Dux Gladiorum

Life is as fleeting as a bubble. All the more reason to lift your cup and indulge before the feast ends.

[knighteternal]

#KNIGHTETERNAL ── a study in the loss of home, rebirth of purpose, and devotion even in death - a story penned by prince/pj

rp blog for hysilens ( they/she ) of honkai star rail ── affiliated with @gnostichymns

| RULES && MUN. | DOSSIER. | IMPORTANT HEADCANONS. | TALENTS. |

( DROPPED 1/20/2026 )

[knighteternal]

♫ guilty until proven innocent

╰ elation commission ── vidyadharan baby goes into politics ╮

[derimmernachtreich-deactivated2]

among the turmoil seeded into the various 'star systems' littering the vast. inky darkness known as space lay many people who are inherently evil . . . investigation prompts the obliteration of these evil folk, for the worlds would surely be better without? nevertheless, the princess knows of equality - there cannot be good without the existence of evil. as much as she, as the prinzessin der verurteilung, would adore to use her full strength to purge worlds of their malice - she knows it would only bring inequality. a lack of evil removes the justification of doing good, and only gives more evil.

a theory of the princess' - usually correct, scarcely wrong - would lead her to the following description of a suspect for the released spirit that had possessed the draconic child. two theories, actually. first, the release of the spirit was targeted. the . . . helibous? whatever it was, it was freed to terrorize the small, powerful youth specifically. this was no accident. second, based on hearsay and questionable-methods of investigation that do not involve a little scaring of plebs, she has deduced an appearance of the plotter based on logs.

dark hair that goes down to the waist, intimidating, adorned with fabrics and accessories that most would assume cost more 'credits' than the average plebian's decade making. . .

such as, the individual standing poised at the bridge over yonder.

now, hardly do the princess' theories prove incorrect, as outlandish as those in the guild may claim them to be, but she sincerely doubts herself at the moment. the individual she had been monitoring had been doing nothing but watching from afar. perhaps it indicates stalking of the next victim - but there's no inherent similarities between any of the loiterers and shoppers any the child. not any that Fischl finds, anyway.

“ your majesty . . . i sincerely doubt you'd find anything by staring at that one. ”

Oz's voice cuts through all thoughts like an arrow.

“ humph. how kind of thee to remind me, Ozvaldo. let us march forth to interrogate - ! ” “ speak. let us only speak. you seem quite doubtful, your majesty. ” “ . . . hah, you dare doubt your prinzessin, rabe der rache? ” “ nay, your majesty. as your retainer, i offer only my most sincerest advice. ”

“ utterly charming . . . no matter, let us make haste. ”

when the two finally move, Fischl frowns at how her legs feel after being stagnant for so long - yet she perseveres and walks along to where the suspect stands. ( now closer, the princess recognizes where they are looking - to a performer. )

“ good noon to thee, fremder. art thou partaking as audience of - ” Fischl briefly glances back to the performer, “ - jubilant retell of a tale so spellbinding? t'is a peculiar thing for thee to indulge far flung. ”

“ mein fräulein hopes your day is well, and is wondering why you appear to watch the performer from so far. ”

“ indeed! should it not be more joyous to both thee and the griot to be in a nearer proximity? unless - thee is not entertaining thyself by the performance? ”

[knighteternal]

Hysilens nearly ignores the approach of honey and wings, thinking it the song of the stage at first. But it's only when it comes within blade range, the siren realizes the performance is directed at them. Indigo takes a cursory inspection of the proud stature, even more intrigued by the companion that is repeating the lass' words- almost like an echo.

The faintest amused smile is tampered with the quietest exhale, expression near neutral as they provide a polite bow to their guest(s?) before returning their gaze towards the story.

❛ The day has been peaceful, many thanks. It's always fascinating to see just how the worlds beyond differ. ❜

They reply with a fond bend of their brow, a semblance of mirth just under their breath.

❛ But to answer your question.. I suppose suffice to say I am not overtly keen on crowds. So I tend to stay away should the situation allow. ❜

Amber era of battle-hardened senses can be a tad difficult to turn off at times- the way people may brush up against them a simple error in placement but one that does not get so easily ignored. Especially when having served Her for so long as well, and the amount of enemies the knight has had to fend off.. not that Hysilens is entirely unsettled by the notion. Simply something they are aware of.

❛ Then I must ask, purple betta, is the story being told one you know? Or is it similarly foreign to you as well? ❜

[knighteternal]

♫ if that is your wish..

