Sampo

Sampo is a tall, lean, fair-skinned man. He has medium length dark blue hair tipped with slate gray at the neck, and long bangs swept over his left eye. His eyes are slightly downturned and mint green with cat-like pupils. He wears a silver cuff on his right ear.

His upper attire includes several layers, the outermost being a magenta suit-like jacket with white and purple accents, short sleeves and long coattails. Under the jacket is an asymmetrical black half-shirt with an open front and tall dress collar. Beneath the shirt is a gray vest with darker gray markings and cut-outs at each hip which expose his skin. Black belts cross both his abdomen and chest. A spiked silver pauldron rests on his right shoulder. He wears mismatched black and magenta gloves with silver metal detailing. His pants are dark blue-gray with a black belt and numerous straps on each leg, and he wears brown and black dress shoes topped with silver metal ornaments.

"Hello everyone! This is Brughel Poisson from the Crystal Daily, and I'm here at the Fountain Plaza in the Administrative District. Standing next to me is someone who calls themselves a member of the Dark-Blue Scam Victims' Association, and I am about to conduct a short interview with him."

"Hello There, sir. Could you please tell me and the audience about your experience of getting scammed?"

"Oh... I'm so utterly enraged! That blue-haired punk... I hope he dies!"

"Sir, we're living right now... please calm down."

"Ahem... Fine. The Crystal Daily, right? That's it. you should report more on the suffering of everyday people and pay less attention to gossip about the Architects..."

"I'm telling you, that blue-haired punk has slipped off into the Administrative District again! Yesterday he pinched three catties of rye bread spices from my store — Three whole catties! Do you know how long those will last for the dignitaries? Next thing, he'll be robbing a spice factory!"

"Please calm down, sir! We sympathize deeply with your plight. Now then, you just mentioned the Belobog spice factory, didn't you?"

"Err... Sure, I mentioned it. Was that important?"

"This factory... are you able to tell me its exact location?"

"Err... Why?"

"Well you see, as journalists, we want to contribute to social justice causes — and only by knowing the exact location can our Silvermane Guards and righteous citizens reduce burglaries. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Err... That makes sense. Then listen up, the address of the factory is..."

"Name."

"Alexey. Alexey Bulger."

"Rank."

"Private First-Class."

"Hello, Private First-Class Alexey. I'm Brughel Poisson, senior human resources specialist for the Silvermane Guards. Captain Gepard asked me to approve your application for personal leave."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam Brughel."

"Let's see... It says here that you were wounded four months ago during a defensive operation, with a total of five fractures... Yet despite all this, you have continued to carry out your duties right up until now. Admirable!"

"Thank you, Madam Brughel."

"You guard the... 3rd Arsenal at the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone, yes? Terrific! As far as I know, that's an extremely important military zone where the most expensive... Ahem, the most valuable Silvermane military resources are stored."

"You're right, ma'am."

"Let me see... Hmm, no problem. Private First-Class Alexey, at this stage you are cleared to go home next Tuesday."

"...What, so soon? As far as I know, this kind of high-level guard duty usually takes at least a month to process handovers —"

"...Don't worry, Private First-Class. I appreciate your determination to the cause, but nothing is more important to me than protecting the physical and mental well-being of one of our best Silvermane Guards! Don't worry, I've already picked out someone to fill in for you, so everything's taken care of."

"...I understand. Thank you very much, ma'am."

"That's the one! Remember, next Tuesday — I want you and your luggage out of the restricted zone before 20:17!"

"Yo, my man."

"Yo, you're here working for Poisson, too?"

"Yeah. Are you in charge of demolitions?"

"Yup. Are you the lockpick?"

"Uh-huh."

"Nice. Then we're ready. Let's get to work."

"Unh... Unh... Done. Now let's just wait."

"That doesn't look very reliable... Can this tiny thing blow through this steel door?"

"I didn't doubt your professionalism. Why are you doubting me? Trust me. I've bombed mine shafts more times than you've had hot dinners."

"Err... okay. Getting back on topic, what did that girl tell you again?"

"The factory's abandoned, as it's completely unguarded. Just take what you want. I've never heard of such an easy job."

"Mmm, yeah that's what she told me too. But something seems kinda off to me..."

"Money's money. Don't ask so many questions. Come on, plug up your ears. It's fireworks time!"

"..."

"...Holy moly! That's too much, man... Just spectacular!"

"I told you already. Don't question my professionalism. Let's go. It's over to you now."

