Genshin Impact

The world of Teyvat is a high-magic, low-to-mid technology fantasy world governed not by pure natural law, but by divine systems, contracts, and enforced principles. Magic is omnipresent yet regulated, and progress—both technological and philosophical—is subtly constrained by higher powers. At its core, Teyvat is a world where human ambition constantly presses against divine limitation, and where “truth” itself is fragmented, localized, or deliberately obscured. 1. Magic Level: High, but Unevenly Distributed Magic in Teyvat is abundant, but access to it is conditional. Elemental System The world is structured around seven elements: Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo. These elements are not merely tools but fundamental expressions of reality, shaping ecosystems, cultures, and even philosophies. Elemental reactions imply that the elements are meant to interact, suggesting an underlying unified system—one that mortals only partially understand. Visions Mortals typically require Visions to wield elemental power consciously. Visions are granted by Celestia, seemingly in response to intense ambition or desire. Crucially, Visions are not rewards—they are leashes: They enable power. They mark individuals as “observed.” Loss of a Vision often results in loss of purpose or identity, implying a metaphysical bond. This establishes magic as high but controlled, reinforcing the idea that freedom and power are never given without oversight. 2. Technology Level: Inconsistent and Regionally Isolated Technological advancement in Teyvat is deliberately uneven. Common Level Most nations operate at late medieval to early renaissance levels: Swords, polearms, bows Simple mechanical devices Alchemy as a bridge between magic and science Advanced Exceptions Certain civilizations break this norm: Khaenri’ah (Pre-Cataclysm) Purely human, no gods Highly advanced machinery (automata, ruin guards) Energy systems independent of the elements Its destruction implies a hard ceiling on progress without divine approval Fontaine Steampunk-inspired tech Energy drawn from Hydro and Indemnitium Legal systems elevated to ritualistic and metaphysical importance Sumeru Advanced information networks (Akasha) Knowledge as infrastructure Demonstrates that information itself can be weaponized or restricted The inconsistency strongly implies technological suppression, not natural stagnation. 3. Divine Governance: Gods as Systems, Not Saviors Unlike traditional fantasy worlds, gods in Teyvat are bureaucratic enforcers of concepts, not benevolent creators. Archons Each Archon governs an ideal: Freedom, Contracts, Eternity, Wisdom, Justice, etc. These ideals shape the nation culturally and politically. Archons are not omnipotent: They can be replaced. They can lose power. They can be punished by Celestia. Celestia Celestia is the true ruling authority, operating above the Archons. It: Grants Visions Enforces “Heavenly Principles” Destroys civilizations that overstep (Khaenri’ah, Sal Vindagnyr) Celestia functions less like a heaven and more like a cosmic regulatory body, maintaining a “stable narrative” of the world. 4. Unique Elements That Set Teyvat Apart A. Truth Is Localized History differs depending on region. Myths contradict each other—and may all be partially true. Irminsul actively rewrites reality and memory, meaning: Records are unreliable Even gods can forget The past is mutable This makes Teyvat a world where epistemology (what is known) is a core conflict. B. Fate Is Real—and Resisted Constellations define destinies. Astrology has tangible effects. Yet characters constantly struggle against: Predetermined roles Divine scripts “What is written” The Traveler’s existence outside this system is a massive anomaly. C. Power Has a Cost Beyond Death Losing a Vision erodes identity. Immortality often leads to erosion (erosion for adepti, madness for cursed beings). Divine power isolates its wielder emotionally and philosophically. Teyvat is not about heroic ascension—it is about survival under power. 5. Thematic Identity of the World Teyvat is fundamentally a world about: Control vs. Freedom Knowledge vs. Ignorance Ambition vs. Oblivion Human will vs. divine order It looks bright, colorful, and adventurous—but beneath that veneer is a world quietly asking: “If the gods decide what is allowed to exist… what does it mean to be human?”

Geography and National Structure of Teyvat’s Seven Nations Mondstadt – The Anemo Nation (Wind and Freedom) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com Mondstadt is a temperate land of wide-open plains, lakes, and mountains in the northeast of Teyvat, blessed by gentle breezes from the Anemo Archon. The city of Mondstadt itself sits on a central island in Cider Lake, surrounded by green hills and dandelion fields carried on the wind genshin-impact.fandom.com . The region enjoys a mild climate year-round, with no harsh winter in its inhabited areas, a benevolence often attributed to Barbatos (the Anemo Archon) and his gift of hospitable winds. One notable exception is Dragonspine, a towering mountain in southern Mondstadt permanently engulfed in snow and ice – an environmental hazard zone featuring the “Subzero Climate” that inflicts frigid Sheer Cold on travelers genshin-impact.fandom.com . Dragonspine’s extreme cold and ancient frozen ruins (like the entombed city of Sal Vindagnyr) stand in stark contrast to Mondstadt’s otherwise mild, breezy terrain. Major Locations: Mondstadt’s capital city (Mondstadt City) lies on a lakeside isle, characterized by medieval architecture, windmills, and the towering Anemo Archon statue at its plaza. Surrounding the city are fertile plains and vineyards – notably the Whispering Woods and Dawn Winery area to the south (famous for its wine). To the west, one finds Windrise, an iconic oak tree with an Anemo breeze, and Springvale, a rustic village genshin-impact.fandom.com . Northern Mondstadt features Starfell Valley and the ruins of Stormterror’s Lair, a crumbling citadel ringed by sheer cliffs where the wind dragon Dvalin once dwelt. The region also encompasses Wolvendom (a forested domain of the Wolf of the North) and coastal highlands like Brightcrown Canyon and Dadaupa Gorge, all under Mondstadt’s expansive skies genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Despite the varied topography – from the peak of Starsnatch Cliff to the marshy Musk Reef – Mondstadt has relatively few natural disasters. Occasional high winds and thunderstorms occur, but the populace is more threatened by roaming hilichurls or elemental monsters than by climate. Overall, it is known as the “Land of the Free” and is symbolized by wind, flight, and the dandelion. Political Structure: Mondstadt’s ideal is Freedom, and its governance reflects this ideal genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Anemo Archon Barbatos refrains from direct rule; in fact, he has not been officially seen in Mondstadt for centuries, instead letting his people determine their own fate. Power is vested in the Knights of Favonius (a chivalric order) and the Church of Favonius, who together act as the city-state’s administrative and protective institutions. The Knights, led by a Grand Master (acting Grand Master Jean in the current era), maintain law and order and defend Mondstadt from threats, while honoring Barbatos’s principle that the people should enjoy liberty. Mondstadt has no monarch or aristocracy – a stark departure from its past (a tyrannical aristocracy was overthrown long ago by the hero Vennessa). Instead, a semi-democratic council of nobles and guilds works with the Knights for civil affairs. This decentralized structure means Mondstadt’s people are famously independent, celebrating festivals like the Windblume Festival and Ludi Harpastum in honor of freedom genshin-impact.fandom.com . In sum, Mondstadt’s national character is one of informal governance and personal liberty: its Archon is revered as the God of Freedom, and true to that title, he allows his city to govern itself. The result is a carefree, if sometimes chaotic, nation defined by trust in the wind and its people’s unfettered spirit genshin-impact.fandom.com . Liyue – The Geo Nation (Contracts and Commerce) Liyue is a mountainous coastal nation in the east of Teyvat, distinguished by its towering stone peaks, deep valleys, and bustling harbor. The landscape is heavily influenced by Geo elemental energy, yielding dramatic karst mountains and rock formations. Many of Liyue’s inland regions are spiked with jagged peaks and pillar-like mountains – for example, the Yujing Terrace cliffs around the city and the adepti domain of Jueyun Karst, where cloud-ringed mountains like Qingyun Peak and Mt. Aozang pierce the sky. In the lowlands, Liyue features fertile plains and rivers: the Bishui Plains surrounding Dihua Marsh form a breadbasket region, and the Qiongji Estuary leads out to the sea genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . The nation’s coast along the Sea of Clouds is dotted with islets and spectacular stone spires – most famously the Guyun Stone Forest, a cluster of colossal petrified rocks rising from the ocean, said to be the remnants of defeated ancient gods genshin-impact.fandom.com . Climate: Liyue enjoys a temperate-to-warm climate. In the low plains and along the coast, the weather is generally mild with seasonal rains (Liyue Harbor often sees clear skies, but areas like Lisha and Yaoguang Shoal can get foggy or rainy). The high mountains experience cooler temperatures and are often shrouded in mist rather than snow – Liyue has no permanent snowfield equivalent to Dragonspine. Instead, the peaks like Jueyun Karst are above the clouds, home to mystical Adepti, and the high altitude yields unique flora (like Glaze Lilies on Mt. Tianheng). Natural hazards in Liyue are mostly geological: occasional earthquakes or landslides can occur in the steep regions, and The Chasm, a massive mining zone in west Liyue, presented a major hazard when an unknown catastrophe struck it. The Chasm is a giant scar in Liyue’s terrain – an open pit mine and underground cavern network rich in ores but once corrupted by an Abyssal anomaly. It was sealed off for years until the Traveler helped resolve its dangers. Overall, Liyue’s geography ranges from serene jade-green karst hills to marshy lowlands and island chains, all under the protection of the Geo Archon’s enduring stone. Major Locations: The heart of Liyue is Liyue Harbor, a grand coastal city and hub of trade. Liyue Harbor is built along a natural bay and sheltered by Mt. Tianheng; it is famous for its bustling Feiyun Slope market, the Yujing Terrace administrative quarter atop cliffs, and the Chihu Rock district of shops and restaurants. The harbor’s yearly Lantern Rite festival sees thousands of lanterns released into the night sky over the sea. Inland, prominent locations include Wangshu Inn – a tall pagoda-like inn in Dihua Marsh offering sweeping views of the marshlands – and Qingce Village, a farming village amid terraced hills and bamboo groves. Liyue’s landscape is rich with historical and mythical sites: Jueyun Karst (domain of Adepti like Cloud Retainer, featuring floating peaks and hidden havens), Dunyu Ruins and Guili Plains (ruins of an ancient civilization and the old Guili Assembly, now crumbling into the earth) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , and the Yaoguang Shoal on the coast (where wrecked ships and reefs tell of past conflicts). Off the coast lies the Guyun Stone Forest, where towering rocks (believed to be the bodies of defeated sea monsters) protrude from the foggy sea – a haunting, reverent site often visited by adventurers. To the west, the Chasm and its Underground Mines form a dark labyrinth where miners once excavated magical jade (and where a floating purple crystal “nail” from Celestia is embedded). Liyue’s diversity of locales – from idyllic Luhua Pool (a lake surrounded by autumn-colored cliffs) to the treacherous Tianqiu Valley ruins – make it one of the most varied regions in Teyvat in terms of scenery. Political Structure: Liyue’s Archon is Rex Lapis (Morax), the Geo Archon and God of Contracts, who was worshipped as the patron of commerce and law genshin-impact.fandom.com . For millennia, Rex Lapis personally guided Liyue, annually appearing in Liyue Harbor to give wisdom at the Rite of Descension. However, at the end of Liyue’s Archon Quest, Rex Lapis faked his death and voluntarily stepped down from direct rule, handing authority to his people genshin-impact.fandom.com . The day-to-day governance of Liyue is now in the hands of the Liyue Qixing, a council of seven leaders (typically influential merchants and officials) who manage commerce, defense, and civil affairs. The Qixing (including characters like Ningguang and Keqing) run Liyue Harbor much like a corporate oligarchy, ensuring the nation’s economic strength – Liyue is the financial powerhouse of Teyvat, its currency (the Mora mint) originally named after Morax himself. Complementing the Qixing are the ancient Adepti, illuminated beast beings and sages who once fought alongside Rex Lapis. The Adepti (such as Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, etc.) traditionally protected Liyue from evil and still watch over the land’s sacred sites. After Rex Lapis’s “departure,” a new balance was struck: the Adepti agreed to let mortals lead, while remaining as honored guardians in times of need genshin-impact.fandom.com . This power-sharing was exemplified during the Rite of Parting, where both Qixing and Adepti cooperated to defend Liyue Harbor from Osial’s assault. Thus, Liyue’s national structure is unique – a combination of human governance and divine guardianship. The Geo Archon’s legacy of contracts heavily influences Liyue’s culture: every decision is made carefully and every deal honored. Festivals like the Moonchase Festival and Lantern Rite reinforce community bonds and the people’s gratitude for the Geo Archon’s long protection. In summary, Liyue is now effectively a republic/mercantile state led by the Qixing, underpinned by the Contract that humans and Adepti will together uphold the peace. Even without Rex Lapis openly ruling, his laws and the tradition of contracts continue to shape Liyue’s just, prosperous society genshin-impact.fandom.com . Inazuma – The Electro Nation (Eternity and the Shogunate) Inazuma is an archipelagic nation of islands far to the southeast of Liyue, known for its pervasive Electro (lightning) climate and a culture of eternity and isolation. Geographically, Inazuma consists of six main islands (and a few islets), each with distinct features. The largest is Narukami Island, home to the nation’s capital Inazuma City and the sacred Grand Narukami Shrine atop Mt. Yougou. To the southwest lies Yashiori Island, a land once blighted by the corpse of a slain god (the serpent Orobashi) – its landscape features a colossal serpent skeleton and it endured an endless thunderstorm and poisonous miasma until cleansed during the Archon Quest. Central Inazuma features Kannazuka Island, marked by the now-dormant Mt. Kannazuka and the ruins of the Mikage Furnace (a huge smelting operation that was destroyed, leaving a scorched crater). Further out are the smaller isles: Watatsumi Island to the west, a lush coral highland with pink forests and the seat of the resistance (Sangonomiya Shrine); Seirai Island to the south, which was shattered by a past cataclysm and still crackles with an eternal lightning storm at its center; and Tsurumi Island in the far southeast, an eerie, long-isolated island perpetually enveloped in dense fog and ruins of an ancient civilization. Climate: Inazuma’s climate is maritime subtropical – warm but very wet. Frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are common, especially during the region’s storyline when the Raiden Shogun’s isolation policy caused an unnatural storm barrier around Inazuma. Some islands have unique weather phenomena: e.g. Seirai’s everlasting thunderstorm that strikes intruders with lightning, or the gloomy rain on Yashiori (a curse tied to the serpent’s remains). After the events of the Archon Quest, these extreme conditions were largely resolved, but Inazuma still experiences more electrical storms than other regions (befitting the Electro Archon’s land). Natural hazards in Inazuma include typhoons, frequent lightning strikes, and unstable terrain due to volcanic and seismic activity – Inazuma sits on the sea, so tidal waves or maritime squalls occasionally threaten the coasts. For example, the Musoujin Gorge on Yashiori was formed by a lightning slash and remains a dangerous chasm. Active volcanism is hinted by places like Tatarasuna (Mikage Furnace’s caldera) and boiling onsen hot springs in areas like Araumi. Overall, Inazuma’s environment is one of dramatic contrast: serene sakura gardens under purple skies on Narukami Island, versus the tempest-tossed, jagged landscapes of its outlying isles. Major Locations: The political and cultural center is Inazuma City on Narukami Island, built around the Tenshukaku castle where the Raiden Shogun resides. The city is encircled by high walls and divided into districts (e.g. Hanamizaka, Inazuma Tenryou Headquarters); it features an upscale Narukami Shrine area and the bustling Komore Teahouse and markets. At the foot of Mt. Yougou stands the Grand Narukami Shrine, a majestic shrine under a sacred lightning-struck sakura tree, which is a spiritual symbol of Inazuma. Across the water from the capital is Ritou, the port of entry for outsiders (formerly heavily restricted during the Sakoku isolation – effectively a checkpoint for foreign traders). Each island hosts notable settlements or landmarks: on Watatsumi Island, there is Sangonomiya Shrine, a beautiful palace-like shrine built into a waterfall and coral cliff, serving as the headquarters for the Watatsumi people and the resistance army. Yashiori Island contains the Fort Fujitou and Musoujin Gorge, as well as small villages like Higi Village, but much of it was scarred by battle and the snake’s curse (including pools of Tatarigami corruption). Tatarasuna (Kannazuka) is the site of the dismantled furnace and the Tatara Plains, now patrolled by ruin machines; nearby is Nazuchi Beach, a pirate-infested coast. Tsurumi Island has the ruins of Shirikoro Peak and Mt. Kanna, and was shrouded in fog that would disorient travelers until its mysteries were solved. Other key locations include the Chinju Forest (haunted woods leading to the Grand Shrine), Byakko Plain, and various Domain mansions hidden across the isles. Despite its relatively small land area, Inazuma is dense with cultural sites like sword schools, dojos, cemeteries, and Vision Deprivation facilities (remnants of the Vision Hunt Decree). Traveling between these islands originally required special permission and was dangerous due to storms, but now high-tech thunder-bearing boats and Waverider skiffs make travel easier. Political Structure: Inazuma is an autocratic shogunate led by the Electro Archon, who is revered as the Raiden Shogun (Baal/Ei), the God of Eternity genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Archon is not only a deity but also the head of state – she established the Inazuma Shogunate, a bakufu government, to enforce her vision of “Eternity.” Under the Shogun, political power is administered through the Tri-Commission: three great clans/commissions that handle the nation’s affairs. The Tenryou Commission (Kujou Clan) manages military and security forces (including the Shogun’s army and police, such as the Tenryou Troops). The Kanjou Commission (Hiiragi Clan) handled finance and foreign trade, controlling the flow of goods and outsiders at Ritou (especially during the isolationist period). The Yashiro Commission (Kamisato Clan) oversees cultural and religious matters, including festivals, shrines, and the samurai code; the popular figures Ayaka and Ayato Kamisato hail from this commission. During the recent historical period, Inazuma experienced the Sakoku Decree, a self-imposed isolation policy where the Shogunate closed the nation’s borders (no one in or out) and the Vision Hunt Decree, where the Shogun’s forces seized magical Visions from citizens to suppress their ambitions genshin-impact.fandom.com . These hardline policies led to civil strife – the resistance movement on Watatsumi Island (led by Sangonomiya Kokomi) rose up against the Shogunate. Eventually, the Traveler helped broker peace: the Raiden Shogun was confronted and she repealed the Vision Hunt, ending the plunder of her people’s ambitions. Currently, Inazuma has reopened its borders and entered a period of reform. The Shogun (Ei) remains Archon and head of state, but she has shown a new willingness to listen to her people and her allies (e.g. the Yashiro Commission’s guidance). The day-to-day governance still lies with the Tri-Commission clans, functioning somewhat like ministries under a supreme ruler. Inazuma’s society is one with strict order and respect for hierarchy – samurai loyalty, honor, and eternity (unchanging tradition) are valued. The Electro Archon’s ideal of Eternity meant preserving Inazuma’s way of life against time’s erosion, but after recent events, a more balanced approach is emerging. Festivals like the Irodori Festival and rituals at the Grand Shrine continue, reflecting both the heritage of eternity and a cautiously more open future. Inazuma’s national structure can be summarized as a centralized military theocracy under the Shogun, now tempered by the voices of its people and allies after coming to terms with the need for change genshin-impact.fandom.com . Sumeru – The Dendro Nation (Wisdom and Duality) Sumeru is a land of twin environments: a lush tropical rainforest on one side and a vast desert on the other genshin-impact.fandom.com . This nation, located to the west of Liyue and south of Fontaine, embodies the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, being home to Teyvat’s greatest academy. Rainforest Region: The eastern and northern portions of Sumeru are covered in dense rainforest and jungle. Giant ancient trees (such as the massive Irminsul tree at Avidya Forest) tower over a vibrant ecosystem of exotic plants and glowing mushrooms. The climate here is hot, humid, and rainy – monsoon-like downpours periodically drench the jungle, feeding rivers that carve through the land (like the flowing river around Sumeru City and Chatrakam Cave). The rainforest is divided into areas like the Avidya Forest, Lokapala Jungle, Ardravi Valley, and Vissudha Field, each with unique biomes ranging from misty swamps to sun-dappled woodlands. Scattered through the greenery are remnants of ancient ruins entwined by vines, as well as modern settlements: Gandharva Ville, a small outpost of the Forest Rangers, lies in the woods; Port Ormos, Sumeru’s southern harbor city, sits at the delta where rainforest meets the sea, bustling with trade under a mix of rainforest and international influences. Deep in the heart of the jungle stands Sumeru City, built around and within a colossal sacred tree (the Divine Tree, a giant Irminsul) – the city’s architecture integrates lush greenery, hanging gardens, and flowing canals. Desert Region: In stark contrast, the western reaches of Sumeru consist of arid deserts and badlands stretching to the horizon genshin-impact.fandom.com . The desert is often referred to in two parts: the Great Red Sand (desert of King Deshret) and the newer desert expansion around Hadramaveth. Its climate is extreme – blistering hot days, frigid nights, fierce sandstorms and dust devils swirling across dunes. Iconic features include towering sandstone mesas and canyons, sprawling dune seas, and occasional lush oases hidden in the wastes. Notably, the ruins of an ancient civilization lie half-buried in the sands: for example, the ruins of Gurabad (once the capital of King Deshret’s realm) with monumental pyramids and collapsed temples can be found in places like Hypostyle Desert and Land of Lower Setekh. Enormous hollow pyramids and underground networks (e.g. The Mausoleum of King Deshret and Sekhet Oasis) are scattered throughout, guarded by mysterious clockwork constructs from long ago. The desert also hides natural perils such as quicksand pits, scorpions, and areas of corruptive influence called The Withering (a legacy of forbidden knowledge that causes patches of deadly decay in both desert and jungle). Sandstorms are a major hazard – the Desert of Hadramaveth is famed for a perpetual giant sandstorm vortex at its center, which