guujikaroko

[guujikaroko]

In that one anniversary report event, Blade says "Well done, girl" to Stelle. Here's the Portuguese version:

"Great job, lady". Lmao, lady. I could see something like "little lady" (even if it sounds a little bit too polite for Blade), but seeing him treat her like someone his age/standing feels somewhat weird. Well, it's not like we truly know how old she really is, in any case, so maybe he's right...

And here's the Japanese version:

"You did well, little girl". And this one is mad funny to me because the Japanese fans had Blade call Stelle "little girl" (小娘, komusume) for a good while now, so they really called it. It just sounds like a Blade thing to say.

#the “little girl” thing reminds me of how Blade constantly refers to Kafka as “that woman” in JP #when he's talking TO Kafka he uses her name #and know Blade can't say the Trailblazer's name for obvious reasons #but it's so funny to think he just labeled her as “little girl” and ran with it #that's her name now #it's Kratos all over again #honkai star rail #hsr blade #hsr stelle #nihongo thoughts #português thoughts

[guujikaroko]

If you think about it, the Intelligentsia Guild is really just the marketplace of ideas, isn't it.

#actually top 10 star rail concepts honestly #i should make a rank about my favorite factions in star rail one day #honkai star rail #intelligentsia guild

[guujikaroko]

IT WAS A JOKE

I SWEAR IT WAS A JOKE

STELLE, GIVE ME THE JADE ABACUS RIGHT NOW

If the inventory is a log of things that are in the Trailblazer's possession, then that means Stelle is the one holding the Express' half of the jade abacus Jing Yuan gave them, which in turns means that Stelle is the one who can contact them.

And that's funny as hell, because it's Stelle. She probably goes around threatening to call the Luofu for anything. The IPC pressuring Belobog? She reaches for her pocket and pulls out the jade abacus. Duke Inferno wreaking havoc in the Herta Space Station? Pulls out the jade abacus and says Jing Yuan is going to kick his ass just like he did to the Heliobi. The Family and the IPC are acting weird in Penacony? Well, they won't try shit if the Lightning Lord blows the whole hotel away!

[guujikaroko]

I went to read Ratio's messages again and:

He encourages Stelle to enroll on Veritas Prime, a.k.a his very own alma mater, for REALSIES. Not only that, but:

He's willing to personally recommend her. P e r s o n a l l y.

And that's kinda surprising, in a good way. Like, I know Ratio isn't a condescending prick that thinks himself above others (or, well... There's a lot more to him than the condescension, is what I mean to say), but he looked at Stelle and saw potential in her. Veritas Ratio, the man who'd rather wear a fucking plaster head in front of his students because he's allergic to dumbassery, looked at Stelle, our resident unhinged raccoon, and saw enough potential to personally encourage and oversee her pursuit of knowledge.

Look at this! He's genuinely interested in her worldview and her opinions! He doesn't consider a waste of time to discuss topics with her! He spent the entirety of this message batch simulating a debate with her and sharing knowledge on the subject!

Again, it's not like I thought Ratio was incapable of any of this, but I never imagined that he'd be like that with the Trailblazer either. It's surprising, but in a very pleasant way? Like, "wow, I wasn't expecting this dynamic to be so genuine but it is and I like it". Honestly, I'll never not be impressed by Ratio and his particular ways of showcasing kindness to others/seeking companionship. He's such a compelling character.

Oh, and this is my favorite message batch of his. He feels tired by the monotony of his projects and he decides to relax by... Humoring Stelle? He goes and says "Hey, think of something you want and I'll make up a project" and Stelle, huge dork that she is, goes "Make me a cool weapon!" and "Make the Express move forever!" and he just... Does it? Sends a project of transforming the Express into a mecha?? Says he wants to disassemble the Express to figure it out???

It feels like I'm rambling for nothing but this is truly disarming to me. It's easy to dismiss Stelle as a goofball (and she very much IS a goofball) but Ratio actually takes her seriously and seeks to nurture her progress. Beyond that, he honestly likes to entertain her ideas and thinks that hearing her out is a positive thing.

If I had to describe their relationship, I'd say it's all very cute, in a pure and wholesome way, and I cannot believe I'm using these words to describe Veritas freaking Ratio out of all characters. This gotta be a new kind of brainworm.

