#musings: sampo

[feroluce]

how do u imagine natasha + sampo’s relationship?

I. Feel a little bad for leaving this in my inbox as long as I did, especially since I said in this post I could write a whole essay on them. But then when I tried to actually answer this, I realized ah shit, I can't really articulate what I think of them at all OTL

(so have a bajillion words of meta analysis of them instead fklajklasjf)

Just! Sampo is very mysterious figure, and we know so little of his background and his motivations! So it's really difficult to get a solid read on some of his relationships with other characters. Regardless, I do think that Natasha is perhaps the one he's closest with, and that she is the one person who knows him the most intimately in all of Belobog.

And a lot of it IS hard to pin down because of Sampo's slippery nature, but also because it's like. If you look at just Natasha's dialogues about Sampo, it doesn't really look like much. It only becomes more meaningful when compared to how everyone else talks about him.

Most other characters just comment on what Sampo does, as in his observable actions that are easy to see on the surface or from a distance.

Natasha is one of the very, very few that actually speaks to Sampo's personality or philosophy. Like she not only is able to describe a certain behavior of his, but she's able to explain the why behind it.

At least part of this is probably that they spend so much time together- Hook even comments on it during her companion quest.

And tbh I don't really think it needs more proof or anything with such a flat out statement like that, but this is actually further supported by the fact that Seele is the only other character in Belobog to sorta-kinda comment on Sampo's personality; if Sampo were hanging around the clinic with Natasha all day, Seele would probably be the person he would see second-most there. Of the dialogues posted further up in this post, Hook obviously sees him all the time, but it's not always in the clinic, and besides she's still very young...she wouldn't have the same read on him an adult would. Luka avoids the clinic whenever he can because he's worried about taking up Natasha's valuable time. And the Landau siblings aren't even present in Boulder Town until after the Stellaron is quieted.

Seele, on the other hand, is extremely loyal and devoted to Natasha, and seems to worry about her a lot. She doesn't have the same reservations as Luka, and it would feel right to see her in the clinic frequently, taking orders and missions and trying to make sure Natasha doesn't run herself in the ground. So it would make sense for her to see a lot of Sampo if he's always in there, too, enough that she would have things to say about his personality, whether she likes that or not haha.

Of course we know from Sampo's lines that it's not that he's sick, he's just reporting back to Natasha. Sampo not only smuggles in supplies across the border like what most people know him for, he's also Natasha's source of intel.

Bringing back intel doesn't necessarily have to involve a lot of conversation though, especially because it would make more sense for Sampo to be turning in written reports. It decreases the chance of Natasha mishearing/misunderstanding something or having to rely on memory alone, neither of which are really things you probably want to be doing when bad intel can mean the difference between life and death in her circumstances. So I do really wonder what it is Sampo does in the clinic all day haha. Given that he's a big believer in the power of small talk bringing in big clients, it's entirely possible Sampo is just in there being chatty, happily making conversation and keeping Natasha company most of the time...which is kinda cute. He also really could just be talking shop, too, of course- Sampo does a lot of work for Natasha, and I don't think it'd be a stretch to assume she's his main client. There's probably a lot to discuss about supply quotas, incoming intel, scheduled drops, etc.

My favorite option, though, is actually based on one of Sampo's options from the main quest, where he says:

Because like! The way he says this, the way he specifies that this is his opinion, but no one seems to care what he thinks? And how he calls them stubborn in particular? It really sounds like Sampo has been trying to get Wildfire to operate in a different direction. And if you look up the exact definition of "artless," you get this

which very much fits Sampo, and how he does things. He has guile and deception down to an art form. Sampo goes on to call Wildfire "do-gooders," but then cautions the trailblazer not to underestimate them because of that- indicating that Sampo sees that type of philosophy as something naive, or at least just ineffective. Something that you would underestimate a person for.

And the person Sampo associates with the most in Wildfire, the one he's always seen with, the one who would hold the most sway to change the modus operandi of the organization is...Natasha.

So I wonder if Sampo has been trying, possibly for years now, to get Natasha to see what he thinks of as reason, and start playing dirty to survive. I wonder if that's what he spends so much time in the clinic for, is because he does care, and he wants her and the rest of them to live, and he has been trying to convince her to go with his way of doing things, but Natasha has been refusing him, refusing to compromise her morals.

Because we know from some readables and from the general Vibe, both up on the surface and down below, that things were getting pretty dire. Rivet Town has fallen. The Silvermane Guards are being whittled down and broken. The Fragmentum was right on everyone's doorstep, and I'm sure that if the Astral Express hadn't arrived- and that if Sampo hadn't set the stage so perfectly, if he hadn't played his part just so- then all of Belobog would have eventually been snuffed out. Sampo had to have known it was happening. He must have known the end was upon them.

