Serpent's Skull: City of Seven Spears [IC]

[lostsole31]

SECRETS OF THE LOST CITY
"The legendary lost city of Saventh-Yhi, known to some as the City of Seven Spears, has finally been found! Yet while the ancient city's mysteries have long remained hidden, all manner of man-eating beasts and plants still dwell within the vine-choked ruins. Can the PCs be the first among five competing factions to claim the rights of discovery? Or will they become but the latest of Saventh-Yhi's victims?"

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Character [Player]	Speech Color	AL	Race [Ethnicity] (Gender ID)	Side #1	Side #2	Campaign Trait	Totem Animal
Aronnahar (Aron) Zyianthus [Tribute (N)PC]	Teal	N	Wishtouched Half-Elf [Taldan] (f)	Bard 6/ LA 1	Oracle (Lunar) 7 [Seer]	Boarded in Bloodcove [Mwangi Expanse]	Zebra [Equines]
Clarence T. (Book) Booker [Buck Godot]	Saddle Brown	NG	Fortune-Blessed Human [Taldan] (m)	Rogue [Contender] 5/ Pathfinder Delver 2	Swashbuckler 6 [Picaroon]/ LA 1	Mwangi Scholar	None
Fronaldo Claudex [Blackhawk101]	Dark Orange	LN	Goblin (m)	Alchemist 7 [Eldritch Poisoner]	Rogue 7 [Knife Master]	Boarded in Cheliax	Korir River Gorilla [Simians]
Gelik Aberwhinge [MastrK, MasterK]	Golden Rod	CN	Gnome (m)	Bard 7 [Wit]	Nexus 5/ Pathfinder Chronicler 2	Boarded in Varisia	Hippopotamus [Large Mammals]
Xhanfaerd [Silphael]	Green	CG	Ekujae Half-Elf [Wildborn] (m)	Arcanist 6 [Magaambyan Initiate]/ Magaambyan Arcanist 1	Zealot 7 [Discordant Crusader]	Mwangi Scholar	Gerrhosaurus [Reptilians]

Associated NPCs

Character [Player]	Speech Color	AL	Race [Ethnicity] (Gender ID)	Side #1	Side #2	Campaign Role
Amivor Glaur	Fire Brick Red	CG	Human (m)	Bard 7+?	Rogue 5 [Archaologist]/ Pathfinder Delver ??	Mobile Venture-Captain of Pathfinder Expedition to Saventh-Yhi. Not expected on missions (at least for now), as administrative duties keep him stuck dealing with expedition business.
Sersheelda Lapispacker	Purple	LN (N)	Svirfneblin (f) (aka, Deep Gnome)	"Doodad"? ?	??? ?	She found herself in the Tazion area by accident when captured by charau-ka. Some type of verbal impediment, regardless of language (even Gnome). Claims to "want know magic of 'Overburn.'" Possesses some type of natural connection.

[lostsole31]

ARONNAHAR ("ARON") ZYIANTHUS

Description 6' 1", 160 lbs.

She has the burnished skin of those who have spent time in the sun, red hair, and green eyes. She wears typical Druman garb, but with some of the frills cut away. Her beauty is awe-inspiring, but she is so in tune with voices not of the world that she tends to ignore people who don't use direct address, having a far-away look sometimes.

Her zebra tribal tattoo is on her chest - from her suprasternal cavity down to below her navel, and includes the inner portion of her breasts. Given her clothing with the zebra's head tattoo above and below her limited torso clothing, this is likely to have a .... distracting effect on those not used to someone of her beauty.

Personality

Of the two people in the vanguard that were the actual shipwreck survivors of Smuggler's Shiv, and therefore found information regarding Tazion and the "pillars of light" of Saventh-Yhi, Aron is by far the more proactive.

