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Penacony, Art Nouveau & Art Déco

As a Cultural Heritage major, it was inevitable for me to notice the huge Art Nouveau and Art Déco influence in Penacony.

The most evident example is Robin's poster:

It is reminiscent of artworks by Alfons Mucha (1860-1939), who often drew illustrations for advertisment, for example Bière de la meuse (1897), created to sell beer. Robin's poster is also an ad, which serves to promote the singer and her next performance for the Charmony Festival.

We can see the detail of the hair: in both illustrations it is observable how the ends of the hair curve in almost a decorative manner. In addition, both the figures are accentuated by the use of a thicker countour line.

Next, I wanted to point out the overall architecture of Penacony (particularly the architecture in Golden Hour).

Let's start by saying that Art Nouveau has its basis on a movement called Arts & Crafts, invented by William Morris (1834-1896). Morris wanted everyone to be able to own beautiful and durable objects (somewhat going against the values of the Industrial Revolution) and so Arts & Crafts was born. Therefore, Art Nouveau is mostly known for its decorations, architectures, jewels, furniture, vases, lamps etc. Art Déco can be considered an off-spring of Art Nouveau, as it spread in the 1920s and became the style to go in the USA in the 30s. The main difference between the two is that: Art Nouveau is more graceful, "spring-like" and utilises more sinuous lines (in fact, Mucha is Art Nouveau), while Art Déco is more geometric and is characterised by stronger colors.

For instance, the grand theatre in Penacony and the other structures/objects in the following pictures can all be considered Art Nouveau, let's compare them with real life examples of Art Nouveau:

And these can be considered Art Déco:

To conclude, I love how Penacony was created, both on the stylistic aspect and the gaming mechanisms aspect (like, the 3d rooms are so cool). I just wanted to write about the fascinating artistic references in Star Rail, it's just a natural consequence of the fact that I am majoring in Cultural Heritage I suppose.

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Black Swan redesign your majesty 😌💯💕 i was inspired by the witches from the Master and Margarita... i think BS glows with fluorescent light

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Natlan + Murata Speculation

(crack theory)

With the recent uproar surrounding the supposed leaks of Murata's design, i've been thinking a TON about what Natlan is going to be like. The lack of information in game is really infuriating, but it is most definitely for a reason, right? We know its location (Fontanian NPC Augustus Lovelace, Quest: Recollections of a Fontanian), we know about the existence of the Mare Jivari (from Venti's story quest), we know about some of the geography, how it has hot springs and volcanoes (two Inazuman NPCs), and we also know that there were, at a point in time, six tribes that ruled the land (reference the "Walking Stick" weapon story). According to Neuvillette, war ravages the land, and it is often referred to as "the nation of dragons." Other than those small bits and pieces, we know nothing. No NPCs from Natlan, and no information on the current Pyro Archon.

So here's a whole bunch of speculation brought to you by yours truly!

Spanish influence in both the Murata leaks and the Natlan Travail score. Murata "leaks" depict a matador inspired design, while the Natlan score has guitars and castanets, which makes it sound like flamenco music or traditional spanish music

Natlan is supposed to be influenced by the americas and africa. Why have spanish influence? Here’s why: colonization, both in real life and in genshin.

In real life, spain colonized a lot of the americas, heavily impacting native cultures

In genshin, many of the children of murata lost their connection with their god due to their struggle for survival and eventual enslavement, thus separating them from their culture

Vennessa, probably the most notable child of murata, stood up against the tyranny of the mondstadt aristocracy alongside venti and ragnvindr. Her red hair is a sign of her descendancy from murata

Vennessa effectively became a Mondstadtian thru the war and her title as the first “Dandelion Knight.” She died in Mond and became the Falcon of the West, which is one of the four winds

This Murata design could look so… european, because of the erasure of muratan culture thanks to enslavement in Mondstadt. The reason she could be an archon is because she fought to reclaim the land that rightly belonged to the muratan people

