Deep in the northern mountains, far beyond the last fire-lit hut, the land succumbs to boreal ever-winter. As the winter solstice approaches, the earth itself seems to still in anticipation—and then, the dreadful awakening begins.
From slumber stirred by spring’s retreat, brutish demons known as Oni rise from the frozen earth. Driven by an insatiable hunger, they descend in rampaging hordes, harrowing the northernmost imperial settlements. They take twisted pleasure in their prey’s terror, mocking cries echoing like laughter over the snowbound valleys.
Year after year, the locals resisted—resolute, yet overwhelmed. Each winter brought staggering losses. To answer this seasonal scourge, the northern Kitano clan was entrusted with the sacred duty of holding the line. They rallied a force of proficient, unrelenting swordmasters, warriors who met the devouring tide not with despair, but with sharpened steel and unyielding spirit.
These warriors, encased in full armor and forged in frost, were named the Onitaoshi—the Ogre Slayers. Armed with Ō-tachi, massive greatswords designed to bridge the size and strength gap, they stand as the Empire’s last bulwark against the Oni.
Their creed is simple and final:
「御主はもう．．．死んでいる。」
“You are already... dead.”