#ratio looking into stelle's no-thought-head-empty eyes: hold on she might be able to cook something #after this whole crusade i remembered how ratio sees aventurine as someone of equal standing that deserves life #and how he wants people to stop worshipping geniuses and start pursuing knowledge on their own #it's all such a compelling character trait of his #constantly advocating for people's inner potential even if they themselves don't realize it/believe in it #he's a good teacher at his very core #honkai star rail #hsr stelle #dr ratio #wait is this ratiostelle #oh god it is #ratiostelle #the protagonist ship compels me yet again sorry

[guujikaroko]

I gotta say, the relationship between Wanderer and Lumine is incredibly intimate in the weirdest way possible.

Like, she knows the trajectory of his entire life. From the abandoned puppet to the wandering eccentric to the nihilistic Harbinger to the simple drifter. She's seen the memories of 80% of all that AT LEAST.

Lumine has met his facets, pretty much all of them; outward appearances, masks, festering negativity, sorrow, fury, the deep void beneath it all, and what came after too. She has seen him at his very, very worst and has seen him crawl out of there and stand up.

And the Wanderer is... Pretty much okay with that? He doesn't mind at all?? There's isn't embarrassment or anger or anything that implies he might not be comfortable with the Traveler knowing him from inside out??? In fact, since he asked for her to name him, I'd say he pretty much encourages it????

This has kinda been driving me crazy for a while because since when do you get along so well with her, my dude? Was this an Enemies to Lovers thing for you? Are you on the tsundere phase right now? Is she even aware at least?

#scaralumi is one of the three (3) Enemies to Lovers ships I like #and i only began to like it after they got chill with each other #which basically means i'm a scaralumi poser #sorry for being a basic bitch guys i don't think i can change #genshin impact #lumine #scaramouche #genshin wanderer #scaralumi #three lumine ship posts already sorry for the brainrot #there's something about ships with protagonists that compel me #wanlumi #histerical that the little shit has to be tagged twice in his ships

[guujikaroko]

It's funny that Neuvillette and Lumine are like... Officially in cahoots. They're both one of only ones that know everything about the other and they both think that it's helpful that they share the Sovereign/Descender stuff.

Also, they're the ones who will upend Teyvat, aren't they. Neuvillette will judge the current overlords of the world and Lumine is the great liberator who will ascend to the throne, so they're like... Revolution comrades. Neuvillette even beckoned the Traveler to bear witness to his duty and all that.

Heck, Neuvillette even told her to keep going on her journey without need for fear because he'd be waiting for her outside Teyvat's oppressive cage. They're TIGHT tight on that.

#lumine: hey neuvillette i just came back from remuria and now i have juicy lore to share #neuvillette: wonderful miss lumine i will set the table (read: bring water) for our discussion #it cracks me up how neuvillette openly talks about taboo with the traveler on his voicelines #and celestia can't do shit about it lmao #flex of the century they really are them #genshin impact #lumine #neuvillette #this also might be #neuvilumi

[guujikaroko]

I know they're both Vision users that can handle themselves fine, but I think it would be cute if Haitham and Kaveh commissioned Lumine to be their bodyguard whenever they can during desert trips. She's experienced in roaming the desert and really strong to booth, so she's the best option all around.

#you ever realize that lumine is like... stronger than anyone in sumeru #the only ones who can get close are cyno and wanderer #and the question of “how close” is kinda broad isn't it #not that i have concrete proof that lumine is miles and miles above them #but is kinda wild that she's so high up compared to other regions #genshin impact #lumine #alhaitham #al haitham #kaveh

[guujikaroko]

Boothill's Synesthesia Beacon got hijacked so it would censor his swearing, but here's the thing: it just censors the swearing. It doesn't reverse the swearing and the compliments/pet names.

So, poor Boothill might be genuine one day and no one will know. Bless his heart.

#this man is actually incapable of flirting #the universe will not allow it #he'll have to be honest and hope for the best #good luck partner #honkai star rail #boothill

[guujikaroko]

Do you ever sit and think about how Xiao promised to essentially be Lumine's executioner. Do you ever think about how he said he'd kill for her if she wished so. Do you ever think about how Xiao spent thousands of years participating in bloodshed and massacre and thinks that it's all he was meant to be. Do you ever think about how he sees Lumine as a pure soul that deserves none of that suffering he pretty much drowned himself in. Do you ever think about how he can only feel useful to Lumine as a weapon and thus offered himself to her as one.