adventurers must brave to explore ruins. In summary, Sumeru’s geography is one of dramatic contrasts: verdant rainforests teeming with life and knowledge, versus barren deserts holding secrets in their sands genshin-impact.fandom.com . This dual nature is even reflected in its flora and fauna – from the cute Aranara forest spirits and Rishboland Tigers of the jungle to the Sumpter Beasts and Scorpions of the desert. Major Locations: In the Rainforest Zone, Sumeru City is the crown jewel – a grand academic city built around a towering hollow tree trunk that houses the Akademiya (the foremost institute of arcane and scholarly learning in Teyvat). The city features terraced academical buildings, libraries, and the Sanctuary of Surasthana (the residence of the Dendro Archon) perched atop the great tree, as well as bustling bazaars at its roots. South of the city, along the coast, lies Port Ormos, a lively port town where merchants, sailors, and even less-reputable elements mingle – it has markets with spices and curios, and a harbor view of giant ancient statues in the sea. Throughout the forest, there are smaller villages like Vimara Village and research facilities like Caravan Ribat (a fortress caravan stop bridging forest and desert). The Avidya Forest itself holds landmarks like Gandharva Ville (the ranger outpost and home of the Forest Watcher Tighnari) and mysterious locales such as Vanarana, a secret sacred grove associated with the tiny Aranara beings. In the Desert Zone, the main human settlement is Aaru Village, a relatively fertile oasis village where desert dwellers (descendants of King Deshret’s people and exiled Akademiya scholars) live. Aaru Village sits under the protective gaze of a giant rock carving of King Deshret and has become a center of Desert folk culture and a refuge for those estranged from the Akademiya. Scattered around the desert are awe-inspiring ruins: The Mausoleum of King Deshret (a massive pyramid complex with a golden top, half-sunken in sand), Khaj-Nisut (an ancient temple built to align with the sun), and Mount Damavand (an area perpetually ravaged by a colossal sandstorm and housing the colossal machine “Wind-Eater”). Beneath the sands, a labyrinth of tunnels and caves (like the Underground Eternal Oasis and Gurabad ruins) hide relics of the past – including a shining Eternal Oasis locked in time, which was created by the last plumes of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata’s power. Not to be overlooked are Sumeru’s unique natural landmarks such as the Apam Woods (massive glowing mushrooms forming a bioluminescent forest), the Desert of Hadramaveth (with its giant tornado), and Mawtiyima Forest (a foggy woodland of giant lotuses). Each area is tied to rich lore – for example, the Tree of Dreams in Vanarana links to the dreams of the forest, and the desert’s Monument of King Deshret tells of the struggle between the Goddess of Flowers, King Deshret, and the Archon. Sumeru’s lands are thus full of knowledge and history: whether one is collecting exotic Zaytun Peaches in rainforest orchards or navigating the deadly Safhe Shatranj chessboard ruins in the sands, there is always a discovery to be made. Political Structure: Sumeru is known as the center of learning in Teyvat, and its governance has long been intertwined with its academia. The nation worships Lesser Lord Kusanali (Nahida), the Dendro Archon and God of Wisdom genshin-impact.fandom.com . However, Kusanali is a relatively young Archon (the youngest of The Seven, having taken over 500 years ago after the death of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata) and, until recently, was not actively governing – she was kept secluded in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. In her stead, the mortal scholars of the Sumeru Akademiya effectively ran the country. The Akademiya is a sprawling scholarly bureaucracy headquartered in Sumeru City; it is divided into various darshans (schools) and is led by a Grand Sage and six other Sages. This council of Sages made decisions on everything from knowledge policy to state affairs, adhering to the Archon’s ideal of wisdom (at least in name). In practice, during the pre-Traveler era, Sumeru’s polity became technocratic: the Akademiya prized rationality and suppressed certain practices (for example, they outlawed worship of the past Greater Lord and prohibited “irrational” activities like dreaming – even the act of dreaming was suppressed via the Akasha terminal network). This created a societal split: the scholarly elite in Sumeru City and the desert people who felt neglected or disrespected by the Akademiya (as their heritage tied to King Deshret was often dismissed). The tension culminated in the Archon Quest events where misguided Sages attempted dangerous experiments, prompting Lesser Lord Kusanali to step forward and assume true leadership. After the Traveler’s intervention, the old Grand Sage was deposed and Nahida began working openly with a reformed Akademiya. Today’s governance in Sumeru is a blend: Archon Nahida actively guides the nation’s direction, emphasizing balance between wisdom and compassion, while a new Akademiya leadership (more humble and open-minded) administers the day-to-day operations. One of Sumeru’s unique governing aspects is the integration of scholarly pursuit with state policy – scholars hold prestigious positions, and research findings can influence laws. Sumeru’s people are generally very educated or at least influenced by the knowledge-centric culture, earning the nation nicknames like “Land of Scholars.” The Adventurers’ Guild and Merchants’ Guild operate in Sumeru as well, but intellectual pursuits often trump commerce here (unlike Liyue). Outside the city, the desert clans traditionally were led by local chieftains or elders (for example, Aaru Village has village chiefs), but after Nahida’s ascension, efforts have been made to include desert folk in Sumeru’s knowledge sphere (such as inviting them to study at the Akademiya and addressing their grievances). In essence, Sumeru’s national structure is evolving from a scholarly oligarchy into a more inclusive theocracy under the real guidance of the God of Wisdom. The ideal of Wisdom is still paramount, but as a lesson learned, Sumeru now acknowledges that “wisdom… can itself become the enemy of wisdom” if arrogance prevails genshin-impact.fandom.com . Nahida encourages curiosity, innovation (e.g. lifting the ban on dreaming), and healing the rift between rainforest and desert. Culturally, Sumeru celebrates festivals like Sabzeruz (birthday of the Lesser Lord) which was once co-opted by the Akademiya but has since been restored to a genuine celebration. Through these changes, Sumeru is moving closer to the Archon’s ideal: a nation where knowledge is pursued for the good of all and tempered by humility. The Akademiya remains highly influential (similar to a powerful university-government), but it is now checked by Archon Nahida’s benevolent oversight and by the lessons learned from the fall of the Sages. Fontaine – The Hydro Nation (Justice and Progress) Fontaine is the nation of Hydro, famed for its culture of art, technology, and justice. Geographically, Fontaine is situated in the center-north of Teyvat (northwest of Sumeru), and it features a picturesque landscape of pristine waters, rolling highlands, and innovative human architecture. A defining aspect of Fontaine is its abundance of water: the region is laced with grand rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The Hydro influence is so strong that Fontaine has developed unique aquatic ecosystems and even habitable underwater zones. For example, parts of Fontaine’s newest explorable areas include sunken ruins and underwater caves where one can dive and find ancient secrets. The climate of Fontaine is temperate, albeit very moist – it sees frequent light rain and cloudy days (appropriate for a Hydro nation), yet interestingly lacks extreme seasons (locals remark that Fontaine doesn’t have much of a winter compared to other northern nations) reddit.com . The terrain ranges from verdant countryside (with forests and meadows nourished by constant humidity) to steep rocky cliffs. One iconic natural wonder is Fontaine’s massive waterfall systems: near the border with Liyue, a titanic waterfall known as Fontaine’s Falls cascades from the elevated Fontaine heartland down into the chasm separating it from Liyue. These falls are so majestic that their mist can be seen from miles away. Another notable area is the Romaritime Harbor and Elinas, coastal zones where the sea is calm and clear, reflecting Fontaine’s azure sky. Fontaine’s waters are imbued with a special energy – in lore, there is “Primordial Water” with mysterious properties. This manifested dramatically in a recent prophecy: a Great Deluge was foretold to flood Fontaine as divine punishment. Indeed, during the Archon Quest, a cataclysmic flood of primordial seawater occurred, flooding the city of Fontaine – yet, thanks to intervention by local powers, the citizens were unharmed and the waters later receded genshin-impact.fandom.com . This event left an impression on the landscape (watermarks and damp ruins) but was quickly cleaned up by Fontaine’s technology. Natural hazards: Aside from the prophesied flood (now passed), Fontaine deals with issues like water pollution and mechanical malfunctions. The nation’s advanced industry sometimes produces runoff that can taint local waters, and mechanical constructs (Fontaine is known for clockwork automata called Meka) can pose danger if they go haywire. There are also areas in Fontaine with geothermal activity – some hot springs and steam vents indicate that under its idyllic surface, Fontaine has active geological forces (perhaps related to why the nation is uplifted on a higher plateau above the ocean). On the whole, Fontaine’s environment is characterized by aquatic beauty and modern urban landscapes rather than extreme geography. Major Locations: The capital of Fontaine is often referred to simply as the Court of Fontaine, encompassing the city and its central institutions. In the heart of the capital stands the Opera Epiclese, an extravagant opera house and courthouse hybrid. Here, trials are conducted as public performances – literally on a stage – reflecting Fontaine’s flair for drama and justice. Overseeing these trials is the famous Oratrice Mécanique d’Analyse Cardinale, a mechanical judging device that renders verdicts based on collected “Justice” energy. The city itself is like a vision of a steampunk Paris: ornate Belle Époque-style buildings, gaslamp-lit streets, and a skyline punctuated by clocktowers and ironclad structures. Palais Mermonia is Fontaine’s administrative center (housing the Archon’s seat and government offices), and nearby is the Fontaine Research Institute, known for groundbreaking innovations in technology, automaton engineering, and kinetic energy (Fontaine’s populace widely uses clockwork machines in daily life). Running through the city are canals and elevators moving between upper and lower city levels, plus an advanced drainage system that famously held back the flood waters during the recent crisis. Outside the capital, the region features smaller towns and scenic spots: Cour de Fontaine is the outlying court district with cafes and art galleries; Marcotte Station (hypothetical name for a transit hub) connects to underwater tunnels. Fontaine’s countryside includes hydroelectric dams and factories – evidence of its industrial might. One such facility is the Fontaine Oceanid Factory (as mentioned in lore, where they attempted to harness Hydro elemental creatures for energy). There’s also the notorious Fortress of Meropide, an underwater prison complex in a giant borehole beneath the sea – essentially a penitentiary city beneath the waves, accessible via a massive shaft. The Silver Bottle Courtyard and Institute of Natural Philosophy are other points of interest; the latter is a center of learning where Fontaine’s scholars push the boundaries of science. Natural sights include Belleau Range, gentle hills with windmills and hydroponic farms, and Lake Oratrice, a serene lake reputed to reflect the stars even at noon. Fontaine’s aesthetic mix of natural water bodies and mechanical marvels makes it uniquely beautiful. One can find street performers, photographers (the Steambird newspaper is headquartered here), and painters on every corner of the city, capturing scenes like the aquabus ferries gliding down the canals or the brilliant light show of the Fontainian night where searchlights and water show fountains dance. Political Structure: Fontaine is a federal monarchy with an Archon at its head, tempered by a strong emphasis on law. The Hydro Archon, known by her historical name Focalors (and presently going by Furina), is the God of Justice genshin-impact.fandom.com . Unlike some other Archons, Focalors openly involves herself in governance, especially in the judicial arena – she “lives for the spectacle of the courtroom” genshin-impact.fandom.com . In Fontaine, justice is the supreme value, and the nation’s court system is not only a legal mechanism but also a form of entertainment and even governance. The Archon herself often presides over high-profile trials (as a theatrical judge figure), and legend has it she seeks to judge even the other gods in pursuit of ultimate justice genshin-impact.fandom.com . However, real executive power in Fontaine is shared with other entities. The day-to-day governance involves the Fontaine Administration (Palais Mermonia) and officials like the Chief Justice. Notably, Fontaine’s Chief Justice is Neuvillette, who is widely respected as an impartial arbiter of law (and, unbeknownst to many, is the human form of the Hydro Dragon sovereign). Neuvillette handles most legal matters and the bureaucracy, while Archon Furina adds dramatic flair and direction. This dynamic means Fontaine’s governance has a dual nature: a charismatic Archon figurehead stirring progress and moral debate, and a technocratic judicial apparatus ensuring order. Fontaine’s society is kept in check by the Oratrice mechanical judge, which weighs the guilt of accused persons by gathering the collective will and “energy” of the citizenry during trials – a truly unique system that essentially makes public opinion a literal factor in verdicts. Politically, Fontaine has ministries or guilds that manage its advanced infrastructure (for example, a Ministry of Civil Affairs might oversee the aqueducts and factories, and an Atelier of Research for technological development). There is also the presence of the Hexenzirkel legacy (some of Fontaine’s innovators are said to have ties to the sorcerers’ circle, like the great inventor Alain Guillotin). The nation’s press (The Steambird newspaper) is very influential, acting as a fourth estate that can sway public opinion (important in a nation where public opinion can power a court verdict!). In terms of foreign relations, Fontaine is known to be somewhat aloof – they prefer to showcase cultural dominance (through technology, fashion, and art) rather than military force. In fact, Fontaine’s military is not particularly highlighted in lore; instead, mechanized troops and clockwork meka serve as their security forces. Fontaine also has a prison system epitomized by the Fortress of Meropide, showing that those who break the law face strict consequences. One recent development in Fontaine’s political landscape was the fulfillment of the prophecy where the Hydro Archon was put on trial before her people (during Archon Quest Chapter IV). This unprecedented event – effectively a test of Fontaine’s own commitment to justice even towards its Archon – resulted in revelations that changed the power balance (the Hydro Archon had to confront her limitations, and Neuvillette’s authority and compassion were instrumental in saving the nation from the flood genshin-impact.fandom.com ). After this, it’s implied that Fontaine’s government will adjust: Archon Furina becomes more focused on genuine justice than mere spectacle, and Neuvillette continues to ensure laws are fair and equitable (for instance, absolving the people of “primordial sin” so they wouldn’t be drowned by the prophesied flood genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Culturally, Fontaine is vibrant and progressive – inventors, artists, and performers are highly esteemed, and the government sponsors public works like operas, exhibitions, and technological expos. In summary, Fontaine’s national structure is a blend of theatric justice and industrial modernity: ruled by the Hydro Archon (a figure who loves courtroom drama) alongside a rational Chief Justice and mechanical judiciary. The result is a society where laws and the arts reign, and every citizen is encouraged to take part in the grand performance that is Fontaine’s pursuit of “Justice” in all things. Natlan – The Pyro Nation (War and Fire) Natlan is the seventh nation of Teyvat associated with the Pyro element, often characterized as a land of passion, conflict, and volcanic fury. Although Natlan has not been fully released in the game yet, there are numerous canon hints about its geography and society from in-game lore, the Travail storyline preview, and developer statements. Geography and Climate: Natlan’s terrain is generally believed to be rugged and fiery – a land of volcanoes, scorched earth, and sweltering climates. Official design insights indicate Natlan’s environment draws inspiration from volcanic highlands and canyonlands of our world genshin-impact.fandom.com . Expect to see dramatic geology: horst-and-graben rifts, mesas, and plateaus similar to the Grand Canyon or African Rift Valley, and possibly active volcano calderas spewing lava. In the Travail preview, the brief glimpse of Natlan (featuring the character Iansan) showed her amid flames and ashen ground, suggesting volcanic activity and constant conflagration. Indeed, Natlan’s territory is described as having “vibrant volcanic landscapes” and flowing lava, and its flora and fauna adapt to intense heat timekeeponline.com . We might encounter environments like lava lakes, geysers, and burning fields. The climate is likely tropical to arid but with extreme heat – think scorching days, perhaps with seasonal rains that turn parts of the volcanic ashfields into fertile soil briefly (much like how volcano slopes can support lush jungle in some areas). According to the Cultural References in lore, Natlan’s terrain is modeled after places like Chapada Diamantina (Brazil) and the Great Rift deserts, and its plant life includes savanna-style trees like baobabs and acacias thriving on the plains at the foot of volcanoes genshin-impact.fandom.com . This implies parts of Natlan may also have grassland savannahs and scrublands between the volcanic ranges. Another distinct feature might be the Mare Jivari, a deadly scorching desert mentioned in lore that lies on the far western edge of Teyvat – possibly contiguous with Natlan or just beyond it. The Mare Jivari is said to be a place where the sun’s flame is eternal and only the strongest survive, which aligns with Natlan’s theme of survival of the fittest. If Mare Jivari is part of (or adjacent to) Natlan, it would represent the ultimate extreme climate: an ever-blazing sea of sand where even Archons’ influence wanes. Natural hazards in Natlan would obviously include eruptions, wildfires, and earthquakes. The nation’s volcanic nature means eruptions or lava flows could periodically threaten settlements. Earth tremors might be common. Wildfires could sweep through the savannah regions during the dry season, only to be renewed by rain and ash fertilization. Another hazard noted in lore is warfare itself – Natlan’s people engage in constant martial contests (so one could say the “natural disaster” is the fighting spirit that engulfs the land in metaphorical flames). Dainsleif’s narration explicitly ties fire and war to Natlan’s identity: “The rules of war are woven in the womb: the victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash.” genshin-impact.fandom.com . This poetic line suggests even the land of Natlan is littered with the ashes of the defeated – possibly literally, in volcanic ash – and the flames of battle are as common as the flames from its volcanoes. Major Locations: Being unreleased, specific place names in Natlan are scarce, but a few have been confirmed through lore and datamined info (we will only include officially mentioned names, avoiding leaks). One known location is the “Mare Jivari”, as mentioned, on the outskirts – a place of no return where the air itself is scorching. Within Natlan, it’s likely divided among tribal territories. The culture is said to be tribal and nomadic in parts, so major “cities” might be fewer, with more encampments or tribal capitals. However, at least one capital city or ceremonial site should exist – possibly referred to simply as Natlan City or a name derived from regional culture (for instance, “Tezca” or “Xibal” given the Mesoamerican inspiration, though these are not confirmed names). In the Teyvat Chapter Preview, we see the young girl Iansan in what looks like a volcanic arena, implying a battle pit or ceremonial combat ground could be a notable location. We also know from artifact lore that there are tribes in Natlan (the artifact set “Lavawalker” and others reference warriors of Natlan). According to the latest lore updates, Natlan’s tribes are numerous and their names pull from indigenous and African cultures genshin-impact.fandom.com . For example, lore mentions a Natlan chieftain named Tenoch and his companions with names of Kenyan and Incan origin genshin-impact.fandom.com . This suggests areas in Natlan likely correspond to different tribal domains – perhaps something like Xolotl Valley for one tribe, Muratan Plains for the descendants of Murata’s tribe, etc. Speaking of Murata, the historical Pyro Archon, it’s likely there is a shrine or volcano named after the Lady of Fire. The manga prologue speaks of Vennessa’s homeland having “divine flame in its ores” genshin-impact.fandom.com , which hints at a volcanic mountain or forge blessed by the Pyro Archon – perhaps in Natlan there is a sacred volcano (e.g. Mount Murata or a “Sacred Flame Forge”) that serves as both a religious site and a literal source of divine flames. Recent game data (from version 5.x official content) actually lists a few Natlan area names: Basin of Unnumbered Flames, Coatepec (meaning “Serpent Mountain” in Nahuatl), Quahuacan Cliff, Tezcatepetonco Range, etc. genshin-impact.fandom.com . These names reinforce the imagery of mountains, cliffs, and flames. For instance, Coatepec Mountain is likely a volcanic mountain in Natlan, Basin of Unnumbered Flames might be a caldera or valley with many fires, and Tezcatepetonco Range a volcanic mountain range. We can expect a capital or gathering place at the foot of an active volcano, where the current Pyro Archon’s throne or sacred arena is located. Additionally, given Natlan’s inspirations, there may be steppe pyramids or huge bonfire altars (drawing from Aztec/Mayan aesthetics) dotting the land as centers of worship and combat. Also, the presence of names from Sub-Saharan African cultures suggests parts of Natlan might feature savannah villages or trading posts by an oasis or great lake (for example, lore mentions characters with Burkinese and Malian names genshin-impact.fandom.com , so perhaps a region akin to the Sahel exists within Natlan’s borders). Another rumored site (from in-game books) is the “Fields of Tulyusay”, which might be a battlefield or plains in Natlan known for a historic conflict. To summarize major locations: a central volcanic capital (with a name yet to be revealed), multiple tribal territories each with their own settlement, volcanic landmarks like Coatepec (Serpent Mountain) which could host a challenge like a fire serpent boss, ceremonial combat arenas, hot springs or geyser fields, and harsh border zones like the Mare Jivari on the fringe. All these locations will likely be tied together by the theme of trial by fire – both literally in environment and culturally via combat. Political Structure: Natlan’s societal structure is unique among the seven nations – it is not a unified kingdom or republic, but rather a land of warrior tribes governed by the creed of survival of the strongest. The Pyro Archon of Natlan, currently named Mavuika (the God of War), leads the nation genshin-impact.fandom.com . However, unlike other Archons who might rule for millennia, Natlan’s