Waterfall Vertical 20X54

I had an idea for a fight/race where 2 groups were racing to get to the top of a waterfall. The conceit was that the fight or race would happen in the vertical. Obviously, none of my players could fly as that would negate the whole thing. So I needed a vertical map and I really couldn't find one, So I quickly made this in Dungeon Alchemist. Feel free to use this if you like the idea.


I used standard 5.5e climbing rules but made some specific rules for this map to play into the verticallity.

Rule da first -You can use the one main vine on either side of the waterfall to climb without having to make an Athletics check but, if you are climbing anywhere else you can still use the smaller vines to climb and not make that check but you have a 50/50 chance of those vines breaking.

Rule 1a - I would let them make a DC 13 dexterity saving throw to grab other vines. Then, I would roll a d\[amount of feet they were trying to move\] to determine how much higher they got before slipping. If they made the DC they only get to move as many feet as they rolled. If they fail then that is the spot they fall from. So if you pass you want a high roll and if you fail you want a low roll.

Rule 1b - The PC's or NPCs could use there action to quickly study the vines around them and if they beat a DC 13 perception check, The odds of the vines breaking dropped to 25% as long as they followed the path I said looked safest.

Another rule - If an outcropping is between 2 combatants then they have anywhere from full cover to half cover. I was using Foundry VTT so this was fairly automatic, doing this without that automation might be a pain.

Rule the next - While climbing you can cast spells with only verbal components without any issue but if it requires somatic or material components, they need to make a DC 13 dex \[Acrobatics or Athletics\] Skill check. No one tried to shoot a bow from that position but I could see making it possible but very difficult.

Rule next\[a\] - If you get to an outcropping or spot you can stand then you can shoot a bow or cast a somatic spell without a penalty.

We had fun with this map and I am shocked I was unable to find any waterfall vertical maps that fit my jungle theme. I can't be the first person to run a race or battle this way.


I also made some custom digital tokens using Hero Forge in a not often used perspective.