BUT ALSO! Do you ever think about how Lumine NEVER calls for Xiao to fight for her? Do you ever think about how she almost died fighting a GOD in Inazuma and only called Xiao after the whole ordeal was over and she wanted him to eat a dish? Do you ever think about how she absolutely refuses to use Xiao as the weapon he thinks he is? Do you ever think about how Lumine sees Xiao as a pure soul that deserves none of the torment and endeavors to give him peace in any way she can?

#help me i think i got bit by the xiaolumi bug #it's itching and scratching and i only found release by screaming in the void #anyway do you ever think about lumine's angelic imagery and xiao's demonic imagery #she is the descender that will liberate the world #he is the great demon conqueror #a bright star that gives blessings and a harbinger of doom that thrives in the darkness #but do you also ever think about how they're just... lumine and xiao #and they have their own problems and sorrows and they find solace in each other #crazy right #genshin impact #lumine #genshin xiao #xiaolumi

[guujikaroko]

Today's mental image: Aventurine playing poker like he always does, but the real challenge is enduring the match with Ratio calculating probabilities in a stack of napkins while mumbling like a madman at his left and Stelle yelling "ALL IN! ALL IN! ALL IN!" at his right.

#ratio isn't trying to help aventurine he just wants to know the result ahead of time #and Stelle knows jackshit about poker but got drunk on the atmosphere + aventurine said he'd win the money for her #meanwhile aventurine is smirking and saying some shit like “heh... now I got a real challenge in my hands” #stelle's enthusiasm probably made him want to show off #man if I could draw... #honkai star rail #hsr #hsr stelle #dr ratio #hsr aventurine

[guujikaroko]

It's absolutely CLUTTERED. Girlie would be a hoarder. Pom-Pom tries to clean it up every week and SOMEHOW she manages to fill it up with weird shit by the next week.

Yall... what do you think Stelle's bedroom looks like?

Paint me a picture! Words or Imagery!

[guujikaroko]

In the Japanese dub, Itou Kent gave Dan Heng a lower voice while in Imbibitor Lunae form and it's so damn funny. All he said is "Good night, I hope you have good dreams" to the Trailblazer but he sounds like it's a demand, lmao.

#he's also super vocal about protecting the Express crew isn't he #always telling everyone else to be careful step aside or to plan before they act #also him dumping the treasures he finds in the chests on the Trailblazer #his dialogues in Imbibitor Lunae form are like... He's still calm-and-cool Dan Heng but he DOES NOT play about caring for his loved ones #his transformation is just him locking in on that Express guard business #awakening his inner Zoro even #speaking about Zoro: Dan Heng calls the Express crew his “nakama” in the JP dub and it makes me want to curl up and cry #honkai star rail #dan heng #dan heng imbibitor lunae #astral express

[guujikaroko]

If the inventory is a log of things that are in the Trailblazer's possession, then that means Stelle is the one holding the Express' half of the jade abacus Jing Yuan gave them, which in turns means that Stelle is the one who can contact them.

And that's funny as hell, because it's Stelle. She probably goes around threatening to call the Luofu for anything. The IPC pressuring Belobog? She reaches for her pocket and pulls out the jade abacus. Duke Inferno wreaking havoc in the Herta Space Station? Pulls out the jade abacus and says Jing Yuan is going to kick his ass just like he did to the Heliobi. The Family and the IPC are acting weird in Penacony? Well, they won't try shit if the Lightning Lord blows the whole hotel away!

#stelle: you see that tall guy? The Luofu Arbiter-General? Yeah we tight #dan heng and march try to wrestle the abacus out of Stelle's hands every time she tries to pull the damn thing out #She probably looked up at Aventurine during their fight and said “Jing Yuan would kick your ass” and then everyone panicked #Jing Yuan buddy why the hell did you give this crucial means of communication to the racoon out of all options #Welt was right there. WELT WAS RIGHT THERE #Y'know he probably really wants that call #honkai star rail #star rail #hsr stelle #jing yuan #trailblazer

[guujikaroko]

One thing that stuck with me since Star Rail launched was the fact that, in Japanese, Stelle's go-to second person pronoun is "anta" (あんた in written form).

