FM-PMS

start-up word count Interregnum 6: 2298
pre-start word count chapter 18: 2904
pre-start word count chapter 19: 454
pre-start word count Epilogue: 239

characters likely starring in IR-6:
(in alphabetical order; appearance of characters in parentheses isn't decided yet)
Akechi Shigetaka, Fujiwara Mariko, Fujiwara Michiko & the Mori section leaders [minus "Honshu-san" for obvious reasons], Imonoyama Nokoru, Ijyuin Shigemitsu, (Mikage Akiko), (Mikage Ayato), Mono Fuma, Omi Tono, Shiro Ameru, Shiro Kamui, (Takamura Suoh),
and last but not least: grannyS & the Sumeragi elders [sounds like a rock band! *eg*]!