A page in his journal...
-
Written in the language of Thay in the private journal of Enzo Ifferial…
The season upon us has left Peltarch somewhat inactive. I continue to wait for my audience with the Senate, but have yet to hear from the Magistrate. I spend my free time traveling about the local area, sometimes south to Jiyyd, but I find myself more often walking the dark halls of Oscura.
Jiyyd is a quaint place, far more sedate than its locale in the barbarian lands would suggest. The people there are a provincial sort. They waste away their days showing off their children to one another and allowing the frivolous Hin to crawl all about them like furry animals. Once in a great while, some person possessing a wild magic will show up in the place. Pandemonium ensues as the furry creatures of the town run about, jumping from the lightning and thunder, and then proclaiming that they will banish the evil foes once and for all! It can be quite entertaining.
Nonetheless, Jiyyd is well-situated on the Long Road. Even now, the town organizes a trade shipment to Damara to alleviate their food woes. If they only knew the volume of Rashemi grain that flowed so nearby, they might take another course of action to help their plight. I have began to speak with a number of the locals who are organizing this trade route. Following my conversation with Danetar, it seems that with careful planning, a route of slaves might be established from the regions of the Zhentarim to Oscura, and then onward to Thay. How profitable such an enterprise would be one can only imagine.
As for Oscura, it is a fell place. A certain smell permeates the air as heavy as the darkness. The temple of Bane does not help with the ambience, nor does the occasional dead body and blood washed walls. I have learned that it was entirely abandoned when recently discovered, and that all of its current inhabitants have moved in of recent. That is of disappointing news, for no one there knows much of where the deeper passages might lead. There is a ship captain with crew that is docked at the underground port, yet I have not caught him at a time where he would discuss with me what he knows of the river’s path. I continue to hope that this river is an undiscovered conduit that might run secret and safe across Thesk to my homeland. What a find that would be! Yet it may be too much to wish for, as I guess the distance to be near five hundred miles. Five hundred miles underground, as well… if at any place it opens fully into the Underdark… well then even if it connects, it would be less than secret… and far, far less than safe.
-
