Checking In [End]
Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:20 pm
Okoye, though considerably weary from her mission in Hojuku, wasted no time embarking on the next leg of her journey. She needed rest.. she knew that.. But she had no intention of returning to Helidor, or stopping at all for that matter. She remained resolute, despite the benign injuries she incurred during the previous battle and the relentless pace she had maintained for the past twenty-eight hours. There was a glazed look behind her crimson eyes that conveyed there was no consciousness walking along the golden grasslands. That was because Okoye was consumed with the notion of her growth– in particular her knowledge of the Unseen. And honing the techniques she developed along the way.
-- During her extended convalescence beneath the protective mantle of the Gilded Fangs, Okoye's fascination with the arcane transformed into an all-consuming obsession. Within the revered confines of their Athenaeum, she delved deep into a vast repository of esoteric wisdom, immersing herself in a labyrinthine maze of ancient tomes and scrolls. She convinced herself that the power she needed to usurp the B'halian Throne could be found within mastery of its secrets.
With unwavering dedication, Okoye meticulously dissected the cryptic writings of powerful warlocks and elven sorcerers old enough to recount the distant epochs of the First Turn. Many of their techniques and research were shrouded in foreign languages or concealed behind intricate ciphers, initially presenting formidable obstacles to Okoye's pursuit of knowledge. Yet, undeterred, she devoted countless hours and days to unraveling their mysteries, decoding ancient ledgers and committing their secrets to memory with relentless determination.
Among the countless luminaries whose works she devoured, one name shone with a brilliance that surpassed all others: an Ovan Hellgate. Renowned throughout the realms as a paragon of wisdom and insight, Ovan stood as the preeminent authority among a collective of sorcerers devoted to the study of the Unseen. Despite his reputation as a nomadic wanderer, Okoye made it her solemn mission to seek out this enigmatic sage, driven by an unquenchable thirst for enlightenment and understanding.
Her research toward locating the esteemed sage directed her toward the distant reaches of the Tarakan Plains. She'd never been before today, but she definitely read up about the territory before she continued. At first glance, the region looked to be a sprawling landscape of undulating gold, complimented by a mesmerizing panorama of rolling hills and sweeping valleys. But the plains themselves however were rugged and diverse. As she ventured deeper into the heart of the territory, the air grew colder, biting at her skin like the sharp edge of a blade. The ground was cracked and weathered, and the occasional boulder punctuated the horizon, falling from the cliff sides of the imposing Hyperion Mountain above. Trees were scarce, their presence a rarity in this harsh environment.
Yet, despite the sparse vegetation, the Tarkan Plains teemed with life. Every creature that called this wilderness home possessed remarkable natural camouflage, and were capable of blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Okoye treaded cautiously, mindful of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the golden grasses and behind the weathered boulders. She was dressed appropriately, but she felt as if her body was going to give way at any moment. Her Naten reserves were exhausted and her vision was starting to blur. And it didn't help that Dusk was approaching soon.
—
Luckily, Okoye navigated her way through the wilderness and found a small, reclusive settlement just outside of it. She thought it was too remote to be considered a town, but not bigger than any tribe or small village. However, as she analyzed the architecture of the buildings, her eyes fixated on what looked to be an inn located at the edge of the quiet kept community. “.. just one night.” She bartered with herself. Every bone in her body wanted to continue forward with her search for Ovan, but her mind was beginning to shut down. She thought it best she get some rest and start fresh in the morning.. She could use some of the money she accrued from her mission with the Spectral Fang and buy herself a room. So she made her way through the nameless town and walked through the door of the tavern.
-- During her extended convalescence beneath the protective mantle of the Gilded Fangs, Okoye's fascination with the arcane transformed into an all-consuming obsession. Within the revered confines of their Athenaeum, she delved deep into a vast repository of esoteric wisdom, immersing herself in a labyrinthine maze of ancient tomes and scrolls. She convinced herself that the power she needed to usurp the B'halian Throne could be found within mastery of its secrets.
With unwavering dedication, Okoye meticulously dissected the cryptic writings of powerful warlocks and elven sorcerers old enough to recount the distant epochs of the First Turn. Many of their techniques and research were shrouded in foreign languages or concealed behind intricate ciphers, initially presenting formidable obstacles to Okoye's pursuit of knowledge. Yet, undeterred, she devoted countless hours and days to unraveling their mysteries, decoding ancient ledgers and committing their secrets to memory with relentless determination.
Among the countless luminaries whose works she devoured, one name shone with a brilliance that surpassed all others: an Ovan Hellgate. Renowned throughout the realms as a paragon of wisdom and insight, Ovan stood as the preeminent authority among a collective of sorcerers devoted to the study of the Unseen. Despite his reputation as a nomadic wanderer, Okoye made it her solemn mission to seek out this enigmatic sage, driven by an unquenchable thirst for enlightenment and understanding.
Her research toward locating the esteemed sage directed her toward the distant reaches of the Tarakan Plains. She'd never been before today, but she definitely read up about the territory before she continued. At first glance, the region looked to be a sprawling landscape of undulating gold, complimented by a mesmerizing panorama of rolling hills and sweeping valleys. But the plains themselves however were rugged and diverse. As she ventured deeper into the heart of the territory, the air grew colder, biting at her skin like the sharp edge of a blade. The ground was cracked and weathered, and the occasional boulder punctuated the horizon, falling from the cliff sides of the imposing Hyperion Mountain above. Trees were scarce, their presence a rarity in this harsh environment.
Yet, despite the sparse vegetation, the Tarkan Plains teemed with life. Every creature that called this wilderness home possessed remarkable natural camouflage, and were capable of blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Okoye treaded cautiously, mindful of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the golden grasses and behind the weathered boulders. She was dressed appropriately, but she felt as if her body was going to give way at any moment. Her Naten reserves were exhausted and her vision was starting to blur. And it didn't help that Dusk was approaching soon.
—
Luckily, Okoye navigated her way through the wilderness and found a small, reclusive settlement just outside of it. She thought it was too remote to be considered a town, but not bigger than any tribe or small village. However, as she analyzed the architecture of the buildings, her eyes fixated on what looked to be an inn located at the edge of the quiet kept community. “.. just one night.” She bartered with herself. Every bone in her body wanted to continue forward with her search for Ovan, but her mind was beginning to shut down. She thought it best she get some rest and start fresh in the morning.. She could use some of the money she accrued from her mission with the Spectral Fang and buy herself a room. So she made her way through the nameless town and walked through the door of the tavern.