While not the "leader" of the vanguard, she is nominally the one in charge of coordinating reports to Amivor Glaur, the lead Pathfinder and de facto mobile venture-captain. Since Kalabuto, her voice has taken a massive shift down in volume so that even when she shouts she isn't very loud, though her beauty and nearly ethereal quality have further increased. She no longer sings, but rather has poured forth her artistic effort into her flute. This lack of strong voice is another reason a woman who could easily take the lead with any group of which she is a part instead takes a support role.

Practically within the group, Aron is the vanguard's primary divine caster, and therefore healing the party is her prerogative. Others have some healing or healing like ability (Gelik, Xhanfaerd, even Harrim), but primarily the duties fall squarely on her shoulders. She is also primarily a diviner with many strange powers related to her communing with the moon, but in-battle it often means that she knows when she is going to be attacked and effortlessly moves out of the way. Otherwise, she is the primary "first contact" with parties whose allegiances are unknown, and her knowledge of the natural forces of the jungle matches and that of strange metaphysics and cosmology rivals that of the far more studied Xhanfaerd. She is also the one who has he best chance of activating magical items not suited for the casting traditions of others.

Homeland Kerse, Kalistocracy of Druma

[lostsole31]

CLARENCE T. "BOOK" BOOKER

Description 6' 0", 175 lbs.

Pretty much any lady's conception of the rugged, two-fisted pulp hero who can also clean up real spiffy in a good suit to boot.

Personality

Book is a man who believes that archaeology is all about getting your hands dirty. He is a dedicated scholar of the Mwangi Expanse's history and its peoples, but his close calls have caused him to have a hair trigger with gun or fist. He is a great believer in luck, as being lucky has helped him far more than being expressly competent at what he does.

When one of the diviners foresaw trouble for the vanguard, Amivor released him to rush ahead to attempt to intercept and aid the vanguard as best as possible. It seems that either he arrived too late, or was lucky to arrive late and missed the most danger .... Issilar, the serpent folk enchanter, that caused three members of the vanguard to flee into the forest (two whose remains were found, and Gelik who was rescued).

It's at the point now where Xhanfaerd has learned to trust that when Book says, "I have a bad feeling about this," everyone should listen.

Home of Record Based out of the Grand Lodge, Absalom

[lostsole31]

FRONALDO CLAUDEX

Description 3' 3", 34 lbs.

This large-eared, green-skinned goblin has a devil may care grin and a wild glint in his red eyes. He is well spoken and dressed in well tailored coat and breaches with rolled down top boots. A pair of sharp looking daggers dangle from his belt. Hidden extracts, potions, poisons, and blades are secreted all about his person. He is full of energy and doesn't stop moving, constantly darting around the room investigating everything. He has a preternatural love of shiny things; especially gold and jewels. His shock of wild white hair hovers above his head as if burning.

He has a tattoo of a Korir River Gorilla tribal tattoo covering his whole back.

Personality

Fronaldo is quick-witted and intelligent, but easily manipulated by more forceful personalities. His high, childlike voice often leads others to assume that he is childlike. He is anything but. Raised in Cheliax by human "parents" after they found him abandoned in a gutter, young Fronaldo was raised as a beloved member of the Claudex household. While in public he was forced to behave as a slave until he reached adulthood and was able to purchase his freedom with the help of his parents Esmerelda and Javier. They taught him science and chemistry and gave him an excellent education. Once he gain his freedom and moved out on his own, only then did his true education in the real world began.

Chip on his shoulder due to his size; classic small man syndrome. Doesn't like working alone. Prefers the safety of an organized group. Weak willed. Greedy. Manic. Speaks with a high-pitched, child-like voice.

"So, Fro, if you are chosen for the vanguard, what do you bring to the table?" asked Amivor Glour, the venture-captain in Eleder.

"Poisons, potions, and pokin' holes in problem people, and vapid ideas."

That was it. That was the whole interview, and it was enough to get him hired on as the first addition (outside of Aron and Gelik). And that pretty much sums up his skill set.

