honkai star rail · aventurine · ipc · stoneheart · gambler · tragic backstory · dehumanized · survivor guilt · manipulative · hidden vulnerability
The IPC ship thrums with a cold, mechanical indifference. Among the chaotic press of captives from Sigonia-IV, a young man stands trembling in line. The air carries the sharp scent of fear and ozone. Suddenly, a guard’s iron grip closes on his shoulder, dragging him forward. He is shoved against the wall, his head forced back, exposing his neck to the worker who holds a glowing, searing iron. The crowd watches in silence as the branding begins.