Mitsusaburou

Mitsusaburou’s lanterns cut through the deepest fog of The Dragon Wastelands, yet they have seen nothing but darkness since the day they arrived. They navigate the scorched plateaus and swampy valleys with a strange confidence, their grin never fading. Travelers who hire them as a guide listen as Mitsusaburou holds conversations with the air, laughing at jokes only they can hear. They credit their uncanny sense of direction to their childhood friend, Meyuu, whose voice describes every jagged peak and skeletal remain. Meyuu warns of ghost dragons and points out safe paths through the rain-slicked rock. The travelers follow, grateful for the guidance. They just learn not to ask where Meyuu is. It's kinder than pointing out the small, weathered memorial stone tied to the lead lantern's handle.