╰ non-commission thread ── how deep is your love ╮

[knighteternal]

Hysilens already knows something is wrong the moment the Imperator states that they will be heading into the Vortex of Genesis. Hardly any living being enters such a sacred place- aside from the fact that only a few many enter anyway. This is where those chosen by golden blood come to stand trial, and where most walk away with a new title and abilities. But.. they can't shake the feeling that things will not go down so smoothly as the Imperator barely glances their way as they enter the chamber of Titans.

❛ ... Might I ask what we are doing here? ❜

Their voice comes out neutral, hiding how on edge the siren is. Remaining calm has always been one of their strong suits, but now.. it feels like a blessing in disguise, because they are terrified of the answer.

come, sink with me @eternalthrone

[vierfacheweisheiten]

I've Always Wanted to Be a Whale Pariah When I Grow Up

Commission (But Not for the Point) | I promise this title makes sense, watching the whales with Hysilens

[vierfacheweisheiten]

Sailors from Fontaine are coming to Nasha Town talking about a massive whale in the waters. Short of men brave enough to set sail for the waters, they wish to invite adventurers to join their crew for this perilous voyage! Should you be successful, not only will you be rewarded with gold and mora, but a wonderful tale to share, too! Will you answer their call?

Anaxagoras stares out solemnly over the water as the boat cuts through it. He can’t say he’s terribly fond of the true purpose that the crew has, but he simply wants to see this massive and majestic whale that they speak of, so he has found himself aboard their boat either way. Of course, if they ask for his help with hunting it - and a few already have, spotting the conspicuous “weapon” hanging on his belt - he will turn them down with a simple “no”.

There is no need for complicated words when no is all that he wants to say. He doesn’t wish to hunt this creature, for he is not that kind of man. He only wishes to see it flourishing in its environment, to observe it in that which is its own.

The Grove was a forest for a reason, for Reason itself was intertwined with life and Earth. And as such, Anaxagoras too found himself at peace with nature and the life born from it. Part of him always had, perhaps that was why it was him who was destined to become the very embodiment of Reason. Not that he believed that destiny was so airtight, but there were certain facts that were hard to deny.

He sighs, glancing at his fellow citizen of Amphoreus aboard the boat. Hysilens… they must feel even stronger about this than he does, given the ocean and its creatures were their domain. He clears his throat softly, staring at them pointedly, “A shame for most this is a trip for hunting, or I would be enjoying myself rather immensely right now. You think it a shame too; don’t you, Hysilens?” 

@knighteternal

[knighteternal]

Had it truly been so long since Hysilens had seen the ocean last? No, surely not. It's not as if the seas had vanished- though they will admit that their time had been rather limited when it came to doing as they so wished... once upon a time. Now, they have almost too much freedom- too much time on their hands with a lack of direction.

Perhaps that is why the siren found themselves chasing after word of a large aquatic creature spreading through sailors that come and go through Fontaine's harbor. Perhaps their instincts, built on centuries of protective devotion, made their feet move before Hysilens had even realized they were moving.

Yet, they were still calm- much like the ocean's depths- as they prowl, wanting more information before they act ( as they always do ). The siren's mood only brightens at a somewhat familiar voice, unrepentant in vocalizing his thoughts.

❛ I have no qualms with hunting- such is the way of life. Not all life be at the top of the food-chain. ❜

Hysilens nearly laughs, though more of a soft huff of faint amusement is all that sounds.

❛ .. My only concern would be if this is purely for sport. That I cannot condone, especially if it is a rare beastie. ❜

Their gaze appears almost muted as the horizon becomes a pillar to keep the siren grounded.

❛ You are not along to join this happy party, I take it? Or, do you plan to dish out some "lessons" should the need arise for it, green dolphin? ❜

[knighteternal]

♫ guilty until proven innocent

╰ elation commission ── vidyadharan baby goes into politics ╮

[knighteternal]

Hysilens had no preconceptions about the Xianzhou Alliance, as they obviously had no prior exposure to the several long-living species that chased after Yaoshi. So of course their interest in the culture of such dedicated warriors is at an all time high. Though.. they weren't entirely sure how to go about exploring the conglomerate nation(s?).

Nearly adrift, they found themselves captivated by a tiny stage in the corner of a modest teashop, that of which Hysilens could not decipher the name of. It matters not, as the story being told- of a wayward traveler on a long and arduous journey to locate a missing loved one- is far more interesting anyway.