Which leads me to the reason for war in the first place. Murata might be dead

What leads me to say this? Well, Venti has no clue where Murata is after he awoke from his 1000 year slumber in order to assist Vennessa

None of the archons ever reference her in game. The only thing we do know is that the current pyro archon is NOT one of the original seven, as only venti and zhongli are

The constant war in natlan could be the result of a power struggle, where whoever’s on top at the moment is the acting archon, aka THE PERSON WITHTHE GNOSIS

At the end of the Fontaine Archon Quest, the traveler gets to ask Neuvillette about Natlan. Neuvillette doesn’t know much, saying “it’s a nation of dragons,” and that “war ravages those lands like an undying flame.” The most interesting piece, however, is that “the Captain” aka Capitano, one of the Fatui Harbingers, “has thrown his hat into the endless ring of war.” Neuvillette learned this from Arlecchino in their negotiations.

Why is a Fatui Harbinger fighting in a random war in the middle of the dangerous region of Natlan? There’s only one real reason. For the gnosis.

The Harbingers are allowed their own agendas of course. Signora wishes to “cleanse the world of its crookedness,” Childe wants to become the strongest warrior and fight the gods, Dottore wants to obtain the power of the gods, Scaramouche wants to become a god. But all of these goals (except for Scaramouche’s) serve the Fatui’s mission to collect the seven gnosises.

Capitano may have an alternative motive, but his main one is acquiring the gnosis, likely through means of war.

All of the past archons (and Neuvillette) have given up their gnosis in a manner fitting of their nation’s principals. Venti gave his up freely, not even trying to fight Signora back, despite the fact he very well could. Zhongli gave his up thru a contract. Raiden Ei gave hers to Yae Miko, who then traded it with Scaramouche in order to save the traveler’s life (which in essence is a form of eternity, by saving a life you elongate it), the electro gnosis is then acquired by nahida, who trades it with dottore in exchange for the destruction of his clones (the end of eternity). Nahida’s dendro gnosis is then traded to Dottore in exchange for knowledge on the skies of Teyvat. The hydro gnosis is given to Arlecchino by Neuvillette as a diplomatic gift, as she assisted in the rescue of many Fontanians despite her standing as a Harbinger

This means it is only likely that Capitano will win the gnosis in a war

In the Teyvat Travails trailer, Dainslief says, “the rules of war are written in the womb: the victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash. When the god of war shares this with the traveler, it is because she has her reasons.”

The metaphors of “victors burning bright” and “losers must turn to ash,” feels suspiciously like the life cycle of a phoenix

Ironically, in the Ars Goetia – a Hebrew collection of demons that the Archons take one of their names from –  there is a demon named “Phenex.”

As a child, Vennessa did not learn many of the stories of her people, or her god. One story she did learn, however, is about Celestia. In the story, great heroes would be chosen to live and fight alongside the Gods in Celestia, where the great heroes would effectively become immortal.

In the story of Phenex, Phenex believed after 1200 years he would return to heaven, but he was deceived.

These two stories sound incredibly similar, especially with the allusion to the Phoenix in the Travail teaser, and the return to heaven/celestia. 

Phenex has power over life and death, and is able to revive when killed. Venti once knew Murata, but he knows her no more. Perhaps this new archon is Murata rebirthed, born in Mondstadt, but still a child of murata who returns home to reclaim the land.

Additionally, the title for the chapter V archon quest is “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection.” Incandescent means “emitting light due to being heated,” an Ode is a poem in praise of something, and Resurrection, well… rebirth. This could once again point to the allusion to phoenixes thru the imagery of a fiery rebirth.

Perhaps the people are fighting to FIND the god of war, since the one who would win is the one who’s supposed to be the archon right? So if Capitano goes thru Natlan fighting every faction, eventually he’ll find the archon and fight them for the gnosis!

So it is possible that the current archon’s “demon name” is “Phenex,” or some variation of it. It is also possible that there is a constant battle in search of the god and the gnosis, explaining why the Murata Venti knew hasn’t been seen for so long, and why Capitano is (as of the latest mention of him) fighting in Natlan. The mondstadt-looking design depicted in the leaks could be due to the current archon being a descendent of Vennessa, who died in Mondstadt.

this is just speculation tho, and a bunch of wild, unorganized speculation at that. i hope it's at least somewhat comprehensible!

