, but I also believe there will possibly be some necessary fights that day.