i draw and yapp but oof i'm scared (moots anyone?)

It‘s actually amazing how much you picked up just from edits and parallels. Because the things you mentioned? Yes. Absolutely. Those are the similarities I see too.

Another big one is that they both put the wellbeing of others first…but from very different angles.

Phainon became the hero that was needed and sacrificed his own happiness in the process. He constantly prioritizes other people’s safety and joy over his own.

Varka, on the other hand, gave up on becoming the hero and chose to protect people over personal glory (and even made room for the Traveler to step into that spotlight). He also does everything in his power to make others feel safe and valued.

So at their core? Very similar values.

They’re both good with people. Both perceptive. Both very capable of reading a room and picking up on things others might miss. Strategic. Smart…just in different ways.

They also don’t always show how they truly feel if it means easing the burden on others. That’s mostly Varka’s tendency—he deflects to make others comfortable—but Phainon does it too, just differently. He carries things more internally.

And that’s where they start to diverge more clearly.

Phainon feels more vulnerable in a very raw way. There’s an intensity to him. Like something inside him could fracture if pushed too far. The weight he carries is deeply personal and tragic.

Varka, while also mature and capable, seems to have found healthier ways to process what haunts him. So he’s more grounded overall. (And yes, I know he drinks, but that reads more as sociability and enjoyment rather than escapism.)

They’re both humorous, and both use humor to deflect or lighten the mood, but Varka is definitely goofier…although both are silly in their own ways (thinking Phainon + Mydei dynamic, of course) :D

They’re also both good with words and very articulate, but in different ways.

Phainon tends to lead more through eloquence and reflection. He has this almost philosophical way of speaking. Carefully chosen words, thoughtful arguments, and that contemplative quality to him that often carries a quiet ache beneath it.

Varka, on the other hand, is much more direct. He can absolutely lead a discussion or command a room, but he tends to be concise and very solution-oriented. He says what needs to be said and focuses on what needs to be done. (Of course, that’s occasionally interrupted by his… silliness, because that’s just who he is.)

The biggest difference to me, though, is their roles. (I will keep Phainon’s part shorter since we talk about him all the time and you know him well.)

Phainon feels like someone who believes it is his sole responsibility to carry everything. Even if he believes in teamwork and has friendships he cherishes, the burden ultimately lands on his shoulders.

Varka, on the other hand, is very much a “we can only do this together” type of leader. He’s a capable strategist who thinks ahead, but he also knows how to rely on others. He delegates. He trusts people. He leads communally rather than martyring himself. And he has a real talent for bringing people together.

The whole “he adopts everyone” thing is often joked about, but honestly… that really is just who he is. I think he strongly embodies that found family theme.

They share core values, but they express them differently.

As for a potential dynamic? I think they’d be fascinating together. :D (I mean…of course I‘d say that, but I mean it.)

Phainon might not know what to do with Varka’s blunt directness at first. But they would absolutely respect each other’s sincerity. I think they’d get along well. Especially once they realize they’re both genuine at heart.

Phainon is softer in certain ways, which would make their conversations interesting. I’d honestly love to see them interact (even though that will never happen… unless someone writes it 👀). I have THOUGHTS. Their dynamic would be so much fun!

So yes. They overlap a lot in values (and partly in aesthetics). But they’re not the same. And that’s what makes it interesting. :)

And OMG please catch up on the Archon Quest (and Varka’s quest when you can). I would love to yap about all of this with you. Always.

And if you do, please tell me your thoughts because now I’m very curious what your impressions would be.

super glad to know that whichever form phainon takes, he still have his questionable fashion choices. poor figstew tho 😭 i feel like reaver would dress figstew with something winter-y to the point figstew can't breath anymore lol. and khaslana's choice would be uncomfortable af bc it's a bit regal, elaborate costume. and ofc phainon and his questionable color schemes and fabric combinations XD also abt buying more food for fig stew, i'm having a mental image of mydei cooking for 3 phailings and 1 chimera with the phailings having different sets of dog ears also waiting for food XD

oh the second one is so funny cos i imagine phainon panicking abt what happened to reaver and khas and he's like, 'mydei what if i become a chimera too 🥺 (would you still love me if i was a worm chimera?)' also the phailings and mydei having one chimera to themselves at the end of the day is sooo cuuuute!!