Character Details
A well known Vahumana researcher who specializes in studying ancient civilizations. Everyone who knows him, knows that he has a keen interest in the Rise and Fall of the civilizations that inhabited Teyvat long ago. In recent years he has taken a particular interest in the civilization of Sal Vindagnyr, which caused him to be absent from the Alademiya to take many trips to the region of Dragonspine.
Many people tend to avoid him, due to his tendency to rant about whichever civilization he had last researched, but this hasn't stopped them from being intrigued by him. For someone who loves to talk about history, not much is known about his own past.
He simply appeared in Sumeru City one day and joined the Akademiya to teach about what he was passionate about. The apprehension others had towards him mostly died down over the years, since he is a capable teacher and renowned researcher, but there are still many who distrust him, mostly thanks to his Snezhnayan vision causing them to believe he has ties to the Fatui.
Story 1
Despite being a teacher at the Akademiya, Milo tends to disappear randomly every couple of months to research one thing or the other, leaving his students to study on their own. Despite this, his classes have some of the highest average scores in the Vahumana Darshan. This is due to his talent of making lectures and projects fun and memorable, be it through letting his students choose a civilization to focus on or showing real evidence or relics he found during his travels.
Many teachers at the Akademiya have voiced their displeasure with his methods and disappearances, but the Sages have stated that they see no reason to reprimand him as long as his students meet the standard. Milo cares little about the opinions of his colleagues and has even suggested they try his methods as well, telling them; "it might get your students up to my students' level."
Due to his lesson's reputation among students, Milo finds himself rejecting most applications. While he may not be picky with who gets to join his classes, he does try to keep them relatively small, so he can give each student enough individual attention to ensure they will grow into respectable researchers. To the students he does accept he becomes not only a teacher, but also someone to confide in should life at the Alademiya become too much. He'd help them to the best of his abilities, giving them advice he had picked up in his life and has often helped students find their path in life.
Story 2
Unlike most other researchers, Milo seems to have an above average amount of free time. This isn't because he actually has less to do, but rather because he tends to do the bare minimum unless it is a topic he is interested in. This might seem unbefitting of such a well known researcher, but it has worked out for him so far, and so he has no intention of wasting energy on things he can get done with minimal effort either way.
This habit has gotten on the nerves of the Akademiya's Scribe, who has had to decipher the titles of many of Milo's documents to sort and archive them correctly. After receiving a letter from the Scribe about his ineligible titles, containing a request to at least write those with more effort, he told Alhaitham in person that he will put more effort into his writing, when the Scribe puts more effort into his work as well. Despite the two of them having similar habits and values, they don't usually get along well, causing them to avoid each other's presence whenever possible and changing the topic should the other come up in a conversation.
He does, however get along fairly well with the Scribe's roommate, having made it a kind of ritual to go drinking every once in a while and talking about different things. More often than not the conversation would focus on the architectural aspects of ancient civilizations. The similarities and differences between modern and ancient building methods and similar topics.
Story 3
Little is actually known about his past. He skillfully avoids this topic should it come up and never says a word about the time before he joined the Alademiya. His vision is the only thing that hints at who he may have been before. It is proof of a past in Snezhnaya, but what exactly he had done there is a mystery to all.
Many suspect he may have been part of the Fatui, which would explain his combat skills and the scar on his face, but a lot will drop this theory as soon as they get to know him. Milo is a kind man, almost always wearing a smile on his face. It is hard for anyone to imagine the man who talks about a topic so uninteresting as ancient civilizations with stars in his eyes and a huge smile on his face as a murderous Fatuus. A small hint of suspicion claws its way back into their minds, however, as soon as they see him fight. Every movement seems calculated and fluid, as though he had been on the battlefield his whole life, an eerie smile on his face as he takes out monsters.
Should someone ask him his thoughts on the Fatui, he will look at them with an expression that is almost impossible to read, distain mixed with what one can only guess is regret or sadness, and tell you to stay away from them at all cost before changing the topic to a more lighthearted conversation.
Black Research Journal
Milo owns many research journals and is often seen with different ones, but there is one journal he is never seen without. It's a thick black book with a painted white flower on its cover. The contents are a mystery for most and he will only state that it contains his private research if one were to ask him. Should he be pressed about the topic of this mysterious research he will explain that it is about an ancient civilization he had been interested in, but had found little to no proof for.
