The Desert Jewel

This article is about the book. For other uses, see The Desert Jewel (disambiguation).

The Desert Jewel is a written log of the SDGS Southern Expedition of February 3rd 2021, from the perspective of rshuttle1337. It is available for review in the SDGS archive in Edale, and copies can be found for sale in bookshops accross the server.

> 'A huge cavern stands before us, carved by the Gods themselves. Mr Percival has come to call this place the BIG DARK HOLE.'
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## Synopsis

A band of six adventurers set off on a voyage to explore the Great Desert of the South, and encounter many interesting sights along the journey. Once there, they discover an unusual village with an unbelievable secret, and unwittingly awake an ancient curse.

## Transcript

`Direct transcript of 1st edition. Some mistakes and inaccuracies may occur. These to be corrected in 2nd edition.`

The SGS Deep South Expedition.

Crew:

Captain Robert Roberts; Navigator Montgomery Percival; Meteorologist Rowan Shand McIntosh; Able Seeman Invader; Cook Daniela Churrokat.

Captains Log, Day 25324 (2 Feb. 21)

After a short delay, we have henceforce departed on our grand voyage to the deep south. Mr McIntosh reports clear skies ahead!

Captains Log, Day 25325

We have stumbled across a marvel of nature - a huge cavern stands before us, carved by the Gods themselves.

Mr Percival has come to call this place the BIG DARK HOLE.

Able Crewman Cornemer has joined us today to lend an extra hand in the voyage.

At high afternoon, we discovered a beautiful natural harbour at -1140 2740. I and Crewman Cornemer took a little dabble in the local hotsprings.

Captains Log, Day 25326

We have set sail to the famed Circular Savannah. Legends say it is particularly circular.

Unfortunately, Churro went overboard and the HMS Dean was sunk by a stray trident. Thankfully we crafted a new boat and Churro was quickly rescued - now the adventure continues!

A splendid vista afronts us: a natural island of lovely proportions at -1260 3420. It shall be henceforth known as Watchtower Rock!

To my personal dispair, today we lost our cook Churro. However, the crew will forever carry her in our hearts. I will miss her Coked Chicken in particular - it is no understatement to say I am most afraid of Percival's cooking skills.

After travelling on the sea for many minutes, we have finally passed the Twin Islands of the Southern Sea and been presented with the Circular Savannah! Indeed, the reports were true, it is incredibly cycloidal. We have set up camp on Cozy Island, just off the coast of the Circular Savannah.

Captains Log, Day 25327

A small fight broke out between Crewman Invader & Cornemer at breakfast, but was quickly disrupted by Percival who was having none of it.

Percival's cooking skills proved fatal at breakfast, as Mr McIntosh was poisoned and began halucinating that we were walking upon the water, like the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (amen)

We have discovered the most intruiging of structures off the coast of the Circular Savannah. A cuboid structure made of stonebrick, all that was inside was a chest with an axe and wheat. We had to quickly depart the area after being ambushed by zombies from the depths.

Travelling around the western edge of the Circular Savannah, we spotted the mythic Greater Sand Mound, slightly obscured by the lesser Sand Mound. Nearby were a few nether portals of unknown origin, including one parculiarly levitating above the ocean.

Before setting foot on land, we were ambushed by a skeleton and unforunately the HMS Dean sank again. Thankfully, it was quickly repaired and back on the open ocean.

Captains Log, Day 25238

Percival has plotted a course to lead us to our final destination - the Great Desert of the South. I am truly jubilated to see this landform's magnificence.

Our dreams have been made. Today, on the final day of our voyage, we have discovered something that we could never have imagined.

Standing before us is a village of desert natives, but more spectacularly there lies a ravine slicing through the village, with the world's now second discovered stronghold!

We ventured in the stronghold after a group photo, and unfortunately Percival wasinjured in a creeper explosion. Minimal damage to the stronghold.

This truly was a spectacular voyage to be remembered by the ages. The prestigiousness of the Shuttle Geographical Survey has risen on this day. Invader, the blasted fool, stole the Jewel of the Desert! We discovered it in his possession upon returning to Noxburgh. What has he done?!

Something strange is happening to him. His name... it's cursed... cursed for all time I say!

Alas, it is time to end this journal. What a voyage indeed! I will make sure to stay away from Invader for a while.

Captain Robert Roberts.

3 February, 2021.

In memory of Churrokat.