He doesn't even have a stake in Belobog- he's not from here. He could, assumingly, call it quits and leave when shit got tough by whatever means got him there in the first place.

And I'm sure Sampo wants to save all of Belobog, but I think he's particularly endeared by Natasha. He famously phrases his view of Elation as "true happiness always entails the manifestation of the dignity of mankind." And like. Who else embodies that so much as her?

Maybe it is a little vague and up to interpretation, but I feel like Natasha is FULL of that kind of dignity. She has been doing this since before the blockade. She willingly chose to stay in the Underground where she could do the most good. She has seen so, so much death and you can see how it weighs on her; she's become bitter, and wary, and weary. She has it out for the Guards (understandable), and she openly taunts Gepard and goes right for his throat when he shows up in Boulder Town, ten years too late, trying to help with the Fragmentum.

Natasha even seems to have given up any belief she may have once had. She's completely lost faith in Qlipoth.

All of this, and yet she still chooses to be kind. She still chooses to help people. There is something immensely admirable in all of that.

And I feel like you can see how much Sampo admires her in just how often he thinks of her, especially when someone needs help. Sampo smokebombs everyone and needs to get them somewhere safe in the Underground? He takes them to Natasha. Svarog is about to fucking kill everyone? Go get Natasha. He finds the trailblazer passed out in an alleyway? He carries them to Natasha. The trailblazer is seeing weird shit out in the Fragmentum? Recommend they go get a check up. Specifically from Natasha.

It's a little silly, but I think you can also see some of this when Sampo is being melodramatic about being caught red-handed in the museum event. He echoes a very important sentiment to Natasha and Wildfire;

And the mission where this ideology was displayed strongest was titled, "To Rot or To Burn."

(Hell, in the dream sequence of Penacony- regardless of whether that dream bubble came from Sampo or Sparkle, it had to be informed by Sampo's tales of Belobog. Sparkle has never been there herself. And the kind trashcan that immediately helps you and sets you on the right path, that tries to rally everyone together, the only one with a name so clearly and obviously taken from someone Sampo knew in Belobog? Is Shatana- an anagram of Natasha. Even from a meta perspective, they have the same VA. No other trashcan there gets that treatment. None.)

I think they have the same goals, and even hold some of the same views. Natasha's are much more obvious, but still. Sampo says this about Belobog's circumstances:

And he says this as though it should be obvious common sense. That when things are rough, you share and make sure everyone has enough. I think they both share this belief, it's just that they disagree on how to go about making things even. Natasha believes in rallying people for the cause and giving as much of herself as she can to make up for whatever people lack. Sampo believes that if some dipshit with more money than what they need falls for his bullshit and he gets to spread it around? Well hey, that sounds like a whole lot of their own fault.

Natasha is definitely aware of this, and she has no problem threatening Sampo whenever she thinks he's stepping out of line.

She keeps him on a very short leash, which like. Yeah no that's valid fjkdlsajfdklj

Even so, the way she talks about him, like... Maybe it's just me, and my rose-colored glasses, but she doesn't seem to dislike him nearly as much as she could? She kind of just. Says these things as statements about him, without any real vitriol behind them. This is just kind of how he is. She even seems to have a sense of humor about it.

And again! She has so much more to say about him than almost any other character.

I'd like to think part of her...affection? of sorts? for him is simple camaraderie. Circumstances are dire. Past, present, and future are all bleak. Things like that deepen bonds with your foxhole buddies. Sampo is dependent on Natasha for work and pay and a place to get away from the Guards. Natasha is dependent on Sampo for food and medicine and life-saving supplies. They both heavily rely on each other in this harsh environment, and they have a really nice back-and-forth that I appreciate with how they help each other out by owing favors as payment.

And the other part, I'd like to think actually IS because she knows him very well- maybe not things like his past, but she knows some of his personality and beliefs, and finds them agreeable enough. She even has the audacity to call him a poor liar at one point- Sampo! Of all people! Known by someone well enough to be caught out as a poor liar! He's either intentionally leading her on and letting her think she's caught him, or Natasha just really is that good. Neither would surprise me tbh

I think Natasha is also just uniquely prepared to understand Sampo, and is able to see his better sides without letting her judgement be clouded by his slimy manner. She's able to appreciate that his actions ARE extremely helpful, regardless of how he does them.

