#Side Quest 04 — Night of Barrier Weakening (Mandatory Defense Battle)

Contents

Core references

- Required: Combat Flow · Rounds and One Breath · Maneuver System

- Required: Squads · Yoma Bestiary · Onmyoji Barrier

References within this supplement

- Required: Side Index · Barrier System · Core Economy

- Required: Morale and Fear · Squad Limitations · Barrier Boundary Events

- Required: Young Lord · Retired Onmyoji · 6 Retainers

- Reference: Chapter 1 Siege Battle

---

#§ Overview

#One-Line Summary

On the first Thursday night after Barrier HP drops to 40 or lower, Spirit Realm pressure concentrates on the Barrier. A 5-wave assault begins around three in the middle of the night(新三ツ時). The PCs defend from inside the Domain. On failure, the Barrier is driven to the edge of collapse.

#Design Intent

As a mandatory event, this forces players to feel that "the Barrier is not infinite." It is the price of loose resource management. At the same time, it compresses the alliance narrative with Gensho and Akihisa.

#Detailed Trigger Conditions

• The Thursday night of the week when Barrier HP drops to 40 or lower
• Cannot be avoided. It does not trigger if Barrier HP is maintained above 40
• On Monday of the trigger week, Gensho gives a 48-round warning: "This Thursday night is dangerous."
• The PCs have day-by-day preparation time (Monday · Tuesday · Wednesday)

---

#§ Scent — The Air of This Quest

#Opening Read-Aloud

"Old Gensho calls for you. It is Monday morning. His face is 4 degrees paler than usual."

"'It comes on Thursday night. The tide of the Spirit Realm will strike this land. The moment the Barrier is thinnest is three o'clock(三ツ時), three before dawn.'"

"'I cannot protect it alone.' He closes his eyes. 'I ask that you be inside the Barrier, not outside it. For this one night.'"

"Akihisa takes Gensho's hand. Gensho's hand is trembling very slightly. That tremor has spread through the whole Domain."

#Sensory Card — Night of Barrier Weakening

• Sound: from Monday to Wednesday, the Barrier's low resonance gradually grows louder. From Thursday afternoon onward, a constant ringing in the ears. At exactly three, a copper bell rings three times (a bell of unknown origin).
• Smell: from morning to evening, the iron smell grows thicker. The smell of iron begins even inside the Barrier.
• Light: on Thursday night, the Barrier gradually shifts from blue light to gray light. At exactly three, it briefly turns transparent (for about 3 rounds).
• Touch: when a hand touches the Barrier boundary, the pulse beats fast. Twice the pulse of a healthy person.

#Core of the Scent

The weight of a deadline. Preparation time is given, but there is a sense that nothing prepared will be enough. The GM should handle Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday as a short montage, then unfold Thursday night compressed but long.

#Akihisa · Gensho Dialogue Samples

Akihisa (Wednesday night): "I ask much of you. Let each of us write a testament by tonight. I will write one as well."

Gensho (Thursday evening, shrine dais): "While my hands remain on the Barrier, protect me. To protect me is — to protect the Domain."

---

#§ Structure — 4-Act Scene Overview

#Act 1 — Warning and Preparation (Monday~Wednesday, 60-minute Montage)

Gensho's warning. Domain council. 4-direction assignment. Core placement. Squad reorganization. Wednesday night testament writing (optional).

#Act 2 — Thursday Night, Sunset~Night (60 Minutes Real Time)

Pressure begins the moment the sun sets. Barrier HP -5 every 1 hour. Boundary patrols. Confirm resident evacuation. First encounter (Minion-grade).

#Act 3 — Around Three O'Clock(三ツ時) (60~90 Minutes, 5 Waves)

The focused assault during the 2 hours around 3 before dawn. 5 waves. Barrier HP decreases with each wave. Gensho's weakening rises. PC combat.

#Act 4 — Dawn (30~45 Minutes)

The pressure releases when the sun rises. Settle damage. Check Gensho's condition. Akihisa gives formal thanks. Confirm Three Ways and Six Hearts tendencies.