Archonship is won and held by martial prowess. It has been revealed that all Pyro Archons originate as mortal warriors who earn their divine seat through victory in combat, effectively challenging and replacing their predecessors genshin-impact.fandom.com . In other words, Natlan’s Archon is not a singular ancient deity but a title that has passed through many hands (many generations) via gladiatorial succession. This makes Natlan’s leadership inherently dynamic and meritocratic in a brutal sense. The current Pyro Archon, Mavuika, herself was a human who proved herself in battle and ascended; she even had placed her life in a sacred flame during the cataclysm 500 years ago to survive to the present day genshin-impact.fandom.com . The ideals guiding Natlan’s society are “war” and “competition”. Strength, honor, and victory confer legitimacy. Each tribe likely has its own chieftain or champion, and these champions could contend in grand tournaments or wars to determine who among them is worthy of Archon status. It’s implied that “the victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash” is almost a societal motto in Natlan genshin-impact.fandom.com – indicating that losing in Natlan often means death or at least loss of honor/status, while winners are celebrated as heroes (and possibly deified). In practice, the Pyro Archon presumably maintains control by being the mightiest warrior and uniting the tribes through either conquest or ritual combat. The governance is thus a loose confederation of tribes under the strongest’s leadership. Think of it like an ever-burning Olympic games crossed with a tribal council: tribes might gather at certain times (perhaps during an annual combat festival or “Crucible of War”) to hash out issues or challenge leadership. In peaceful times, each tribe governs its own territory and people with their customs (which likely vary – Natlan’s cultural influences range from Pre-Columbian Americas to Sub-Saharan Africa to Polynesia genshin-impact.fandom.com , meaning one tribe might resemble Aztec warriors, another could be based on Maasai warriors, etc.). Confirmed lore tidbits: The people of Natlan are described as “hardy and blessed with fiery red hair” by Venti genshin-impact.fandom.com , specifically referring to the Muratan tribe (descendants of the past Archon Murata). This suggests a kind of ethnic identity tied to Archon lineage – Murata’s tribe (the Muratans) wandered outside Natlan eventually (Vennessa’s ancestors), but within Natlan, there may be prestige associated with being from the Archon’s tribe. However, since Archons change, multiple tribes have held that honor in history. Indeed, the history of Natlan is rich with legendary heroes and Archons: at least eight Pyro Archons are known by name or title in records genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , such as Xbalanque (the first Pyro Archon who established Natlan’s “rules” for attaining divinity via combat) genshin-impact.fandom.com and Cochanina (an ancient Pyro Archon who fought a “Volcano Lord” and contained a beast called the Bakunawa, implying threats like fire dragons have existed) genshin-impact.fandom.com . This revolving-door leadership means the concept of an eternal Archon guiding the people (like Rex Lapis in Liyue) doesn’t apply – instead, Natlan’s people look to their strongest heroes for guidance. The Pyro Archon does still hold a Gnosis and is one of The Seven, so externally Natlan is recognized as having a single Archon. But internally, the Archon might be more akin to a Warlord King/Queen who must continually prove themselves. Dainsleif’s narration hints that the Pyro Archon (referred to as “she”) will share some “secret” with the Traveler because “she has her reasons” genshin-impact.fandom.com – possibly this could involve the truth behind the cyclical violence or an intended “rebellion” theme (maybe Murata/Mavuika harbor resentment toward Celestia and plan to use Natlan’s warrior culture in a larger war). In terms of day-to-day life and law, Natlan likely has minimal formal law enforcement or scholarly administration (contrasting sharply with Sumeru or Fontaine). Instead, disputes might be settled with duels or judged by tribal elders who are themselves veterans. The idea of “might makes right” is culturally ingrained, but it’s not pure chaos – it’s tempered by a warrior’s code of honor. The God of War’s ideal isn’t senseless violence, but honorable combat and continual striving. Therefore, Natlan’s society encourages martial training, competitions, and rituals to channel their fiery impulses. For example, a coming-of-age in Natlan might involve a dangerous trial by fire; festivals could include mock battles or dance-fights (interestingly, lore says Natlan’s people enjoy breakdancing, hip-hop, and rap as cultural arts genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com – suggesting that even their art is an energetic, combative expression). These are canon notes that Natlan has modern cultural elements fused into its tribal setting, likely meaning the nation isn’t stuck in ancient ways but dynamically evolving (perhaps through outside influence via adventurers’ guild or Ordo Favonius branches). Another structural aspect: the Sacred Flame. The Pyro Archon is “entrusted to protect and fuel the Sacred Flame which protects Natlan and its warriors” genshin-impact.fandom.com . This Sacred Flame might be a literal eternal flame (maybe at Natlan’s holy volcano or temple) that symbolizes the Archon’s power and blesses the warriors. It could be that whomever holds the Sacred Flame or is acknowledged by it becomes Archon. Thus governance might have a spiritual dimension – high shamans or fire-priests attending to this flame and the records of past challenges. In essence, while the Archon is the ultimate authority, her rule is validated by ritual and continuous trial, and she may convene the strongest of each tribe as a war council when needed. Given Natlan’s fiery disposition, it’s expected to play a role in the overarching storyline’s future conflict – their militaristic culture could become an asset or a wildcard in a coming war against Celestia. The Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya has been collecting the other Archons’ gnoses through the Fatui; when she eventually sets sights on Natlan, it will meet a nation ready to fight to the death. In summary, Natlan’s national structure is best described as a martial gerontocracy/heroocracy (rule by the strongest warriors). The Pyro Archon (God of War) leads by example, not by bureaucracy, and leadership is fluid, earned by victory in battle rather than hereditary succession genshin-impact.fandom.com . Laws are few but deeply respected – chiefly, the law that strength and honor govern all. As the Travail trailer narrates, “When the God of War shares this secret with the Traveler, it is because she has her reasons.” We can infer that Natlan’s secret may be that endless war is not just for its own sake, but perhaps for a higher purpose or truth – something the Pyro Archon knows and instills in her people, keeping their flames ever sharp for the day of reckoning. Until we see Natlan in-game, what’s confirmed paints an image of a fiery land where conflict is culture, the strong unite the tribes, and even the Archon’s seat is a forge that constantly needs retemperating by new champions genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Snezhnaya – The Cryo Nation (Ice and Ambition) Snezhnaya is the northernmost nation of Teyvat, domain of the Cryo Archon, and it is notorious for its perpetual winter and militaristic influence. Geography and Climate: Snezhnaya’s name literally means “Snowy” in Russian genshin-impact.fandom.com , and indeed the land is a vast expanse of tundra, taiga forests, and icy wilderness reminiscent of Siberia. The climate is bitterly cold year-round – Snezhnaya is a land of eternal winter storms where snowfall and blizzards are constant genshin-impact.fandom.com . Nadia, a Snezhnayan NPC, remarks that blizzards can persist for a month straight genshin-impact.fandom.com . The air is frigid enough that anyone outdoors must keep moving to avoid freezing to death, as the Fatui Harbinger Childe (Tartaglia) notes from experience genshin-impact.fandom.com . Despite the harsh conditions, Snezhnayans have adapted to find a fierce joy in survival; they often look up at the aurora-filled night sky and “are just happy to be alive” even amid the danger genshin-impact.fandom.com . Auroras are a common sight in Snezhnaya’s polar skies, painting the darkness with curtains of green and blue light. The landscape features frozen lakes, thick snowfields, and pine forests locked in permafrost. In some areas, geysers or hot springs may create pockets of mist (Snezhnaya likely has geothermal activity in places, which could explain industries and perhaps why some cities are habitable). We know that Dragonspine (the icy mountain in Mondstadt) is sometimes compared to Snezhnaya’s environment; in fact, Snezhnaya proper likely contains mountain ranges permanently covered in ice and glaciers. One confirmed sub-region is Nod–Krai, an autonomous southern area of Snezhnaya genshin-impact.fandom.com . “Nod” in Russian suggests “icebound” and “Krai” means territory, hinting it could be a border province possibly slightly less inhospitable (maybe coastal or with some taiga rather than pure tundra). The coastlines of Snezhnaya on the eastern side meet an icy ocean – possibly with pack ice and icebergs. The port of Snezhnaya (Port Belovodye) is mentioned in lore genshin-impact.fandom.com , which indicates that despite the ice, shipping lanes exist (likely using icebreaker ships or occurring during short summers when waters partially thaw). Culturally, the brutal winters of Snezhnaya have parallels to real-world Russian history where “General Winter” famously protected the land genshin-impact.fandom.com – indeed, Snezhnaya’s climate is a natural barrier that few foreign armies could endure. Natural hazards in Snezhnaya include the obvious: white-out blizzards, hypothermia, thin ice on frozen rivers, and perhaps snow avalanches in the mountain regions. Moreover, monsters adapted to cold (Cryo hilichurls, frost lawachurls, snow boars, etc.) roam the wilds. We can expect that certain areas might have magical blizzards akin to Dragonspine’s Sheer Cold mechanic – possibly requiring travelers to find heat sources to survive. Another environmental feature could be glacial caverns housing remnants of ancient civilizations or Cryo domains (if any existed prior to the Archon). Snezhnaya’s beauty lies in its severity: endless snowfields under aurora skies, crystal ice caves shimmering in blue, and ornate imperial architecture half-buried in drifts. Major Locations: The political and cultural heart is the Snezhnayan capital city, often referred to (unofficially) as Snezhnograd (“Snowy City”) genshin-impact.fandom.com . While not much is revealed in-game about the capital, the fandom speculates and some in-game references hint at a grand metropolis of ice-laced palaces and smokestacks. The most important landmark there is the Zapolyarny Palace, the palace “beyond the Arctic Circle” where the Tsaritsa resides genshin-impact.fandom.com . Zapolyarny Palace is likely a colossal fortress-like structure, perhaps inspired by Russian imperial palaces (like a Winter Palace) but suffused with Cryo energy – one can imagine its halls adorned with frozen chandeliers and ever-burning blue flames to keep warmth. The capital might also feature a cathedral (Signora’s boss arena was described as a “cathedral” in Snezhnaya, where her funeral took place genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com ) – indicating a presence of majestic churches or mausoleums. Other cities noted in lore include Morepesok, a seaside village whose name literally means “Sea Sand” (perhaps an ironic name for a cold beach) genshin-impact.fandom.com , and Novokitezhgrad, which references the legend of Kitezh (a city said to sink beneath a lake) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Novokitezhgrad could hint at a Snezhnayan city that partially flooded or one that is hidden – an interesting bit of mythos possibly tying to Fontaine’s influence or some cataclysm. Snezhnaya’s port, called Port Belovodye in a quest, is an important location for trade and for the Fatui to deploy globally genshin-impact.fandom.com . It likely stays operational through ingenuity (like heated docks or icebreaker ships). We also see references to a Royal Military Academy and Royal Armory in Snezhnaya, as well as a “Landcrusher” development facility genshin-impact.fandom.com , indicating the capital or another major city has huge industrial complexes (perhaps in the Ural Mountains equivalent). Given Snezhnaya’s technological prowess – “massive factories” were witnessed by Alice during her travel guide writings genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com – one can expect entire districts in the capital dedicated to manufacturing weapons, automaton soldiers, and even advanced magitek (like Delusion factories). A known example: Il Dottore built a automaton factory in Liyue that was fully automated, hinting that back home in Snezhnaya his and others’ laboratories churn out machines and even synthetic lifeforms (the Katheryne androids of the Adventurers’ Guild were confirmed to be Snezhnayan-made “bionic puppets” genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Nod-Krai, mentioned as an autonomous region in the far south of Snezhnaya genshin-impact.fandom.com , implies some federal structure – it might be a semi-independent territory possibly inhabited by a distinct ethnic group or just administratively separate (maybe a mining colony or a frontier region that the Fatui loosely control). In terms of natural sites, Snezhnaya may have something akin to “Lake Snezhnaya” – a giant frozen lake rumored to hold secrets (like how Kitezh sank into a lake in myth). The presence of commedia dell’arte names among the Fatui Harbingers suggests cultural institutions – e.g., perhaps a famous Snezhnayan Opera House (inspired by Russian ballet/opera theaters). Lastly, we should mention The House of the Hearth – an orphanage in Snezhnaya led by Arlecchino (Knave) for training children (like Lyney and Lynette) as future Fatui operatives genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This indicates Snezhnaya has social engineering facilities, likely state-sponsored orphanages where young are indoctrinated. So major locations include: Zapolyarny Palace (Tsaritsa’s palace) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Snezhnograd (capital) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Port Belovodye (port), Royal Academies and Factories in the capital, Morepesok (fishing village) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Novokitezhgrad (another city, possibly with a lake) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Nod-Krai (southern territory), and various frost wilderness landmarks (like a possible “Signora’s burial cathedral” location genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Political Structure: Snezhnaya is ruled by the Cryo Archon, the Tsaritsa, who is often described as an absolute monarch figure (an Empress). The term “Tsaritsa” itself means “Queen/Empress” genshin-impact.fandom.com , and her governance style is implied to be iron-fisted and emotionally cold. Unlike Barbatos or Morax, the Tsaritsa does not shy from directly exerting her will – in fact, she has “no love left for her people, nor do they have any left for her” genshin-impact.fandom.com . This mutual lack of love suggests rule by fear or respect rather than affection. Under the Tsaritsa’s command is the Fatui, her notorious military and diplomatic organization that extends Snezhnaya’s influence across Teyvat. The Fatui acts as both the nation’s standing army and its diplomatic corps, with agents everywhere from Mondstadt to Inazuma. They are “particularly notorious for their diehard devotion and unscrupulous methods in enacting her will” genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Fatui’s inner circle is the Eleven Harbingers, powerful vision-bearers (or Delusion-bearers) who answer only to the Tsaritsa. Each Harbinger holds a code name (Pulcinella, Scaramouche, Signora, etc.) and commands segments of the Fatui forces. In essence, the Harbingers are like her warlords or ministers – e.g., Pulcinella (The Rooster) oversees Snezhnaya’s civil affairs and was seen leading in the Travail trailer, Pantalone (Regrator) manages economy/wealth (he’s established Northland Bank branches abroad), Columbina, Dottore, Sandrone etc. have their own roles (research, engineering, etc.). The Tsaritsa directs them to achieve her grand strategy: which appears to be gathering all the other Archons’ Gnosis (divine heart), presumably to eventually challenge Celestia. It’s implied she has “severed ties with the other Archons” and her actions are driven by a rebellion against the divine thrones genshin-impact.fandom.com . This gives Snezhnaya a revolutionary or revanchist national motive – the populace is being marshaled for an ultimate confrontation with the gods. Despite the Tsaritsa’s harsh rule, her followers (especially the Fatui) are intensely loyal, perhaps because they believe in this vision of overturning the status quo of the world. Common folk of Snezhnaya likely live in a heavily controlled society: information is tightly managed (though they do have the Adventurers’ Guild, which interestingly originated in Snezhnaya as well genshin-impact.fandom.com and is benign). The military might of Snezhnaya is the strongest among the seven nations as noted by Venti genshin-impact.fandom.com . Every known Fatui agent is equipped with elemental powers via Delusions or technology; even rank-and-file Skirmishers wear powered exoskeletons and wield guns/cannons – showing a level of armament beyond other nations genshin-impact.fandom.com . This militarization extends domestically: training and conscription might be common, and resources are devoted to arms development (the presence of a “Landcruisers” development facility suggests massive war machines in production genshin-impact.fandom.com ). The political atmosphere can be thought of as Tsarist Russia meets a totalitarian state with magitek. Dissent likely isn’t tolerated; however, there might be internal factions or power-plays (the Harbingers themselves have rivalries). One outlier in Snezhnaya’s structure is the existence of “autonomous regions” like Nod-Krai genshin-impact.fandom.com , which hints that the Tsaritsa’s empire encompasses some non-Snezhnayan peoples or far-flung areas with slight self-rule (possibly analogous to how the Russian Empire had governorates). But ultimately, the Tsaritsa holds all real power – no mention of any parliament or council beyond her handpicked Harbingers. Religion in Snezhnaya isn’t elaborated, but given the Tsaritsa’s stance, worship of the Cryo Archon might not be a warm, pious affair but rather obligatory reverence mixed with fear. The Cryo Archon’s ideal is “Love” (in a twisted sense) but she apparently lost love and now embodies its opposite (some theorize her ideal became “Peace through power” or “War against gods”). The Tsaritsa’s exact motivations are mysterious, but Childe’s character story suggests she is not cruel to be evil, but “her desire for rebellion against the divine is so strong that she’s willing to cast aside love” – meaning her people endure hardship now for a promised goal later. This quasi-revolutionary propaganda might actually give Snezhnayans a zealous purpose, akin to a nation gearing up for a holy war (or unholy war) under a charismatic but unforgiving leader. In daily life, one imagines Snezhnayan society as disciplined and endurance-focused. They likely have communal traditions to survive cold (e.g. gathering by the hearth – the Fatui orphan house is literally called House of the Hearth, symbolizing how the nation brings its children in to indoctrinate by a warm fire while outside is deathly cold). Alcohol (like Fire-Water vodka) is part of culture to stay warm; Snezhnaya even shares vodka (Fire-Water) with others as seen in Mondstadt genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They celebrate something akin to Maslenitsa (Butter Week) as per official art genshin-impact.fandom.com , showing they do have festivals that mirror real-world Eastern Slavic ones (though possibly adapted to Archon veneration or national pride). These cultural points show that under the austere surface, Snezhnayans form tight bonds in small communities (since the environment forces cooperation). Nadia, an NPC, notes the cold days lead to warm bonds among friends and family thegrandtoureurope.com – hardship fosters camaraderie. So while the Tsaritsa may not be “loved,” Snezhnayans likely love each other like comrades, and Tartaglia even calls the Traveler “comrade” as a form of address, reflecting that cultural emphasis genshin-impact.fandom.com . Incidentally, “Comrade” echoes Soviet vibes, as does the organized, industrial, militaristic state – indeed, Snezhnaya seems to blend Tsarist imperial motifs (titles like Tsaritsa, Harbingers named after commedia dell’arte from Italian theater via Petrograd high society tastes) with Soviet motifs (military parades, tovarishch camaraderie, 5-year-plan level industrialization). This rich mix underlines that Snezhnaya is a formidable, cold empire with one goal: to gather strength for an ultimate rebellion against Celestia genshin-impact.fandom.com . All policies and structures bend toward that goal. Thus, the national structure is highly centralized autocracy: the Cryo Archon Tsaritsa as Empress, her Fatui Harbingers as enforcers and lieutenants, and the Fatui army/agents as both secret police and expeditionary force. The average citizen’s role is to endure, contribute to industry or military, and keep the hearth fires of Snezhnaya burning through the unending winter, awaiting the day their Queen of Ice leads them to “reignite the flames” against the thrones above. In conclusion, the seven regions of Teyvat each boast distinct geography and political structures that reflect their Archon’s ideals and the elements they harness. From Mondstadt’s breezy freedom and decentralized guardians, to Snezhnaya’s frozen iron rule and expansionist ambitions, Teyvat’s nations offer a comprehensive tapestry of landscapes and governance: Mondstadt: Rolling plains and lakes under gentle winds, a city-state of freedom guarded by the Knights of Favonius genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Liyue: Majestic mountains and harbor, a contract-bound society where humans (the Qixing) now govern with Adepti as honored advisors genshin-impact.fandom.com . Inazuma: A scattered archipelago ravaged by storms, ruled by the eternal Shogun in a feudal hierarchy that only recently opened up after a period of isolation genshin-impact.fandom.com . Sumeru: Dual nature – lush rainforest and arid desert genshin-impact.fandom.com – once run by a scholar-oligarchy, now guided by the young Dendro Archon and striving to unite knowledge with wisdom genshin-impact.fandom.com . Fontaine: A land of water and progress, dotted with canals and high-tech marvels, governed by the Hydro Archon’s court where justice is paramount and trials are grand events genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Natlan: A hot, warlike expanse of volcanoes and flame-kissed badlands, where strength and warrior traditions dictate leadership – the Pyro Archon’s rule is won by combat and the strong unite the tribes genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Snezhnaya: A perpetually frozen domain of snow and ambition, under the iron grip of the Cryo Archon. It exports its influence via the Fatui and readies for rebellion against the heavens, its people hardened by endless winter genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Each nation’s physical landscape shapes its culture and government – and conversely, the Archon’s ideology often influences the land (for instance, Barbatos’s winds keep Mondstadt mild, and the Tsaritsa’s chill mirrors her people’s hardship). Together, these seven nations form the world of Teyvat, unified by the Traveler’s journey yet wonderfully diverse in their climates, cities, and societies. All information above is drawn from canonical game content and official lore, ensuring an accurate reference to Teyvat’s geography and national structures without resorting to speculation or leaks.