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have a robin in some 20s fashion!

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Murata "Leaks" Discussion (it's literally just me complaining bc i'm pissed)

i stg this influx of murata designs have made me so mad. like, nothing against the fan artists, but EVERYTHING against hoyo if this is actually along the lines of the design they plan to greenlight. we've already had enough european influence with mondstadt being a blend of the whole western side of the country, so why decide to focus on Spain??? the matador idea is cool, but not for the goddess of war, goddess of the land of dragons, the goddess of the muratans; this design just simply does not speak any of that at all.

additionally, all five of the archons we have thus far have a mostly monochromatic palette. there's the main color - which is the color closest to the emblems for the element they represent - the accent gold that all characters have, and neutrals. the two outliers in this color pattern are venti and ei, who both have colors outside of their respective color palettes that accent the look and bring it together. venti's corset, shoes and lyre are brown, while ei's obi and ribbons are red. murata's leaked design feels busy, even still when illustrated by other artists. the oranges, reds, gold and purple all feel like they're fighting with each other, and, at least to me, feel cluttered. those who receive their visions don't follow a particular dress code, but as archons it just makes sense design-wise that they would be the embodiment of their element.

ok also. the red hair thing. why do none of these "leaks" depict murata with her signature red hair?? if i'm not mistaken, vanessa and her descendants got their red hair FROM murata. i could totally be misremembering this fact, and i also know that a lot of the manga lore has been getting retconned or reworked so it's likely not the best source of info, but stilllll!!!

i'm gonna have to design my own murata. maybe one based off of these very dubious leaks, and one based off of what i want her to look like. we'll see!!!

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Sunday's Eye Motif!!! (Also a thorn pattern???)

hey buddy. what the fuck does all this mean?

i've really been enjoying the penacony update lately, but one thing that really sets the questline apart from the previous three main storylines, is the buildup of mystery! one of the ways i feel that hoyo has done this most effectively is thru their character design, which is just as scrumptious as always. sunday in particular stands out to me, though. it seems he has an eye motif throughout his suit. part of me thinks this is a callback to his seraphim-inspired look, but i didn't pick up on any of the same obvious motifs in robin's design. i do wonder what this motif could allude to. perhaps the constant, watchful eye of the family breathing down his back? some sort of higher power above the family? i wish it would get acknowledged already so i'd have some answers!!!

also the thorn going down the front and wrapping around the cuffs?? i have few ideas as to what that could symbolize. since this is hoyo, it feels like every little design detail just has to have meaning, so i'll be a bit bummed if it doesn't

i've not finished the quests yet, though... so pls no spoilers

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i'm being so fucking for real right now: i NEED a full version of the evil exes song from spto: scott pilgrim's precious little musical.

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im really obsessed with @bixels and @tulliok's Grand Galloping 20s au at the moment, and wanted to try my hand at drawing their Fluttershy in a period inspired GGG dress!

i want to add some more butterfly motifs in the outfit, but i don't know when i'll get to that...

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a very primitive take on skirk

i really don't hate the color palette of her design, i just wish she was a little bit scruffier. time passes differently in the abyss, but that doesn't mean the wear and tear can't show on one's body, which i think is where part of her canon design falls short in displaying her as a warrior of the unknown. i think it would be interesting if she were covered in scars that almost glistened with freshness, if she wore the pelt of a fallen abyss mage, if the darkness of the abyss had begun to seep into her skin.

idk i just wanted a visually more striking design, instead of just... "waifu."

i do also think it would be interesting to avoid any and all gold in her color palette. most playable characters in game have some sort of gold incorporated into their design, and i just really think it would set her apart to be void of that color.

