Hump Day Husbandos: Murakumo (Rune Factory 5)

All Articles Features Headliners Hump Day Husbandos
Lilia Hellal
November 9, 2022
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I certainly have not been sticking to my word and covering all the video games I have played throughout the year of 2022. But this is through no fault of my own, since, aside from Murakumo, the subject of today’s article, Rune Factory 5 gives me very little reason to or joy in revisiting it. That is because Rune Factory 5 ended up being one of my most disappointing gaming experiences of this year, feeling like the most underbaked and lacklustre product to have ever come out from the series.

But that’s not to say that waking up to see a buff and cheerful were-animal was not always the end goal, nor do I regret it for even a second. Murakumo alone made my time in Rigbarth worthwhile.

Who is Murakumo?

Murakumo is one of twelve marriage candidates in Rune Factory 5, and is the owner and sole employee of the only inn in Rigbarth. His generosity knows no bounds, and it’s the direct cause of his character storyline that involves keeping his struggling inn up and running. That is because he tends to offer free baths and free meals to go alongside any visits his inn gets, all in the hope of maintaining customer loyalty.

It is therefore up to you to encourage him and see him turn over a new leaf in running his business more effectively. It probably goes without saying that in order to do this, you will have to romance Murakumo to see his character storyline conclude. I should not need to do much convincing here because Murakumo is the biggest and greatest sweetheart to grace us this year; I’m tempted to even say within the Rune Factory series overall. I don’t know about you, but my day is immediately brightened up whenever I see this man.

Why we love Murakumo

With a hearty laugh and a tendency to use his outside voice when his emotions get the best of him no matter the time or place, Murakumo never fails to be a sheer delight any time he’s on screen. He simply does not have a single bad bone in his body, and the way in which he always has the best of intentions no matter the situation makes him a delightful character to grow closer to and see every side of.

Speaking of, here’s to the romance side of things when it comes to him – his date scenarios are adorable. The giant dork with a heart of gold fails to conceal his flustered and blushing expressions whenever the player character makes an obvious display of affection or teasing remark. It’s to die for.

It’s all extremely wholesome, and includes a plotline that showcases how any good relationship’s growth comes from there being a joint effort of unflinching encouragement and lasting support. You do not have to shoulder your burdens alone, and asking for help instead of facing hardships in isolation will always show how much your significant other cares about for you. Learning to be open and remaining that way, along with being honest and enthusiastic to aid each other, is a recipe for a fruitful relationship.

Why you will love Murakumo

Murakumo simply wants to please everyone, no matter who they are. He can be constantly seen helping others and finding joy in doing so. It is evident enough by only taking in one of the many scenarios relevant to his character, such as when he decides that a match between Hina and Julian is a draw to make them both happy, chasing after lying scoundrels when they have wronged his friends, and spoiling the player character during their dates.

Furthermore, there’s a beautiful duality in him. While he’s quite the intellect, a people person and someone who listens and retains information from the diverse pool of visitors he gets to his inn, he’s also scatterbrained, with a tendency to misplace things and be unable to think and plan ahead. He is beyond endearing, and is the only reason I return to Rune Factory 5 to this day.

Rune Factory 5 is available on the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows.

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