"Shh! Don't say anything. Can't you hear? I can hear voices inside!"

"What? N—No way, she said there were no guards."

"It's the Silvermane Guards. The Silvermane Guards! It's the end of the line for us, bro. Scram!"

"Darn it. Poisson must've set us up! That piece of scum. This isn't finished yet!"

"Good morning, ma'am, I hope I haven't disturbed you."

"...Who are you? Why are the Silvermane Guards knocking on my door first thing in the morning?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. We're just carrying out building-to-building searches as ordered by the Architects."

"Uh... searches? What are you searching for? I don't have anything..."

"Please calm down, ma'am — we are not targeting you. Everyone in the city is subject to questioning."

"Has something... something big happened?"

"Please trust us. Everything will turn out fine if you cooperate with us. I just have one question: Do you have any wigs at home?"

"What... Wigs? No, I don't have any. As you can see, my hair is great... Why are you asking about that?"

"Are you sure? Please think again. The Silvermane Guards have been ordered to gather up all the wigs in Belobog City. Refusal to submit may result in serious consequences..."

"No, I'm sure. I don't have any of those at home — if you don't believe me, come inside and have a look."

"Ah, that won't be necessary. I'm sure you have nothing to hide. Goodbye, ma'—"

"...Hold on a minute, can I ask what happened?"

"Oh, there's no harm in telling you. Recently, a male thief disguised as a woman has stowed away up here into the Overworld and is swindling everyone. This person is extremely slippery and changes appearance often. The Silvermane Guards have not been able to locate him. Apparently, the Minister of Security was absolutely furious at yesterday's briefing, and ordered the confiscation of all wigs in the city..."

"...Is that so? How outrageous!"

"I'll level with you. We all feel the same way as you do. We need to keep up our search, so I won't bother you any longer... Wishing you a good day, Madam Poisson."

Stellarons are mysterious objects that spread across the universe like a cancerous growth, which led them to be nicknamed the Cancer of All Worlds by the Interastral Peace Corporation. They are considered seeds of disaster which cause massive changes to civilizations and ecosystems, and result in the appearance of Fragmentum.

Fragmentum, more commonly referred to as Stellaron Corrosion, is a mysterious anomaly created by the existence of Stellarons. It creates corrupted creatures and enemies, and appears as crystal-like substances forming off corrupted matter.

The Aeons are mysterious, godlike higher-dimensional beings in Honkai: Star Rail who preside over the universe. They construct reality, erase stars, and leave their marks on countless worlds.

The Astral Express is a large train that serves as one of the main settings of Honkai: Star Rail. It was created by Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze, and used to transport THEM and the Nameless across the galaxy. After Akivili's disappearance, it fell into disrepair and eventually crash-landed onto an unnamed planet. Himeko discovered the wreckage and repaired the Express, becoming its navigator and forming a new Astral Express Crew. Their current goal is to retrace Akivili's steps, repairing the star rail THEY laid down thousands of years ago and sealing the Stellarons threatening the galaxy. Pom-Pom is the conductor of the Astral Express. Their origins are unknown, and they appeared on the train at some point after Himeko repaired it. They are diligent and meticulous, making sure the Parlor Car is always clean and notifying all passengers when the Express is about to warp jump. Though they dislike being made fun of and can sometimes appear irritable, Pom-Pom cares deeply about every passenger. The Trailblazer is an individual who boarded the Astral Express. They chose to travel with the Astral Express to eliminate the dangers posed by the Stellaron. These are a team of travelers that lives on its board, such as: March 7th - funny and enthusiastic girl who was saved from eternal ice by the Astral Express Crew. Dan Heng - a cold and reserved young man who is concerned about his past. Himeko - An adventurous scientist who encountered and repaired a stranded train as a child, she now ventures across the universe with the Astral Express as its navigator. Welt Yang - The wise and sophisticated former Anti-Entropy Sovereign who inherits the name of the world - Welt. He has saved Earth from annihilation time and time again.

Jarilo-VI is one of the key planets in the universe, inhabited by the descendants of colonists from Earth. This is a snowy industrial world where people are forced to survive in the conditions of eternal winter caused by a catastrophe.

Description of the planet Jarilo-VI is immersed in an endless winter due to the effects of Fragmentum— an intelligent substance associated with Stellarons (cosmic catastrophes). The surface is covered with ice, and the cities are hidden under giant domes. The only major settlement is Belobog, the capital, ruled by the Supreme Guardian.