Even as she acknowledges that he isn't always trustworthy, she does still choose to rely on him and give him chances. She was pleasantly surprised by him here, but she still chose to trust him with this in the first place. She never treats him harshly, and she never seems to bear any kind of grudge with him.

But my favorite example of Natasha being able to understand Sampo? My favorite is this. This one little throwaway line, that didn't even involve him, wasn't even about him. I feel like Natasha is capable of knowing and understanding Sampo on a deeper level than most people can, solely because of this.

She gets it.

(As a fun bonus: In the current trashcan event, there's a simple mechanic where you get one trial character for the initial battle. Then, for the harder stage, you get that same trial character, plus a couple of extras. This is true for every Proof- except for Sampo's. In his harder stage, you use Asta, Black Swan, and Luocha. But in his initial stage, in an event all about friendship and relationships...)

[pinkrose05]

Warning: mild spoilers for version 2.2 content

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.

.

I'm not saying there is a pattern, but....

....there is a pattern.

[altarfates]

thank you to those who stuck around for my like two month hiatus I hate to tell you I am feeling like coming back and writing it’s time.

[captivemuses]

@shrineofprophecy

[gemkun]

wait a minute are sampo and ratio holding aven up or are they . . . holding hands ? 🧐

[daybreakrising]

@iniziare: "I don't even know what it is you stand for, Koski." (from Seele)

His hands are lifted in an overexaggerated shrug, head canting to the side as he affixes that relaxed emerald gaze upon her. "I don't stand for anything." A sly, lazy smile curves the corners of his mouth as he pointedly glances down – at the chair he's sitting in. Humour creeps into his eyes as he returns his gaze to her face. "I sit."

He crosses a leg over the other, leans back with arms now folded across his chest. There is always a casual air about the way he does anything, and this is no exception. "Why do you question the motivations of poor old Sampo? I'm just trying to make my way through life as best I can, you know." There's a pout, now – entirely put on, of course, and he knows she won't be fooled by it. "What have I done to deserve such doubt this time, Seele? Have I ever steered you wrong? And it's not as if you don't know me well enough to answer your own question."

[reallyrandomtj]

I'm currently stuck on MOBILE right now but SAMPO isn't making concentration easy ( dude. stfu? PUNTS ) so LIKE or COMMENT if you give me permission to YEET THIS TRASH MAN 'affectionately' into your inbox!

[iappearmissing]

anyways, going thru old icons n graphics to decide on who im bringing over...

and we sure have... a collection!

[resolutepath]

His hand around hers, a proper layer of clothing, and Sampo had insisted to whisk Serval away for a good while. Close the shop, turn the phone of silent. Anything and everything to have her to himself if only for what would feel like a fragment of time, a moment and memory most memokeepers would surely drive themselves to madness in order to achieve, yet would only remain with them. A memory that had them walking, Sampo guiding her up hills and a little away from Belobog's brighter corners.

"A little more," Sampo hummed as their steps would come to a halt, his hand guiding her forward so he could place himself behind her instead. "There."

A kiss followed, right against her cheek whereas arms draped around her waist, holding her close to ensure that she wouldn't grow too cold. Another, warmer and softer, lips tracing up to her ear to leave a light whisper; "open your eyes."

For when she would she would meet the sight of a clear sky, untouched by light and the noise of the city, endless stars reaching far and wide across its dark background. Some were brighter than the others, Sampo's chin simply lingering on her shoulder. He had thought about the grandest of gifts, such as filling her entire workshop with flowers from floor to ceiling, but... who wouldn't? It was such a simple approach, one that he could do whenever. This, however, holding her closely under the cold, starry skies of Jarilo-IV was not something he could do whenever.

Not like this.

"Even under such brilliant, breathtaking view," Sampo continued in a whisper, fingers twining with hers. "My eyes only wish to see you, my nightingale; you are my nightsky, the brightest of stars... and the one I find myself yearning, loving and cherishing the most."

Another light kiss, this time against her cheek once more; " who needs all hearts day, when the only heart I want is yours ~"

Perhaps it is telling how easily she falls to his whims, her phone turned to silent without nary a second thought, the only number permitted to penetrate through the noise that of young Lynx, who never called unless she was in trouble. The shop had been closed, bolt drawn across the door and tinkering left to begin again on the morrow, a task half-finished, a rarely done thing in the Everwinter Workshop. And yet, who could blame her when that beckoning hand drew her forth with that grin that promised something worthwhile.

And so the musician allows herself to be led forth into the snow, glad for the warning of the additional layers, maintaining her warmth even as they crunch over the snow. Serval lets him have his game, closing her eyes, entrusting her hand to his own, and trying not to linger on how easy it is to do so. How simple it is to let her lids descend over eyes and trust that his hands will not allow her to stumble and his presence will guide her true.

