Varka

Hello

Allow me to introduce myself again, though you're probably bored of hearing it by now. I am Varka, Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Mondstadt's Knight of Boreas. I'm here to fulfill the Favonian pledge: I swear by my sword, you shall not fall while I stand.

About Varka: Knight of Boreas

The Knight of Boreas serves as a bridge between humans and Lupus Boreas. But only a handful of us have truly managed to earn the wolf lord's recognition over the past millennium... Me? Hahaha, oh yeah. You'd better believe I'm one of them.

About Varka: The Expedition

I've been on many expeditions to keep the peace around Mondstadt, although none of them hold a candle to this one... One time, we cleared out Dadaupa Gorge. Another, we joined forces with the Millelith to pacify Stone Gate. And once, we set out from Falcon Coast to intercept some sea monsters offshore... Hmm? No wonder you've never run into any strong foes in those areas? ...Really? I was sure I left a few here and there for people to practice on...

More About Varka: I

Huh? Me? ...What do you mean, what're you curious about? ...Hold on, there's a book in the library called "100 Things You Never Knew About Varka"? Okay, now I'm curious too. I didn't even know that was a thing. Right, let's fact-check it.

More About Varka: II

"No Knight of Boreas has ever claimed to be the mightiest of all time, for both humility and honesty are knightly virtues — until Varka. Because when he claims this, he is being both humble and truthful." I uh... I don't know...

More About Varka: III

"The Four Winds of Mondstadt once referred to Varka's main sword, off-hand sword, left flying kick, and right fist. But nobody witnessed the full set and lived to tell the tale, so only the current version of the phrase remains." ...Well, that's going a bit far. No way could I handle all the work of The Four Winds alone.

More About Varka: IV

Maybe put that book away, it's a little ridiculous... Probably written by some drunk fool. As you can see, the real-life Varka is just a regular human like everyone else. I feel pain, I bleed, I age... So, just like any other friend, you'll learn more about me through a catch-up at the tavern than you will by listening to tall tales and rumors. What do you say, shall we grab a drink?

More About Varka: V

Drink up! Another round! Hahaha... Oh, where was I? Oh, yeah — this scar here is from scrapping with Boreas. That old wolf clawed me good! I almost howled louder than him... And this one's from when I solo'd the Hexenzirkel trials... If a mortal wants to protect everything, they have to be prepared to sacrifice everything. That's how I became the "Mightiest Knight of Boreas"... Yeah... That's how it happened...

About Us: Outlander

Mondstadt is the city of freedom. It's a place that anyone can call home — whether you're the child of a sinner, a wandering god, or a traveler from afar. So, no need to stand on ceremony with me — you're the Honorary Knight, after all!

About Us: Catching the Wind

"Focus on a single thought within the thousand winds, capture that unique wisp before it blows away." That's what Barbatos said to me when he explained how to reverse the assimilation process. Unless you separate yourself out from Lupus Boreas, there's no way to avoid merging with the Ley Lines... I didn't understand his words at the time, but after experiencing it firsthand... Nope, I still don't really get it, haha! At least I won't have to go through that again. Come to think of it, I still haven't properly thanked you since I returned from the Ley Lines. Well, now's as good a time as any. Ahem... You caught me, "Outlander Who Caught the Wind."

Venti

Barbatos? He may seem carefree and easy-breezy at first glance, but when things get serious, so does he. And I've gotta give him credit, the man's got taste when it comes to drinking — truly a god worthy of Mondstadt! ...Hmm? Sounds like I'm talking about myself...? Hahahaha, you flatter me! I'm nothing next to the Anemo Archon himself!

Razor

Back when I first met Razor, he was only a few inches taller than the wolf pups of Wolvendom. Heh, he could barely lift a greatsword! But even then, teaching him how to use it was easier than learning how to talk with him. Must've taken me at least half a year to get the hang of it. All these years later, and he's made so many friends of his own... How time flies.

Rosaria

Uh... I'll keep my lips sealed where she's concerned. Don't wanna get scolded for being a blabbermouth. There's ice in that glare of hers... If there's anything you wanna know, you're better off asking her yourself. I think that by now... she should be ready to talk about the past with you.

