Vertical

The expedition is framed by the memory of the Great Patriotic War, with Lomov identified as a veteran. The setting places climbers in a harsh, timeless mountain environment where technology is limited and nature dictates pace. The postwar mood colors the characters’ sense of duty, risk, and sacrifice as they push toward the summit and back to safety.

The events unfold at the base and surrounding slopes of the fictional Or-Tau in the rugged Svaneti region. A remote village near the mountain serves as a waypoint where Lomov reunites with an old friend, Vissarion. The climbers set up a base camp at the mountain's foothills, facing sudden blizzards and harsh weather as they ascend and later struggle on the descent.

🧭 Leadership

Lomov’s leadership is tested as the team weighs the cyclone warning against the lure of the summit. His calm, strategic direction contrasts with moments of hesitation and risk among the climbers. The descent becomes a measure of trust, responsibility, and the cost of pushing forward.

🥶 Endurance

The climb subjects body and mind to extreme cold, scarce supplies, and physical strain. Gennadi’s inner conflict and the team’s collective suffering reveal a resilience born of hardship. Fatigue and danger test the climbers’ resolve, shaping their choices and bonds.

🗺️ Nature & Fate

Or-Tau’s unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain frame the human drama, reminding characters that nature is indifferent to ambition. The storm, frostbite, and a note from Iliko underscore the mountains’ final say over plans. Humility and courage become the response to forces larger than any expedition.