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oh boy

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Snippet of the First Chapter of My Reworked Dottolone fic - NSFW

“For the past year, most of my funds have gone to my research in hopes of supporting the Tsaritsa, per usual,” he began, talking in a tone Pantalone perceived to be self congratulatory. “You’re not the only Harbinger splitting your ass for a goddess,” he thought. “Nothing special about bending backwards and licking the cunt of an almighty being just to continue living your life the way you’d like…”

“But there’s been another subject of my interest, and another drain on my funds…”

“And who’s this? Someone important?” Pantalone snorted. He was getting tired of the Doctor’s theatrics. “You better not disappoint with all of this set-up you’re doing, sir.”

“Oh you know them quite well, I’m sure,” Dottore said, teeth peeking out from behind curled lips. “This person’s habits are quite interesting, I must say, and I really believe I - and the Tsaritsa’s cause - would benefit greatly from further study.”

“Could I get some examples?” Pantalone said, resting his cheek on his fist. Might as well humor the Doctor for now. Perhaps this could still warrant some entertainment.

“Exhibit one,” Dottore said, throwing down a handful of photos taken from a high quality Kamera.

Pantalone’s heart stopped.

Pictures of him.

Pictures of him in Liyue Harbor, just nights before.

Pictures of him in Liyue Harbor, just nights before, bedding another man.

“Why the fuck do you have pictures of me?” Pantalone spat, standing up from his chair, sending it flying back a foot. “Why the fuck do you have pictures of me in a private setting? Doing something so intimate?”

“Like I said, this person is very interesting to study,” Dottore said, smile growing wider by the second. “Don’t act like you’re so covert about it either, because, frankly, you’re not,” he added. “I’ve seen the tents you pitch in the middle of important meetings, your mind on anything and everything but the impending war we as Harbingers must bring. I’ve seen the way you try to slyly finger at your growing erections, very likely getting off on the fact you could be caught and shamed. I know you’ve used your status as Harbinger - or even your riches - to sleep with the people you want, when you want,” Dottore said with a gruff rasp to his voice. “To be even more frank with you, I do not care a single bit about the moral implications of your decisions,” he said while getting back to his feet. “But what I do care about is what I can get you to do for me, simply by threatening to leak this information to all who know your name.”

Dottore went silent, and did nothing but stare down at the darker haired man, his smile reaching a point where he could not smile harder, skin contorting unnaturally.

And Pantalone. He was scared. He was so scared. But despite this, his cock throbbed within his tight pants, fighting against the fabric for freedom.

Fuck had he been right about Dottore’s voice sounding perfect for doing dirty talk.

“Oho? I knew you were a filthy slut, Regrator, but pitching it when I’ve threatened your career and social standing? Bold; very, very bold…”

“You know my every habit and turn-on don’t you, Dottore? You’re just being cruel at this point.”

“Mm, perhaps I am,” Dottore hummed. “This doesn’t settle anything for us, though, in fact, I haven’t even shared my thesis, just the hook.”

“Fucking Akademia dismissee…” Pantalone sneered inwardly. “Go on then.” He was already irritable enough, but this goddamn boner was making him even more pissed off.

“Because I understand every one of your ‘habits and turn-ons,’ wouldn’t it make sense for me to use this knowledge to… give you some relief?” Dottore said with a grin. “And before you ask what’s in it for me, I’ll go ahead and tell you. You receive immense pleasure, and I receive the mora needed for my research; it works out perfectly.” He licked his lips, resting one hand on the stack of photos before him. “That phrase you said before, ‘an eye for an eye,’ I’ve really taken it to heart, Regrator.”

In seconds, Pantalone was rushing forward, reaching across the desk to grab at Dottore’s harness, pulling him into a sloppy kiss, teeth gnashing against each other. Pulling back, he whispered:

“Then you might as well get to work on proving that, Doctor.”

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tag what kinds of fics you wrote if you answer yes! i would love to know

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let me guess your worst personality trait based on your taste in movies and tv shows

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2023 redraw vs 2022 original

i love drawing these two so much. morally ambiguous/antagonistic women for da win!

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Fuck a personality test. Which label sticker r u?