Teyvat is home to a diverse array of races and species, from ordinary humans to ancient elemental beings. Below is a comprehensive overview of all confirmed canonical races and subgroups in Teyvat – including those that are playable, appear as NPCs, or are mentioned in lore. (We avoid fan speculation or unverified content, focusing only on official lore.) Each section details a race’s traits, culture, habitat, relationships, and known examples. Humans General Description: Humans are the most populous race in Teyvat, inhabiting all seven nations and beyond. Physically and biologically, they resemble real-world humans. Most lack innate elemental powers and must rely on Visions (elemental gifts from the gods) or technology to harness the elements genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culturally, humans in Teyvat are diverse, with each nation (Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, Snezhnaya) having its own customs, religions, and governance. Despite regional differences, all are simply considered human – a Mondstadter and an Inazuman, for example, are the same race. Culture and Characteristics: Human societies span from the city-states like Mondstadt (freedom-loving and worshiping Anemo Archon) to theocracies like Sumeru’s Akademiya (knowledge-driven under the Dendro Archon). They form guilds, governments, and families, engaging in agriculture, trade, and scholarship. Humans are adaptable and have built thriving civilizations across various climates. Without Visions, humans have no special elemental abilities, though some practice alchemy or engineering as substitutes. Known Habitats: Humans live in all known regions of Teyvat: the temperate plains of Mondstadt, the mountains and harbors of Liyue, the islands of Inazuma, the rainforests and deserts of Sumeru, the hydro-powered cities of Fontaine, the volcanic highlands of Natlan, the icy domains of Snezhnaya, as well as underground Khaenri’ah (a fallen human kingdom). They also voyage between regions (e.g. merchants, adventurers). A subset of humans called Khaenri’ahns once lived without gods underground; after their civilization fell, many were cursed (transforming into monsters), but a few like Dainsleif remain as unaging “outlanders.” Khaenri’ahns are essentially human, distinguished only by their absence of Visions and their tragic fate. Relationships: Humans generally coexist peacefully with most other races, but relations vary. They revere the Archons (gods) as protectors, form contracts with adepti (in Liyue), and trade with benign non-humans like Melusines in Fontaine. However, humans often fear or fight races perceived as monsters (e.g. hilichurls are usually attacked on sight). In some cases, humans have learned from other races – for example, ancient Seelies taught early humans language and wisdom genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Overall, humans are neither inherently hostile nor inherently friendly; their relations depend on individual and societal attitudes. Modern nations tend to unite humans and friendly beings against common threats (like the Abyss). Canonical Examples: Nearly all playable characters are human (except those noted as other races below). Examples include Knight of Favonius members like Jean and Diluc (Mondstadt humans), Liyue Qixing leaders like Ningguang, Inazuman samurai like Ayaka and Itto’s gang member Kuki Shinobu. Notable NPC humans include Teucer (a Snezhnayan child), Rana (a Sumeru villager), and Clément (Fontaine mechanic), among countless others. Even the Traveler’s companion Paimon calls most people “humans,” underscoring their majority status. (Note: The Traveler twins, Aether and Lumine, are humanoid but originate from beyond Teyvat. Their exact race is unknown – they are called “Outlanders” or Descenders, not native to Teyvat’s world.) Gods and Archons General Description: In Teyvat, “gods” (also called dei or archons in some contexts) are immortal, powerful beings with divine elemental powers genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They are not a single species per se – some ascended from other races – but collectively they form a distinct category due to their immortality and godly strength. Most gods are affiliated with Celestia (the heavenly realm) genshin-impact.fandom.com . After the cataclysmic Archon War 2,000 years ago, seven victorious gods became The Seven Archons, each ruling a nation and embodying an element genshin-impact.fandom.com . These Archons (e.g. Barbatos, Morax) are the best-known gods, but many lesser gods existed (especially before the war). Traits and Abilities: Gods have near-immortality (they live millennia unless slain) and immense elemental control. They can reshape terrain and create life. For example, the Geo Archon Morax (Zhongli) molded Liyue’s landscape, and the Hydro Archon is said to shape laws and water in Fontaine. Some gods are animalistic (Andrius, the Wolf of the North), others human-like. They can assume various forms or live in mortal guises. Gods cannot be permanently killed in conventional ways – even if their bodies die, their power and remnants (like Havria’s salt or Andrius’s spirit) linger genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . However, losing their physical form effectively ends their rule, and their consciousness may fade genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culture and Roles: In ancient times, gods were expected to love and guide humanity, using their powers to protect people genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Many did so by teaching art, crafting, and law (e.g. Liyue’s Adepti were taught by Morax). Archons established ideals for their nations (Freedom, Contracts, Eternity, Wisdom, Justice, War, Love). Culturally, gods often form pacts or contracts (Morax’s adepti contracts in Liyue) or covenants with Celestia. Some gods like the Seelie’s creator were tasked with specific duties (e.g. guiding humanity’s early development genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Post-Archon War, the seven Archons each embody certain philosophies which shape their nations’ culture (for instance, Raiden Ei enforced eternity and isolation in Inazuma). Gods also produce magical artifacts: Archons hold Gnoses (divine connections to Celestia), and others leave behind relics (e.g. a dead god’s remains can cause phenomena like Tatarigami corruption genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Habitat: True gods reside either in Celestia (the heavenly citadel visible floating above Teyvat) or among their people. The Seven Archons each have a domain in their nation (like the Vennessa tree in Mondstadt or Plane of Euthymia in Inazuma for meditation). Historical gods often ruled specific locales: Decarabian was God of Storms in old Mondstadt (a tyrant over a city), Orobashi was a serpent god on Watatsumi Island (Inazuma), etc. Many ancient gods have since perished or gone dormant, their spirits tied to specific places (e.g. Andrius’s spirit roams Wolvendom, Liyue’s adepti dwell in Adeptus realms). Relationships: Gods hold a complex position. Most see humans as charges or worshipers. Archons are generally benevolent to humans (Barbatos sets Mondstadt free; Zhongli contracts to protect Liyue genshin-impact.fandom.com ), though some like Raiden Ei became distant until learned otherwise. Gods can conflict with each other (the Archon War was essentially gods battling for power genshin-impact.fandom.com ). Nearly all gods answer (willingly or grudgingly) to Celestia genshin-impact.fandom.com , the Heavenly Principles that govern fate – though a few, like the God of the Woods (Greater Lord Rukkhadevata) and King Deshret, rebelled or operated independently. With other races, gods vary: Adepti view Archon Morax as their leader; Yakshas served Liyue’s Archon fighting evil genshin-impact.fandom.com ; Seelie (angels) were actually created by Heavenly Principles as envoys genshin-impact.fandom.com . Conversely, gods often warred with Dragons (the Seven Sovereign dragons) in primordial times genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Abyss (enemies of Celestia) is hostile to gods, having caused the downfall of some (e.g. corrupted the former Hydro Archon Egeria in war) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Examples: The Seven Archons are prime examples: Barbatos (Anemo Archon, a free-spirited wind deity), Morax (Geo Archon, contract-loving war deity), Raiden Ei (Electro Archon, Inazuma’s ruler), Furina (Hydro Archon of Fontaine), Nahida (Dendro Archon, young guardian of Sumeru), Murata (Pyro Archon of Natlan, not yet seen), Tsaritsa (Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya). Other canonical gods include Andrius (Boreas) – the great wolf of Mondstadt, Decarabian – former Anemo god, Havria – a minor salt goddess in Liyue (slain by her own people) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Orobashi – the serpent god of Watatsumi Island, Makoto – original Electro Archon (Ei’s twin who died, now honored at Grand Narukami Shrine), Nabu Malikata – Goddess of Flowers (an ancient Seelie-descended deity who aided King Deshret). Each of these had profound effects on history and culture in their regions. Adepti and Illuminated Beasts (Liyue’s Guardian Spirits) General Description: Adepti are a race of magical beings (often Illuminated Beasts) who are half-divine and serve as protectors of Liyue. Adepti include various immortal creatures endowed with wisdom and adeptal power, such as mystical animals that can take human form genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Rex Lapis (Morax, the Geo Archon) formed contracts with the adepti, recruiting them to defend Liyue since ancient times genshin-impact.fandom.com . The adepti come in many forms – “Illuminated Beasts” like cranes, deer, lions, etc., as well as mythical beings like Yakshas. They are characterized by long life, mastery of adeptal arts, and an ability to shapeshift or live between realms. Many adepti live at Jueyun Karst in Liyue, dwelling in their own mystical domains. Traits and Abilities: Most adepti are pure-blooded illuminated beasts, meaning divine animals that gained sentience and power. For instance, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper are crane-like adepti genshin-impact.fandom.com , Moon Carver and Skybracer took the form of deer genshin-impact.fandom.com . They can speak human language and often assume human shapes to interact with mortals genshin-impact.fandom.com . Full-blooded illuminated beasts can shapeshift into human form and can even have offspring with humans genshin-impact.fandom.com – resulting in half-adeptus hybrids (e.g. Ganyu, who is half-qilin, and Yanfei, half illuminated beast). Adepti are extremely powerful in combat and adept at elemental magic (adeptus arts). They can create realms (Cloud Retainer’s abode), conjure objects, and vanquish evil spirits. However, they typically limit direct interaction with mortals, upholding a solitary, ascetic lifestyle bound by contracts and karma. Culture and Behavior: Adepti abide by ancient contracts sworn to Rex Lapis genshin-impact.fandom.com . They view protecting Liyue’s people as sacred duty. Adepti culture emphasizes honor, righteousness, and purity – they often refer to themselves as “illumined” and see excessive human vice or modernity as beneath them. Many adepti trained under Morax’s guidance, learning adeptal arts described as a form of “illumination” genshin-impact.fandom.com . They tend to be old-fashioned (e.g. Cloud Retainer’s archaic speech and love of courtesy). Culturally they cherish food offerings from mortals and inscribe contracts magically. Some adepti (especially Yakshas) also carry burdens of karma: Yakshas were adepti warriors tasked with slaying demons, which tainted them with negative karma and caused many to succumb to madness or pain over time. Overall, adepti maintain a reclusive communal culture at places like Mount Hulao, but come together in times of need (as seen in the defense of Liyue Harbor during crises). Subgroups: Notable subgroups include the Yakshas, a group of five fierce adepti warriors (Alatus, Bosacius, Bonanus, Indarias, Menogias). Yakshas are technically illuminated beasts as well genshin-impact.fandom.com , though they preferred humanoid forms (Xiao’s true form is hinted as a garuda-like bird) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Yakshas were adepti specialized in hunting down vengeful spirits of fallen gods; most died or disappeared due to the madness incurred by the darkness they absorbed, leaving Xiao (Alatus) as the sole survivor. Other subcategories are defined by creature type: Crane Adepti (e.g. Cloud Retainer), Deer Adepti (Moon Carver), Lion/Tiger Adeptus (Streetward Rambler, now Madame Ping, once took a human form). Half-human adepti like Ganyu (half qilin) and Yanfei (half illuminated-beast, likely dragon) live among humans while retaining some adeptal traits (e.g. adeptal strength or extended lifespan). Habitat: The adepti’s traditional home is Jueyun Karst in Liyue – a mountainous region dotted with adepti abodes (e.g. Cloud Retainer’s mountain domain). Some reside in pocket domains accessible via rings or artifacts. In modern Liyue, few adepti roam among humans openly (Madame Ping lives in Liyue Harbor disguised as an elderly human, and Xiao stays near Wangshu Inn to quietly fulfill his duties). They also once dwelt at the Guili Assembly, an ancient joint human-adepti city destroyed in war genshin-impact.fandom.com . Generally, adepti favor secluded wilderness – clouded peaks, hidden grottos – away from mortal bustle. Relationships: Adepti are generally protective of humans but also somewhat aloof or even disdainful of human foibles. Liyue’s people worship and respect the adepti; offerings are made to them at shrines, and older generations seek adeptal guidance. In return, adepti ward off evil and bless the land (for instance, Mountain Shaper helped seal Azhdaha long ago). With the Geo Archon, their relationship is that of vassals to a liege – they were utterly loyal to Rex Lapis. Adepti show mutual camaraderie with each other (Cloud Retainer mourned her fellow adeptus Skybracer’s death). However, they grew wary of humans after Rex Lapis’s “death” and the rise of the Qixing (human governance) – some, like Cloud Retainer, eventually acknowledged humans’ growth and chose to let Liyue’s people handle their own affairs, intervening only when dire (as seen when the adepti joined the battle against Osial’s forces). Adepti can be dismissive toward other races; for example, Xiao initially showed contempt for the Traveler (a foreign human) but grew to respect them. They do harbor enmity to demonic spirits and cursed beings; Yakshas spent centuries fighting the remnants of defeated gods’ resentment genshin-impact.fandom.com . Examples: Xiao (Alatus) – a playable Yaksha adeptus (Anemo polearm user) who defends Liyue from evil; Ganyu – half-qilin adeptus serving as Liyue Qixing secretary; Cloud Retainer – a crane adeptus, known for her artificing and aloof personality; Madame Ping (Streetward Rambler) – a retired adeptus (looks like an old lady) who once fought in Archon War; Yanfei – half-illuminated beast (her father was an adeptus) working as a legal advisor in Liyue; Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver – adepti who appeared during Rite of Descension; Bosacius – the departed Yaksha whose name was revealed in story; and Shenhe, technically a human but raised by adepti and trained in adeptal arts (giving her “inhuman” strength and demeanor). All these illustrate adepti’s varied forms and their integration (or lack thereof) with human society in Liyue. Hilichurls (Cursed Tribe of the Wilderness) General Description: Hilichurls are a tribal race of small humanoid monsters found all across Teyvat. They have diminutive, hunched bodies, gray-black skin, and always wear masks covering their faces genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culturally and physically, they resemble goblins or trolls of myth. In truth, hilichurls are widely believed to be the degenerated descendants of ancient Khaenri’ahns (humans cursed during the Cataclysm 500 years ago), which explains their fragmented language and sorrowful background – though in daily encounters they appear simply as primitive, hostile creatures. They are divided into sub-species by size and role, including Hilichurl fighters, taller Mitachurls, shamanistic Samachurls, and giant Lawachurls as well as some rare variations. Despite their monstrous appearance and aggression, hilichurls exhibit rudimentary intelligence and social structure. Traits and Society: Hilichurls have a primitive, tribal society. They live in camps of huts or towers and organize into tribes led by the strongest among them genshin-impact.fandom.com . They wear simple loincloths and wraps, and their most distinctive feature is the mask each hilichurl wears, supposedly to hide their “hideous” cursed visage even from themselves genshin-impact.fandom.com . They communicate in the Hilichurlian language (a simple language with phrases – some humans like Ella Musk study it). Their lifestyle is nomadic and survival-based: hilichurls hunt and raise livestock, occasionally even practice limited agriculture (they tend to dislike vegetables, preferring meat) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They use basic tools, scavenge junk, and can even build structures – some hilichurl towers and barricades demonstrate crude but effective engineering genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Intriguingly, hilichurls possess natural elemental attunement: certain shaman hilichurls (Samachurls) can wield elemental powers (Geo, Anemo, etc.) without Visions genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . As they age and grow strong, a hilichurl can evolve: ordinary hilichurls that survive long may grow into larger Mitachurls, and the oldest, most elementally charged can further become massive Lawachurls genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This “growth” seems to be a long, rare process tied to elemental energy accumulation. There are also Hilichurl Rogues, solitary wanderers of unusual size and strength who have left any tribe genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culture and Behavior: Culturally, hilichurls appear simplistic and survival-driven. They create totems, drums, and dance, especially around bonfires at night. Some quests (like “Mimi Tomo” event) show that hilichurls appreciate music and have words for concepts like “friend” or “dance.” They value masks greatly; a “respectful address” in their tongue is “ulu” for a king, reflected in the term “Lawa” in Lawachurl meaning king genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Each tribe is guided spiritually by a Samachurl (who acts as a shaman/elder) and protected by the heft of Mitachurls and Lawachurls genshin-impact.fandom.com . Hilichurls love sleep – they often nap in the day – and make their camps in all environments, from snowy mountains to deep forests, adapting readily genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . While often painted as mindless monsters, hilichurls are capable of friendship and mourning; there are instances of hilichurls from distant tribes recognizing each other as friends genshin-impact.fandom.com . They also have a rich oral tradition (legends like “Wei” the Unusual Hilichurl as a figure, or the mythical “Unta Mosi Dada” phrase many know). However, cursed with immortality and agony, many hilichurls suffer an irreversible degeneration, which perhaps is why they are quick to anger and attack intruders. Habitat: Hilichurl camps span every region – you’ll find their tents in Mondstadt’s grassy plains, Liyue’s hills, Inazuma’s islands, Sumeru’s rainforests and deserts, and even on the outskirts of cities. They prefer areas away from major human settlements, often near ruins or wilderness rich in resources (food, water). Their adaptability is notable: “Hilichurls can live in a myriad of environments and acclimate accordingly” genshin-impact.fandom.com . Some special hilichurls dwell in unique places (e.g. Snowboar King’s arena has hilichurls in Dragonspine). They also occupy domains under Abyss influence (e.g. near abyssal rifts). No single hilichurl “homeland” exists – their presence is scattered and nomadic, a poignant reflection of their lost origin. Relationships: Generally, hilichurls are hostile toward humans and outsiders on sight genshin-impact.fandom.com . They will usually attack anyone who comes close, which in turn causes humans (adventurers, knights) to treat them as mere monsters to be slain. Despite this antagonism, it’s implied the root cause is the curse of immortality and pain from Khaenri’ah’s fall – they are a people unable to communicate their suffering. There are rare peaceful interactions: the scholar Ella Musk manages friendly “conversations” with hilichurls by learning their language, and certain events have shown hilichurls willing to dance or share if approached correctly. Hilichurls have no known Archon (they do not worship The Seven) and no god governs them; instead, the strongest leads, and shamans mediate spirituality genshin-impact.fandom.com . They do have a connection to the Abyss Order: many hilichurls fight under the Abyss Order’s command, essentially being manipulated as foot soldiers genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Abyss Mages can speak Hilichurlian fluently and often rally hilichurls to attack cities or travelers genshin-impact.fandom.com . Notably, during an event known as the “abyssal invasion of Natlan,” the Abyss Order controlled hordes of hilichurls as an army genshin-impact.fandom.com . Hilichurls do not seem to hate other races like adepti or Melusines, mostly keeping to themselves unless provoked. They fear the corruption of high elemental areas – interestingly, hilichurls avoid places of intense elemental energy (likely due to discomfort or adverse effects on their bodies) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Examples: Your journey will encounter countless hilichurls: common Hilichurl fighters and archers roaming wilds, Samachurls like the Anemo shaman who can summon wind genshin-impact.fandom.com , Mitachurls such as the giant club-wielding rock shield Hilichurls, and boss-like Lawachurls like the Thunderhelm Lawachurl (an electro-imbued tribal champion) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . A famous unique example is the “Unusual Hilichurl” (also known as Wei), a hilichurl wearing a peculiar mask and suitcase who occasionally appears – more of an easter egg than lore, but shows hilichurls can have odd quirks. In Liyue, a hilichurl named Little Liu appears in a quest, tragically longing for the “Music” that a bard once played – indicating some retained emotions. And in a recent Sumeru commission, an aged hilichurl referred to as “Moskha” appears peaceful, hinting at the sorrowful longevity of these creatures. Each of these encounters underscores that hilichurls, while often treated as mere monsters, are in fact a cursed people with vestiges of memory and culture sg.news.yahoo.com . The Abyssal Creatures (Abyss Order) General Description: The Abyss Order is a sinister faction composed of creatures of the Abyss – many of whom are actually transformed humans from fallen Khaenri’ah or other dark entities. As a “race,” abyssal beings are varied: they include Abyss Mages (small floating spellcasters in elemental cloaks), Abyss Heralds and Lectors (tall, humanoid knights of the abyss wielding dark elemental powers), and Shadowy Husks (black-armored warriors). What unites them is allegiance to the Abyss – a void realm opposed to Celestia. They are not a natural people in Teyvat but rather corrupted or inhuman entities. Many were once human (especially the husks and perhaps heralds), twisted by the curse on Khaenri’ah or by exposure to abyssal energy. They now exist as their own society in the shadows, directed by the “Prince/Princess” of the Abyss (the Traveler’s sibling). Traits and Abilities: Abyss Mages are the most common, appearing as diminutive robed figures with elemental shields; they have a single eye on their mask and chatter in a distorted language. They float and cast spells, showing surprising intellect (they can lay traps or coordinate hilichurls). Abyss Heralds (like the Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents) are tall, lanky beings wielding polearm-like weapons and the power of the Abyss (e.g. Hydro or Cryo blades infused with dark energy). They are extremely fast and can even speak human language (as seen when one addresses Dainsleif). Abyss Lectors are akin to dark priests – robed figures carrying spellbooks, unleashing massive elemental attacks (Electro or Pyro Lectors with incantations) theunitedorganizationtoonsheroes.fandom.com . Both Heralds and Lectors have no visible face, just darkness or a mask, and seem intelligent and fanatically loyal to the Abyss cause. Shadowy Husks are recently revealed abyssal soldiers: they wear pitch-black armor and carry weapons (swords, spears, shields). These husks are explicitly said to be former human knights of Khaenri’ah, now “hollow” and attacking anything with life. All abyssal creatures emanate “Abyssal energy,” a corrupt purple/black force that can negate normal elemental power. For example, Abyss Lectors can generate powerful shields of abyssal fire or lightning that must be broken by specific means. Culture and Aims: The Abyss Order’s culture is militant and secretive. They refer to each other with titles (Heralds as “Envoys” and Lectors as “Apostles” perhaps). The Order is driven by a deep resentment towards the gods and humans who escaped the cataclysm. Their ultimate goal appears to be overturning the divine order of the world (as evidenced by their attempts to corrupt the Statues of Seven or create an evil “loom of fate”). Abyss Lectors speak in almost religious fervor – e.g., chanting about “revelation” and “dark resurrection.” This suggests a cult-like structure, with Lectors as priests and Heralds as lieutenants hoyolab.com . They even have a concept of “sacrifice” and “heresy” within their ranks. Abyss Mages seem to function as foot soldiers or perhaps lesser nobility (each Mage leads groups of hilichurls and slimes in mischief). The Order is commanded by the Abyss Prince/Princess (the lost sibling), who in turn coordinates global schemes. We’ve seen them try to use Dvalin, corrupt Andrius’s spirit, and more – indicating a far-reaching plan. There isn’t evidence of art or leisure in Abyss culture; everything shown is warlike or ritualistic. They do however keep libraries of forbidden knowledge (as implied by Enjou, an Abyss Lector who masqueraded as a human scholar). Habitat: Abyss creatures lurk wherever there are ruins or darkness. They are frequently found in underground domains, old royal tombs, or regions touched by Khaenri’ah’s destruction. For instance, Abyss Heralds appeared in the ruins beneath Stormterror’s Lair and in Enkanomiya’s depths. Abyss Mages pop up in wild areas but especially near ruins and ley line distortions. The Order seems to have no open cities – their “bases” are hidden. There is mention of an “Abyssal realm” or “Abyss Domain” that the Traveler momentarily saw – a desolate, upside-down city called the “Dark Sea” perhaps, which might be the destroyed Khaenri’ahn capital now in the Abyss. Essentially, the Abyss Order inhabits the fringes of Teyvat: beneath the earth, within the Abyss itself, and in the shadows of human civilization. Relationships: The Abyss Order is hostile to most other races and the divine order. They consider humans mere pawns or obstacles – though interestingly they do recruit or coerce hilichurls to fight for them genshin-impact.fandom.com . They have orchestrated invasions using hilichurl armies, with Abyss Mages as liaisons genshin-impact.fandom.com . Toward the gods/Archons, the Abyss harbors hatred and seeks their downfall (possibly revenge for Khaenri’ah). Notably, when Durin (a corrupted dragon) attacked Mondstadt, the Abyss was implied to be involved in its corruption. They also attempted to turn Andrius’s power to darkness during the Wolf of North challenge. In brief, the Abyss Order is the antagonist of the world’s status quo: enemy to Archons, to Celestia, and to any who side with them (which includes most humans). The Order’s one known alliance is internal – with the cursed Khaenri’ah survivors. For example, Halfdan (now a Shadowy Husk) still showed loyalty to the Traveler’s sibling. The Traveler (Lumine/Aether) was offered to join them as sibling. So in a way, the Order is the vestige of a lost human civilization aligning with dark powers to oppose the current world. Examples: Abyss Mage (Cryo) – a floating mage encased in ice who ambushes travelers with freezing spells. Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents – a boss in the Archon quest, tall and wielding a Hydro blade, who spoke to Dainsleif and the Traveler genshin-impact.fandom.com . Abyss Lector: Violet Lightning – seen in Inazuma, unleashing Electro storms and uttering fanatic lines like a dark preacher. Enjou – an Abyss Lector (Pyro) who disguised himself as a human scholar in Enkanomiya, showcasing the cunning intelligence of these beings. Shadowy Husk: Line Breaker – a black armored lancet who targets healers in battle, indicating tactical behavior. And of course, the Abyss Prince/Princess – the Traveler’s twin, who leads the Order, though not much is known of their current form or powers, they stand as an example of a human turned abyssal ruler. These illustrate the range from grunt to leader within the Abyss Order. Seelie (Ancient Guiding Spirits) General Description: The Seelie are a tragically degenerated race of ancient, otherworldly beings that now exist as the small floating blue/purple spirits found across Teyvat. In their current form, Seelie appear as glowing wisps with a faint humanoid shape, about the size of a fairy, often seen hovering near Seelie Courts (their pedestals). They wordlessly beckon travelers to guide them home, rewarding kindness with treasure. However, this is but a shadow of what they once were: according to lore, the Seelie were originally a beautiful humanoid race of great wisdom, sometimes called “angels” or envoys of Celestia genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They helped early humans and lived in splendid palaces. A terrible curse shattered their minds and bodies, reducing them to the faint spirits we see now. Ancient Form and Traits: In their prime, the Seelie (or “Angels”) were said to have radiant, ethereal beauty – pale, unearthly features, silver wings, and crowns of seven-colored light too brilliant for human eyes genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They were immortal and gifted with immense wisdom and foresight; legend holds they taught mankind language, art, and knowledge of nature genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They could also see into the future to some extent genshin-impact.fandom.com . Crucially, they were created by the Heavenly Principles to “love all beings equally” and serve as flawless guides and arbiters genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culturally, the ancient Seelie had their own civilization – they had palaces outside the dominion of current gods genshin-impact.fandom.com (possibly in a realm known as the “Dark Sea” beyond Teyvat’s main continent). They were strongly connected to Irminsul and Ley Lines – guardians of the world’s memory, with some Seelie assigned to protect the sacred trees genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . One known Seelie leader was Nabu Malikata (Goddess of Flowers), suggesting that some of Teyvat’s ancient gods were in fact Seelie or their descendants. The Curse and Current Behavior: The fall of the Seelie race came from love and disobedience. It is said that one Seelie (the first, Princess/Angel Koitar) fell in love with a mortal (or an otherworldly traveler) and neglected her duty of loving all equally genshin-impact.fandom.com . As punishment, the Primordial One (or Heavenly Principles) cursed the Seelie: any Seelie who loved a single individual above all would lose their physical form and memories genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This curse took effect catastrophically – the entire race was affected, implying many shared in that “sin.” In an instant, the proud Seelie were stripped of their bodies and minds, becoming the little mindless spirits that wander Teyvat genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Very few Seelie retained any consciousness after this; most are no smarter than butterflies, only possessing a residual drive to seek familiar courts or possibly reenact tiny echoes of their old tasks. Now, Seelies simply float aimlessly until a kind passerby guides them to their Seelie Garden pedestals, which triggers a release of elemental treasure – perhaps a leftover of their ancient role rewarding virtue. Despite their reduced state, Seelies exhibit gentle behaviors. They lead players to treasure or safe spots – a faint memory of guiding humanity to prosperity as they once did. They emit soft chimes and glow brighter when someone approaches, as if happy for the company. Canonically, Aranara lore confirms the Seelie’s backstory: Arama (an Aranara) relates that Seelies lost their beautiful forms due to falling in love with humans sg.news.yahoo.com . The Three Moon Sisters also witnessed a Seelie’s ill-fated wedding long ago genshin-impact.fandom.com , tying Seelie history to other ancient events. Habitat: In the current age, Seelie can be found in every nation, usually near ruins or ancient locales – likely places they once frequented. For example, Dragonspine’s ancient kingdom (Sal Vindagnyr) has many Seelie, hinting a strong Seelie presence in that fallen civilization. Enkanomiya’s depths too have Seelie courts, suggesting they dwelt even in the Deep Sea. They prefer Seelie Gardens (those small stone pedestals) as resting spots – each garden seems to call to its Seelie, and they linger near it. The Dark Sea (beyond Teyvat’s border) was once home to Seelie courts as well hoyolab.com ; now it’s inaccessible to most. Essentially, any place of ancient significance or mystery in Teyvat likely has a few lost Seelies fluttering about. Relationships: Originally, Seelie were benevolent mentors to humans – they loved humanity truly and guided early civilizations. Early humans revered them. For instance, the people of Sal Vindagnyr (Dragonspine) were said to be taught by Seelie (and when that realm was destroyed, the Seelie there turned into sad spirits in the cold). They also had relationships with gods: notably, the Moon Sisters were friends or witnesses to a Seelie princess’s life, and Nabu Malikata (a Seelie who became a goddess) was close to King Deshret and the dendro goddess. Modern humans mostly see current Seelies as curious “spirits” or “floating fairies” and not as the persons of legend – though scholars piece together their lore from artifacts and records. The Aranara know of the Seelie tragedy and regard them with a kind of pity and respect (Aranara term them as lost singers). Seelie do not interact with other races now in any meaningful way (they’re too diminished), but interestingly, Oceanids/Lochfolk might have a distant kinship – Oceanids are also called “spirits of water” and one hypothesis is that when the Hydro Archon Egeria died, some of her power went into creating Oceanids from her loyal Seelies (though this is conjecture). Importantly, Seelie are allergic to individual attachment (due to the curse) – any remaining higher Seelie likely avoid falling in love or growing too attached. Examples: Every region has its share of minor Seelie spirits (the ones the Traveler guides). Some World Quests highlight them: “Lost Seelie” in Liyue tells of a little Seelie named Ella that played with a child long ago; “Euphonia’s Sea of Flowers” in Sumeru features Seelie in old gardens. From ancient lore, the primary example is the Seelie Princess who loved a Traveller from beyond (Seutervoinen) – their doomed romance is the archetypal Seelie story genshin-impact.fandom.com . Nabu Malikata, the Goddess of Flowers, is strongly implied to have been of Seelie origin (she had the horns and beauty of an angel, loved equally by all, and perished during Deshret’s experiments), making her a unique Seelie who kept her mind to the end. In the modern day, “Little Lulu, Little Fei, Little Meng” – three playful Liyue children – claim a “Seelie friend” in a book, showing how these sprites still spark human imagination. Each glowing guide you chase to a treasure chest is essentially a tiny memorial to a once-great race, making the Seelie one of the most poetic and tragic inhabitants of Teyvat sg.news.yahoo.com . Vishaps and Dragons (Ancient Elemental Beasts) General Description: Vishaps are an ancient race of dragon-like creatures that once ruled the world before humans. They are creatures of pure elemental energy, closely tied to the Seven Sovereigns – the seven great elemental dragons of old genshin-impact.fandom.com . In essence, vishaps are proto-dragons: over long ages, a vishap can evolve into a true Dragon genshin-impact.fandom.com . During the primordial times, the world was dominated by the Dragon King and the Seven Sovereign dragons, each commanding an element. Vishaps were their spawn and followers, making them the dominant race of a bygone era genshin-impact.fandom.com . After a war with the Primordial One, the dragon race was largely overthrown, but many vishaps survived by fleeing into the depths or adapting. Today, vishaps appear in two main forms: Geovishaps on land and Bathysmal Vishaps in the sea (or underworld). True Dragons (like Dvalin or Apep) are extremely rare, essentially the evolved or surviving Sovereigns. Traits: Vishaps are reptilian, often four-legged or serpentine beasts with elemental affinities. Geovishaps are bulky, lizard-like beings that have hard shells and Geo energy; Geovishap Hatchlings are small draconic lizards that spit elements, while adult Geovishaps are larger and can even attune to multiple elements (Primo Geovishaps adapt different elemental infusions) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Azhdaha, the lord of Geo vishaps, is a giant dragon (practically a true dragon) who attuned to all elements over centuries genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Bathysmal Vishaps (a.k.a. Dragonheirs of the Depths) are slimmer, more crocodile-like creatures adapted to water and darkness. They often come in pairs and can drain energy with their attacks genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Some Bathysmal vishaps have electrical or cryo adaptations (Bolteater, Rimebiter hatchlings). A unique feature: from each type of vishap species, if their lineage remains “biologically pure” to an element, a new Sovereign Dragon can eventually be born genshin-impact.fandom.com . This means vishaps carry the legacy of the old elemental lords in their blood. True Dragons (like the sovereigns) are enormous, highly intelligent, and possess elemental authorities rivaling the Archons genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They also have an intimate link to ley lines – for example, Dvalin’s fury could poison Mondstadt’s ley lines until calmed genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Ancient Culture: In antiquity, the vishaps and dragons had their own dominion, often called the “Light Realm” or “Vishap Realm” genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They likely had a form of organization under the Dragon King (named Nibelung in some texts) and the seven elemental dragon sovereigns genshin-impact.fandom.com . These were not culture-building in a human sense (no cities or writing that we know of) but rather territories claimed by raw elemental might. Dragons like Apep (Dendro Dragon) had immense knowledge of the world’s life force and may have been considered nature’s keepers. However, after the war with Celestia’s forces, their “culture” became one of survival and hiding. The Bathysmal Vishaps that ruled Enkanomiya’s depths formed a society in darkness – the “Dragonheirs” waited for ages for the time to reawaken their sovereign. They even developed a transformation ability to appear human in one Enkanomiya quest, showing cunning adaptation. In Natlan (the Pyro region yet to be seen), Saurians (fire-attuned dragons, essentially a type of vishap) have a close bond with local human tribes – Natlan warriors ride Saurians into battle, indicating a symbiotic culture between humans and draconic beasts genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This is unique to Natlan, where dragons (called Saurians) are common and “closely coexist with humanity” genshin-impact.fandom.com . There, humans even dress like their saurian companions and venerate a pact between them genshin-impact.fandom.com . Habitat: Vishaps favor elemental-rich environments. Geovishaps inhabit mountains and caves – in Liyue, they have been sleeping under Tianheng or roaming The Chasm’s underground. The Geovishap Hatchlings scuttle around rocky areas. Azhdaha was sealed under a mountain (Nantianmen) in a deep cavern. Bathysmal Vishaps live in the depths of the ocean or deep underground. In Enkanomiya (an ancient subterranean sea beneath Inazuma), Bathysmal Vishaps were the apex predators, even forming the Coral Defenders that guarded a great coral throne genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . After their defeat, some slumbered in the deep or adapted to nearby waters (hence why Enkanomiya and some Inazuman waters have them). With the erosion of time, some dragons hid in domains cut off from the world (like the domain where Apep lay coiled in Sumeru). In summary, high mountains, deep caves, and the abyssal sea are the preserves of the dragonkind. Fontaine’s lore even mentions sea monster vishaps in its depths, and Natlan is full of roaming Saurian dragons in its volcanoes and jungles genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Relationships: Dragons and vishaps have a turbulent relationship with the rest of Teyvat. In primordial times, they were enemies of the Primordial One and its creations – essentially enemies of the nascent human/God realm. A great war saw most dragons defeated or sealed genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Ever since, the remnants either shun the human world or, on rare occasions, ally. For example, Dvalin (Stormterror) was a friendly dragon who allied with Barbatos (Anemo Archon) to protect Mondstadt in 2600 A.N. genshin-impact.fandom.com . However, Dvalin was later corrupted by Durin’s blood and turned against the city until purified. Azhdaha was once an ally of Morax – an ancient Geo vishap who helped protect Liyue, but over millennia erosion drove him mad and he fought Morax (and was sealed) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . These show that dragons can befriend Archons and humans, but the erosion of time or corruption often strains those bonds genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Bathysmal Vishaps harbored hatred for the Sunning (surface) realm; in Enkanomiya’s quests, they attempted to flood the world with darkness in collusion with the Abyss. Indeed, the Abyss Order made use of a Bathysmal Vishap named “The Bishop” during “Three Realms Gateway” event, hinting Abyss aligns with any anti-Celestia force. Conversely, in Natlan, Saurian dragons and humans share a “rider companion” relationship, built on mutual respect – a rare positive bond genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . With Adepti, some dragons (like Mountain Shaper’s true form might be draconic) are adepti. And Apep, the Dendro Dragon, explicitly despises the gods but begrudgingly cooperates with the Traveler in Sumeru’s story to eliminate forbidden knowledge; she mourns the loss of her fellow dragons and resents that their elemental power was usurped to create the Seven thrones genshin-impact.fandom.com . Summarily: Dragons hold ancient grudges, but individuals may choose alliances or revenge depending on history. Examples: Dvalin (“Stormterror”) – one of Four Winds of Mondstadt, an Anemo dragon who was corrupted by Abyss but later saved genshin-impact.fandom.com . Azhdaha – the Geo dragon beneath Liyue, once an adepti ally, now a weekly boss who roars about vengeance. Apep – the Dendro Dragon Sovereign in Sumeru, encountered as “Dragon of the Depths,” a colossal being representing the last survivor of her kind genshin-impact.fandom.com . Durin – a black dragon created by alchemy, corrupted by forbidden knowledge, whose fall poisoned Dragonspine; though not a natural vishap, Durin’s story intersects dragonkind and human folly. On the lesser side: Geovishap Hatchlings and Primo Geovishap – commonly fought monsters in Liyue’s wilds, showcasing the elemental adaptability of vishaps (the Primo Geovishap can infuse with four different elements) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Bathysmal Vishap Herd (“Coral Defenders”) – the pair of male/female vishap bosses in Enkanomiya that players defeat to obtain materials genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . And in future Natlan lore, we expect named Saurian companions like “Kokou” or “Kuntur” (Natlan tales mention a warrior Kuntur who earned a Saurian friend) genshin-impact.fandom.com . These examples span from world bosses to story characters, all embodying the legacy of Teyvat’s first rulers. Aranara (Forest Spirits of Sumeru) General Description: The Aranara are a race of small, plant-like forest spirits native to Sumeru’s rainforests. They appear as child-sized, botanical creatures, with round bodies, stubby limbs, and feature motifs of leaves, flowers, or mushrooms on their heads genshin-impact.fandom.com . Aranara have an inherently magical nature tied to the dreams of the forest and the Dendro element. In lore, they are known as the “forest children” and are visible mostly to pure-hearted children or those who dream. They live in a hidden realm called Vanarana which overlaps the real world but is cloaked from mundane eyes. Aranara are central to the long Sumeru World Quest chain “Aranyaka,” in which the Traveler befriends them. Though whimsical and cute, the Aranara carry ancient wisdom about the forest and memories of the past Archon, acting as guardians of the woods and of dreams. Physical Traits and Abilities: Aranara are plant-animal hybrids in appearance: they have a roughly humanoid shape (two arms, two legs) but their “hair” might be a lily pad or their “head” a gourd. Their coloration varies (green, white, orange, etc.) and often corresponds to their personal nature. They have leaf-like propellers or flowers on their heads which they can spin to fly short distances genshin-impact.fandom.com . Being spirits, they can hide themselves from human sight at will – all Aranara can turn invisible to adults, and typically only children can see them genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Select pure-hearted adults or those accepted by Aranara can also perceive them. Aranara can communicate with plants and fungi; for example, they can talk to Rukkhashava mushrooms or befriend wild animals easily genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They also have a special power over “dreams” and “memories”: Aranara can curate the dream realm of the forest. In gameplay, they produce magical “Vasoma Fruits” and repair memories (restoring broken fragments of the forest’s history). Each Aranara carries a tiny Dendro glow inside – possibly a fragment of the former Dendro Archon’s power as they were connected to her. They are childlike in manner but have surprisingly long lifespans or at least long collective memory (knowing stories from centuries past). Culture and Behavior: The Aranara culture is simple, nature-centric, and innocent. They love Nara (humans) who are kind and brave, and refer to friends as “Nara [Name].” They speak in a charming broken dialect, often using third person or adding “-arana” to words. The Aranara spend their days tending to the forest’s needs – e.g., helping wilting vines, guiding lost animals, collecting Viparyas (magical lotus flowers that represent dreams). They also engage in childlike play: many Aranara have hobbies like playing music, telling stories, or hide-and-seek. Their society in Vanarana has a leader (the “Aralohita” or main elder, such as Araja) and various roles: Arama was a young Aranara who guided the Traveler; Aranaga loves gardening; Ararycan likes adventures, etc. An important cultural element is names: “Ara–” is a prefix meaning essentially “child of”. They also frequently say “vasara” (day) and “vasara tree” in their mythos. Aranara hold songs and stories sacred; they have a legendary song that can purify corruption (taught to them by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata). Their behavior is gentle, playful, yet responsible – when faced with a threat like the Marana (decay), they become very serious and self-sacrificing (as seen when many Aranara give their lives to cleanse the Withering during the quest). Aranara absolutely adore sweet food (especially the mushroom-based dishes the Traveler makes for them) and have an amusing fear of “spicy” tastes. They also craft small wooden ornaments and furniture (the Aranara woodcarvings found in Sumeru are attributed to them). Known Habitat: Aranara reside primarily in Vanarana, a mystical locale in Sumeru’s Avidya Forest. Vanarana has two states: the real Vanarana (just a clearing with old ruins and a stump) and the dream Vanarana (a lively village of Aranara, giant flowers and cozy leaf-huts) – the latter is accessible when one plays the ancient lyre and is accepted by the Aranara. Beyond Vanarana, Aranara are encountered in various forest areas: Old Vanarana near Vimara Village (where an Aranara named Rana once played), Apam Woods (Aranara help heal polluted trees there), Vanarana’s memory zones scattered around (where Aranara in “ashen” form – stone-like Fravashi Trees – wait to be revived by Khvarena, hinting at cross-connection with Pari lore). Essentially, any lush woodland or area touched by the former Dendro Archon’s legacy could harbor Aranara. They rarely stray far from the rainforest – though one World Quest has an Aranara briefly visit Sumeru City in disguise as a toddler (it ended comically with them scurrying home). The Aranara also mention traveling through dreams; they can effectively appear where needed if the forest summons them. Relationships: Aranara are friendly towards humans who have “not forgotten how to dream.” They specifically befriend children – many Sumeru children know of “Aranara fairy tales” told at bedtime, which are actually based on real encounters. For instance, the child Rana (in Aranyaka) was a friend of Aranara in her youth. When she grew up, she lost the