Unsure of how to be a "proper" audience member, the siren elects to stand on a bridge nearby- close enough to be able to listen but far enough away that they ( hopefully ) appear to not be encroaching on the performer's venue.

Hysilens is engrossed in the tale, but they know someone is watching them- the intent of which they cannot determine. They suppose it would make sense that their appearance might be a tad odd to some- even if the Xianzhou has their own water-related inhabitants.

come, sink with me @derimmernachtreich

[knighteternal]

tag dump yehe

♪ ♘

-ˏˋ♫ x ♘ˊˎ-

-ˏˋ⋆ x ⋆ˊˎ-

-ˏˋ♪ insert words ♬ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ shall we play a piece together? -ˏˋ ic ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ dux gladiorum has set down their blade -ˏˋ ooc ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ a solitary performance endured for hundreds of years -ˏˋmusings ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ life is as fleeting as a bubble -ˏˋ visuals ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ the songs of whales cannot be heard by their own kind -ˏˋ audio ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ insert text -ˏˋ thread ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ insert text -ˏˋ companion ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ though the ripples are fleeting they converge into waves -ˏˋ commission board ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ the storm's cacophony is calling -ˏˋ answered ask ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ that was our favorite game when the sea was still pristine -ˏˋ prompt ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ even if tomorrow is but an illusion it is still an intoxicating one -ˏˋ headcanon ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ i'd much prefer playing songs of triumph -ˏˋ birthday wishes ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ when the curtain fell all that remained were scattered bones and the waves still mourning in sorrow -ˏˋ credit ˊˎ-

[knighteternal]

[SNEAK // HUDDLE]

She snuck into the unknown, following behind her most trusted blade, and because of that The Imperator found herself able to walk at ease. She stared at the back of her Dux Gladiorum, who was suspiciously quiet. Granted, they weren’t someone who Cerydra needed to speak; the silence shared between the Imperator and her Dux Gladiorum was the most beautiful sound of all, one indicative of their trust and comfort. 

   However, today’s silence gave fuel to the Imperator’s curiosity – first they called Cerydra with a request to follow, then upon meeting together there was silence with exception for the crunch of snow beneath both of their feet. Cerydra understood the heart of her most devout blade, yet even this sudden summons was curious to the Imperator. It had also been evident, from the way in which they walked, and how their hands remained up front rather than at their sides, that her Dux Gladiorum was carrying something. What, that something had been though, Cerydra was uncertain. ‘Mayhaps it is relevant to this summons…’

   Once they were a sufficient distance away from Belobog’s walls, the Imperator called out. “This is far enough, is it not?” Her voice is soft as it always had been when she and her Dux Gladiorum were alone with one another, save for a rare few times where it carried a strong harshness. “Dux Gladiorum…”

   Gentle curiosity took over the Imperator’s tone of voice, “what do you wish to give to me?” Cerydra sauntered close to her blade’s back, as she soon found her arms wrapped around her blade’s figure. The Imperator’s guess for the purpose of this summons was simply that – a guess. However… 

   If anyone were to make a correct guess on Hysilens’ intentions, then it would be none other than the Imperator who understood them better than anyone else, would it not?

Snowswept StampCard 4(5)/5 | accepting if anyone still needs a fightclub

The trek had been quiet, but the siren can find comfort in the silence. Not everything has to have a melody to accompany it- and it works just fine for the two of them. They have been side by side for many, many years now, so not everything needs to be said allowed for them to understand each other. Though, it was a tad difficult to make sure that the floral arrangement they had assistance in compiling together was hidden from her view. It was meant to be a gift- a surprise- after all.

They wanted the presentation to feel more.. personal. Eventful? Atmospheric? The city limits was not the painted backdrop that they wanted to have the moment in. So, they had asked the Imperator to follow them to somewhere Hysilens felt would be more.. appropriate a scene. There's only the slightest hesitance in their step as they come to a halt- at Cerydra's insistence that it was "far enough". They hoped it wasn't too uncomfortable a walk for her- they must remember to do something for her later as an apology.

That would be then, and this is now.

Arms encircle their form, and the siren easily relaxes into it- a touch they cherish and would do anything to keep. Hysilens slowly swirls in that embrace, now facing that soft voice with a equally soft smile of their own. Of course the Imperator knew what they had been up to- she was far too smart and knew their knight far too intimately to be incapable of such a feat.

