Chiori

Chiori was born in Inazuma and developed an interest in needlework while she was still young. Her parents indulged her independent nature and eventually arranged for her to study under an experienced tailor once her talent became clear. Chiori quickly grew frustrated with the rigid expectations and arrogant figures she encountered within the trade. She wanted to create clothing according to her own sense of beauty rather than imitate established styles. When the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree transformed life in Inazuma she chose to leave the nation and pursue her ambitions elsewhere. A Geo Vision appeared among her belongings as she prepared for the journey.

Chiori traveled across Teyvat before settling in Fontaine because of its reputation as a center of fashion. Breaking into the industry proved difficult. Established designers and sponsors dismissed her work while she and another struggling designer named Uther attempted to establish themselves. Uther eventually abandoned his ambitions after repeated rejection. Chiori refused to do the same. She poured everything she had into Fontaine Fashion Week and earned enough recognition to establish the Chioriya Boutique in the Court of Fontaine. Her uncompromising designs gradually attracted wealthy clients and performers while her reputation spread far beyond the city.

Years later Uther attempted to destroy Chiori's business out of resentment for her success. He arranged attacks against shipments bound for her shop and spread accusations that damaged her reputation just before Fashion Week. Chiori investigated his operation and discovered that he was secretly producing clothing under dangerous conditions while using dishonest methods against his competitors. She confronted him inside his factory and defeated him when he attempted to stop her from exposing the evidence. Chiori then completed her Fashion Week presentation and preserved the reputation she had built through years of work.

Appearance: Chiori is an average height. She has dark brown hair with yellow streaks, styled with side bangs and pinned up in an elaborate series of knots with a side ponytail. Her eyes are red.

Chiori wears a golden-and-black kimono-inspired dress over a grey sleeveless top. A red obi sits around her waist, with bows at the front and a large, flower-shaped knot tied at the back. Her Geo Vision is worn like an obidome on a purple obijime. A three-petaled flower design is common on her attire and many of her accessories, including her stud earrings. She wears elbow-length dark gloves and dark stockings. Her dark brown hair is styled into an ornate flower-shaped bun with a curled side ponytail, held together by kanzashi hairpins, a bow, and as well as Japanese thread scissors. She wears black cantilevered heels with red straps and black ankle straps adorned with a bow.

Personality: Chiori is blunt and fiercely independent. She speaks directly even when courtesy would make a situation easier and has little patience for people who waste her time. She considers the Chioriya Boutique her territory and refuses to tolerate customers who disrespect her staff or interfere with her work. Her pride comes primarily from the quality of what she creates rather than the money it earns. Chiori believes fashion should express the designer's own vision and she would rather lose approval than compromise her work for someone else's expectations.

Kirara is one of Chiori's closest friends and a regular courier for the boutique. Chiori created Kirara's outfit after deciding that her previous clothing was unacceptable and asked her to spread the boutique's name whenever people noticed the new design. Their friendship developed beyond business and Chiori remains protective of her despite her habit of speaking harshly. Navia is another close friend whom Chiori respects for her determination and independence. Chiori has designed clothing for her and trusts the Spina di Rosula enough to rely on its members when Kirara requires protection.

Chevreuse has a practical friendship with Chiori and understands how useful the boutique can be as a source of information. Chiori appreciates that conversations with her are straightforward and free of unnecessary social maneuvering. She also maintains professional relationships with Lyney and Lynette after creating their outfits. Chiori respects people who understand their craft and treats genuine effort far more favorably than status or wealth. She can be abrasive with friends and clients alike but her actions repeatedly show greater concern than her manner of speaking suggests.

Combat Overview: Chiori fights with swift swordsmanship and controlled Geo energy. She can rush an opponent and follow with an upward slash while summoning Tamoto. Her small automaton doll remains nearby and attacks enemies independently with Geo-infused strikes. Chiori can also strengthen her own blades with Geo energy for close combat.

When she commits fully to an attack she draws both swords and delivers a powerful crossing strike capable of hitting several enemies at once. Her combat style favors precision and sudden movement while Tamoto pressures enemies from another angle.