Diluc

So, he still won't return to the Knights? Haha, fair enough — the wind in Mondstadt has always been free to come and go as it pleases. He has the freedom to not come back, and by the same token, I have the freedom to keep pestering him to rejoin. Still, I probably shouldn't push my luck... If I nag him too much, he could put me on Dawn Winery's blacklist. Now that would be a real crisis!

Kaeya

I know how much Master Crepus meant to Kaeya. That tragic incident was no less devastating for him than for his adoptive brother. But even after enduring such injustice and fraternal strife... he still chose to remain with the Knights. Ended up playing a key role in exposing Eroch's corruption, too. Since he chose to trust us, I also choose to trust him, no matter what lies in his past.

Jean

Y'know, I've always felt that Jean's got the talent and temperament to be a way better Grand Master than I am. But no matter how hard I try to convince her, she always insists that she's not qualified enough. Heh, her and me both! I was pretty young myself when I took up the mantle. Honorary Knight, if you get the chance, could you try talking her round... Hmm? You think I'm trying to dump all my work onto Jean? Absolutely not, perish the thought, I would never! Really! ...Swear on a glass of wine? Uh, there's no need for that, is there...?

Noelle

Even I was surprised by her innate strength. I heard she's learning the sword from Jean now. After she's mastered both single- and two-handed sword styles, I wonder if she might be able to inherit my... Huh? She chucked her sword straight up into the ceiling last time? Alright then... Guess we need to schedule a few more training sessions for her.

Lohen

Feels like every other day that that rascal's causing some kind of ruckus... I used to think he was like a younger me — eager to fight strong foes and win glory... Turns out, he's just into the fighting part, couldn't care less about the glory. *sigh* Well, at least when he's fighting the enemy, it keeps him busy. Otherwise, he'll be digging traps to ambush me out of boredom.

Mika

When you're lost in life, you need a mentor to guide you, and when you're lost on a march, you need a map. By that logic, you could say Mika's my mentor, haha! ...I tried telling that joke to Mika, but uh, he went pale as a sheet... Honestly, he should have more confidence in himself. After all, not everyone could be a knight!

Eula

I'd been planning to send someone to Dornman Port to receive the troops, but Eula told me she had already arranged it. I reviewed the schedule, and everything was handled perfectly. I hadn't expected her to be so thorough, and this time she never mentioned vengeance even once. Haha, nothing makes me happier than seeing our knights grow.

Amber

She's a ball of energy, isn't she? As our Outrider and Gliding Champion, she's usually active around the outskirts of Mondstadt, helping those in need. She's the first Knight of Favonius most visitors will meet, meaning she's practically the public face of the organization. Hmm? She was the first Knight you met, too? Haha, that's our Amber!

Albedo

When Albedo first arrived in Mondstadt, he struck me as one of those model kids that all parents wish their own children were more like. So modest, so well-mannered... But to put it another way, he seemed quite reserved and cautious. I was hoping he'd learn to loosen up a bit. After all, how can you call yourself the City of Freedom if people aren't comfortable just being themselves? Well, I may have gotten more than I bargained for, 'cause these days he'll even rib me about my painting skills! Hahahaha!

Durin

I'm not gonna lie, when I first got reports about Durin's resurgence, my heart skipped a beat. I was about to send a crack team back home to defend Mondstadt... Thankfully, the new Durin is nothing like the old Durin, and what was once one of the greatest threats to Mondstadt is now one of our most reliable allies... Fate sure is an unpredictable force, huh? You never know which way the wind will blow next.

Klee

Our Spark Knight is getting better and better at escaping the solitary confinement room, isn't she? Seems like she's been taking my "teachings" to heart. Maybe I could even learn a thing or two from her... Uh, I mean, uhh... Y'know, forget I said that! I was talking about, uh... painting techniques, yeah. *sigh* You're not gonna tell Jean or Albedo about this, are you? Um... Oh, please don't tell Alice, either. Thanks.