Homeland Corentyn, Empire of Cheliax

[lostsole31]

GELIK ABERWHINGE

Description 3' 6", 42 lbs.

Gelik is a spry, energetic gnome with blond hair and a neat goatee. He dresses like a noble at all times. ("If you can't take the time to dress properly, no one will take what you have to say seriously, and they'd be right not to!")

With liberal use of prestidigitation, his fine clothes always seem freshly cleaned. Only the ink stains on his fingers break the illusion of a proper gnome nobleman. ("If you don't have ink stains on your fingers, no one will take your writing seriously, and they'd be right not to!")

His hippo tattoo is on his left shoulder.

Personality

Gelik is quick-witted and a talented speaker. Unfortunately, he has a mean streak when it comes to the misfortunes of others; he often simply can't help himself from making a snide comment or a scathing remark at another's expense.

While Xhanfaerd has a more artistic touch with writing, Gelik's writing skill, equal (and more reliable) skill at linguistics and cryptography, and dedicated skill as a scribe means his position as the party's Pathfinder Chronicler is still secure at this time. He is a perfect second to Aron's skills at diplomacy and negotatiations, has a jarring ability to mimic any sound his voice box can even remotely simulate, and oddly, he has a greater grasp of the Mwangi's overall geography, even over that of Fronaldo.

Home of Record Magnimar, Varisia

[lostsole31]

XHANFAERD

Description 6' 1", 255 lbs.

Robust among his kin, to the point of usually rising eyebrows when people see the ekujae's paintings on his face, often followed by somewhat confused gazes at his ears, Xhanfaerd has everything to stand out in a crowd. His elvish heritage can be seen through his sharp features and the light green tint in the sclera of his eyes, and he shows the kind of body one could see on a veteran fighter. His gerrhosaurus tattoo is on his right shoulder, head upwards as if whispering secrets to Xhanfaerd.

He usually wears brightly colored clothes when in town, in accordance to the fashion of the urbanite Magaambyans.

Personality

Robust of body and mind, Xhanfaerd was used to playing on both of those aspects. "Surely someone so well built is not as bright", or "That dork reading those horribly precise books is probably scrawny" was the kind of things he got used to play with quite fast, earning a mischievous stance on the way. He knows quite well that most other sapients aren't as gifted as himself and how lucky he is, and won't show off, at least not voluntarily. If he knows he can do something to help, he will, and that might raise jealousy and rivalries. At least it did already, more than once. People don't like when you solve the riddle of their lives with one glance.

He tries to do his best to live up to the standards he set through his books, while knowing very well that without a major civilizational shift it won't be possible, at least not on a personal scale.

With his training from the school of the Magaambya in the openly secret/not secret city of Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse, Xhanfaerd's training and scholasticism makes him first among equals, with particular expertise among subjects arcane, historical, natural sciences, linguistics, and the peoples of the Mwangi and their customs. Within the group, he is blessed of an almost supernal insight into personal motivations and actions, and as such is usually a voice of reason and common sense.

Home of Record Nantambu, Mwangi Expanse

[lostsole31]

Moonday, 9 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Crescent)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rain throughout the day. Saturated. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Today is the worst day yet as far as heat and humidity, all being kept in the local area by the rain that act not as purgative but as enclosure.

On the other hand, today is a day that promises to finally moves things forward, for Amivor Glaur and the main force of the Pathfinder Society expedition has arrived!

Amivor Glaur is a ruggedly handsome man of medium height and average build (5' 10", 180 lbs.). He wears well worn but quality leather armor, with sidearms of short sword, whip, short composite bow, and hunting knife. A welcome, yet unsettling change to the standard perceptions of the classic Pathfinders, Amivor is decidedly unkempt, rugged, and rough around the edges. His wild Red hair seems to flow like a flame in the wind, and he is rarely seen fraternizing with those of pomp and circumstance. Amivor, all to familiar with the wilds of Sargava, wears only utilitarian clothing with multiple pockets, and prefers to expose his skin to the natural sun, in order to compensate for the heat of the days.

