The ground grows rougher and rougher as you continue on, climbing in elevation. Several times during the day you've passed the great spirit-poles; crafted of wood, these stand fifty feet or more in hieght, and are carved with a variety of runes, symols and faces. You've moved across a valley, and the ground now leads into a small gorge in the side of what appears to be a low, rounded mountain. As dusk nears, the guides finally bring you to a stop. Before you, a huge boulder lies among the trees, partially blocking the way before you.
One guide turns to you. "Around this great rock is the Land of the Demon Serpents. This mountain is their home. We will go no further." With these words, the guides turn and quickly scurry away, back toward the village.
Although the guides have indicated that the entrance is before you, the slope of the mountain is climbable. Although fairly steep and rough, you believe you could accomplish the climb with fairly little trouble.