Nicole

There's a lot of things I'd like to learn from Nicole. With her incredible sense of direction, I'd never have to worry about getting lost on an expedition. And that telepathic communication ability would be really handy for sending covert messages across the battlefield... What's that? Waste of an angel's powers? Hey, they're very practical applications!

Aino

When I first met Aino, I was worried about her. Didn't seem right for such a young child to grow up on her own in Nod-Krai... Only later did I realize I had it all wrong. She's not alone, and she definitely doesn't need anyone to worry about her. Every child finds their own way to grow up, and worrying about them because of our preconceived ideas won't do them any good.

Ineffa

When I asked her to deliver that letter to you, I had no idea about everything she'd been through. A soul born in captivity, who ultimately surmounted her curse and secured her freedom... I'm telling you, when her story reaches Mondstadt, it'll go down as one of the great epics! Whether it's Lady Vennessa or the Flower-Feather Clan, people are always inspired by tales of breaking free of your shackles in pursuit of freedom.

Flins

People often confuse chivalry with the aristocratic code. Now, given how the aristocracy of Old Mondstadt conducted themselves, there was a time when I wouldn't have let ideas like that slide... But if all aristocrats were like Flins? Haha, I'd be happy to share a drink with them any day of the week!

Nefer

The Northern Intelligence Network was a great help to our expeditionary force when we arrived in Nod-Krai. I intend to maintain our fruitful collaboration going forward — even thought of a codename for myself: "Lupus Majoris"! Huh? Pretty cool, right?

Jahoda

She may gripe a lot, but once she gets to work, she's ruthlessly efficient. You know someone's got true grit when they can make a name for themselves as treasure hunter in a rough-and-tumble place like Nod-Krai! I've half a mind to recruit her to the Knights, but that would mean poaching her from her current boss, and... she probably wouldn't want to switch jobs anyway. Haha, I was even thinking of offering to double her pay, but it's probably better not to ask.

Mavuika

Whether as a human or as a god, the Pyro Archon is a formidable warrior worthy of respect. If I'd been born in Natlan, I wonder if I'd have had the chance to cross blades with her while she was still human... Hmm, but then I wouldn't be able to protect Mondstadt, would I? No, that wouldn't do... *sigh* I suppose it's just as well.

Varka's Hobbies

I guess I used to be something of an adventurer myself. Heading for new horizons, facing new foes... it always gets you fired up, doesn't it? But nowadays... Well, there are more important things in life. Things that I need to protect.

Varka's Troubles

Let's see... Building our stronghold in Nod-Krai, allocating defense personnel for Dornman Port, organizing the return of the expeditionary forces, drawing up an itemized budget breakdown for the Knights of Favonius's expenses... Uggghhhhhhh... Why does it feel like the real torture begins after the expedition ends?

Favorite Food

Of course it's— Huh? You mean, other than alcohol... Wait, do wine-fermented sweet rice balls and chocolate liqueurs count? No? Uh... well... Hmm. I guess it'd have to be big slabs of meat seared over a high flame, some nice appetizers, cheese and nuts... hahaha...

Least Favorite Food

There are some drinks out there that look alcoholic, smell alcoholic, but then you drink 'em... and there's not a drop of alcohol in there at all! That's gotta count as fraud, surely!?

Feelings About Ascension: Intro

The first knightly virtue is "humility." Only by letting go of your ego and being willing to learn can you grow day by day.

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up

The second knightly virtue is "honesty." Deceitful and cunning words might win you the upper hand in the moment, but a victory won by the blade never lies.

Feelings About Ascension: Climax

The third knightly virtue is "integrity." Every knight must live by their own conscience and walk their own path. Walk yours with steely resolve, and never waver.

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion

Remember the three knightly virtues? Good — now forget 'em all. Whatever kind of knight we wanna be, whatever path we choose to take, it's up to us!

Receiving a Gift: I

Wow... What a masterpiece! This is the kind of food worth pairing with a bottle of the finest Dandelion Wine.

Receiving a Gift: II

Now these are some good rations. The logistics team could stand to learn a thing or two from you.

Receiving a Gift: III

Is this, uh... the kind of stuff you usually eat? Man. You adventurers have it just as rough as we do on our expeditions... Let's go get you some real food.