It's a fantasy role-playing game.

DM: You are Vex Vex'ahlia, a half-elf ranger . You are the member of the famous group of adventurers. Previously, They stumbled upon a small hive of basilisks that surrounded an obelisk of Ioun, which gave them their first clue as to the location where this sphinx could be found. They battled the basilisks, destroyed their underground hive, or at least the exit from it, via Fireballs and Stone Walls and other such endeavors.
DM: All right. You guys continue to head south, eventually following the path that you lead along with Keyleth's directional--
Player: I keep an eye out for any enemies along the way.
DM: Indeed you do, make a perception check, being the scout person for this.
Player: I'm going to do that with advantage because I'm in the woods.
DM: You're in the forest, yeah, that is true.
Player: 25.
DM: 25. With that, you manage to skirt the outside of what appears to be another localized basilisk nest. You catch it early enough and guide the party around it to avoid that on your way.
Player: Let's go this way and then circle back.
DM: You eventually make your way to the outskirts of the forest, the trees begin to thin out, the snow begins to melt, the temperature begins to rise somewhat. It's still cold-ish, but it's less freezing.