---

#§ NPCs

#Hoshino Gensho (Shrine Dais · Dedicated Barrier Maintenance)

• Position: fixed on the dais in the shrine courtyard. Does not move even one step.
• Condition: starting weakening is the existing value. When this night ends, it increases by +2~+5 (depending on results).
• Energy: 12 / Wounds 5 / Defense 11 · however, he does not join combat
• Special ability: 1 use of "Emergency Sealing" each wave — Barrier HP +5 (but weakening +1)
• Signature line: "...the darkness has grown one layer thicker. Do you see it? I do not see with my eyes. I see with my hands."
• Risk: if weakening exceeds 8, unconsciousness → emergency maintenance unavailable, Barrier HP decrease speed becomes 2 times faster

#Akihisa (Gate Command)

• Position: north gate watchtower. Overall view of all 4 directions.
• Condition: Energy 11 / Wounds 4 / Defense 13 · carrying a wakizashi
• Special ability: squad command (1 time per 1 round, limited to 3 uses) — squad Wounds +2 · defense +1
• Signature line: "The south gate is shaking! Sakurai, Ino! To your positions!"
• Risk: if the watchtower is damaged, risk of falling · if watchtower Wounds reach 0, morale -3

#Yamaguchi Iwao (South Gate Lead)

• Position: south gate boundary
• Condition: Energy 14 / Wounds 5 / Defense 14
• Ability: holds the south gate with a 4-member squad · only his own Wounds are 5
• Signature line: "I cut down the first one that comes in. You clean up behind it."

#Kubikiri Mob · Reviving Gaki Mob · Tyrant of Revival (Return)

• Wave 1: 12 Minion-grade gaki (spread across 3 directions)
• Wave 2: 6 kubikiri (east and west, 2 directions)
• Wave 3: 8 blood-mist lesser oni (all directions · mist form)
• Wave 4: 1 undecaying chieftain + 8 gaki (south gate focus) · can be negotiated with
• Wave 5: Tyrant of Revival returns — Lord-grade · direct strike on the north gate. Cannot be defeated directly. Attempts direct Barrier HP -15.

#Hajiya Rin's Younger Brother · Ino Hachiro's Wife (Symbols of Resident Will)

If the PCs completed 21-02, these two join as volunteers. Each can, 1 time during the defense battle, add 5 points to 1 ally's current Energy or restore 1 Wound. Their sense of mission adds will to the defense.

---

#§ Act Details

#Act 1 Details — Warning and Preparation (Monday~Wednesday)

#Scene Setup (Montage)

Monday morning: Gensho's official warning. Declare a Domain emergency state.

All Tuesday: Domain council. Divide the 4 directions (north · south · east · west). Place squads. Inspect cores available for emergency use in the core storehouse.

All Wednesday: place cores. Check current Barrier HP. Decide the strategy for which core grade to exchange for each Barrier HP +1. Guide residents to evacuate to basements.

Wednesday night: testament writing (optional).

#Key Preparation Checks

#4-Direction Assignment Options

The PCs choose one of the above, or mobile placement. Fixed placement grants a defense bonus · mobile placement allows emergency response.

#Testament Writing (Wednesday Night)

Give PCs a chance for free writing. If declared, the first check of the next session gains +1 bonus (the strength of resolve). The GM should handle this scene briefly and solemnly.

---

#Act 2 Details — From Thursday Sunset

#Scene Setup

The sun sets. The Barrier begins shifting from blue light to gray light. Barrier HP decrease speed temporarily increases.

#Wave 1 — 12 Minion-Grade Gaki (Spread Across 3 Directions)

• Approach direction: south(4) · east(4) · west(4)
• Combat: a squad + 1 PC responds at each direction
• Check: normal combat. Cores can be harvested after defeat.
• Result: when gaki are defeated, Barrier HP +3 (conversion). If they pass through the Barrier, Barrier HP -2/body.

