S14 - Conversations by Campfire Report

General Summary

On its last legs, the party contemplates retreat, but Murasaki, Sana, and Jiko rejoin the battle and mop up the remaining Kotsu. However, the source of Taint still lurked within the village and Sana said to leave it up to her. As the party retreats, she dashes into the village and explodes in a massive fireball. The destruction revealed a blood-red Kimon hovering in the air, frightening her. Acutely alone, Sana makes a mad dash out of the village.

After the harrowing battle, the party camps at a clearing close to the Sekawa. Murasaki wants to immediately fight the gate, but only Akira volunteers. Nevertheless, the party agreed that the two should scout it since no one knows anything about a Kimon.

Meanwhile, Yamami attempted to commune with her ancestors. She reminded them that she is the last Fujioka seeking to return the Yata mirror. Her ancestor responds that she is not the last of the clan, and she will never hear from them again if she commits another transgression.

As dusk falls over Hinomoto, the scouts trudge back to Saigomura. Akira asks Murasaki why the party dislikes her actions, and she responds that what she does may be over the top but it is what she believes is right.

Upon arrival in Saigomura, Murasaki approaches the seemingly quiet portal. As she stalks closer, it activates and an Oni steps out. They escape its notice and flee back to camp.

Back at the camp, Jiko, Murasaki, and Sana slept, while the rest talked and opened up about their pasts. Some asked questions because they were simply curious, but some prodded the others as if it were an interrogation.

Mizuki explains that a noble like her is on the wall since her Inugami is taboo. The party is horrified at the process of creating one and Mizuki reasons that she only wanted a shikigami.
Jugen reveals his family name is Tagoshi and that he had been enslaved by the Kokuen when they destroyed his village 4 years ago. He was taught how to fight by his father, who had died defending their village. He is unsure why he and Minami have the glowing tattoos.

Akira divulges that his last name is Ryumine. He grew up with his maternal grandfather and that his mother died during his birth. Kyo mentions that he knew Lady Ryumine since he worked at the palace and asks Akira if the Ryumine clan even knew of his existence. Akira is unsure since he only knew his grandfather. Mizuki points out that Kyo is lying about working at the palace, and so the spotlight shifts to him.

Kyo dodges queries about his last name, saying he required Jiko's permission. Suspicion that he is Kokuen mounts, but he vehemently denies this since he hated them so much. When pressed further, he concedes that he loathes them because his job was to protect the imperial palace's assets.


Session report provided by souly