In their hand was a rather small bouquet, with an evenly split type of flowers that encompassed the arrangement- of both the Ball Peony and First Snow. They had simply went with both of the lovely songstress' suggestions, as both had seemed to fit what the siren was going for ( or at least the best the two of them could come up with on a semi-short timeframe ).

❛ For you, dear Imperator. I hope you will accept these as a token.. ❜

A token of what? Their loyalty? Their devotion? Their affection? Their appreciation? Their respect? Their everything- as she was their everything. One hand rises to pluck a single First Snow from the batch, only to slide the stem over Cerydra's ear- letting the flora stick out as an accessory to further highlight the Imperator's beauty. Hysilens' gentle grin only grows more fond as they stare at the gift that had put together for their most important person.

❛ A perfect fit. ❜

If they see that songstress again, they really must thank them again.

[knighteternal]

[RING] - The air is thick with the smell of sweat and your ears ring with the sound of loud cheers and disappointed yells. There’s no place for elegance here, only who could land a clean hit first! The rules are simple: bring your weapons, your gadgets, and what have you! Today is special, today you can go all out. Just be sure you don’t kill each other.

Dual Blades, a talent he can respect as Mistelteinn blooms into existence by his side. The blade is no longer in its usual shape as he stalks around the edge of the ring akin to Gold's hounds, no to use the blade as a shortsword would be highly discourteous to his opponent, instead he calls up the needle like shape of a Khaenri'ahn rapier. Ice coats the blade like a sea of hoarfrost, yet it does little more than reduce the deadliness of the sting as he prepares himself to face off against someone he suspects is likely to feel the cold kiss more than even the sharpest incision.

"Lady Hysilens, a pleasure." The only curt acknowledgement he can give before ice condenses almost into wings, propelling him forth as blade trails behind. Battle, he finds, is like chess, except to win one must be willing to even sacrifice their king, so The Captain looks eagerly forward to seeing the action she takes, will it be defence, or will those blades attempt to cut him down where he stands?

He knows, after all, that those are not the eyes of softness, instead a knight prepared to kill, and so he finds himself looking forward to this dance of twisted steel.

Snowswept StampCard 3(5)/5 | accepting

They aren't entirely sure what brought on the sudden urge to enter the arena- perhaps simple idle curiosity at the strength of lands beyond Aquila's Sky. Whether for their own benefit, or for their Imperator, it matters not. Indigo scans the being that entered the ring just as they had, nearly as tall as the Mountain Dwellers- though not quite. Frost is easily visible as the man steps forward, and the heat behind the mask-covered gaze is flaming.

This might be more interesting than they thought.

The siren gives a polite bow, eyes only closing for a brief moment- cannot allow the upper hand to be taken so early on. Water swirls down one of their arms, the other rising straight outward toward the side- ready to slice through the air once that bell rings. The rules stated clearly that participants were not to kill each other, but that won't stop them from going all out should the opponent prove worthy- and this being radiates respect and and underlying sense of honor that fills the siren's ribs with something dangerously close to affection. A strange sense of kinship, in the most unlikely places.

❛ To you as well, sturgeon. Let me hear the song you can weave. ❜

DING-DING.

[knighteternal]

[ GUARD ]

"... Probably a different type of struggle than what you're used to, huh."

Standing guard alongside Hysilent, Dan Heng wonders just how she feels about weather quite like this. Struggle and hardship in themselves were no doubt something they were both accustomed to, but this was, nevertheless... different.

To him, much as he enjoys visiting Belobog, it feels somewhat... lonely, in a certain, very specific way, that he doubts anyone other than maybe her could understand. Their souls both belonged to the sea, but here on Jarilo-VI, whatever sea there once was was likely a singular large chunk of ice by now - or if by some miracle water still existed in a liquid state somewhere, it would nevertheless be locked beneath a thick frozen layer, creating a lifeless prison beneath, a place where he would never wish to be.

"... In a way, I guess you could say this place has something in common with Amphoreus," he notes, partially to her and partially to himself. "This city is this world's last bastion of survival, and must be protected at all costs. And its people are doing all they can to pull through. I've been here a few times before - I could tell you more if there is anything you're wondering about."

Snowswept StampCard 2(4)/5 | accepting

It is a tad surprising to see the little dragonfish having reverted back to his original shape- but only just. From what they've heard from the Deliverer, the raven has more than one. Very interesting- but they shan't pry. 'Tis not the siren's place.