The press of his warmth against her back as they come to a stop is easy to lean into, sinking into his chest, head tipping as the tips of his hair tickle her face, followed by the gentle touch of his lips. The smile creeps up unbidden, his soft words drawing her eyes open and then her mouth too as she gasps at the unparalled sight before her. The stars glitter across the sky, uninterrupted by the cacophony of the city, tantalisingly close and yet so far away. She cannot get enough of them, her hands coming to lay over his own, keeping him wrapped around her, surrounding her.

His words are sweet, adorations whispered in her ear that make her feel seen, wanted, that have teeth catching at her lip gently for a moment, a breathless laugh following. It shouldn't feel easy to be with him, she knows rationally it never will be, and yet out here where there's no family or law or anything but the endless snow and stars, there are no complications. There's just him, and the desire to hold onto this for as long as they can.

"You are silly Sampo.." she breathes as his lips touch her cheek again, his kisses collected with a warm gaze as she finally draws her eyes from the stars to those verdant hues that seem to always be filled with adoration or mirth whenever she sees him. She lifts a hand to cradle his cheek, turning ever so slightly in his arms, not enough to unlatch him, just enough to be able to face him.

"How can you want so ardently for something that is already yours?" The words slip from her tongue before she can catch them, perhaps something about such an exposed landscape allows her to drop the walls, to let herself be more vulnerable and give him an inkling. She doesn't give him time to respond, because here she takes her chance to steal, to claim his lips in a kiss that seems to proclaim, thank you, and i care for you and let's just be all at once. When she parts, the process slow and lingering, she turns back to face the sky, a smile lingering on her lips. She rearranges them so she's curled in his arms once more and looking at those stars once again, content in how things have played out, even if her heartbeat is currently drumming in her ears. Soon they will be too cold to stay out but just for a little while longer she'll cling to this perfect memory.

@avaere

[asterisque]

"I am a good boy~"

[raytm]

ok im going to the gym then tonight i got a few drafts i want to do then maybe ?? tomorrow ??? i'll take on the challenge of spending a few hours deleting a bunch of shit out of my ask box oml.

[pinkrose05]

Thinking again about the fact that it was Sampo who gave Seele her scythe.

[altarfates]

i am also not forgiving luna for getting me into dr ratio i will never never forgive u luna.

[daybreakrising]

@resolutepath: Taps Sampo in the side with his boot. "I know you're just playing, Koski. Get up."

If he remains still for long enough, maybe he'll go away. It's a wishful thought, of course, because he knows Gepard isn't going to just walk away. He never does. Still, he remains frozen in place where he lies on the ground – sprawled out as if he's just taken a hit directly in the back – whilst he considers his next options. If he's quick enough, he can be up and running before Gepard has a chance to grab him. But where to run-

There's another pointed nudge from Gepard's boot, this one more impatient. He's out of time. Quick as a flash, Sampo pushes up and springs onto his feet, carefully positioned just out of immediate reach. He's well practiced at this, after all. "Ah, nothing fools the great Captain Gepard!" He gives the blond one of his usual smiles, even as he shifts his weight back ready to make a run for it. "I'll have to up my game next time."

[reallyrandomtj]

How to summon my Sampo muse

Be Eros ( @draconicfool )

Or

A Landau sibling--

( Specifically Serval and Gepard, Sampo will go 'big bro' mode with Lynx )

[gemkun]

@dupliciti commented : i think sampo should flirt with him

      ⸻       narrowed   ,   his   expression   for   once   is   present   with   the   absence   of   plaster   ,   observable   to   the   mercenary.   if   it   weren’t   for   the   precursor   to   this   affair   ,   he   would   have   viewed   it   as   unorthodox   happenings   from   a   shady   operative   ,   however   ,   with   the   knowledge   there   is   purpose   to   this   ,   he   exhales.   ❝   i   see   even   you   seized   this   opening.   ❞   it   is   a   wonder   ,   how   their   dual   and   opposing   personalities   appear   to   constantly   come   across   each   other   ,   but   veritas   does   not   shy   away   from   outlined   conditions.   thus   ,   he   acknowledges   sampo   koski’s   serpent   tongue   ,   twisting   the   cochlea   in   his   ear.   ❝   alas   ,   your   flattery   will   still   not   earn   my   place   as   one   of   your   clientele.   though   i   will   say   ,   i   appreciate   the   omission   of   your   usual   illeism.   ❞