In truth this journal contains every shred of information about Khaenri'ah and its fall he could unearth. He had even interviewed a Khaenri'ahn he had met before joining the Akademiya about what happened during the cataclysm, though this interview was short and lacked any significant information. He does hope to meet this mysterious man again in the near future to present him with the now almost half filled journal and ask him his thoughts on it.
Milo had never been brave enough to ask the Sages whether or not research on the topic of Khaenri'ah is permitted or not, so he decided to keep his journal a secret for now, especially since the topic is frowned upon in most of Teyvat.
Story 4
The Archons are another topic Milo would rather avoid. He knows his opinions on them are rather unpopular, so he would usually avoid talking about them with strangers. Should you get to know him more closely, he will share his thoughts on the archons more freely and might explain his opinions in detail. He believes that the time of the archons has already come to an end and that humans should be able to live without them in their lives. He believes the Gods are not superior to human beings, but rather their equals.
Due to his upbringing he will often slip up and call the cryo archon "her majesty", which surprises those that know his stance on the archons. When asked about it his expression will change to one of nostalgia, his gaze shifting to the vision attached to his tail and he will simply chuckle and blame his youth for the slip-up without revealing any more.
Out of all the Gods he seems to hold the most respect towards King Deshret, though he also still seems to look up to the Tsaritsa, or at least what she used to stand for in his eyes when he was younger.
Story 4
When he was a child Milo's parents abandoned him near the House of the Hearth, the orphanage run by the Fatui. He was raised to become a soldier and went through grueling training directly underneath one of the Harbingers, because of the potential they saw in him. Visionless and abandoned, he was forced to take down foes many times larger and far more experienced than him with his bare hands. Had he been human he may have died before ever becoming a member of the Fatui. Thinking back on it, he thinks it may have been a mercy.
Young and determined he joined the Fatui as soon as he was deemed strong enough and quickly started climbing the ranks. At the time he truly looked up to the Harbingers and believed in their goal of creating a truly equal world, but as time went on he began notice the cruel truth. The Fatui had no regards for human lives and would go to any length to reach their goal. It was when he became a Harbinger when he truly noticed the extend of the Fatuis evil and decided to flee their ranks and start over in life. A life without bloodshed. One where he could help others instead.
Vision
As he was fleeing the Fatui and traveling south, he was stopped by a familiar figure. The man he had looked up to his whole youth, the one who had trained him and taught him to fight was now standing in front of him, blocking his path. The Harbinger had been sent to stop Milo from deserting the Fatui. Visionless and with a determined expression he stood before the man he had looked up to and feared equally. He knew he stood no chance, but he could either fight this man here or be dragged back to Zapolyarny Palace to face judgement.
He gathered his courage and spoke. Demanding to be let through, stating that he had made up his mind and would not return. With a sigh the other Harbinger drew his weapon and charged. Despite his size he was unnaturally quick. Too quick to dodge in time, so Milo opted to close his eyes and raise his arms in a desperate attempt to block the strike. The sound of armor clattering and a loud grunt made him reopen his eyes. A small gem was floating in front of him and a shield of flames surrounded him. A vision. Before the Harbinger that had been knocked back by the shield could react Milo grabbed the vision and ran towards his freedom. Towards a new life.