Like, it's a very laid-back way of addressing someone and it kinda cracks me up every time I hear it from her. Especially since her first person pronoun is the polite standard "watashi".

To use an example from Genshin, Navia and Beidou are two characters who use "anta" as their second person pronouns in JP, but they use "atashi" to refer to themselves (laid-back and feminine).

Where I want to go with this, you ask? Simple: Himeko uses "watashi" as first person pronoun and "anta" as second person too.

Fiction-wise, these differences between pronouns are poignant in differentiating characters and their personalities, so I just imagine fresh-outta-amnesia (? Memory wipe? The hell was that) Stelle wondering how she should address herself and others and then following Himeko's speech patterns. It's a cute thought to have.

#honkai star rail #hsr stelle #hsr himeko #nihongo thoughts #Stelle tends to use “ne” in her sentences sometimes too #in a contemplative kinda way #and it also reminds me a lot of how Himeko speaks too #they're also the only ones wearing the Astral Express coat properly #we love a silly girl and her elegant role model in this house #ah almost forgot #astral express

[guujikaroko]

Man, I just know the moment will come when the Trailblazer gets to speak to the Watchmaker and bear witness to all of his life and dreams and regrets and give an answer to "Why does life slumber?" and accept to bear the flag for his wish of a true Penacony and get the gaze of Xipe for having a genuine wish of connecting people together and begin treading the path of Harmony and gathering all the friends they made on the way and fighting the final boss to the sound of a kickass song and I'll be just—

#honkai star rail #star rail #trailblazer #watchmaker hsr #hsr xipe #come on Hoyoverse give me a new song #can we have a new “we made a choice go fight against your fate” moment please? #I hope it's big band jazz #it would be so fitting

[guujikaroko]

If I had to compare Argenti to one character, it would be Bon Clay from One Piece. Extravagant? Check. Yaps about the beauty of friendship seconds after meeting the protagonist? Check. Leaves with a self-sacrificial stunt and is remembered fondly by the protagonist? Check.

...God, his Impel Down moment is coming, isn't it.

#honkai star rail #hsr #one piece #argenti hsr #bon clay #my weird ass brain made a connection between Star Rail and One Piece and won't let go #Star Rail IS essentially One Piece in Space isn't it #but now I see parallels literally EVERYWHERE AND IT'S RUINING ME #don't get me started with my personal “Stelle = Luffy” interpretation #that's a can of worms to put Dune to shame #(please get me started)

[guujikaroko]

This is partly my severe Danstelle brainrot speaking, but isn't it kind of amazing how close the Trailblazer and Dan Heng are nowadays?

Like, I don't think anyone doubted that Dan Heng cared for the Express crew before the Luofu Trailblazing Mission, it's just that he kept distance on account of his fears and doubts regarding his identity. Now that everything is out in the open and the crew accepted him regardless, though, he's been so much more open in his relationship with the Trailblazer, as with the rest of the crew. I can list the moments and little things that gave me pause:

- Dan Heng is now so adamant in his position as an Astral Express Nameless now. It's his home and his family, he's not a lost drifter anymore and he makes sure everyone knows it;

- He's so unbelievably open about his life! He's not afraid to talk about even the worst things, like his nightmares or his time imprisoned or Dan Feng's memories in his head. More than that, he wants to share!

- He wanted the Trailblazer to accompany him as he cut ties with the Vidyadhara and secured a more stable position for Bailu as the High Elder... So important and he wanted them there! He trusts them to be by his side.

- Overall, the conversations between them feel more natural and meaningful even if it's just over text. They relate to each other's circumstances, wish each other well... There's also Dan Heng guessing the Trailblazer's food preferences and being proud (?) that he guessed right. Cute.

This all kinda irks me, though. Why can't I have what they have? I look at Dan Heng's messages and I think "It should have been me" every time, it's getting tiring.

#honkai star rail #dan heng #trailblazer #danstelle #yeah this post is definitely danstelle-influenced #can't even lie about it #but dan heng is also just so so sweet #he's Hoyoverse's best boy for real for real #My heart hurts whenever I think too much of him #don't mind the last rant #it's just OP being single and mad about it