The Last Trek of Ferdinand Hertalson
It is after years of research and exploration, retracing the steps of the man thought to be the greatest explorer to ever live, utilizing just a few pages allegedly torn from his legendary personal journal, and diving daringly into the jungle that I, Digmund Dagsby, believe I may have finally traced Ferdinand Hertalson's final trek into the Great Vorthali Forest. Previous researchers attempting to plot Hertalson's route made grossly inaccurate assumptions about his need to follow rivers or streams in order to maintain bearing. I, however, now know that he had not been travelling alone and in fact had an extremely competent Wayfinder leading him and had avoided water sources entirely. With this newfound information, it may be possible to one day find Hertalson's remains and perhaps, if we are lucky, his journal.
Geography
A Change in Direction
"It was brought to my attention the apparent dangers associated with travelling alongside the larger streams, but more importantly, I hadn't considered the likelihood that it wouldn't be located near water. And so I looked north and south of the Great River and wondered if it would be lower or higher. I chose north."The first few sentences from Hertalson's journal made it clear he did not take his original intended path of following the Great Vorthali River south to its tributaries; he clearly states his intent to travel north, or towards lower elevation. And the phrase "brought to my attention" was the first clue that he had at least one companion with him.
Passed the Cauldron
"I never enjoy travelling away from the river as the further you drift away the harder it is to find your way back. But without doing so I may never have discovered the Cauldron, which we passed some days ago. Furthermore, I will never discover anything new if I continue to follow the same path. With guidance, I may just find it out here in the uncharted jungle."The Cauldron is located northeast from the second of the Great Bends. I began my first exploration at the start of the second bend and was forced to guess how far Hertalson travelled from there before turning north.
The Camp
"A heavy storm has formed and streams run heavily at this lower elevation. I have discovered an outcropping near a stagnant pond that will provide suitable shelter until the rain passes."It was not until my third expedition that I discovered where I believe Hertalson's party camped through what may have been the Parali Storm after it had hit Vora. As evidence of their presence, I found charcoal buried under the cropping I discovered and I have taken great pleasure in naming the pond after myself. Many researchers had hypothesized that it was during the storm Hertalson may have perished, but the continuation of his journal is proof of their underestimation on the constitution of the fifty year old explorer.
Waning Meadows
"It has been two weeks since leaving the pond and I have discovered a strange phenomena. Out here in this unexplored region of the jungle the otherwise rigid Vorthali Sumau appears to sway above this clearing. Unfortunately, the environment is not permitting enough for further investigation until I return with more resources; perhaps additional security."After locating Hertalson's camp, I had gained false confidence. I continued north, stumbling blindly through the jungle. For weeks I wandered, scouring the pages for any clue as I studied and mapped the landscape. I had decided to return to the pond and try a new direction when I collapsed from exhaustion in a small clearing. As I sat, recovering, I noticed the sun seemingly get brighter, shining as it would in an open field. Looking up, I witnessed the trees move outwards and found myself facing the sun. But as soon as the light began to shine brilliantly, it was covered by silhouette and I quickly learned of the dangers of the Waning Meadows.
The Rest Unsolved
"This is the heart of the Great Jungle. If it is not here, then the [illegible] does not exist and neither do [illegible]..."There is no more useful information left in the pages I have, but I am certain what Hertalson was searching for is near the Meadows. I will begin my search next summer with a larger party. I have devoted all my gold to this, and I will find him and what it is that he so desperately sought.
Type
Forest, Jungle (Tropical)
Location under
Oh I hope they can find out what happened!