Voicelines
Title | Transcription |
---|---|
Hello | I'm Milo, researcher and teacher at the Akademiya! I teach ancient civilizations and their history. If you'd like you can apply to join one of my classes, though I should warn you, the waiting list is fairly long because too many people want to join. Hm, maybe I should send in a request to open one more class. I don't have one on the civilization of Tsurumi Island after all... |
Chat: Ruins | There might be some ruins around... Perhaps we could make a short detour, I'm sure my students would appreciate a new relic to study. |
Chat: Celestia | You can see Celestia from here... Heh, wish it was cloudy... |
Chat: Bored | Standing around like this is quite boring. How about we find a ruin to explore? |
When it rains | Is there a better feeling than the rain on your face? |
When thunder strikes | Yikes, the weather is getting worse. We should find somewhere to take shelter. Probably not under a tree though... |
When it snows | Home... |
When it snows: Snezhnaya | She knows I'm back... We should hurry and finish what we came here for. |
When it's windy | Ah, can you smell that? The scent of pure freedom to do as you please. Magnificent. |
The wind is picking up | Oh boy, too much freedom. |
When the sun is out/after the rain | A bit too bright. I would much rather be in a nice and dark ruin right about now... |
Entering ruins | Oh yes, I bet we will find so many treasures in here! |
Good morning | Ugh, I'm not much of a morning person. I apologize, but I am not quite in the mood for conversation at the moment. Why don't you check back in an hour or so? |
Good afternoon | Hello, would you like me to tell you about the progress I've made in my research? I promise it's interesting. |
Good evening | Evening! I've made dinner, feel free to grab a serving. I've made more than enough! |
Good night | What a great day! How about we go find some ruins tomorrow? |
About Milo: Fur | My fur? I just treat it the same as my hair, why? Uh... Why are you looking at me like that? Do you want to touch my ears? Haha go ahead, just be careful. |
About Milo: Past | Oh... Umm, I would rather not... Hey, how about I tell you about the relic I found recently instead? Here, you can hold it if you want! It's quite heavy though, so make sure not to drop it. |
About us: Lessons | Oh, so you do want to join one of my classes? They are all full at the moment I'm afraid, and the waiting list is several months at this point... Maybe you can just join one lesson at some point? Though that would be quite unfair to the students waiting for a spot I suppose... |
About us: Khaenri'ah | You have a very familiar scent... Like an old friend of mine. He was from Khaenri'ah, I wonder if you have anything to do with him, or that nation... Maybe one day you could answer some of my questions? |
About us: Belonging | Say, as a traveler you have probably met many people, right? So maybe you can answer me this; What does it mean to belong somewhere? How would you know if you've found the place you truly belong? Or, is there even such a place? Hm? Oh, don't worry if you don't know the answer either. Maybe I'll find it one day, and if so I will share what I find with you. |
About the Vision | My vision? It's the only reason I'm alive right now. I disliked the fact that it is a Snezhnayan vision at first, but I really don't mind anymore. I'm just happy to have it. |
Something to share | The thing our current civilizations and the civilizations of the past have in common is that they all thought they'd last forever. But, just as they fell before us, we will fall one day as well. Such is the way of this world. Everything runs in a loop, after all. |
Interesting things | You want to know what the most interesting ruin I've ever explored is? I would have to say it was a ruin of unknown origin deep within the Snezhnayan wilderness. I got lost in there, but it was gorgeous. Pure black crystals were growing out of the flora there. If you pluck these crystals off the trees and bite into them you will find that they are actually quite nutritious and delicious. Way softer than you'd imagine as well. |
About the Captain | He's... Hm. The Captain is quite strong. I pity anyone unfortunate enough to meet him in battle. |
About the Captain: Kindness | He's a good person. I don't think he went all out back then. He could have easily shattered the shield my vision produced. Yet, he didn't. It was because of his kindness I was able to leave the Fatui and start a new life. |
About Tsaritsa | She is no longer the caring and loving archon Snezhnayan children's tales speak of. Somewhere along the way she has lost her heart and is now on a path that will destroy not only herself, but everyone who follows her as well. |
About the Jester | That man sends shivers down my spine. I'd rather not speak about him, I always feel like he is somehow listening... |
About the Doctor | Ugh, what a weirdo... He once tried to get me to participate in one of his experiments. Something about my species being too intriguing to ignore. He gives me the creeps. |
About the Damselette | Shh! If I were you I wouldn't speak of her. |
About the Knave | She raised me. I do owe her a lot, but if I were to see her again I think I would still fight her without hesitation. |
