Overview
The Hernand Highlands are a vast expanse of land in central Hernand owned by Serkis. Animals and birds, as yet undisturbed by human interference, inhabit the plateau where dense forests stretch across the landscape. Rumors speak of hidden spaces near the fields overlooking Hernand that remain officially undiscovered.
The highlands are a key location in the Chapter 2 storyline, hosting several main quests tied to Shakatu and the Goldleaf Merchant Guild conflicts. Beneath the plateau lies the Hernand Highlands Cavern, a cave system that contains valuable mineral deposits.
Location
The Hernand Highlands occupy the central area of the Hernand region. The City of Hernand lies to the north, and the Greymane Camp at Howling Hill is to the southeast. The Dragon's Stone Chamber entrance can be found north of Thinker's Meadow within the highlands. A bulletin board in the area provides local notices and quest information.
Hernand Highlands Cavern
The Hernand Highlands Cavern is located southeast of the Greymane Camp at Howling Hill. It is the earliest reliable source of diamonds in the game. The cavern is accessed through a narrow cave opening, and players can mine up to 10 diamonds at the deposits found at the end of the passage.
Diamonds are essential crafting components used in the creation of Abyss Gear, making the cavern an important early-game farming location. The deposits respawn periodically, allowing repeated visits.
Dragon's Stone Chamber
The Dragon's Stone Chamber is an underground puzzle area found within the Hernand Highlands, with its entrance located north of Thinker's Meadow. The chamber contains an Abyss Cresset puzzle that rewards an Abyss Artifact upon completion.
Quests
The Hernand Highlands serve as the setting for key main quests in Chapter 2's "The End of Greed" sub-chapter.
Quest | Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
27th Main Quest | Bandits have kidnapped Hubert, the Healer. Kliff must travel to the highlands, defeat the kidnappers at their campsite, and rescue Hubert. Rewards a Standard Inventory Expansion Tool. | |
28th Main Quest | Following the rescue of Hubert, Kliff must find Shakatu in the highlands to confirm the details of the incidents in Hernand. Soldiers attack upon arrival and must be defeated before speaking with Shakatu. |
Key NPCs
NPC | Role |
|---|---|
Hubert, the Healer | A healer who is kidnapped by bandits during the Kidnapped Healer quest. |
The Trademaster of the Goldleaf Merchant Guild. Found in the highlands during the Rebellion or Revolution quest. |
Enemies and Wildlife
The Hernand Highlands are inhabited by both hostile forces and natural wildlife.
Enemies
Enemy | Notes |
|---|---|
Armed guards found throughout the highlands. | |
Shakatu's Soldier | Soldiers loyal to Shakatu, encountered during Rebellion or Revolution. |
Various bandits who patrol the plateau and surrounding roads. |
Wildlife
Creature | Notes |
|---|---|
Mountain Moth | Insect found across the highland plateau. |
Mesite | A bird species inhabiting the undisturbed forests. |
Resources
Resource | Location |
|---|---|
Diamond (x10) | Hernand Highlands Cavern, at the end of the narrow cave passage. |
Gatherable fruit/vegetable found across the highlands. |
Equipment
Item | Type |
|---|---|
One-handed weapon found in the Hernand Highlands. |
Tips
Visit the Hernand Highlands Cavern early in your playthrough to farm diamonds for Abyss Gear crafting. The deposits respawn after a short time, so you can make repeated trips.
During the Kidnapped Healer quest, you can ride past most enemies on your way to Hubert's campsite to save time.
The bulletin board in the highlands provides local notices and may point to additional activities in the area.
The Dragon's Stone Chamber puzzle is worth seeking out for its Abyss Artifact reward.