The Chasm is a vertiginous canyon used by the Bravos for pathfinder and climbing training. The location features a complex maze of landings, pulleys, and mechanisms designed to test trainees’ navigation and survival skills.
Geography
The Chasm is a vertiginous canyon with extreme vertical drops. From the bottom, a fjord is visible far below, while mountain peaks remain distant above. The canyon’s depth creates a sense of immense scale that tests trainees’ psychological resilience alongside physical capabilities.
The canyon serves as the halfway point in climbing exercises, where trainees pause to rest on small ledges before continuing their ascent. The distance from bottom to peak provides extended training that pushes physical endurance limits.
Training Facilities
The upper portions of the Chasm contain a maze of landings, pulleys, and mechanisms specifically designed for pathfinder training. These mechanisms are deliberately challenging—described as “nasty”—with each designed to test different skills. Every wrong step can result in a fall, making careful navigation essential.
The Yzmir have placed Sigils throughout the training area that slow falls, preventing fatal drops when trainees make mistakes. These safety measures allow for realistic high-risk training while protecting trainees from death.
Training Methods
Bravos pathfinder training at the Chasm emphasizes:
- Rock climbing and vertical movement
- Navigation through complex mechanical obstacles
- Problem-solving under physical duress
- Endurance during multi-hour ascents
- Recovery and strategic rest at intermediate points
Trainees are expected to reach varying distances on their attempts. Making it one-third of the way through the mechanisms represents beginner-level achievement, while reaching three-quarters marks advanced competency. Full completion of the course distinguishes elite pathfinders.
Historical Use
389 AC - Kojo and Sunniva Training
During a training session in 389 AC, Kojo Oduro and Sunniva Vavcarezza climbed the Chasm together. They reached the halfway point at a small ledge where they paused to catch their breath. The fjord already seemed far below while the peak remained distant above.
The climbing itself was described as nice despite the physical challenge. Sunniva demonstrated superior performance—she had previously made it almost three-quarters of the way through the Chasm’s mechanisms during an earlier attempt, while Kojo had only managed one-third. This disparity in performance was typical, as Sunniva ranked top in multiple training areas while Kojo often languished in the middle or bottom of rankings.
During their rest, Sunniva shared mint lollipops and sugared almonds—unconventional snack choices compared to typical dried fruit and granola bars. The companionship during the climb contrasted with other training pairs who maintained perpetual competitive tension.
Reputation
The Bravos call this location “the Chasm,” and the name captures both its physical characteristics and its reputation. The training it provides is considered essential for pathfinders who will eventually navigate dangerous terrain during Expeditionary Corps missions. The canyon’s challenges prepare trainees for the unpredictable environments they will encounter beyond Asgartha’s safety.
Safety Considerations
The Yzmir Sigils that slow falls represent a critical safety feature. Without these protections, the Chasm’s mechanisms would be potentially lethal rather than merely challenging. The Sigils allow trainees to learn from mistakes—experiencing falls without fatal consequences—which accelerates skill development while maintaining acceptable risk levels.
Relationships
- Sunniva Vavcarezza: Trained at the Chasm, reached three-quarters completion (389 AC)
- Kojo Oduro: Trained at the Chasm, reached one-third completion (389 AC)