About the Rooster | Sly and untrustworthy. He never says what he means and always keeps his true motives hidden. I don't think you can trust even half of what he says... |
About Marionette | She's a researcher, much like myself. When I was still with the Fatui I had little to do with her though, so I have no information on her. |
About Regrator | The only Harbinger that was kind to me... I miss him sometimes, but not enough to go back to that hell. |
About the Fair Lady | I heard she was killed by the electro Archon. I suppose she got what she deserved in the end, though I am unsure if this truly is the end for her... |
About the Balladeer: Before The Night-Bird Falls at the Courtain's Call | Another inhuman Harbinger. One of the only missions I ever went on as a Harbinger was to go into the abyss with him. He comes off as cold and emotionless, but he's actually quite agreeable. |
About Wanderer | Oh, you mean sca- I mean the strange wanderer that appeared a while ago! I don't know much about him, I'm afraid... |
About Alhaitham | Ugh, the Scribe... Yeah, I know him. He has a lot of the same habits as me, so people tend to think we must be friends, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I can't stand him and his constant nagging. |
About Kaveh | Ah, the famous architect! Me and Kaveh go drinking every now and then to talk about various topics! I quite enjoy his company! |
About Cyno | He's wary of me, probably because he thinks I'm with the Fatui... He hasn't said anything to me yet, but I feel like he wants to ask about my past. He's a strong fighter, I hope I never have to face him in a fight. |
About Albedo | I met him a while ago when I was researching Sal Vindagnyr up on Dragonspine. We talked for hours and became good friends in the time I was there. Now we exchange letters when I'm not at Dragonspine! I hope to visit him again soon! ...And continue my research, of course. |
More about Milo: I | I'm not a fan of the divine hierarchy. I believe Gods aren't actually superior to humans. I think all nations should abandon their worship of the archons and govern themselves, but I know that is currently impossible. It will take a long time until the other nations follow Liyue's lead, but one nation out of seven is a good start. |
More about Milo: II | My interest in ancient civilizations started when I learned about Khaenri'ah and its demise. Even as a child I couldn't stop asking my elders about it. |
More about Milo: III | My favorite food? Goulash, for sure! Would you like me to make you a portion? You do look quite hungry... Hold on one second while I prepare you some. |
More about Milo: IV | Hey, how about I take you with me next time I go to research one of the ancient civilizations? I think it would be quite fun to have a partner on one of these trips. Which one interests you most? |
More about Milo: V | I hope that one day I may return to my homeland. One day in the future when the Fatui are no more, or have returned to a path without violence. But for that to happen her Majesty the Tsaritsa will need to find her heart once again... |
Milo's Hobbies | I mean, researching would be the obvious answer, but beside that I also quite enjoy adventuring. Surprising, right? I actually am part of the adventurers guild and take commissions in my free time! |
Milo's Troubles | A person's past is never fully erased. Even if they completely start over, there could always be someone that knows and holds the power to reveal someones dark secrets to the public... |
Favorite Food | I enjoy most things! Especially if they're nice and spicy! My all time favorite has got to be Goulash, though. It tastes like home... |
Least Favorite Food | I dislike cheese. At least most of the time. There certainly are exceptions, but most cheeses just don't taste good to me. |
Receiving a Gift: I | Oh wow! This is incredible, could you perhaps share the recipe with me? |
Receiving a Gift: II | Huh, this is quite delicious! Maybe add a little less salt next time, though. |
Receiving a Gift: III | Oh. No thank you. I really appreciate the offer, though. |
Feelings about Ascension: Intro | Huh. Have I gotten stronger? |
Feelings about Ascension: Building Up | I doubt I'll run into anything I can't beat in those ruins now! |
Feelings about Ascension: Climax | Incredible! How about we spar to see how strong I've gotten? |
Feelings about Ascension: Conclusion | Hm, perhaps I will be able to return to my homeland after all. With this strength I might be able to protect myself should I run into any trouble! Thank you, friend. |
Battle/Exploration | Voicelines |
Elemental Skill | Tap: "Move!", "Away!", "Burn!"
Hold: "Hah!", "Now what?", "Get off!" |
Elemental Burst | "Stay away!", "You'll get burned!", "I'll end you!" |
Deploying Wind Glider | "Ah, the feeling of wind on my face" |
Opening treasure chests | "Oh, what do we have here?", "Well, that's disappointing...", "I guess I can use this in my lessons." |
Low HP | "Not... Again!", "Well, that really got me", "Oof, that hurts" |
Ally at low HP | "What are you doing?", Get behind me!" |
Fallen | "It's... So cold.", "I'm... Going home.", "No, not... yet" |
Heavy hit taken | "Yikes", "Augh, careful!" |
Joining Party | "Are we exploring some ruins?", "Is this going to take long? I have a lesson to get to soon.", "Let's go then!" |