ability to see them until special circumstances rekindled her link. This indicates Aranara only maintain bonds with pure-hearted humans; they become invisible to those “who grow up” and lose their childlike wonder genshin-impact.fandom.com . Toward the Dendro Archon: the Aranara revered Greater Lord Rukkhadevata (the late archon) almost like a mother. She taught them songs and granted them the role of caretakers of the forest’s dreams. In her memory, Aranara continue their duties. They also recognize Lesser Lord Kusanali (Nahida) in a way, referring to her influence subtly, but since she was isolated, they mainly interact via memories of Rukkhadevata. With other races: Aranara have an ancient enmity with the darkness of the Abyss – they call the Abyssal corruption “Marana.” During the Cataclysm 500 years ago, Aranara joined forces with forest humans and even Pari to fight off corruption genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They deeply mourned the devastation of that time (the Withering, etc.) and many turned into Fravashi Trees as a result. Aranara do not appear to interact with hilichurls or other monsters – likely hiding from them. However, they aren’t fighters generally; they rely on cleansing and hiding. Interestingly, Aranara mention the Seelies: Arama recounted that Seelies lost their forms because they loved humans too much sg.news.yahoo.com . So Aranara hold knowledge of Seelies and possibly pity them. They might also know of the Pari (whom they fought alongside), suggesting a friendly tie between those fairy-like beings of different domains. Examples: Key Aranara individuals include Arama – a brave young Aranara who accompanies the Traveler through Aranyaka, showing courage and eventually sacrificing himself to seal Marana (his “heart” became a new seed). Araja – the elder of Vanarana who guides the Aranara and keeps the memories of Rukkhadevata’s era. Arama’s siblings like Arayama (who loves cooking) and Aradasa (shy and artistic) add personality to the group. Aranakin (mischievous, loves pranks with mushrooms), Aralila (gentle storyteller) are others the Traveler helps. The quest also introduces Rana (the human forest ranger) who was childhood friends with them. Beyond the main story, dozens of Aranara appear in world interactions – like those who give you treasure hunts (Aranara seals scattered across Sumeru) and the ones in dream nurseries. Collectively, the Aranara as encountered in the “Children of the Forest” achievement series demonstrate a thriving if hidden culture of these creatures, making them one of the most fleshed-out non-human races in Teyvat genshin-impact.fandom.com . Inazuman Youkai (Oni, Kitsune, Tengu, and Bake-danuki) In Inazuma, folklore comes alive in the form of youkai – supernatural beings from local legend. These include several distinct races: horned oni, shape-shifting kitsune, crow-winged tengu, and trickster bake-danuki. All youkai have human-level intelligence (or higher) and many can assume human form. They once openly inhabited Inazuma alongside humans, but after calamities and the Sakoku decree era, most withdrew from human society, living in seclusion. Oni (Crimson and Blue) General Description: Oni are an Inazuman race of horned, ogre-like beings known for their superhuman strength, colorful skin markings, and prominent horns on their foreheads. They appear very much like muscular humans with one or two horns – e.g., Arataki Itto (a playable Oni) sports two red horns on his head. Culturally, oni in Inazuma were historically feared by humans as demons, but their image has evolved into something more nuanced, especially due to modern friendly oni like Itto. Oni have a unique biological weakness: they are severely allergic to beans – even a small amount causes them great pain, an echo of real-world folklore genshin-impact.fandom.com . Oni are divided into two ancestral lineages: Crimson Oni (generally more social and human-friendly) and Blue Oni (more reclusive). This stems from an old Inazuman fairy tale about two oni friends who devised a plan to earn human trust – the Blue acted as a villain for the Crimson to defeat, so that humans would befriend the Crimson oni genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This tale reflects a real pact in Oni history. Culture and History: In the distant past, oni lived on the fringes of human society due to their fearsome appearance and strength. Humans tended to shun or hunt them, so oni led secluded lives in the wilderness genshin-impact.fandom.com . The fairytale of the Crimson and Blue Oni is actually a coded history: the oni collectively decided that Blue Oni would “hide” (almost disappearing from history) while Crimson Oni integrated with humans under strict rules of good conduct genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This pact required Crimson oni to behave well, help humans, and never misuse their strength, in exchange for humans gradually accepting them genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . As a result, over centuries, Blue Oni went into near-myth (becoming figures of folklore lurking unseen), while Crimson Oni established a modest presence in villages. Oni also value honor and pride deeply – they are often depicted as brave warriors or martial artists in lore. An oni’s horns are a source of pride; losing a horn is considered a great shame unless lost in honorable combat (e.g., the tale of Torachiyo (a.k.a. Mikoshi Chiyo), a female oni samurai who lost a horn battling the Raiden Shogun after being corrupted). Oni society itself isn’t very hierarchical beyond clan family ties (like Itto speaks of a “Granny Oni” who helped raise young oni) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They often formed clans – Mikoshi clan is one known from history (Chiyo’s clan). Modern oni like Itto form “gangs” which are more like friend groups. Due to their long-standing pact, most Crimson Oni refrained from positions of power and lived humbly among humans, which influenced their culture to be jovial, competitive (sumo wrestling is a favored pastime), and individualistic rather than having an extensive government of their own. Habitat: Oni are native to Inazuma. Historically they lived in remote areas – dense forests, mountains (the tale references them meeting at a secluded cabin in Byakko Plain) genshin-impact.fandom.com . During the Cataclysm 500 years ago, many oni were killed or corrupted (Chiyo was corrupted by an abyssal beast) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . After that, surviving oni blended quietly into human settlements. Arataki Itto, for example, lives in Hanamizaka in the city of Inazuma, albeit as something of an eccentric outsider. There was mention that some Blue Oni survived in poor conditions in hiding – Itto’s story quest revealed a Blue Oni descendant, Takuya, living as a bandit in the forests to scavenge supplies for other hidden blue oni genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This indicates some Blue Oni still dwell in far reaches of Narukami or Yashiori Island’s wilderness, avoiding contact. The pact allowed Crimson Oni to live among humans, so one might find a Crimson Oni family in an Inazuman village (though aside from Itto, few named examples are known because they integrated and lost distinct identity). Oni do not have a specific city or village of their own in modern times – their “habitat” is essentially integrated with Inazumans or secretive pockets. The Grand Narukami Shrine records mention oni as part of Inazuma’s legendary past, so possibly areas like Yougou (Mt. Yougou) had oni around (Chiyo fled into the forest near there after her disgrace). Relationships: Oni have a complex relationship with humans: historically strained by fear and violence, but thanks to sacrifices (the Blue Oni’s self-exile) and goodwill of Crimson Oni, by present day there’s a level of acceptance. Arataki Itto is an example – while some citizens still see him as a “troublemaking oni,” he’s largely treated as just another quirky individual (though the Tenryou Commission would still arrest him for antics, and kids either idolize him or play pranks on him). The Shogunate formally protects oni now under law – an anecdote in Itto’s character lore mentions the Adventurers Guild put out a rule to address him with sheathed swords (they consider him not an enemy) thanks to certain legal protections, and that the Sangonomiya resistance had an Oni unit. In fact, after the Archon Quest, the Shogun’s decree punishing discrimination ensured oni must be addressed with respect (this is partly influenced by the **Naru ** storyline in Itto’s quest and an official law that “people of Inazuma shall treat all friendly oni as equals,” which might correlate with folklore references) genshin-impact.fandom.com . With youkai kin: Oni did have interactions. Kitsune and Oni have a folklore rivalry – e.g., a kitsune (black fox Itaru) defeated two “Twin Oni of Tokaku” who then joined her side genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Also, the conflict between Ioroi (a bake-danuki leader) and an oni is mentioned; specifically, four oni trespassed Chinju Forest and were deceived by Ioroi genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Oni also served the Shogun as samurai – Mikoshi Chiyo was a close friend to Raiden Ei before her fall genshin-impact.fandom.com . So oni can earn respect of even Archons. They dislike prejudice – Itto especially bears a grudge against Kujou Sara because once she defeated him and confiscated his Vision, publicly embarrassing “the Arataki pride.” But he doesn’t hate Tengu as a race, just Sara personally. Oni inherently get along with the rowdier, fun-loving youkai like bake-danuki, and often clash in competitions of strength or trickery with them (mostly harmless rivalry nowadays). Finally, Oni still carry cultural memory of their debt to Blue Oni – Crimson Oni like Itto, once learning blues survived and suffered, feel responsible to assist them genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , showing a strong intra-race loyalty even after generations apart. Examples: Arataki Itto – The most prominent Oni, a playable character described as “The First and Greatest Head of the Arataki Gang.” He is a descendant of the Crimson Oni, gregarious and loves beetle-fighting and bean-less zenzai (because beans hurt him!) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Takuya – a Blue Oni who appears in Itto’s story, initially resorts to crime to help his starving hidden tribe, but reforms with Itto’s help genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Mikoshi Chiyo (Torachiyo) – an infamous historical Oni, once a loyal samurai of the Shogun, corrupted in the cataclysm, who had one horn cut off by Ei and vanished; her story is referenced in weapon lore and Raiden’s character stories. Iwakura Michihiro – Chiyo’s half-oni son who lived quietly in Konda Village, marrying a human (shown in Raiden’s lore) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , showing oni-human integration. There’s also mention of Ako Domeki – a “deathless blue oni of Seirai” island, an NPC in a world quest, highlighting that even remote islands had their local oni lore genshin-impact.fandom.com . Even non-named instances: the Maguu Kenki’s mask is said to be styled after a famous Oni general genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , indicating Oni influence on culture. Together, these examples paint the picture of Oni as once feared demons who have gradually become cherished (if still somewhat feared) members of Inazuma’s diverse spiritual tapestry. Kitsune (Fox Spirits) General Description: Kitsune are a type of fox youkai in Inazuma, known for their intelligence, shapeshifting, and long lifespans. They are essentially magical fox spirits, often taking on human guise. Physically, a true kitsune in natural form would appear as a fox (sometimes multi-tailed as they age/power up), but kitsune are most famous for assuming human forms – usually beautiful women or men with fox-like features (ears, tails) or sometimes completely indistinguishable from humans. A prime example is Yae Miko – she is a kitsune (specifically a Sky Kitsune), who in human form appears as a pink-haired woman with fox ears. In fox form, she likely has multiple tails. Kitsune possess mythical abilities such as shapeshifting and transferring their consciousness into objects genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They are arguably the most powerful class of youkai in Inazuma’s hierarchy, some revered as minor deities (the word kitsune in Japanese can imply spirit or even local deity). Powers and Behavior: Kitsune are adept illusionists and sorcerers. Their hallmark ability is shapeshifting – they can blend in as humans or even objects. Yae Miko taught the Raiden Shogun the trick of placing one’s soul in a statue or sword, a kitsune art of consciousness transfer genshin-impact.fandom.com . Kitsune often use foxfire (magical fire) and other onmyoudo spells. They can be playful tricksters but also wise guardians. Historically, kitsune in Inazuma were known to perform divine tasks: e.g., the Hakushin Kitsune (Kitsune Saiguu) acted as a high priestess and was worshipped as a deity genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Kitsune live very long – centuries or more – and high-ranked kitsune gain additional tails and titles (the Sky Kitsune are the highest rank; Yae is one, likely indicating at least 9 tails). They have a clan-based culture; the Hakushin clan was a prominent kitsune lineage, named after the white fox matriarch Hakushin genshin-impact.fandom.com . Kitsune can be mischievous – they enjoy outwitting others for amusement, but also have a benevolent side in guiding or protecting. For instance, they sometimes leave behind kitsune illusions and puzzles as trials for worthy humans (like the Sky Kitsune’s nostalgia challenges in Sacred Sakura Cleansing). Kitsune also harbor grudges: the tale “Yougou Three” indicates kitsune can take decisive (even harsh) action against foes; one Black Fox named Itaru defeated bandit oni and made them allies genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , showing cunning and leadership. Their behavior often straddles the line between deity and demon – they demand respect (fitting to their pride as near-divine beings), yet they show personal loyalty (Yae’s loyalty to Ei, or the Kitsune Saiguu’s sacrifice in the Cataclysm to save Inazuma’s people). History: Kitsune are not originally from the Inazuma islands; legends say they arrived from across the sea in ancient times reddit.com . According to Toki Alley Tales, kitsune came to Inazuma’s archipelago and warred with the native tanuki (bake-danuki) for territory, eventually ending in a draw but the kitsune gained claim over sacred sites like Mt. Yougou and the Grand Shrine genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This hints that kitsune likely integrated with Narukami worship early on. The Hakushin clan took residence at Mt. Yougou, serving the Electro Archon (or Shogunate) as shrine guardians. Over 1,500 years ago, the Kitsune Saiguu (a title, meaning head shrine maiden who was a kitsune) was a companion to Baal (Ei’s sister Makoto) and later to Ei herself genshin-impact.fandom.com . She was pivotal until the cataclysm, where she was corrupted and killed by abyssal forces, her remaining essence forming a being called Hanachirusato (a friendly spirit in the Sakura Cleansing quest) genshin-impact.fandom.com . After that tragedy, kitsune numbers dwindled. Yae Miko is the current known survivor of the high-ranked kitsune. There are references to other kitsune (like Youko, a present-day kitsune mentioned in lore, possibly an alias for a smaller fox spirit) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . By present, kitsune mostly hide their true nature, with Yae Miko openly known as a kitsune only to those familiar with youkai. Habitat: Kitsune are strongly associated with Grand Narukami Shrine and Mt. Yougou’s Sacred Sakura. The giant fox statue and numerous smaller fox stone statues across Inazuma denote their presence and domains. They also frequent Chinju Forest (which is considered a mystical area). Historically, kitsune had free rein of Narukami Island’s forests and perhaps other islands, but after the Sacred Sakura was planted (with kitsune magic imbued), their essence is anchored there. Fox Shrines found in various locations (e.g., on Yashiori, Seirai) suggest kitsune could travel and establish little shrines – possibly following shrine maidens or spreading the Sakura’s influence. However, aside from Yae, few kitsune are “out and about.” The fox spirits that the Traveler can see sitting around Inazuma (those white translucent foxes) are possibly low-level kitsune wildlife. They vanish if approached (you can’t kill them; they’re spirits). These can be considered a lesser form of kitsune or just magical wildlife known as “Kitsune” to locals game8.co . So in summary: Mt. Yougou is their main haven (with the Sacred Sakura as a lifeblood), and other fox shrines act as outposts of their power. Relationships: Kitsune generally have a close alliance with the Shogunate and Narukami shrine. They were essentially partners to the Electro Archon – the Kitsune Saiguu was not only a shrine maiden but also a dear friend to Ei; Yae Miko currently serves as Guuji (chief priest) of the shrine and is a close confidante of the Shogun. With humans, kitsune have sometimes been worshipped as kami (divine spirits). People offer prayers to the kitsune through the shrine, believing the Hakushin Kitsune’s favor can bless them. In folklore, though, kitsune can also trick humans (like impersonating people or leading them astray for fun). But overall in Inazuma, kitsune are respected, and in turn, kitsune who are benevolent protect certain bloodlines (e.g., a note implies the Kitsune Saiguu watched over the Kamisato lineage). Kitsune and bake-danuki had an old rivalry – one story: Ioroi the tanuki leader started a “battle” due to a conflict with a kitsune, resulting in many tanuki being sealed genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com (which likely refers to an incident where kitsune magic sealed the misbehaving tanuki in statues). So there’s some playful feud, but nothing currently violent – especially since tanuki are few and kitsune number even fewer now. Kitsune and Tengu have an interesting dynamic: they were part of Inazuma’s mystical defense (as per the “Yougou Three” in artifact lore – a kitsune, a tengu, and an onmyouji worked together) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Kitsune Saiguu’s personal bodyguard was the Great Tengu Reizenbou genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , indicating deep trust between top kitsune and tengu. But kitsune are faster (Saiguu outran a tengu chieftain in a friendly race) and often seen as slightly higher in station than tengu in lore (the tengu served them at times). Towards Oni, kitsune were generally superior in cunning. There was an old tale of Lady Guuji Itaru (Black Fox) recruiting oni after besting them genshin-impact.fandom.com . So kitsune might view oni like strong but gullible fellows to manipulate or befriend. Summarily, kitsune tend to be on good terms with most youkai and with humans who respect the Electro Archon, but cross them or their shrine and you face hexes and illusions. Examples: Yae Miko (Guujin of Narukami Shrine) – a living kitsune, playable character, clever and somewhat mercurial, she embodies a “fox in human form” and carries out both mischievous acts (running an eccentric publishing house) and sacred duties (tending the Sacred Sakura) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Kitsune Saiguu (Lady Kasumi, the Hakushin Kitsune) – a historical kitsune of highest order, dear friend to the Archon, who perished in the cataclysm; her lingering spirit appears as Hanachirusato, an NPC in the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Quest, still wearing a kitsune mask and yearning for a “traveler” friend genshin-impact.fandom.com . Hakushin – the matriarch of the Hakushin clan, likely an even older kitsune (her essence resides in the Hakushin Ring catalyst), she had six apprentices including Kitsune Saiguu and Black Fox Itaru genshin-impact.fandom.com . Itaru (Black Fox) – a kitsune known for causing trouble; in lore, she duels some oni and then leads them, showcasing a more militant fox approach genshin-impact.fandom.com . Urakusai – a kitsune character who left Inazuma long ago, mentioned in Yae Miko’s stories (she pranked him once). Also, scattered around are unnamed “Earth Kitsune” statues containing minor kitsune spirits that help in cleansing rituals. Every Thunder Sakura root is guarded by a small kitsune statue, linking kitsune to those phenomena. Each example highlights kitsune’s roles as keepers of sacred knowledge, tricksters, and loyal allies in Inazuma’s spiritual ecosystem. Tengu (Crow People) General Description: Tengu are a race of winged yokai warriors in Inazuma, often characterized by black crow-like wings and crow masks genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Physically, a tengu in human form looks mostly human aside from having black feathered wings on their back (Kujou Sara is a clear example, with dark wings that appear when she glides) genshin-impact.fandom.com . They also traditionally wear a distinctive long-nosed crow mask or headpiece – all known tengu have some form of crow mask as a symbol of pride or perhaps necessity genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Tengu have exceptional speed, strength (despite slender builds), and are known as fearsome archers and swordsmen. In mythological terms, they correspond to Japan’s Karasu-Tengu (crow spirits) and Daitengu (great tengu). In Teyvat, they serve as skilled fighters, and once held roles in Inazuma’s military history and lore. Abilities and Traits: A tengu’s hallmark traits are speed and combat skill. It’s said a tengu’s speed is nearly unrivaled – e.g., Kitsune Saiguu barely beat the Yougou Tengu chieftain in a race, suspecting he let her win out of courtesy genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Tengu are also master archers: they can fire arrows infused with Electro (in gameplay, Sara’s charged shot leaves a Tengu storm cluster). Historically, a Great Tengu taught a human (Takamine the samurai) archery techniques so potent they were passed down and used by shrine warriors genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They practice a unique martial art that can even be combined with Liyue’s adeptus arts to create powerful onmyoudo magic genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Tengu possess magical feather fans as well – these are enchanted fans that, when a tengu wields them, can create gusts or teleportation-like movements; in ordinary hands, they just lighten one’s body slightly genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Tengu are physically lighter and slimmer than Oni but deceptively strong for their frame genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They have excellent vision (like a hawk or crow) and are deadly accurate. They also have some naming magic: It’s mentioned that a name given by the Yougou Tengu has divine power genshin-impact.fandom.com – possibly meaning tengu chiefs can grant titles or protection through names. A curious physical/psychological trait: Masks seem crucial to tengu honor. The Great Tengu Reizenbou’s mask was taken as a trophy by Akuou (an onmyouji), implying losing one’s mask is a huge deal genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Sara’s mask is an heirloom that resembles a Yamabushi’s tokin hat and a crow face genshin-impact.fandom.com , symbolizing her tengu identity and duty. Culture and History: Tengu lived mostly in isolated clans, notably the Yougou Tengu clan on Yashiori Island (the name suggests they served at Mt. Yougou under the kitsune or in that general region). They seem to have a hierarchical, martial society – titles like “Great Tengu” indicate a chieftain role genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They historically interacted with the Shogunate: one legendary tengu, Sasayuri, was a comrade of Electro Archon Ei and died defending against Orobashi’s rebellion (the war on Watatsumi) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . The Shogun gifted the Thundering Pulse bow to Reizenbou the Great Tengu, showing high honor (it’s uncertain if Ei or Makoto gave it, but the Shogun did) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . During the Cataclysm, the tengu suffered losses – Teruyo, a notable Yougou Tengu, disappeared after an encounter with an oni (Doukei, Chiyo’s son) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , and the Great Tengu guardian of the Kitsune Saiguu vanished in that disaster as well genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Post-cataclysm and over the years, like other yokai, the tengu population shrank or went into hiding. By the current era, tengu are rarely seen. Kujou Sara is a unique case: she was found as an infant (or young child) by the human Kujou Clan after falling from a great height during a battle, and they adopted her genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This implies a conflict or something caused Sara to be separated from her tengu kin – perhaps a final tengu vs. monster battle where she fell. Sara grew integrated as human, but her tengu