How do I get the rope from the dead man

Hint 1 of 12:

You'll need to bring him down to your level.

Hint 2 of 12:

Maybe if the river bed wasn't dry, it would be easier.

Hint 3 of 12:

Something is keeping the water from flowing to the river bed.

Hint 4 of 12:

The dam at the river fork must go.

Hint 5 of 12:

If only you could blow up the dam.

Hint 6 of 12:

You can, if you have gunpowder.

Hint 7 of 12:

You'll have to light it somehow.

Hint 8 of 12:

Have you picked up a strange rock lately?

Hint 9 of 12:

Then have you looked at it?