#Wave 2 — 6 Kubikiri (East and West, 2 Directions)

• Approach: east 3 · west 3 · south 0
• Special: per 1 kubikiri, it revives 1 time. Reawakens 5 rounds after the first defeat.
• Check: Wounds 3-grade combat · Target Number 13 harvest.
• Result: defeating a kubikiri grants unstable core +1/body. If it passes through the Barrier, Barrier HP -3/body.

#Act 2 Checkpoints

• [ ] Check Barrier HP after Waves 1 and 2 end
• [ ] Check remaining PC Energy
• [ ] Gensho weakening +1 (on first Emergency Sealing)
• [ ] Resident evacuation state (goal: casualties 0)

---

#Act 3 Details — Around Three O'Clock(三ツ時), 5 Waves

#Scene Setup

Between 01:00 ~ 04:00. Includes the moment when the Barrier turns transparent (exactly 03:00). This moment is the climax of the quest.

#Wave 3 — 8 Blood-Mist Lesser Oni (All Directions)

• Approach: all four sides. They may transform into mist and pass the Barrier boundary.
• Special: in mist state, ordinary attack damage -2. Chance of passing the Barrier is low.
• Check: disperse mist (Wisdom Target Number 13) or use talisman (Barrier 2 points, 1 use)
• Result: defeating them grants unstable core +1/body. If they pass through the Barrier, enter inside the Domain → morale -1/body

#Wave 4 — 1 Undecaying Chieftain + 8 Gaki (South Gate Focus)

• Approach: south gate focus.
• Special: the chieftain can talk. If a PC succeeds on Negotiation Target Number 17, it says, "Let me hear your lord's name just once. That name may have belonged to a companion from my previous life." → on success, the chieftain withdraws on its own, and the 8 gaki withdraw with it.
• In combat: chieftain Wounds 4, Defense 12, Energy 10, stable core harvest Target Number 15.
• Result: successful dialogue grants Barrier HP +10 (respect) / defeating it grants stable core +1.

#Wave 5 — Tyrant of Revival Returns · Exactly 03:00

• Approach: north gate. Direct strike on the watchtower.
• Special: cannot be defeated directly. Attempts Barrier HP -15. The PCs must stop the tyrant during the 3 rounds of Barrier transparency.
• Methods of stopping it:
• (A) Induce withdrawal: lure it with core explosions at the south and east gates (spend 10 cores, Target Number 15, time 3 rounds). On success, the tyrant temporarily retreats · only Barrier HP -5.
• (B) Gensho's final seal: Gensho weakening +3, Barrier HP -0. However, Gensho is definitely unconscious.
• (C) Akihisa's wakizashi: thrown from the watchtower. Hit Target Number 18. On success, the tyrant retreats · Barrier HP -3. On failure, Barrier HP -15 + Akihisa injured.
• (D) Do nothing: Barrier HP -15, Akihisa critically wounded, Domain at risk of falling.

#03:00 · 3 Rounds of Barrier Transparency

The Barrier becomes completely transparent. Every being in the Spirit Realm sees inside the Barrier. Residents scream. The PCs must complete choice (A/B/C) within these 3 rounds.

#GM Real-Time Count

• Actually run the 3-round timer. Give the players decision authority · no discussion · immediate declaration.
• If the decision is delayed, automatically process D (do nothing).

---

#Act 4 Details — Dawn

#Scene Setup

04:00 ~ 06:00. Pressure releases. The Barrier shifts back from gray to blue. The sun rises.

#Result Settlement

#Akihisa's Formal Thanks

Akihisa stands beside Gensho. The first sunlight of dawn shines on them both.

"You protected this night. There is a paper where I have written names — all of yours. I will paste it into my diary. As long as this Domain remains, these names will be remembered."