heritage (wings and strength) remained and she became a general. Most other tengu seemingly withdrew to isolation (“most tengu continue to live in seclusion” by present day) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . There is mention that before the Traveler arrived, two tengu were known: an unnamed tengu warrior Itto dueled (likely a wandering swordsman) and Kujou Sara who lives among humans genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . So tengu culture now persists quietly, possibly a few elders in remote mountains. Habitat: Historically: Yougou Tengu suggests they were based around Mt. Yougou or that area near the Grand Shrine (which would align with being Kitsune Saiguu’s protector) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Also, Byakko Plain is noted – Itto fought a tengu there, implying tengu might train or roam in that plain on Narukami Island genshin-impact.fandom.com . Yashiori and Seirai Islands had presence: e.g., Ako Domeki (an oni on Seirai) had conflict implying tengu around. If Sasayuri fought on Watatsumi, that means tengu were part of Archon forces deployed to outlying islands. Presently, aside from Sara in Tenshukaku and Kujou headquarters, known tengu remnants likely reside in remote forests or mountains of Inazuma, rarely revealing themselves. They could be guarding hidden shrines or ancient sites. Also, the legacy of tengu lives on in places like Tatarasuna, where a technique to forge arrows was passed by a tengu to a human and recorded. In essence, tengu are scattered with no known settlement – if there’s any “tengu village,” it’s hidden by magic and not yet shown. Relationships: Tengu have been allies to the Electro Archons and Inazuma’s forces historically. They fought alongside the Shogunate in wars (loyalty evidenced by receiving gifts like Thundering Pulse) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . With humans, tengu had a reputation: in Japanese-influenced lore they can be seen as either dangerous mountain spirits or as protectors. In Genshin, it seems tengu were respected as formidable warriors and sometimes mentors. Takamine (a famed human archer) learned from a Great Tengu genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , showing teacher-student bonds. At the same time, common folk probably found them intimidating. After the cataclysm and in recent history, tengu keeping to themselves meant fewer human-tengu interactions. The exception is Sara: she integrated into the Kujou Clan of the Tenryou Commission, showing a positive relationship – the Kujou saw her tengu strength as an asset and raised her as their own. She in turn is fiercely loyal to the Shogun and cares for order, indicating a successful human-tengu integration. Tengu relations with other yokai: with kitsune they had cooperation (as bodyguards) and perhaps friendly rivalry – kitsune are slightly magical and superior in rank, but tengu are martial equals. With oni, little direct mention beyond that one friendly meeting: Teruyo (tengu) encountered Mikoshi Doukei (half-oni) and they dueled; she lost a wing graze and disappeared, apparently telling him to forget her genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . That story suggests a bittersweet or even romantic subtext – a tengu befriending an oni. Meanwhile, historically a tengu (Itaru disguised as Black Fox) defeated two oni and got them to fight on her side genshin-impact.fandom.com , so tengu can dominate oni in battle. On the other hand, Oni and Tengu clans intermarried in one case: Chiyo’s son Iwakura married a human or tengu? Actually, it was a human girl, so scratch that. Tengu’s main adversary is perhaps none now; they fought threats like Orobashi (serpent god) or abyssal foes in cataclysm. They despise evil spirits and rally to combat them. All in all, tengu have been steadfast allies to good and order in Inazuma, albeit keeping a prideful distance. Examples: Kujou Sara – adopted daughter of the Kujou, General of the Tenryou Commission. She exemplifies a modern tengu: disciplined, dutiful, harnessing Electro in her archery. She wears a distinctive red and black tengu mask atop her head and unfurls her black wings in battle genshin-impact.fandom.com . Teruyo – a member of the Yougou Tengu, known from lore as someone who met a self-exiled oni (Doukei) and after a duel where he nicked her wing, she mysteriously asked him to forget her and vanished genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Sasayuri – a historical tengu who was a friend to Raiden Makoto; he fought valiantly in the battle against Watatsumi’s forces and was slain by a sneak attack from a god of thunder (or by Orobashi’s general) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Ei honored him posthumously. Reizenbou (Great Tengu) – Kitsune Saiguu’s personal bodyguard, who disappeared during the Cataclysm along with her; known for being given the Thundering Pulse bow by the Shogun genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . He is also depicted on murals as a tall figure with a crow mask. Additionally, a nameless Tengu Swordsman is referenced via Itto’s boast (Itto claims he dueled a tengu once in Byakko Plain) genshin-impact.fandom.com – possibly a wandering tengu maintaining martial tradition. Each highlights tengu’s identity as swift and skilled warriors with deep ties to Inazuma’s history and leadership. Bake-Danuki (Shape-Shifting Tanuki) General Description: Bake-danuki (simply called “tanuki” by locals) are a type of youkai resembling raccoon dogs with magical shape-shifting abilities. They are native to Inazuma’s forests. Physically, in true form, a bake-danuki is a small, plump, tan-furred creature much like a real tanuki (raccoon dog) – round body, masked face, big fluffy tail. They often wear a leaf on their head and carry a cloth pouch or bag around their neck genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Through magic, bake-danuki can transform into objects or even impersonate people for mischief genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They are known as playful tricksters rather than dangerous spirits. In Inazuma’s lore, tanuki are beloved as little troublemakers who prank travelers by leading them on chases or hiding things. Behavior and Abilities: The defining trait of bake-danuki is their carefree, mischievous nature genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They love to play pranks on humans – common pranks include disguising themselves as chests, monuments, or everyday objects and then startling or eluding pursuers genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . With Elemental Sight, one can often spot a disguised tanuki (they give off a highlight), and exposing their disguise (by attacking or interacting) makes them spring back into tanuki form in a puff of smoke genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They’ll then giggle and run a bit before possibly transforming again. They can also lead people on a merry chase by dancing and teleporting short distances when approached (players will recognize this routine in many tanuki world puzzles) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Despite their trickster antics, bake-danuki are not malicious – the lore explicitly notes “the tanuki are not a wicked lot and only tease humans for fun” genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They actually sometimes help humans unwittingly (for instance, a tanuki prank might inadvertently lead a traveler to a hidden treasure). Bake-danuki know ancient mystical arts exclusive to their kind genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . One ability is creating fireworks or phantom fires to mislead. Another is their iconic leaf magic – the leaf on their head is often the catalyst for transformation (drawing from Japanese folklore where tanuki use leaves to shapeshift). Bake-danuki also have some hierarchy: they have a leader or elder. In Inazuma’s case, the chief is Ioroi, a great tanuki who is currently sealed in a stone statue in Chinju Forest as punishment for causing a commotion with a kitsune genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Ioroi’s sealing happened after a “battle” between bake-danuki and kitsune – specifically, Ioroi’s conflict with a kitsune ended with most tanuki (including himself) being sealed in statues by the kitsune’s power genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Many of those statues dot Chinju Forest. Younger tanuki, however, have since been released or reawakened and now roam to play. Culture: Tanuki culture centers on pranks, dance, and good humor. They refer to pranks as “playing.” They enjoy dumplings and fried tofu in folklore (and indeed, a certain tanuki, Kichiboushi, loves eating). They do not have complex society like kitsune or tengu – rather, a loose clan structure under an elder. They pass down “mystical arts” like how to transform, likely taught by Ioroi or older tanuki to the young. When Ioroi was sealed, he tasked the traveler with finding his little tanuki underlings to unseal them (these were the tanuki you chase in a World Quest). Tanuki also have interactions with humans historically: e.g., locals in Konda or Chinju might leave offerings to pacify tanuki or share folk tales. A known event in recent lore is “Eight Locales Over Mountains and Seas”, where a young tanuki Kichiboushi travels with the Traveler to see the world – this shows tanuki curiosity and ability to befriend humans (Kichiboushi calls the Traveler “Doro-bo” i.e. “mud-something” affectionately). They also integrate bits of human culture – Kichiboushi learns photo-taking, for example, and dancing with music. Bake-danuki use a charming childlike third-person speech when they talk (Kichiboushi says “Kichiboushi wants to play!” etc.). Habitat: Bake-danuki are found all over Inazuma’s islands (except the eerie Tsurumi Island) genshin-impact.fandom.com . They especially favor forests and shrines. Chinju Forest on Narukami Island is famous for its tanuki population; many quests there involve following tanuki illusions. They also pop up near the Grand Narukami Shrine, in tidal flats of Yashiori, and even around city outskirts (one tanuki impersonated an NPC named Atsuko in the streets of Inazuma City once, as referenced in Ioroi’s list of named bake-danuki) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Generally, any wooded or less-trafficked area might host a playful tanuki. They hide during the day and become active at dawn/dusk or night, aligning with their prank times. Their magical concealment keeps them safe; many humans might pass through a tanuki-inhabited area and only notice maybe a strange barrel or a sudden chest (which was a tanuki trick). Thanks to the Traveler, a lot of sealed tanuki were freed, presumably repopulating Chinju. They avoid Tsurumi likely due to it being a spirit realm of its own (or simply none lived there historically due to the island’s curse). Tanuki do not like the Thunder Sakura’s curse on Yashiori – no tanuki pranks happen in the most heavily cursed parts, implying they steer clear of lethal danger. Relationships: Bake-danuki are generally friendly (or at least neutral) to humans, merely tricking them playfully. There’s no record of tanuki killing or seriously harming anyone. In fact, after the Shogun’s decree ended the vision hunt, one NPC implies new laws forbidding harming certain creatures like bake-danuki, reflecting Inazuma’s acknowledgement that they’re just magical animals. Tanuki absolutely love to tease earnest people – for instance, shrine maidens often have to deal with tanuki illusions around the shrine. Toward other youkai: historically a rivalry with kitsune exists (the Great Tanuki vs Kitsune war which ended in tanuki defeat and sealing) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . But in current times, with Kitsune Saiguu gone and Yae Miko being quite relaxed, tanuki are basically tolerated around the shrines. Yae even finds them amusing, likely. Tengu and tanuki: no direct interactions noted, but one can imagine a stern tengu being annoyed by tanuki pranks. If anything, tanuki would avoid the militant youkai. Tanuki and Oni: possibly amicable through pranks or drinking – no lore, but both have playful aspects (Itto got along with Kichiboushi in an event cutscene presumably, given Itto’s personality). Tanuki also struck up friendship with the Traveler and Paimon easily, demonstrating they can bond with non-Inazumans quickly if treated kindly. They are also protective in their own way: In the Yoimiya quest, the local kids mention playing with tanuki as imaginary friends. Tanuki had a small role in helping during the Vision Hunt Decree: one quest had Yoimiya hide a wanted person while tanuki created a diversion. So they seem to side with good-hearted people. All in all, bake-danuki are among the most benign races – tricksy but lovable, with very few true enemies aside from anyone who would harm the forest (one could assume they’d be scared of Abyss or demons, but those rarely clash directly). Examples: Ioroi – the chief of the bake-danuki, currently sealed in a large stone statue in Chinju Forest, but he communicates with the Traveler during a world quest genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Once freed (quest ending), he presumably continues to watch over younger tanuki. Kichiboushi – a brown-furred bake-danuki youngster whom the Traveler chaperones on a journey in the “Eight Locales” event genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . He’s curious, mischievous (hides from you in Liyue by turning into objects), and eventually returns home wiser (and plumper from eating all nations’ food). Shousei, Mamesuke, Shibasuke – named little tanuki that appear in the world (Ioroi calls them out) genshin-impact.fandom.com ; the Traveler had to follow and capture them to free Ioroi. Atsuko (Imposter) – a bake-danuki once impersonated a human girl named Atsuko, causing confusion; it shows they can mimic specific humans for pranks genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Gyoubu Koban – a tanuki who likes to transform into a treasure chest to lure people (mentioned in artifact lore and appears in an event). Many Inazuman folklore characters (like “The Mujina in the Shrine” from Yoimiya’s story) turned out to be referring to bake-danuki antics. Combined, these examples illustrate the tanuki’s playful presence across Inazuma: from guiding quests to comedic cameos, always leaving a trail of laughter (and sometimes thievery – they often steal trifles for fun) in their wake. Other Minor or Obscure Races (Finally, a few rare races deserve mention. These have appeared only briefly in lore or specific quests but are confirmed as part of Teyvat’s diverse inhabitants.) Jinn (Desert Genies): The Jinn are elemental spirits from Sumeru’s desert, featured in the tales of King Deshret’s civilization. They are essentially genies, often female in legend, created from the desert’s elements. Jinn have translucent, etherial bodies and immense magical power, but most are bound to vessels (like magic lamps or bottles) genshin-impact.fandom.com . They can grant wishes or perform tasks but often with cunning twists. Jinn can also possess humans (one threatens to do so, calling a boy “Raven” as a pet name) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Notably, Liloupar is a Jinni who appears in the Sumeru Golden Slumber/Dirge of Bilqis quest series – she is bound to a magic bottle and aids the Traveler while recounting the tragic history of her kind. Jinn culture was tied to the Court of Gurabad; they once lived alongside humans as equals, but after betrayals, many Jinn were sealed in artifacts. They refer to their leader as “Shining Shades” (collectively daughters of the moon). Jinn are described as prideful, often referring to humans playfully or disdainfully. Their relationship with humans is ambivalent: they loved certain humans (one Jinni, Nafas, loved a human and turned into a human to save them genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com ) but also could punish cruelty severely. Habitat: In ancient times, Jinn roamed the desert oases and cities of Deshret’s realm. Now they mostly exist within vessels scattered in ruins. Examples: Liloupar (the Bottle Jinn), Ferigees (another bottled Jinn in lore), and the Jinn that resides in Dori’s lamp (which appears as a chubby, grinning spirit – interestingly non-humanoid) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Jinn, while few now, highlight the magical diversity of Sumeru’s desert. Pari (Khvarena Fairies): The Pari are a race of avian, flower-like fairies descending from the Divine Bird Simurgh, found in Sumeru’s far northwest desert (Girdle of the Sands) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They look like delicate humanoid creatures with features of both birds and blossoms. Each Pari is associated with Khvarena (pure elemental energy of life) and they were created by Simurgh combining Khvarena with Amrita (essence of life) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They live in Vourukasha Oasis, and are featured in the quest “Khvarena of Good and Evil.” Pari have a very sacrificial and duty-bound culture: each is born with a fated responsibility (like cleansing corruption) and lives only to fulfill that purpose genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Once a Pari completes their duty or reaches end of life, they turn into a Plume of Purifying Light (a crystal feather) which must be returned to the Amrita Pool genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . If a Pari is tainted by abyssal corruption, they can’t return and instead transform into a Fravashi Tree (withered husk containing their residual dream) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Humans bonded to Pari are called “Yasnapati” – considered dear friends tasked to help carry out the Pari’s final wishes genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Relationships: Pari consider the late Hydro Archon Egeria their god (she protected them and gave them wisdom of water) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . They fought alongside humans and even Khaenri’ahns during the Cataclysm to resist dark forces genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com , implying they are firmly on the side of good. Examples: Sorush – a Pari whom the Traveler partners with (even directly controls) during the 3.6 world quest; she’s brash but dedicated and ultimately takes on the burden of others’ Sorrows. Zurvan – the elder Pari queen who guides Sorush and holds the collective memory of Simurgh’s teachings. Rashnu and Mihir – other Pari we meet, each embodying different virtues (fortitude and insight, respectively). The Pari are few and tied to one region, but their unique life cycle and selflessness mark them as one of Teyvat’s most mystical races genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Oceanids (Lochfolk): Oceanids – or Lochfolk, as they call themselves – are beings of pure Hydro energy originating from Fontaine genshin-impact.fandom.com . They manifest as water spirits who can summon and mimic the forms of aquatic animals. Oceanids appear usually as a collection of water in a feminine shape when at rest (e.g., Rhodeia of Loch, the Oceanid boss near Liyue, speaks with a woman’s voice but has no solid body, only a column of water). They are essentially water elementals with sentience. Created likely by the former Hydro Archon, they were once plentiful in Fontaine’s lakes. However, many left Fontaine in protest when the previous Hydro Archon died – Rhodeia is one such expatriate who settled in Liyue genshin-impact.fandom.com . Oceanids are friendly to pure-hearted people but can be aggressive if threatened. They test people’s strength by conjuring creatures of water to fight (Rhodeia’s method). Oceanids refer to themselves as “daughters of the waters.” They cannot be killed easily – if their physical form disperses, they revert to water; truly harming them likely requires corrupting the water source. Relations: Oceanids love Hydro Archons (they left Fontaine because they didn’t accept the new one, Furina). They also respect other elemental beings. With humans, they observe and sometimes guide – an Oceanid in an Fontaine quest, Narcissa, loves opera and protected a singer. Example: Rhodeia (the Oceanid of Qingce) who hates conflict but reluctantly fights the Traveler to test them; Sigewinne (a Melusine who interestingly has a Lochfolk friend per lore); and Egeria’s Lochfriends (in lore, Egeria turned some Oceanids into human form as a punishment, the reverse of usual shapeshift). The term Lochfolk highlights they see themselves as folk/people of the lakes, indicating a communal culture. They are few in number now, making them a rare sight. Saurians (Natlan’s Dragons): Saurians are recently revealed as the draconic beasts of Natlan, essentially Natlan’s local variant of dragons distinct from the older vishaps genshin-impact.fandom.com . They are smaller than Sovereign dragons but larger than typical wildlife, and closely coexist with Natlan’s human tribes genshin-impact.fandom.com . Warriors in Natlan partner with Saurians as mounts or comrades, forming a bond so strong that a saurian chooses its human rider and will reject any rider lacking courage genshin-impact.fandom.com . Saurians have their own simple language (unintelligible to humans; communication is via body language and long association) genshin-impact.fandom.com . They come in varieties like Tepetlisaurs, Yumkasaurs, Koholasaurs, each adapted to different environments (mines, grasslands, volcanoes, etc.) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Culturally, Natlan people imitate their saurian companions in dress and honor them. Historically, Saurians devolved from more intelligent dragons – Natlan myth calls it a “devolution” that they lost ancestral wisdom for simpler minds and forms genshin-impact.fandom.com . But modern Natlan treats them as beloved animals. Relationships: Humans and Saurians share harmony in Natlan now, though it wasn’t always (there were times humans subjugated saurians, but now it’s partnership) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Saurians fear corruption marks – a “Flamelord’s Blessing” (red mark) appears on some, giving great power but driving them insane, requiring either banishment to the Night Kingdom or a ritual to cleanse it genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . This lore implies an underworld or void realm (Night Kingdom) relating to dragons. Examples: In Natlan lore, Kukulkan (maybe the Pyro Sovereign) and Och-Kan discuss Saurians; Ajaw (Natlan’s Pyro Archon, possibly) can even speak to Saurians directly genshin-impact.fandom.com . Named ones: Kuntur (a warrior whose saga with a saurian comrade is told) genshin-impact.fandom.com , Cacucu (a saurian who could only say a few human words) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Though we’ve not met them in game yet, Saurians broaden the concept of “dragons as companions” in a region heavily inspired by volcanic and tribal themes. Umibouzu: Mentioned sparsely as a maritime specter in Inazuma lore (the word comes from Japanese myth of a sea monk monster). In Genshin, an Umibouzu was referenced by NPCs telling ghost stories – likely a large black shadow seen in storms. It’s unclear if it’s a true race or just a singular spooky phenomenon. No direct interactions beyond a sailor saying “the Umibouzu will get you” as a superstition. Wayōb (Maya Shapeshifters): “Wayob” comes up in Sumeru desert lore and Natlan hints – in legend, a Wayob is a human who can transform into an animal (a concept from ancient Maya belief). In-game, King Deshret’s lore or artifacts mention a “Wayob” as something tied to forbidden magic. Possibly Deshret or his sages attempted to become Wayobs. As of now, no known living Wayob individuals appear, but the term is classified in lore categories, implying at least the concept is acknowledged as a separate “species” or state of being (maybe as a cursed shapeshifter). Tri-Lakshana Creatures: Not a race per se, but a term in Sumeru for elemental life that can switch states (like those peculiar mushrooms and machines that shift between Scorch, Bloom, etc.). They are created by rhythmic energies and although semi-sentient, they don’t have society or culture. They’re more a magical ecosystem component than a people. Shades (Phantoms of the Primordial One): Deep lore speaks of four Shades of the Primordial One that helped shape the world. They are enigmatic and practically divine, not encountered directly. Not typically listed among “inhabitants” because they were unique entities at creation. If ever revealed, they would count as a distinct god-like race or beings (like “Phanes’s Shades”). All these minor races, while not as prominently encountered as humans or hilichurls, contribute threads to Teyvat’s rich tapestry – from desert winds carrying Jinn whispers, to fairies of light tending ancient oases, to Natlan’s children riding into battle beside flame-spitting saurians. Each expands the sense that Teyvat is not solely the world of humans, but a living world shared with many wondrous, whimsical, and occasionally fearsome beings. Together, the major and minor races of Teyvat underscore the game’s theme of unity in diversity – all under the same sky, subject to the same destinies, yet each with their own stories, loves, and legacies that make the world of Genshin Impact feel truly alive.

