He can hear Stratos hold back an undignified snort of laughter before he gives a gently chiding response that nonetheless has a hint of amusement beneath it. "That is a dangerous habit. I don't think he brought you all the way to this realm just to see his beloved dash his head on a mountainside."

Stratos is wishing, just now, that he'd spent more time working on figuring out those levitation spells. But Jim has a sound plan, and he nods slowly.

"I didn't think to bring one, but that's no matter. Let me check I have this position recorded." He cups his PINpoint with his hand as he takes it out to set the location, just in case any stealthy eyes are watching from the forest. "Wait here but a minute or two."

Technology and magic alike: they each have their ways of loading their dice. Stratos vanishes back to his camp and returns presently with a long coil of requisitioned rope slung over his shoulder. He takes another assessing look at the route Jim has to climb, and turns a reassuring look at the captain.

"Ordinarily I might try to insist I go, but aside from your experience, if I remain here, and you fall, then I can catch you telekinetically. You don't need to carry the rope up either, as a point of fact."