Kaizaimon
Overview
Kaizaimon (nicknamed “Kai”) is an oni Chimera and Alter Ego bonded to Basira al-Arshad. He appears as a demonic tattoo that moves across her skin and can manifest as a powerful oni wielding a tetsubÅ (metal club). Kaizaimon was freed from captivity and torture by Basira during the first Cebir expedition in 329 AC.
Captivity and Liberation
During the disastrous Cebir expedition of 329 AC, Basira al-Arshad discovered Kaizaimon imprisoned and tortured by the attackers who controlled Mantichora and Khimaira. When she freed him from his captivity, the Chimera chose to bond with her.
As Basira’s heavily armored body was swept away by ship currents and plummeted to the ocean bottom, Kaizaimon transformed into a living tattoo on her body. He emitted waves of heat that kept her alive in the freezing water, melting snow and ice around her until an Ordis airship could rescue them.
The Bond with Basira
Kaizaimon has remained with Basira al-Arshad through the decades following their escape, though she never fully understood why he chose to stay after his debt was paid. Their relationship transcends mere gratitude - Kaizaimon’s thoughts drift into Basira’s mind “like mist over a clear pond,” allowing them to communicate directly.
During Basira’s long recovery from trauma, Kaizaimon moved across her skin as an animated tattoo whenever she woke from nightmares, perhaps trying to distract or console her. He accompanied her during her wandering years, through her time in Caer Kettria fighting The Fagn, and throughout her family life with Filiki.
Role as Seiringar Assistant
When Basira became a Seiringar instructor at Haven in 368 AC, Kaizaimon proved invaluable in training Expeditionary Corps recruits. His appearance alone was enough to motivate troops to meet the demanding expectations required for survival in the Tumult.
Return to Cebir (392 AC)
Upon returning to Cebir in 392 AC, Kaizaimon did not seem thrilled to revisit the place of his torment and torture. He slid across Basira’s skin as a living, shifting tattoo, his face appearing on her forearm with eyes white like milk. He communicated his desire for vengeance against their tormentor.
When Afanas Korovinovich summoned the scent of chrysanthemums through Alteration - a fragrance associated with their tormentor - Kaizaimon burst from Basira like an enraged lion. He manifested in his full oni form, swinging his tetsubÅ with such force that it shattered wooden beams like brittle twigs and sent railings flying in a shower of splintered wood.
Appearance and Abilities
As a tattoo, Kaizaimon appears as a red mist or crimson haze that seeps from Basira’s skin. He can slide across her body like a veil of pigments, throwing wild grins as he passes. His face can appear on specific body parts, such as her forearm, with distinctive white eyes.
In his manifested form, Kaizaimon appears as a powerful oni demon wielding a tetsubÅ (a large metal club). He possesses immense strength capable of shattering wooden structures. As a living tattoo, he can generate intense heat, a ability that saved Basira’s life in freezing waters.
Personality
Kaizaimon is protective and vengeful. He harbors deep hatred for those who imprisoned and tortured him, particularly the conspirator known as the Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock (Sylas). Despite his fearsome demonic nature, he shows loyalty and care toward Basira al-Arshad, providing comfort during her nightmares and staying by her side through decades even after his debt was repaid.
His thoughts communicate directly with Basira’s mind, suggesting a deep spiritual bond beyond typical Alter Ego relationships.
Card Lore Activities
392 AC - Kraken Ambush Preparation
During the Kraken battle, Kaizaimon poured out of Basira’s skin as a red cloud resembling bloody mist while she and Bravos soldiers waited in ambush on a cliff. The transformation occurred gradually as the oni solidified and regained his original appearance. Kaizaimon floated above the bluff where they had taken refuge, positioning himself to tighten the noose of their ambush. He looked at the sky along with Basira as a griffon carrying Sigismar broke through the clouds, signaling that the Kraken was approaching.
393 AC, June-September - Shadow Entity Combat in City of Scholars
Kaizaimon fought shadow entities in City of Scholars with his knobbly mace, striking left, right and center to banish aggressors alongside Basira al-Arshad, Sidqi, and Aoife.
Relationships
- Basira al-Arshad: Bonded partner through mutual rescue and Musubi connection, rescued from torture (329 AC)
- Sylas: Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock who imprisoned and tortured Kaizaimon, target of vengeance
- Afanas Korovinovich: Yzmir whose chrysanthemum scent triggered Kaizaimon’s rage (392 AC)
- Filiki: Basira’s partner during family years
- Sigismar: Warrior whose arrival on griffon signaled Kraken approach (392 AC)
- Sidqi: Bravos Pendekar who sacrificed himself during shadow attack (393 AC)
- Aoife: Bravos warrior who manifested Phoenix gift during shadow attack (393 AC)
- Hestia: Eidolon chef at The Mess around whom Kaizaimon watches his step