## Mt. Hirota & Mt. Aitho
*Character count: 2608*
Mt. Hirota Overview
Mt. Hirota is a snow-covered mountain west of a volcano. At its summit stands a samurai temple that is home to Kaz Hirota, the Last Samurai. The mountain should feel severe, quiet, sacred, and disciplined. A Buddhist temple crowns the summit, and monks train there under Kaz's reluctant protection.
Kaz Hirota
Kaz is the sole survivor of a samurai order once sworn to protect Avaris. Cinis was responsible for the catastrophe that wiped out Kaz's brethren. Since then, Kaz has upheld their vows alone. He is stoic, pragmatic, cynical, and deeply bound to duty. He believes the world is often not worth saving and only intervenes when disaster threatens the entire continent.
He sees most people as distractions and demands proof of worthiness before offering aid. One of his few acts of kindness was allowing monks to remain at the temple and train. That is the only real company he has had in years.
Campaign Role of Mt. Hirota
Mt. Hirota is where the players should finally gain proof that Cinis is the mastermind behind the larger pattern of attacks. By identifying Cinis and understanding the scale of his plan, the party proves itself worthy to Kaz. He then offers his assistance in the final confrontation and may join the party.
Mt. Aitho Overview
Mt. Aitho is an inactive volcano rumored to be ruled by a mysterious man whose identity is not fully unraveled until late in the campaign. That ruler is Cinis.
Appearance
- old obsidian structures
- burnt down wooden houses
- a trail leading upward toward the summit
- a sense that the land was once inhabited but has long since been consumed by fire, fear, or abandonment
Cinis
Cinis leads a draconic rule movement in Avaris. He commands cultists and seeks to weaken villages across the continent so dragons can rule over all. His campaign begins with the attack on Wyverngard. He and his dragon, Ash, serve as the final threat of the story.
Rumors and Local Fear
Few people truly understand what lies on Mt. Aitho. No subjects of its ruler are seen leaving, if any remain alive at all. Adventurers report hearing roars late at night, and many claim the winds become so violent near the mountain that no one can get beyond its base. Rumors say dragons, but most people treat the subject as distant, uncomfortable, and easier to ignore than confront.
Campaign Role of Mt. Aitho
Mt. Aitho is the final destination of the campaign. Kaz Hirota should direct the party here after recognizing their worth. He reveals that a trail on Mt. Aitho leads to Cinis' fortress, setting the stage for the final battle against Cinis and Ash.