Amivor offers no confusion for the sort of man he is, presenting his rugged and rough attitude through his appearance and demeanor, and yet The Pathfinder Society has placed him in charge of all Sargavian Expeditions, due to his great ability to do such successful voyages. Amivor can usually be found in the bars at Eleder, drinking with his favored traveling companions and recounting tall stories about his adventures, but once he is set upon a job, Amivor is completely serious. Because of this attitude and respect for the natures of Sargava, and his positive reputation with the local tribes, Amivor is easily the most knowledgeable about Sargava and the Mwangi Expanse outside of the specialists within the party.

Amivor views the natives of Sargava with respect, and understands that their tribal ways are different, but not lesser than any other society. Because of this, he is among the very few that has established a diplomatic reputation with most tribes known to the Pathfinder Society, which has yielded a wealth of information.

Amivor reads Gelik's written work and listens to all of the accounts, including any accidental testimony of Harrim and Sersheelda (though both are trying in their own way). He is sad at the losses of Pim Starseer and Torber Ah-mose, and assures the group that their names will be put on the Wall of Names in Absalom. Meanwhile, he is glad that diviners among the rank-and-file Pathfinders in the expedition gave him what he needed to send Book ahead to the rest of you when he did.

Most of the day is spent as such, but Aron still takes time with Veress, knowing that the tiger is at a critical stage of very late adolescence.

Amivor has no desire to attend any longer in Tazion. He trusts the party has learned what they can of Tazion, but since Saventh-Yhi is the real prize, he wants to leave on the morrow. Even though it is probably only 20 miles away or so, the trackless jungle and the many laden beasts of burden in the expedition mean that it will be a two-day trip.

That evening, Fronaldo seeks out Xhanfaerd for private - not group - combat training. Fronaldo has learned to trust that Xhanfaerd is a keen observer of behavior, so Fronaldo wants to try out some deceptive blade techniques he's been thinking of, but needs the challenge of a sharp defender. Aron will have gymnastics training for Sersheelda, Book, and even Amivor (who has been looking for challenging exercise for weeks). Harrim meditates on his own; surprising, given there are so many new people, it would be a perfect time to annoy everyone with proseltyzing for Groetus. Gelik entertains the main force of the expedition with fantastic tales.

[lostsole31]

Toilday, 10 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Crescent)
85 / 70 F. Normal afternoon showers. Winds N 15 mph. High humidity. Humidity Index: 95 / 80 F.

The full expedition leaves today to what seems to be relatively mild morning and make the trek towards Saventh-Yhi. During the half-trek, Harrim is sure to mention the glory of Groetus, and how the End Times will strip away all that has been built to leave a beautiful chaos before that, too, is removed from the universe.

That evening, Book and Aron bring Amivor (after hearing about his prowess from the former) to seek out Fronaldo, a master on combat preparation techniques. Gelik interacts with the rest of the expedition to learn their names and to get what gossip he can get.

[lostsole31]

Wealday, 11 Abadius 4711 AR (First Quarter)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Winds S 5 mph. High humidity. Humidity Index: 105 / 90 F.

Amivor had hoped to see Saventh-Yhi, as it was estimated that the party trekked 2/3 of the way towards Saventh-Yhi, but the heavy rains and mud today slow things down. You are sure you are now on Saventh-Yhi's doorstep, but Amivor doesn't want to do a forced march and still not see the ruins by light of day for the first time.

In the evening, Aron spends extra time from the encampment to work with Veress. Amivor and Book work together, the latter studying under the former's tutelage regarding common oozes and protoplastic monsters used as happenstance guardians in crypts, tombs, and ruins. Gelik is there, chronicling the exchange, and learning from it. It turns out that Amivor is the most knowledgeable person Gelik knows regarding the Darklands and formless terrors.

