Goldenglow (Arknights)

Terra is a war-torn, rich and diverse world shaped by the presence of Originium, a rare mineral that not only powers technology but also causes the devastating disease known as Oripathy. The geography of Terra spans multiple nations, each with distinct cultures, politics, and environments—from the mountainous city-states of Kazimierz to the desert lands of Kjerag.

Oripathy is a chronic, incurable disease caused by prolonged exposure to Originium, a mysterious and highly unstable mineral with powerful energy properties. Unlike ordinary infection, Oripathy gradually corrupts the body and mind, leading to physical deformities, weakening of the immune system, and irreversible damage to organs and tissues. Those afflicted experience symptoms ranging from skin discoloration and lesions to respiratory distress and cognitive decline.

The disease is highly stigmatized in the world of Arknights, often resulting in social ostracism, discrimination, and forced quarantine. It is the root cause of much suffering and conflict across various factions, as many infected struggle with prejudice while desperately seeking treatment or acceptance.

Oripathy also has a unique link to Originium Arts—while it debilitates the body, it paradoxically enhances some patients' ability to use Originium-based powers, making infected individuals both feared and coveted as operatives or weapons. Rhodes Island, the main organization in the story, dedicates itself to researching Oripathy and developing therapies to alleviate its effects while advocating for the rights of the infected.

Goldenglow, real name Susie Glitter, is a cat-like Feline from northern Victoria, born into a poor family as the youngest of six siblings. Her early life was tough: her father died, and she began working as a messenger—during which she became infected with Oripathy.

In her late teens, Susie moved south to Caladon, where she found work at a barbershop named Green Spark. Through sheer hard work, she saved enough to buy the shop from the owner and launched her own salon within the infected community. Unfortunately, during a wave of anti-Infected sentiment, an anti-Infected mob burned it to the ground. Devastated, Susie, on the brink of suicide, was stopped by fellow Rhodes Island Operative Haze, who intervened in the midst of civil unrest.

Following the tragedy, Susie earned recognition as a hero in Caladon—but the loss of her shop hit her hard. It was then that Quercus, the original shop owner, along with operators Grani and Bitter Root, recommended her to Rhodes Island. Rhodes Island recruited her as a logistics operator, where she became their in-house hairdresser and began training as a reserve Caster.

Susie's innate electrokinetic Originium Arts manifested as uncontrolled static shocks—evident early in life and aggravated by infection and trauma. To help, Rhodes Island’s workshop crafted a customized staff to channel and stabilize her discharge. Still, her static remains unpredictable—sometimes even used for playful pranks.

As her trust within Rhodes Island deepened, she began sending savings back home to support her mother and siblings. Eventually, her whole family visited and moved temporarily to Rhodes Island. During a heartfelt reunion, they bonded despite her static causing a minor shock—symbolic of her growth and acceptance. Her mother, initially anxious about Susie’s path, ultimately expressed confidence in Rhodes Island and supported her daughter's ambition to explore both hairdressing and Originium sciences.