A Most Dangerous Entomological Expedition

A Most Dangerous Entomological Expedition is a Lore book found inside of the library.

It is I, Professor Bonlin Amepongo. You've no doubt heard of me due to my legendary discoveries gathering data for the Encyclopedia Palia, or my well chronicled exploits in Entomology Monthly. When my friends at the Bahari Institute asked me to come to the region and document some of the unique insects that call the area home, I was unable to resist. I've had my eye on a trip to this lovely region for years, and I simply cannot wait to catalog some of the marvelous specimens found here, including the Kilima Night Moth; a variant with beautiful silvery wings.

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After four days travelling by coach, I've finally arrived in Kilima Village; a cozy little hamlet near the coast where the Inn has good drinks and friendly company. Though, the place is clearly a backwater seeing as no one here has ever heard of me. The locals, however, make an apple cobbler that is like nothing you've ever tasted. It is, no doubt, how the Innkeeper became the stout man he is today! Before I head out for research, I've purchased every cobbler that I can find in the village, stuffed myself near to bursting with its sticky, syrupy deliciousness, and packed as many as I can fit into my travel pack. This caused a brief kerfuffle with the local mayor who initially complained about my cobbler-pocalypse, mumbling something about needing them for an upcoming festival. Clearly, the portly fellow wanted all the pies for himself. When I told him I was here on business from the Institute however, his demeanor quickly changed and he became my escort for the day. This was the treatment I should have received upon my arrival, but better late than never I suppose. Though the place is... quaint, my brief time here in Kilima Village has been rather enjoyable overall.

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This morning, I left the comfort of the village for the backcountry. Where better to find the most impressive specimens and expand my legacy further? After all, one does not get to be as famous as I without going the extra distance to find the truly extraordinary. This particular area is known for its population of Jewel-Wing Dragonflies. Showing off their iridescent golden and green bodies, this is a majestic, beautiful, and quite elusive creature. It is unlikely that someone like you, Dear Reader, could ever hope to capture one alive. It requires the utmost coordination and skill. But I, Professor Bonlin Amepongo, am no amateur. I shall capture and catalog one, and report here once I have a magnificent specimen in hand.

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Dirty, sneaky little trickster! After almost an hour pursuing it, I was about to capture my quarry when I was tripped down the hill, tumbling end over end. Someone as famous as I could never be clumsy, so obviously the notion proposed by some that the tree root had already been there is completely preposterous. (Editor's Note: This is a well known area and the tree root in question has been there for decades.) Clearly, the vile and devious Jewel-Wing sprung a trap for me! I hurtled down the hill uncontrollably until a tree stopped my tumble, ending in all of my delicious apple cobbler being smashed all over myself and belongings. No doubt this was part of the little menace's plan! Now I am sore from the impact, and tired from the exertion. I'll just lay here for a little while and rest, and eat what cobbler hasn't been destroyed to get my energy back before I continue my research.

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Thieves! Marauders! While resting at the base of the tree, eating what I could salvage of the apple cobbler, I dozed off for a bit... Yes, the sun had moved considerably throughout the sky, but that's just due to the time of year. It was only a few minutes, I'm certain! In that time my entire travel pack and all of its contents have been carried off by Kilima's version of "ants"! Monstrous little thugs as big as your hand, more like! (Editor's Note: The largest Kiliman Ant ever recorded was the size of a fingernail.) When I awoke, they had already made off with my pack and were happily sinking their mandible-knives into my flesh looking for more cobbler! Clearly, this had been the grand design of the nefarious Jewel-Wing all along! It also occurs to me that those wicked village folk may have also been in on it. Forcing all of that delicious pie upon me, knowing I would be irresistible to the insect-horrors that call this region home. Now I'm sticky, covered in painful bites, the sun is setting, and my supplies are gone. However, I remain undiscouraged! Undeterred! For I am Professor Bonlin Amepongo, the premier entomologist in Palia! And right now is the perfect time to seek out the Kilima Night Moth. Cataloging this creature in detail will further cement my name as one of the greatest bug brains of all time!

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You should have seen them Dear Reader! As I trudged along the path, weakened from my valiant wounds and on the verge of dying of starvation from not having eaten all evening, I was considering returning to the village to rest and recuperate when I saw them. Great, horrible, winged beasts, beating the air into submission with their silvery blades as they cruised the sky! There must have been 4... no... 8! No... 20 of the monsters flying right toward me! No doubt excited by the scent of my blood! (Editor's Note: It's a known fact that Kilima Night Moths do not drink blood, but are attracted to fruit... like apples.) Even the name "Kilima Night Moth" speaks to murderous intentions if I've ever heard it! I ran screaming into the woods as fast and as far as I could! Fortunately, I ran into a local hunter who was able to point me back in the direction of the village. I forget that lad's name now, started with an "H" I think. I tried to warn him of the horrible moth-bats and the danger ahead, but he just looked at me and slowly shook his head.

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The poor boy probably couldn't even comprehend the danger I was frantically trying to communicate to him. It's also possible that these ignorant folk are used to such sights, but let me tell you Dear Reader, civilized Majiri have no business out in the muck with these... monstrosities. I barely made it back to the village with my life. (Editor's Note: It is reported that Mr. Amepongo was found disheveled, with minor bruising and a few ant bites, and slightly sticky to the touch, but in otherwise good condition.)

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In conclusion, Dear Reader, you can see just how dangerous the art of entomology is, and why every bit of my fame is earned through blood, sweat, and tears. Though I did not catalogue any of the fiends that I encountered, only a seasoned explorer such as I, Professor Bonlin Amepongo, could have survived what was clearly an impossible mission from the outset. The region of Kilima is a terrible place. Hostile, unforgiving, and brutal. Inhabited by unnatural beasts and savage barbarians who look to turn you into bait for the region's monsters with their pies! My advice to you is to stay out of the woods, leave the hard work up to us professionals, and continue buying my books! Until the next adventure!

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