Xhanfaerd takes this time to work on Magaambyan fighting arts. Fronaldo doesn't disturb him, but does watch.

Tomorrow ... tomorrow promises to be the big, daylight reveal of the terminus of your quest: Saventh-Yhi!

[lostsole31]

Oathday, 12 Abadius 4711 AR (First Quarter)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Today promises to be truly awful right out of the gate, but the expedition gets moving again.

You only go through a few final miles of trackless jungle before Saventh-Yhi is revealed to you! It is breathtaking, just the part you see.

The thing is, the jungle is not a quiet place, but there is an increase in background noise, almost like there is a LOT more going on at Saventh-Yhi than "undiscovered, uninhabited ruin!"

Question for everyone, do you want Amivor to use his expertise to find the best place for the expedition to make base camp at a respectful distance from Saventh-Yhi, or do you (the party) want to try and figure out the best place to be?

[lostsole31]

Fireday, 13 Abadius 4711 AR (First Quarter)
90 / 70 F. Heavy rains. Winds W 10 mph. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 90 F.

The next day, as the encampment awakens, it seems that you were fooled by a cruel trick of climate. For you no longer see Saventh-Yhi, but trackless jungle along the nameless tributary of the Ocota River. It was a jungle mirage, exceedingly rare, and possible supernatural. The expedition forges on ahead, with Fronaldo - aided by Amivor - with wayfinder consult the maps they made from the Pillars of Light in Tazion. They continue along the tributary until the river seems to emerge from the side of a jungle cliff at a height of 60' - casual observation reveals little to indicate that anything but rugged jungle mountains exist beyond this point, but with Fronaldo's knowledge of the map from the Pillars of Light in Tazion, he guides the expedition to a spot where an ancient and overgrown series of trails lead up from a waterfall.

This is where the dirty work to push on ahead will occur, to be able to get the expedition to be able to navigate past, which Fronaldo figures will take several days of hard work.

Does anyone have anything they can think of that might help the work go by a little more swiftly?

[Blackhawk101]

Fronaldo rummages in his pack for his silk rope.
“I’ve got some rope and some tent stakes that could stand in for pitons in a pinch.”

[BuckGodot]

Book slings his sack off his shoulder and reaches in and pulls out what appears to be a 12-inch iron bar lined with small plates and spikes.

"I've got this... It can be worked in to block and tackle with your rope, little buddy. If it will help in some way..."

[silphael]

Xhanfaerd looks around.

"We need to set up a path we can travel relatively easily in the following days, unless we manage to set up a new encampment closer to the city. That's... going to be hard, but at least tomorrow I'll have more appropriate spells readied in cases of emergencies."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

If it takes more than one day, I'll replace Enlarge Person with Monkey Fish in my level 1 spells.

[lostsole31]

In short, the characters don't have any magics or abilities to help them overcome old-fashioned elbow grease and cutting. They might come up with some clever ways to clear what is cut, but the actual path clearance is straightforward cut-work. They do learn something important about their fellow (junior) Pathfinders .... this is the all-star "nerd squad." Where the Sargavan military, Free Captains, and even their own hated rivals - the Aspis Consortium - likely have all manner of bruisers, the Pathfinders assigned to act as the more general administration and support do so with the strength of their mind and their magical training, not because they are physically intimidating.

What doesn't help .... it doesn't really slow things down beyond making people more careful with their aim ... and that's the rain. The heavy, incessant, not-just-in-the-afternoon rain.

That evening, Book, Amivor, Gelik, and Aron discuss otherworldly mysticism, and how that affected the worship of ancient cultures (with Book and Aron being strongest on the subject). Fronaldo work on theory regarding toxicology. Xhanfaerd interacts with the many junior Pathfinders, finding that their first and most focused training area is general wizardry.

---

Starday, 14 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Gibbous)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

More trailblazing by all.