#Resident Response

• Morale: +2 if they survive / +0 if there are partial losses / -2 if there are major losses
• Volunteer corps: if morale is 6 or higher, 5 residents declare voluntary participation (follow-up side)

#Three Ways and Six Hearts Tendency Confirmation

---

#§ Step-by-Step Progress Guide Table

---

#§ Success/Failure Branches

#Complete Victory (Maintain Barrier HP > 40)

• Barrier HP -10 ~ -15 (from start)
• Gensho weakening +2
• Squad losses 0~1
• Resident casualties 0
• Morale +3
• stable core +1 (if the chieftain is defeated) · unstable core +4~6 · unstable core +8~10
• Three Ways and Six Hearts 1~2-axis tendency
• Listed in Akihisa's register (honor +1)

#Good (Barrier HP 30~40)

• Barrier HP -20 ~ -25
• Gensho weakening +3
• Squad losses 2~3
• Resident casualties 3~5 people
• Morale +1
• Partial core acquisition

#Average (Barrier HP 20~30)

• Barrier HP -30
• Gensho weakening +4
• Squad losses 4~5
• Resident casualties 8~10 people
• Morale -1
• Limited core acquisition

#Failure (Barrier HP 10~20)

• Barrier HP -35
• Gensho weakening +5
• Squad losses 6~8
• Resident casualties 12~15 people
• Morale -3
• Fear +1
• Next week, additional Barrier -10 · possible chain crisis

#Disaster (Barrier HP ≤ 10)

• Barrier collapse confirmed within 3 days
• Gensho reaches weakening 8 (unconscious)
• Akihisa critically wounded
• Morale 0 · Fear 5 (maximum)
• Mandatory Event 21-09 triggers immediately
• Campaign-ending course · GM should prepare a possible rescue path

---

#§ Rewards

#Basic Rewards

#Special Rewards

• Akihisa's Register: all surviving PCs listed. From now on, honor +1 in all official procedures inside the Domain (effect of direct lordly recommendation).
• Learning the Barrier Pattern: after a PC experiences the 3 rounds of Barrier transparency, they gain +1 bonus on checks related to the Barrier System (permanent).
• Gensho's Testament: if weakening reaches +5, Gensho's prepared testament. A sealed letter is delivered to the PCs. Unlock condition for follow-up 21-09.
• Resident Volunteer Corps: if morale remains 6 or higher, 5 residents volunteer. Next week, 1 additional squad can be formed.

---

#§ GM Control

#GM Cautions

1. This event cannot be avoided. Even if players say, "We just won't do it," proceed. Instead, shift to a presentation where yoma attack while the PCs sleep.
2. Enforce the deadline. The 3 rounds at exactly three are actually 3 rounds. Do not allow discussion time.
3. Do not let Gensho die (in this session). Weakening up to 8 is allowed, but 9+ is prohibited in this session for campaign design. Passing into weakening 9 next week is OK.
4. Do not miss the resident evacuation check. Casualties 0 is the goal. This is the core of morale +3.
5. Clearly present the Wave 5 choices. Do not let players fall into do nothing (D) because they did not know the options.
6. Weight of the testament-writing scene. Keep it brief and solemn. Do not steer it toward laughter.

#Risk Table

#Recommended Squad Composition

#Return After Mandatory Event

After completing this event, the PCs are recommended to return to the Domain for at least 1 week. Gensho recovery · Barrier HP stabilization · resident consolation are needed.

#Session-End Checklist

• [ ] Final Barrier HP value
• [ ] Gensho weakening
• [ ] Squad loss roster
• [ ] Names of resident dead (if any)
• [ ] Morale and Fear values
• [ ] Record Wave 5 choice
• [ ] Three Ways and Six Hearts tendency per PC
• [ ] Listed in Akihisa's register
• [ ] Check next Mandatory Event condition (whether 21-09 triggers)

---

#Related Links

• Upper Index: Side Quest Index
• Barrier: Barrier System · Barrier Boundary Events
• NPCs: Young Lord · Retired Onmyoji · 6 Retainers
• Main Arc: Chapter 1 Act 4 Siege Battle
• Follow-Up Side: 21-09 Broken Covenant
• Core Rules: Combat Flow · Onmyoji

---

This night cuts the Domain's time in two. Before the night, and after the night. Before, the Domain assumed "there is a Barrier." After, the Domain assumes "the Barrier can break." That change of premise is the true result of this quest.