Greetings, noble adventurer,
I am Yorvan Wisly, geographer and naturalist at the Royal Academy of Wontanian Knowledge.
After many years of study within the walls of the Academy, I have finally decided to venture out into the world and measure my knowledge against the realities of the field. The life of adventure I have always dreamed of finally lies before me, with all its uncertainties, dangers, and discoveries.
The mere thought of beholding the ruins of Akha-Lang with my own eyes or exploring the remains of the Necropolis of Hys fills me with such excitement that I cannot sleep a wink.
And yet, I must rest, for tomorrow is the great day. The day when I will pass through the gates of the Academy, no longer as a professor, but as an explorer.
12 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
It has now been more than a week since I left Whitecastle. I followed the main road to Rivehaute, where I replenished my provisions. From here on, I have decided to follow only less-traveled paths as I continue my journey. I will follow the coast eastward as far as the Fratt River, then follow it upstream to Geltanne, the capital of Fandagorn.
14 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
While traveling through the dense forest of Elticia, I was fortunate enough to come across a Mycophagous Troll. It was in a state of torpor, so I was able to observe it undisturbed and even take the time to make several sketches.
They are peaceful creatures, but I was careful to keep my distance. I know all too well how violently they react when the mushrooms they feed on are disturbed, even when one is accidentally trampled underfoot.
I intend to remain here for several days so that I may continue observing it discreetly. This is an exceptional opportunity, especially so soon into my journey.
17 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
These three days spent studying the Mycophagous Troll have been a genuine pleasure and remarkably instructive. I cannot wait to show the results of my observations to my colleagues at the Academy, especially that pest Yorinna.
Still, it is time for me to get back on the road.
19 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
Here I am in Geltanne, the capital of the Kingdom of Fandagorn. I have never been here before. What strikes me most is the sheer number of shops and stalls stretching from the quays along the Fratt River into every street in the city. Merchants from far and wide offer everything from food and weapons to jewelry and all manner of exotic trinkets.
Incredible! I even crossed paths with a serpent-man from faraway Nassa, in the land of Nalya.
The Fandagornians are also immensely proud of their famous lions, which roam the foothills of White Fang, the highest peak in this remarkable kingdom. I dream of seeing one with my own eyes. Unfortunately, my journey does not take me that way. Tomorrow, I will head southeast and cross the plains of Alanganie toward Xartas.
20 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
I left at first light this morning with a slight pang of regret. There is so much to discover in this city that even a week would hardly have been enough. But I am not here as a tourist. I set out to explore the world and put my knowledge to the test against the realities of the field, and I must not allow myself to become distracted.
The plains of Alanganie are somewhat monotonous, I must admit. An endless expanse of dry grassland, dotted with the occasional tree.
This evening, I found a good place to make camp near a small watering hole. I am going to pitch my tent a good distance away. With a little luck, perhaps some animals will come here to drink.
21 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
What luck! This morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, three magnificent griffins came to drink at the watering hole.
I crept as close as I could through the grass and observed them for quite some time.
Such majesty, such nobility in the way they carry themselves! They truly are creatures of legend.
Seeing them from so close, it is easy to understand why they stand at the very top of the food chain. Razor-sharp talons, powerful muscles, and keen eyesight. They are predators without equal. And remarkably intelligent ones at that. I am certain they noticed me, yet not one of them made the slightest movement to suggest it was on its guard. They must have realized I posed no threat and simply left me alone.
Even so, I was extremely fortunate. Had they been hungry, I might not be here to write these few lines.
23 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
My journey across the plains of Alanganie is finally over. It was a journey rich in discoveries, though it did become somewhat monotonous toward the end. Fortunately, the griffins brightened my travels, and I now find myself in the land of Xartas, on the shores of Lake Dalryss, the largest lake in Sudalya.
Many legends were born here, and many fantastical creatures are said to dwell in its waters. One of the best known is the Undine of Dalryss, a water nymph said to have been born alongside the lake itself and to have watched over it ever since.
Who knows? Perhaps I will glimpse her upon the surface of the lake, dancing beneath the moon, or hear her song echoing along its shores. For now, I am exhausted from the long march and will make camp. I do not think I will stay up late tonight.
24 Maiea, Year 70 of the Borr Era
The night's rest was restorative, and I no longer feel the slightest ache in my muscles. If I let myself drift into reverie, I might almost believe it was the undine's doing.
How magnificent this lake is in the first light of dawn, with its iridescent colors and veils of mist drifting slowly across its blue waters. I can easily understand why so many legends were born here, in the hearts of bards and minstrels enchanted by such a sight.
It is time to break camp and continue my journey. Next stop, Zeltarsis.
P.S. I found several pieces of fruit at the bottom of my bag. I do not remember gathering them. Am I losing my mind, or could it have been the undine who... In the end, it hardly matters. Such are the things that can happen on the shores of this mysterious lake.