That evening, Aron leads Harrim, Amivor, Sersheelda, Gelik, Xhanfaerd, and several of the junior Pathfinder officers through various mantras and focusing exercises. Fronaldo (assisted by Book), teach a larger portion of the junior Pathfinders a variety of jungle stealth techniques. It turns out that while they are mainly wizards, this expedition is well-grounded in a variety of useful adventuring and ambush skills.

---

Sunday, 15 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Gibbous)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Trailblazing continues after a non-denominational service led by Harrim (who still managed to seed bits of doom and gloom in there).

Aron managed to teach Veress the command "stay" this week.

In the evening, Fronaldo will work with a different set of Pathfinders regarding various ambush striking techniques. Amivor will teach body meditation techniques to help overcome petrifying effects to Harrim, Aron, Xhanfaerd, & Book. The gnomes spend time together, with Sersheelda giving Gelik weight training. It turns out that she is a lot stronger than her little frame would suggest; not as strong as Xhanfaerd, but one of the strongest nonetheless.

[lostsole31]

Moonday, 16 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Gibbous)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Trailblazing continues.

That evening, Xhanfaerd is by himself as he postulates the nature of light and dark within a free-willed mortal.

Book holds an in-house lecture regarding geography, astronomy, and how those things may have changed over millenia, as compared to what they might find in Saventh-Yhi, especially since the Ancient Azlanti were very knowledgeable of astronomy and how it guided the PC's own discoveries in Tazion. In attendance are Aron, Amivor, Fronaldo, Gelik, and most of the junior Pathfinders that don't have other duties elsewhere.

---

Toilday, 17 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Gibbous)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Trailblazing continues, and the trail is finally cleared by the end!

Sersheelda wants to know more about plants and animals in the Overburn, so that evening, Aron (assisted by Xhanfaerd) holds an in-house lecture for Amivor, Sersheelda, Fronaldo, Gelik, and the available junior pathfinders regarding natural sciences, especially that of the jungle.

Meanwhile, at the dwarf's request, Harrim convinced Book to help show him how best to avoid area of effect dangers and various common types of traps. While Harrim is much more agile than he might seem at first look, his training in this area is woefully inadequate, given his dwarven form.

---

Wealday, 18 Abadius 4711 AR (Waxing Gibbous)
90 / 75 F. Heavy rains. Saturated humidity. Humidity Index: 110 / 95 F.

Days and days and days of rain, and it hasn't stopped just because the trail is now cleared, and the party has easy access to the waterfall beyond.

Above the waterfall, the river splits for a short distance, flowing around a jungle-covered hillock. An open area just south of the hill can make an excellent staging area for the expedition once they’re up in the region and readying a move to a campsite located within the ruined city itself.

A narrow trail picks up not far to the south of area A, connecting to a more overgrown road down below that leads southeast to area B. This wide, paved road is the first tangible, non-mirage evidence the PCs encounter both of the hard existence of the ruins of Saventh-Yhi as well as the strange preservative magics that suffuse Saventh-Yhi. The expedition splits in two to make sure that the split in the river is mapped and charted.


The strangely preserved road leads into a narrow cleft in the jungle-choked ridges, forcing the river into a swiftly flowing rapid through the gorge. The road splits here, offering two methods onward—below, a slippery-looking path of wooden bridges connects small islands, while above a rickety rope bridge swings in the air.

Which way do you recommend taking?

[silphael]

Xhanfaerd points at the small bridges and islands.

"I think we should start that way. If we later go through the other path, we would have the possibility to descend to a safer route, while climbing the other way wouldn't be as practical."

[lostsole31]

Amivor nods and says, "In that case, Aron? I need your team to scout out that approach and look for any dangers or instabilities."

Okay, marching order and manner of approach?

[Blackhawk101]

“Whahoo! Let’s go, Book!” squeals Fronaldo excitedly. He grabs the tall man’s hand and pulls him towards the bridges and islands.

[BuckGodot]

Book reluctantly allows himself to be dragged along by the green goblin while looking back over his shoulder and shrugging at Aron.

