The descent requires two ropes to manage the distance, and six spikes pounded into the rock to secure them.  Recovering the spikes will be difficult, but not impossible.  (DC 5:15 Might task.  Also, could you each please make a roll for the descent, DC 1:3.)

Once the slope eases to the extent that ropes are no longer needed, the way down is still tricky, and your footwear will be need to be emptied of sand and pebbles regularly.

Derrick is over focused on helping others during the climb down to the point that he looses his own footing and slips. Fortunately, he has some experience climbing and he manages to catch himself quickly. His misstep prevents him from rendering any serious assistance to anyone else as they manage the climb down.

Derrick rolled 2 using 1d20.  Climb down DC 0:0. Trained in climbing.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

The older man looks with concern as Derrick slips, murmuring a quick prayer before he catches himself.  His concern morphs into relief.

"Careful, brother!"

RPoL Dice Roller:

18:38, Today: Agatho rolled 8 using 1d20.  Climbing down into the bowl.

The arkus handles herself well as she clambers down the ropes. She seems to intuit precisely which rocks to brace her feet against, and makes the transit as smoothly as if she's done it a dozen times.

OOC: 21:35, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 19 using 1d20.  Descent Check DC 1:3.

Last among them to descend, Artor strained to remove the lastmost spike but it was stuck fast; he choose not to attempt the others, travelling swiftly down as down toyed with the frayed strands of his wrappings and cloak

7:46, Today: Artor rolled 11 using 1d20.  DC1 Descent.
17:45, Today: Artor rolled 12 using 1d20.  DC5 Might

With a way secured, the group can follow the landscape downward toward the wide, flat area.  There are a few plants here and there among the rocks.  They're largely stunted and oddly shaped.  A few insects follow meandering paths through the air and in the shadows of the rocks.

The descent is largely uneventful, but slow.  The explorers become painfully aware how much help Radwa's vehicle has been in their efforts so far.

As the group travels, Derrick watches for one of strange constructed spires. "We could make for the lake that we saw. That's probably where anyone who lives here would be, but that was at least a full day's journey away. If we see one of those strange structures, they appeared to have plant growth around them as well."

"We will need potable water, certainly, if we're to have a settlement and any kind of agriculture. If there are existing structures we can take advantage of, that will also be a boon." Hoa Sen looks back up at the cliff. "It will be a beastly task to make a proper road out of the bowl. Almost, though, I can see it in my head."

As they descended, the group was able to make out the lay of the land.  The nearest set of spires is about 15 miles away to the north-northwest.  The lake is to the northeast, perhaps 25 miles distant.  The density of green seems to increase the closer you get to the lake, but there is definitely vegetation near the spires as well.

Where the group is walking now, it seems more desert-like and sparse, although many of the plant forms are unfamiliar.

“It will take many hours to reach the lake”, observed Artor, “Certainly afoot”

He fell silent after that, believing his point made

The path to the nearest set of spires is largely flat and uneventful.  The group spots a few lizards and small birds, but most creatures have shied away from the heat.  The plant life seems appropriate for the desert and is generally squat or low-growing.  Only the barest traces of the unusual rocks near the veil are present.  They are few and far between, often obscured in sand or hard pan.

As the group gets closer, their guesses are confirmed, in that there are trees growing near the spires in some density and to a reasonable height.  Some motion can be seen near the outskirts of the trees, but it's difficult to determine what, or if it's just a mirage of the heat.

OOC: That'll take you to about a mile away.

Derrick, who is keeping a sharp eye out, points towards the movement around the trees. "That might be some kind of creature or even the Aix people. We should approach openly so as not to scare them. The trees are a good sign though. They might make for a good place to rest for awhile." If no one stops him, he leads the way towards the trees.

Derrick rolled 17 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

"I agree we should approach openly. I have certain gifts that should allow me to communicate with the denizens of this place." The kasunda's forehead glistens with sweat. "I recommend we stop outside of the trees and allow them to approach us. It will be harder to traverse any boundaries—literal or metaphorical—if we do not push farther in without permission."