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.

Digmund Dagsby's Search

Open full size

A map drawn by Digmund Dagsby of his expeditions to search for Ferdinand Hertalson. Dagsby used a few pages from the legendary explorer Hertalson's notebook in order to track him to a region of the Great Vorthali Forest.

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

The Great Vorthali Forest

Ferdinand Hertalson

Widely considered to be one of the greatest explorers to have lived, Ferdinand Hertalson paved the way for long term survival on Vorthal. He spent over 30 years charting the rivers and streams, detailing topography, and cataloging animals and plants. He has many published works, none more famous than Vorthali Forest Creatures - A Compendium which includes short, but thoroughly useful descriptions of nearly every creature he had encountered.

The Original Plan

In the summer of 1248, Hertalson had planned an expedition to follow the Great Vorthali River from Vora to its sources in the Lieori Range on Vorthal's west coast. He planned to go alone as he often did when he felt that his travels would be relatively safe. However, despite his vast experience, he did not return and was assumed to have perished along the river.

The Cauldron

The second largest Fogland known in the Vorthali Forest, the Cauldron is perfuse with arcane energy and filled with the deadliest of Vorthal's creatures. While most wouldn't dare go near it, some particularly experienced hunters have developed methods of baiting animals outside of the fog rather than attempting to hunt them inside.

Digmund Pond

There are few safe places to recover when travelling up the Great Vorthali River. Digmund Pond has recently started to develop due to its somehow peaceful environment. Despite the small population, only a few dozen permanent residents, many explorers have begun stockpiling resources there in order to facilitate future expeditions deeper into the forest.

Waning Meadows

The Waning Meadows is a region of the forest where the trees seem to sway in and out, opening and closing the canopy far above. It was discovered recently that this phenomena is actually created by king vultures as they descend to the forest floor to feed.