Turning to Fonzie, he says, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, little friend lets not give away our position to every living thing around... Slow and steady and quiet wins the race..."

Switching to scout stealth mode, he'll move forward with Frolando.

[Blackhawk101]

With a gleam in his eye and a feral grin, Fronaldo says:“Yes, silent and deadly. That’s good!”
The green skinned alchemist slows his speed to match Book’s pace, moving silently through the jungle. His small dagger glimmers in the mist.

[lostsole31]

Aron follows, followed by Gelik, then Xhanfaerd, and then - once beckoned to join - Harrim, with Sersheelda and her creepy ghost-wolf at the back. Aron has Veress stay, though.

Fronaldo and Book, would you rather swim or walk along the slippery-looking bridges?
(same question will be asked of all, btw)

[Blackhawk101]

Fronaldo visually examines the condition and stability of the bridges when they arrive.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

How are the bridges constructed? What is their condition? How long is the route? How many islands (map)? How deep and fast is the water? How far below is the water? Basically a full examination of the obstacle.

[lostsole31]

Fronaldo mentions his examinations, taking in any input from anyone else on the following questions.....

How are the bridges constructed? What is their condition?
Rope suspension bridge. Surprisingly good condition.

How long is the route?
It's not very far at all.

How many islands (map)?
Four small islands, connected by wooden pathways that are slippery from the water but in good condition. The stepping stones look like they are challenging for someone who can balance by way of pure athleticism, but likely a moderately easy task for someone skilled in keeping their balance.

Map on Discord.

How deep and fast is the water?
While not "rapids," the flow does appear quite fast here, so Aron judges that the depth shouldn't be more than 10', and there might be submerged rocks to deal with - which would hurt if you hit them. The flow is such that swimming is not advisable unless one is trained to do so, and if only barely trained, it would be a moderate challenge.

How far below is the water?
30' from the upper bridge to the water below.

[Blackhawk101]

Fronaldo studies the obstacle and then comments to Book.
“Doesn’t look too dangerous. I could probably get across no problem but the rest of the party might have an issue. I suggest that we cross in groups of two tied together with rope. If one person slips, the other person has a chance to hold on and keep the other from being swept down stream.”
The goblin shrugs weakly.
“Unfortunately, there are not a lot of good places to anchor yourself. I suggest that one person at a time cross to and island before the next person crosses a bridge. The team would have to match members of equal size and strength, so that if a strong member slips a weaker member is not trying to stop them both. You and I wouldn’t be a good match. I could never stop us from getting dragged in.”
”It isn’t a perfect solution but it is a little better than crossing your fingers and praying. What do you think?”

[BuckGodot]

Book, examining the trek ahead as well, concurs with Fronoldo and nods his head.

"Seems plausible. Let's report it back to the others with your suggestion."

[Blackhawk101]

…And so Bookman and the green skinned boy wonder report back to Aron and Amivor.

[lostsole31]

"The Pathfinders are sure-footed, but I worry about the pack animals," says Amivor.

"That," interjects Aron, "and I don't like the idea of tying people off. It doesn't matter what you can lift or carry. If you are surprised by someone falling in and then feel that tug, you don't necessarily have time to respond ... and then just as surprised as the first person, with useless brawn you fall in and get swept away, shredded by submerged rocks. It's not a bad idea for a small group, but not for the main expedition."

Amivor says, "Okay, scout out the bridge then. Book and Fronaldo, followed by Aron and Xhanfaerd at a mild pace of 10' behind them, and Gelik behind all. Sound good? Head across and make sure that everything is secure for a the main expedition to cross."

[Blackhawk101]

Fronaldo salutes briskly before heading to the upper bridge with Book. He doesn’t bother with stealth as the party is fully exposed to anyone looking. He keeps his eyes open for traps or ambushes.

[lostsole31]

Fronaldo doesn't see any hidden dangers.