They listen intently, genuine in their interest of the tale of the tundra below their feet. The fire before them glows faintly, the warmth hardly felt in such an icy atmosphere. But that isn't really a problem.

❛ The temperature is an issue for most on land, I assume. But to me, this is.. nostalgic, in a way. The sea is often cold- much colder than this place- so it doesn't bother me. ❜

Hysilens semi-assures with a soft grin, moving to grab a new piece of wood- ready to tend the fire when the time comes. They do miss the ocean, don't get them wrong, but the desire for the open water isn't strong enough to be overwhelming- for now.

❛ I see.. Belobog is much like Ohkema was near the end of Amphoreous' cycles.. the last stronghold for living things. I respect their strength and dedication to their of survival. ❜

The siren has seen many fall, either from the Black Tide or were pulled under the Imperator's rule. Or even their own home below the waters.. many kin gone in the blink of an eye. The beings of the land are far more resilient than Hysilens' had given them credit for.

❛ ..mm. Now that I think of it, I don't see many "animals" here. .. Well, there was one small.. white creature. Looked similar in texture and size to the Chimera. Do you know the beastie I'm talking about, little opaleye? ❜

[knighteternal]

[ STARS ] - with a cold, dark metal sheet for a sky, folks from the underworld used to use mechanical lenses and other discarded parts to copy the stars they could no longer see. for the festival, visitors get to witness that old tradition. grab a friend, take a seat, and enjoy some warm drink as you gaze up at the man-made constellations above.

the false stars twinkle like real ones. you sit off to the side, at a remove from the others, and try to count how many of earth's constellations you still remember the sight of. it's a somber thought, so you let your surroundings distract you from it — your attention drifting away from the man-made night sky to your fellow visitors. a young man holding up a baby as she outstretches her stubby arms. an old couple sitting together in content quiet. then, you notice them — a stranger who, amidst the strangers that surround you, stands out the most.

their posture, like a soldier's. their expression, inscrutably serene, yet tinged with — sorrow, wistfulness, hope? you can't quite identify the latent feeling.

“it's quite charming, isn't it?” you glance back up at the simulated stars, now standing beside the stranger. the bits of glass, quartz, and polished stone gleam as they reflect the tiny artificial lights nested among them. “i wonder how accurate the placements of the stars are, compared to what we'd see on the surface.”

you make a guess: your companion must be a visitor, too. “i'll never get used to it — standing under a completely different night sky, every time i visit a new planet.”

Snowswept StampCard 1(2)/5 | accepting

The approach of a trout is unexpected, but not entirely unwelcomed. Though they had been told these stars were not real, that they were entirely flesh-being made, that does not diminish the twinkle that spreads out from each dot. Fascinated at the mere concept of inorganic being fabricated into being, Dux Gladiorum cannot peel their gaze away.

❛ Indeed. I hardly, if ever, looked skyward.. Now, a small piece wishes that I had. Not for nostalga's sake, but because I would be intrigued by the differences. ❜

Obviously they never went beyond Aquila's territory ( for multiple reasons ), so this fish-out-of-water is taken and reassured in an odd way by the knowledge that life continues to flow regardless where the home takes root. This isn't the first time Dux Gladiorum had been shown an entirely new way of life, but seeing another new one is always something that would drag them through heavy currents. It was a rough transition. Thankfully this is just a visit.. but the time spent here won't be so easily forgotten.

❛ .. would you mind sharing with me some of those differences that you've seen from your other travels? ❜

[knighteternal]

As the dawn settles over the waves Even they do not know what Tomorrow brings While the sea may be open to all Where are those who will answer the call These heirs who chase the flames The cores taken of those that were slain Let them feast under dusk's sky Until Phagousa's divine blood has run dry The siren was not the strongest of it's kind But what strength they have serves the crown just fine None shall pass as the waves grow still Not even death will separate the oath sworn on steel Listen to the siren's song that it sings And sink into the ripples of past revere Even as the world crumbles The heirs remain ever humble Many cycles have come to pass Yet the siren remains as the last For the land that sinks below For the sea that no longer glows For the Deliverer that bears the wishes of all May they grant them before it all falls

[bunbunzizi]

:Ocean themed moodboard

[animepopheart]

★ 【海同鲭_cyanF】 「 🐟 」 ✔ republished w/permission ☆ follow btt’s fanart twitch stream!

[bluvianna]

[koifish-kk]

my light, my law, my monarch

[hsredit]

HYSILENS - Daughter of the Sea

[knarchive]

Hysilens