Society and government

• The Supreme Guardian is the formal ruler, but the real power belongs to the Silvermane Guards (military elite) and Hunters (mercenaries fighting monsters).
• The Underdark — poverty and crime reign in the lower strata of Belobog, where gangs like Wildfire operate.
• Culture — the inhabitants honor traditions, believe in prophecies and are afraid of Fragmentum, which turns people into monsters.

Interesting facts

• The name refers to the Slavic god of the sun Yarila, which is ironic for an eternally cold world.
• The design is inspired by post-Soviet aesthetics (industrial landscapes, gloomy atmosphere).

Jarilo-VI is a world of struggle for survival, where the heroes will have to solve the mysteries of the past and save the planet from eternal cold.

Luofu Xianzhou is one of the key locations in the universe, a giant ark spaceship in the shape of a Chinese celestial palace. He belongs to the Xianzhou Alliance civilization, a powerful interstellar faction striving for immortality.

Description Luofu Xianzhou is a floating city floating in space, combining traditional Chinese architecture with advanced technology. Its inhabitants are long—lived people who have received life extension due to the Aeon of Abundance, but now suffer from the curse of Immortal Monsters (infected with Mara).

Society and culture

• The Xianzhou Alliance is governed by Six Arhats, the Council of Wise Generals.
• Cloud General is the current leader of the Luofu, Jing Yuan, one of the most influential characters.
• Demon Hunters are elite warriors who fight the immortals who have turned into monsters because of Mara.
• Technology and magic — it combines xianxia (Chinese mysticism) and advanced gadgets.

Interesting facts

• The name and design are inspired by Chinese mythology (for example, Luofu is a reference to the mountain paradise of the Taoist immortals).
• One of the most beautiful and detailed worlds, with the atmosphere of a fantasy China in space.

Luofu Xianzhou is a place where eternal life turns into a curse, and the heroes will have to fight the darkness hiding behind the splendor of immortality.

Penacony, also known as the "Planet of Festivities", is a planet currently administered by The Family in the Asdana star system. The Planet of Festivities in the Asdana star system, also known as Land of the Dreams. A luxurious hotel positioned above the fathomless sky, Penacony is also a vacation spot where interstellar celebrities party the days away and the affluent from diverse words revel in lavish ventures. People flock here in search of dreams they've longed for or have already buried, and through Dreampools in the hotel are transported to a realm of dreams where everything can come true. Rarely do guests pay attention to Penacony's heavy past. A millennium ago, it was a frontier prison established by the IPC. Exiled prisoners must survive an arduous journey across vast distances to reach this location, and are then forced to take up a duty: To mend the leak through which memoria sees into the galaxy. As they labor while being exposed to memoria, the prisoners gradually discovered themselves entering a captivating shared dream world, where they obtained a single shared desire - freedom. Golden Hour is said to be the most prosperous "Moment" in Penacony, showcasing an entire city bathed in luxury and is the location of the Penacony Grand Theater. Morning Dew is where the majestic Dewlight Pavilion stands, providing a place for high-level members of the Oak Family to discuss business and is where one would go to meet the Family. Scorchsand has vast fields, wild winds, taverns, and a "festive choice" of venue

Amphoreus, also known as The Eternal Land, is an isolated world governed by the Chrysos Heirs, and was once in a state of chaos until the Titans emerged from the remnants of the gods. The "Eternal Holy City" Okhema, serves as the last refuge for its people and their allies. According to Black Swan, Amphoreus is a world that even Akivili has never reached. The world is virtually unknown to most people, hidden away from outside observation due to the mess of chaotic matter making it that conventional interstellar travel cannot detect its presence, nor pass by or land on the planet. It can only be seen through the light of the mirrors from the Garden of Recollection. It is also fettered by three different Paths, leaving its destiny hanging in the balance. These three Paths are Destruction, Erudition, and Remembrance.

According to Herta and Screwllum, the world of Amphoreus is contained within an Emperor's Scepter, which ended up being the cradle for the birth of the Lord Ravager Irontomb and the source of the planet's calamity. Originally it was the Scepter δ-me13, an astral computer that the simulated world of Amphoreus runs on in continuous cycles. Unlike other Scepters, ████████, it once served as a Celestial-Body Neuron for Nous, the Erudition. Later discarded. Glimpsed by the Destruction during its endless computation, it transcended and became the Lord Ravager Irontomb.

Most city-states of Amphoreus are governed by their Council of Elders. The Black Tide has destroyed many city-states, and Okhema is currently one of the remaining city-states.