Introduction: In the world of Teyvat, each nation faces unique political tensions, looming threats, and unfolding events that set the stage for epic adventures. Below is an overview of the major storylines – Archon Quests (main story chapters), significant interlude quests (like Dainsleif’s Abyss saga), and notable side quests – all described as they stand just before the Traveler (the protagonist) gets involved. These “initial states” of each conflict provide ripe opportunities for a D&D-style campaign, full of intrigue and danger. Key character backstories and world quest plotlines are also included as potential adventure hooks, with no spoilers for their resolutions. Mondstadt: The Stormterror Crisis and Internal Strife Stormterror’s Attack: The free city of Mondstadt is under siege by a rogue wind dragon known as Stormterror (Dvalin). Once a guardian of Mondstadt, Dvalin has been corrupted by poisonous blood from a fallen dragon and by the Abyss Order’s influence, driving him to attack the city. The Knights of Favonius scramble to defend the populace from Dvalin’s assaults, but so far they’ve only managed to keep him at bay, not truly cure his rage. The people are anxious, temples lie in ruins, and ominous storms swirl above. Meanwhile, Abyss mages stoke Dvalin’s anger behind the scenes to “rile [him] against the people of Mondstadt”, though the city’s folk remain unaware of this manipulation. Political Tensions: Mondstadt’s leadership faces pressure on multiple fronts. The young Acting Grand Master Jean must uphold morale despite the missing Grand Master (Varka) and rising criticism. The Fatui diplomats from Snezhnaya, present in the city ostensibly to help, offer “assistance” that comes with veiled threats – their Harbinger agent La Signora lurks, eyeing the Anemo Archon’s power for her own ends. Internally, there’s subtle friction between the Knights and more independent factions: e.g. the Church of Favonius worries about divine retribution for Dvalin’s wrath, while local adventurers and vigilantes like Diluc operate outside official channels, mistrusting the Knights’ effectiveness. Before the Traveler’s arrival, the city is essentially a powder keg of fear and uncertainty, with a giant dragon circling overhead. Notable Character Conflict – Diluc vs. the Knights:: One of Mondstadt’s famed heroes, Diluc Ragnvindr, has a personal vendetta against both the Fatui and the Knights’ bureaucracy. After his father’s tragic death and a falling-out with the Knights, Diluc quit the order and now fights alone as the “Darknight Hero.” He clashes ideologically with Acting Grand Master Jean – he believes the Knights’ rules hinder decisive action against threats like the Fatui. Tension also simmers between Diluc and his adopted brother Kaeya, due to a dark secret from Kaeya’s past (his hidden Khaenri’ah heritage) that led to a bitter duel years ago. When the Traveler first visits Mondstadt, Diluc operates from the shadows, undermining the Fatui’s schemes in town while the Knights officially negotiate with the Fatui, highlighting a conflict of methods in protecting the city. Adventure Hook – Wolvendom and the Abyss:: Outside the city, another threat brews in Wolvendom, where an Abyss Order ritual has caused wolves to grow aggressive. Mysterious hilichurl shamans gather near the old Andrius shrine, attempting to corrupt the Wolf of the North’s spirit. An adventure party could be hired by the church or the Knights to investigate these disturbances. This ties into Razor’s storyline – the wild child raised by wolves. Initial scenario: A Knight patrol has gone missing in the woods amid eerie howls, and Razor senses something foul disturbing his wolf family’s territory. Players must track the source (perhaps an Abyss Lector) before Wolvendom’s guardian spirit is enraged. Liyue: The Geo Archon’s “Death” and Civil Discord Assassination at the Rite: The bustling port of Liyue faces an unprecedented crisis: during the annual Rite of Descension, the Geo Archon Rex Lapis (Morax) seemingly falls from the sky, slain in front of all. The god’s apparent assassination in the middle of Liyue Harbor throws the city into chaos and fear. Before the Traveler’s involvement, Ningguang and the Liyue Qixing (the city’s mercantile council) move swiftly to seal off the area and assert control. Meanwhile, ancient Adepti – magical guardians of Liyue – are angered by the Archon’s death and poise to exact harsh divine retribution on the presumed culprits once identified. The people are caught between panic and confusion: their god of contracts is gone, and no one knows who is responsible or why. Power Vacuum & Fatui Schemes: In the wake of Morax’s “death,” a power struggle looms. The Qixing debate whether Liyue can continue without its Archon, and some secretly consider taking the reins of power fully into human hands. At the same time, the sneaky Fatui Harbingers present in Liyue see an opportunity. Childe (Tartaglia), a Fatui agent undercover as a businessman, works to destabilize the city further – his ultimate aim is to seize Rex Lapis’s Gnosis (divine heart). Before the Traveler intervenes, Childe covertly finances local treasure hoarders to provoke chaos and even tampers with the release of an ancient sea monster (Osial) as a trump card. Zhongli, an oddly knowledgeable funeral consultant, is arranging a grand send-off for the Archon’s body, but little does the public know Zhongli is the Archon in disguise testing his people’s independence. Thus, at the start of Liyue’s storyline, the city stands on a knife’s edge: divine wrath on one side, human political machinations on the other, and a Harbinger pulling strings to push Liyue into calamity. Conflict Among Characters – Ningguang vs. Keqing & the Adepti:: Within the Qixing, differing philosophies create tension. Keqing, who has long questioned reliance on the gods, argues that Liyue must become self-reliant; she views the Adepti and even Rex Lapis’s traditions as holding back progress. Ningguang, pragmatic and ambitious, agrees on human leadership but is willing to bargain with Adepti or Fatui if it secures Liyue’s stability. This difference surfaces in heated debates as they respond to the Archon’s death. Meanwhile, Adeptus Xiao resents the Fatui meddling and the Qixing’s secrecy – he teeters on unleashing vigilantist justice. These character conflicts set the stage for political intrigue: will Liyue be ruled by tradition (Adepti), commerce (Qixing), or foreign powers (Fatui)? At the story’s outset, all three forces are at odds, forcing characters like Ningguang and Keqing to either cooperate or come to blows for Liyue’s future. Adventure Hook – The Chasm Mystery:: Beyond Liyue Harbor, the unexplored Chasm mines offer a side-quest full of danger. Recently, miners in the Chasm broke through to a strange underground space. Since then, black corruptive mud and monsters have been seeping up, forcing the Qixing to cordon off the area. Rumors whisper that an ancient darkness from the cataclysm 500 years ago (the fall of Khaenri’ah) festers below. As an adventure, a party could be dispatched by a Liyue authority (or Clairvoyant Wang from the Adventurers’ Guild) to venture into the Chasm’s depths. Initial state: missing miners, a terrified Millelith guard unit who speaks of “shadowy figures” in the dark, and an eerie overturned ruin deep underground. The players might encounter the Abyss Order’s minions trying to awaken something vast – a scenario rife with monsters, environmental hazards, and lore, all before the Traveler arrives to resolve it. Inazuma: The Vision Hunt Decree and Civil War Inazuma’s unrest reaches a climax under an oppressive decree – across the islands, the Raiden Shogun’s soldiers seize Vision powers from her people, provoking rebellion. (Official Inazuma anniversary art) Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees: The Nation of Eternity, Inazuma, is effectively a militant police state when the Traveler first approaches its shores. The Raiden Shogun (Electro Archon Ei) has enacted two harsh policies: the Sakoku Decree, isolating Inazuma from all outside influence, and the Vision Hunt Decree, which forcibly confiscates magical Visions from Inazuman citizens “to preserve eternity.” This has led to widespread fear and resentment. Ordinary people live in paranoia as the Shogun’s Tenryou Commission soldiers conduct raids to yank Visions from respected figures – leaving Vision bearers drained of ambition, or worse. The decree has created a civil conflict: on one side, the Shogun and her loyal Tri-Commission (the ruling bureaus), and on the other, disenfranchised citizens and rebel sympathizers. By the time the Traveler sails in, a nascent resistance movement led by Sangonomiya Kokomi is rising on Watatsumi Island to oppose the Shogun’s forces. Civil War Scenario: Before outsider intervention, Inazuma stands on the brink of war. The Resistance Army (composed of samurai, affected Vision holders, and local militias) skirmishes with the Shogunate’s troops on islands like Yashiori and Kannazuka. The Fatui have secretly fanned the flames: the Sixth Harbinger Scaramouche (the Balladeer) manipulated the Shogun’s forces to distribute counterfeit Visions called Delusions to rebels, knowing these devices drain life – thus weakening Inazuma from both sides. Overconfident in her pursuit of eternity, the Shogun remains locked in her Plane of Euthymia meditation, delegating enforcement to puppet authorities like Kujou Sara (general of the Tenryou Commission) and Kujou clan officials – some of whom are unknowingly compromised by the Fatui. In short: Inazuma is torn by tyranny and rebellion, with battle lines drawn and the average Inazuman suffering under martial law. This is the state of affairs as a new “foreign counterforce” (the Traveler or a party of adventurers) might arrive: a land of beauty and thunder, strangled by its Archon’s iron fist. Personal Conflicts – Familial and Emotional Struggles:: Many Inazuman characters have deeply personal stakes in this conflict. Kamisato Ayaka and her brother Ayato, heads of the Yashiro Commission, work diplomatically to petition the Shogun to end the Vision Hunt, while secretly helping escapees – a dangerous game that puts them at odds with the stricter Kujou clan. Kazuha, a wandering samurai, carries the last Vision of his fallen friend (who was slain by the Shogun in a duel) and is a wanted fugitive. His presence inspires the Resistance, yet he grapples with survivor’s guilt and a thirst to see his friend’s last wish fulfilled. Thoma, a half-foreigner housekeeper in Ayaka’s service, gets arrested under suspicion of treason, highlighting how the decree even tears apart friendships and households. On the Shogun’s side, Kujou Sara struggles between her duty to enforce the Archon’s will and her conscience as she witnesses her troops brutalizing fellow citizens. These interpersonal dramas underscore the broader war, giving a GM plenty of character-driven plots: e.g. helping Kazuha find a way to save a confiscated Vision or mediating between Sara and a former comrade now on the rebel side. Adventure Hook – Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual:: While war rages, an ancient spiritual threat lurks in Inazuma’s shadows. Long ago, after a great calamity, pockets of cursed filth began tainting areas around the Grand Narukami Shrine. In the “Sacred Sakura Cleansing” world quest, shrine maiden Kazari (who is more than she appears) guides the Traveler to purify these blights. For an adventuring party, this quest can be a multi-part paranormal investigation: Initial setup: The party is asked by a masked shrine maiden to help cleanse several corrupted shrines across Narukami Island. Each site is overrun by vengeful spirits (Ochimusha) and seeping darkness left from an ancient evil. As the players perform purification rituals, they gradually uncover Inazuma’s tragic past – including the tale of the Kitsune Saiguu who sacrificed herself to stem this corruption. The conflict here is more mystical: the group must battle ghostly samurai and solve sacred puzzles to lift the curse. By the final shrine, they confront a malevolent apparition born of the Tatarigami (cursed energy of a fallen god), setting the stage for an exorcism showdown. This quest ties into Inazuma’s history and can run parallel to the political storyline, enriching an Inazuma campaign with lore and supernatural challenge. Sumeru: Akademiya Schemes and Desert Dissension The Sages’ Secret Project: In the land of Sumeru, knowledge is power – and it’s tightly controlled by the Akademiya in the city. As the Traveler arrives, Sumeru’s ruling council of sages has sidelined their young Dendro Archon (Lesser Lord Kusanali, Nahida), keeping her virtually imprisoned in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. The public scarcely questions the Archon’s absence because the Akademiya preaches that their previous Archon (Greater Lord Rukkhadevata) taught that dreams and illogic are harmful. Thus, adult citizens never dream (due to a secret of the Akasha terminal network), and festivals honoring Kusanali are suppressed. Behind closed doors, the Grand Sage Azar and his peers are conducting a clandestine project to create a false god using forbidden knowledge – an experiment that involves harvesting dreams and manipulating minds. At the story’s outset, strange phenomena plague Sumeru City: repeated instances of déjà vu and time loops occur during what should be the Sabzeruz Festival (Kusanali’s birthday celebration), hinting that the Akademiya is trapping the populace in an illusion. In short, the governing sages are betraying their Archon and people, trading morality for an obsession with “pure reason” and a mad pursuit of godhood. Desert vs. Rainforest Tensions: Sumeru’s second source of conflict lies in its division between the verdant rainforests under Akademiya rule and the arid deserts once ruled by King Deshret. Long-standing distrust exists between the desert folk (many of whom revere the ancient deity Deshret) and the Akademiya in Sumeru City. Recently, this tension has escalated: extremist desert factions like Ayn al-Ahmar have started preaching that King Deshret will soon be resurrected, accusing the Akademiya of betraying the god of the desert. These rumors spark unrest – some desert tribes begin gathering relics and performing rituals in long-lost temples, preparing for a holy war to “take back” Sumeru from the scholars. Meanwhile, the Akademiya responds with crackdowns; Matra agents (magical enforcers like Cyno) hunt down researchers suspected of colluding with desert natives or dabbling in forbidden “divine knowledge.” When the Traveler first comes to Sumeru, they encounter a region on the brink of civil schism: the desert’s once-suppressed grievances are erupting, fueled by both genuine suffering (neglect by the Akademiya) and manipulation by unknown parties (e.g. a Fatui Harbinger, Il Dottore, covertly inciting chaos for his own agenda). This creates a rich backdrop of possible quests: diplomatic missions to Aaru Village (a free haven where desert and city folk meet), skirmishes with renegade Eremite bands, or explorations of ruined tombs that the desert dwellers seek to claim for power. Key Story Set-Up: By the time of the Sumeru Archon Quest, all these threads converge. The Traveler learns that the Akademiya has stolen a powerful “Divine Knowledge Capsule” containing forbidden wisdom, and one of their own sages defected with it. The quest to retrieve this capsule leads through Port Ormos and into an alliance with dissenters like Alhaitham (a scribe skeptical of the sages) and Dehya (a mercenary with ties to desert folk). Before any resolution, the initial conflict stands as: the Grand Sage is on the cusp of initiating a catastrophic god-creation experiment during the coming Sabzeruz Festival, the desert radicals are mobilizing under a false hope, and the true Archon Nahida is isolated, quietly trying to reach out through dreams. The stage is perfectly set for a daring heist of knowledge, a rescue mission for the Archon, and a unification of Sumeru’s two halves – all of which would be the core of an epic campaign chapter. Notable Character Conflict – Scaramouche’s Revenge:: One prominent character entangled in Sumeru’s drama (and beyond) is Scaramouche, also known as The Balladeer or by his chosen name Kunikuzushi. Though by Sumeru’s climax he becomes a boss enemy, initially Scaramouche’s story is a tragic tale of conflict with his own identity and creators. He was originally a prototype puppet made by the Electro Archon Ei, then discarded. Feeling betrayed and deemed a failure, Scaramouche wandered Inazuma and later joined the Fatui Harbingers, harboring a deep grudge against gods and humans alike. By the time of Sumeru’s events, Scaramouche is the secret weapon the Akademiya sages plan to use – a puppet vessel to house their artificial god – which suits his own quest for divinity. The initial state of his conflict: he perceives everyone as having betrayed him (his creator, his one human friend who died, etc.), and thus he seeks to become a god to spite the world. For players, Scaramouche can be an intriguing antagonist or anti-hero – encounters with him might involve uncovering Inazuma’s past or thwarting his attempts to steal knowledge. He exemplifies how a personal vendetta (a “despise [for] humans [and] gods” born of heartbreak) can escalate into a world-threatening conflict. Adventure Hook – The Aranyaka (Forest Adventure): Deep in Sumeru’s rainforests, away from politics, lies a hidden realm of Aranara – magical wood sprites guarding the balance of nature. The “Aranyaka” world quest is perfect for a side adventure rich with whimsy and danger. Starting premise: villagers near Vimara Village whisper of children disappearing into the woods and returning days later with no memories genshin-impact.fandom.com . A friendly forest ranger, Rana, enlists the party to help investigate. As they venture in, they encounter patches of the sinister Withering (rot-like zones killing the forest) and encounter a curious creature that guides them into Vanarana, the dreamlike home of the Aranara. The conflict here is a battle against the forest’s decay: an evil force called Marana (a manifestation of destruction) is spreading, and it even afflicts Rana with a curse. The party must perform ancient rituals, play magical rhythms on a Vintage Lyre, and help various Aranara around the jungle to gather components of a cure called Bija genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Each step is an adventure of its own – from rescuing an Aranara from peril, to restoring a giant tree, to confronting a nightmare beast born of Marana in a final showdown. By quest’s end (pre-Traveler), the stage is set for the forest’s salvation, but whether the party can succeed is up to them. This quest offers a change of pace with its fairy-tale atmosphere while still tying into Sumeru’s overarching theme of the balance between dreams and reality. Fontaine: The Prophecy and the Looming Courtroom Drama Dark Prophecy of the Hydro Archon: The genteel veneer of Fontaine, Nation of Justice, belies an undercurrent of dread. A widespread prophecy has taken hold among the citizenry: it warns that Fontaine will sink beneath an endless flood and that only the Hydro Archon will be left weeping alone on her throne. This dire prediction has sown anxiety and suspicion throughout the nation. The Hydro Archon Furina (Focalors) publicly plays it off with dramatic flair, but privately she is insecure and desperate to avert her foretold demise. In response, Fontaine’s court system – famously theatrical and overseen by the Chief Justice Neuvillette – has become even more of a spectacle. Furina stages grand trials both as distraction for the masses and to prove her “justice” and control, hoping to challenge fate itself. Right before the Traveler arrives, Fontaine is abuzz with news of peculiar crimes: an alarming series of mysterious disappearances of young women, whispers of a “heart-stealer” roaming the city. Many suspect it might tie into the prophecy’s dark omen, creating a climate of fear beneath the city’s elegant surface. Magical Courtroom Showdown: The inciting incident of Fontaine’s Archon Quest is a dramatic courtroom confrontation. Famed magicians Lyney and Lynette put on a spectacular performance at the Opera Epiclese, only for a horrific “accident” to occur – a volunteer from the audience seemingly ends up murdered during the magic trick gone wrong. Furina seizes the moment to accuse Lyney of foul play and demands a trial. The Traveler (or your players) unexpectedly find themselves defending Lyney in a trial by combat and wit, akin to a fantasy Ace Attorney scenario. Before any resolution, the stage is set as follows: the evidence is murky, the court audience is in an uproar, Furina is theatrically calling for convictions to show her dominance, and behind the scenes it becomes clear this is no open-and-shut case. In fact, the dead “victim” turns out to be not who she appeared, and a deeper conspiracy involving Fontainian technology and perhaps a betrayer among the Maison Bouffes (magician troupe) is at play. The initial conflict for adventurers here is solving a locked-room murder mystery in a city of artifice and water – all under the ticking clock of a pressured trial. Success could sway public opinion and even alter the course of the prophecy, while failure could see innocents condemned. Internal Strife – Justice vs. Ambition:: Fontaine’s key characters each have their own conflicts as the story opens. Chief Justice Neuvillette (secretly a dragon in human form) is caught between enforcing the strict letter of law and his own sense of true justice – he suspects the Archon Furina’s obsession with spectacle is eroding real justice. Navia, leader of the detectives’ guild and daughter of an unjustly executed man, is on a quest to expose corruption in the courts; her conflict with Furina’s regime is personal. Meanwhile, Fatui Harbinger Arlecchino operates an orphan network (House of the Hearth) in Fontaine and has infiltrated various institutions – her agenda could collide with Furina’s plans, introducing a villainy within. Childe (Tartaglia) also shows up, eager to duel champions in Fontaine’s famous duel-peña, but he encounters a bizarre malfunction of his Vision causing an uncontrollable power surge. This hints that something in Fontaine’s water or technology is affecting even Vision bearers, adding to the conflicts. These character-driven tensions (Neuvillette vs. Furina, Navia vs. the system, Childe vs. his own powers) provide fertile ground for role-play and side quests. For instance, players might assist Navia in re-investigating her father’s case, or help Neuvillette quell a restless public without Furina losing face. Adventure Hook – Melusine Missing Persons Case:: Outside the limelight of the Opera House, an adventuring party could be hired to solve the serial disappearances plaguing Fontaine. The victims – all young women – vanish without a trace, sometimes leaving only a puddle of water behind. The Melusines (Fontaine’s friendly aquatic beings) are quietly conducting their own search, and one Melusine detective, Mamere, reaches out for help. Starting scenario: The party is given a list of clues: locations where the victims were last seen (all near water sources), a sketch of a strange mark found on one site, and witness testimony of a “splash” heard at the time of one disappearance. As they follow leads through Fontaine’s picturesque but maze-like canals and rain-soaked alleyways, they may uncover evidence of an experimental device that liquefies objects – stolen from Fontaine’s famed inventors. The investigation could involve questioning an eccentric inventor, navigating the Merusea Sea (Fontaine’s aquabus system) to trace smuggled technology, and perhaps a confrontation in an underground facility where a grief-stricken culprit is using a hydro-alchemical machine to “return everyone to the primordial water”. This side quest ties into Fontaine’s dual themes of justice (catching the criminal through evidence) and water (the literal method of the crimes). It provides a detective-style adventure to complement the courtroom drama, all unfolding as the prophecy’s shadow looms overhead. The Abyss Order and Dainsleif’s Interlude Quests Secrets of Khaenri’ah: Intertwined with each nation’s storyline is the enigmatic Abyss Order, a faction of monsters and undead schemers that harbors deep hatred for the divine. They originate from the fallen nation of Khaenri’ah, which was destroyed by the gods 500 years ago. The Traveler’s own lost sibling is revealed to be the Prince/Princess of the Abyss Order, adding a personal stake to this conflict. In various Archon Quest Interludes, especially those guided by the mysterious Dainsleif, players glimpse the larger war the Abyss Order is waging in the shadows. Before these quests resolve, the initial situation is that the Abyss Order is actively plotting to overthrow the natural order of Teyvat. For example, in one quest they try to corrupt Dvalin (Stormterror) to turn the dragon against Mondstadt’s Archon, and in another they create an “Inverted Statue of Seven” deep underground as part of a ritual to poison the gods’ power. Dainsleif, a former royal guard of Khaenri’ah cursed with immortality, pursues the Abyss Order across the world, reluctantly guiding the Traveler. Dainsleif’s Pursuit: Before the Traveler intervenes, Dainsleif has tracked an Abyss Herald to the ruins beneath Wolfsen and later to the Chasm. His goal is to stop a plan known as “Loom of Fate” – an Abyss scheme to transform hilichurls (cursed former humans of Khaenri’ah) back into an army of darkness. The tension in these interludes comes from Dain’s inner conflict: he is torn between his duty to punish the Abyss (and possibly his former prince, the Traveler’s sibling) and his lingering loyalty/love for his people. In one interlude quest (“We Will Be Reunited”), the Traveler finally encounters their Sibling, now leading the Abyss, in a ruined domain of Khaenri’ah. The sibling cryptically warns that the Traveler is “on the wrong side of destiny” and that the Abyss will bring down the gods of Celestia. No battle occurs then, but the emotional conflict is intense – the lost sibling views Dainsleif as a traitor and implies a grand plan to topple the heavenly principles. The initial scenario here, rich for exploration, is a world-spanning cat-and-mouse game: Abyss Heralds and Lectors stealing artifacts or kidnapping innocent people for dark rites, Dainsleif appearing with grim warnings, and the Traveler (or players) forced to question what happened 500 years ago. Adventure Hook – Bough Keeper’s Request:: Dainsleif could serve as a quest-giver to a party of adventurers between major Archon Quests. For instance: Dain learns of an Abyss Order cell operating in the ruins of an old monastic library in Liyue. He might recruit the party to infiltrate it while he handles another front. Initial info: townsfolk near the area report strange lights at night and missing books of lore. Upon investigation, the party finds Abyss mages are searching the library for texts on ancient illumination devices – hinting at a plot to corrupt Liyue’s ley lines. The adventurers might navigate traps and fight off possessed ruin guards as they descend into the catacombs below the library, eventually finding an Abyss Lector performing a ritual with a twisted mechanical lamp. They must stop this ritual to prevent a localized eclipse that would darken the area permanently. This standalone quest emphasizes the Abyss Order’s penchant for arcane schemes and can be tailored to reveal bits of Khaenri’ah’s story (perhaps a diary of a monk who witnessed the cataclysm, giving lore clues). Success would thwart the Abyss’s local plan, but Dainsleif might appear at the end to reveal it was but one piece of a larger puzzle, enticing the party to continue aiding him. Notable Character Conflicts and Story Quests Beyond the grand nation-spanning arcs, many individual characters in Genshin Impact have conflicts ripe for adaptation into side quests or character-driven stories. Here are a few prominent examples of playable characters with compelling personal storylines or feuds at the start of their tales: Scaramouche (The Wanderer): Formerly the Fatui Harbinger codenamed Balladeer, Scaramouche’s personal conflict is rooted in betrayal and identity. Created as a puppet by the Electro Archon Ei and then cast aside, he grew lonely and resentful, coming to believe he was abandoned as a “failure”. His attempts to live among humans led to further heartbreak (the death of a friend he considered family) and solidified his contempt for both humans and gods. By the time he surfaces in the story, Scaramouche is an antagonistic figure helping orchestrate the Vision Hunt Decree’s darker side and later attempting to usurp divinity in Sumeru. At the outset of his story: he is driven by a vindictive desire for revenge against his creator and the world, making him unpredictable – he might ally with players if it serves his goal or betray them the moment it doesn’t. His arc offers rich emotional depth: a chance for a DM to explore themes of what it means to have a “heart” or to be treated as a person, through interactions that slowly reveal Scaramouche’s tragic past. Diluc vs. Kaeya (Brothers at Odds): In Mondstadt, the brothers by adoption – Diluc Ragnvindr and Kaeya Alberich – present a tense relationship full of undercurrents. Diluc, the former Cavalry Captain of the Knights, became disillusioned after his father’s death (which he felt the Knights failed to prevent) and Kaeya’s shocking confession that he was a planted spy from Khaenri’ah. The two dueled on a rainy night, leaving a lasting rift. When the Traveler meets them: they maintain a facade of cordiality, but subtle barbs hint at unresolved issues. Diluc operates as a lone vigilante, and Kaeya remains within the Knights, each protecting Mondstadt in their own way. A possible side quest could involve a situation forcing them to work together (e.g. a smuggling ring of fake Visions in Mondstadt’s port). The conflict would emerge in heated arguments over tactics and trust, revealing tidbits of that fateful night. Ultimately, their dynamic offers a classic “goal alignment versus personal distrust” scenario for a party to navigate. Eula and the Lawrence Legacy: Eula Lawrence, the Spindrift Knight, faces ostracism due to her family’s tyrannical history. The Lawrence clan once ruled Mondstadt with cruelty, and though Eula fights for the Knights of Favonius now, many citizens regard her with suspicion or outright hostility. At the start of her story quest, Eula’s conflict is her struggle for acceptance and her vow of “vengeance” (mostly facetious) against the prejudiced attitudes. An adventure could revolve around an Aristocrat conspiracy – say, a few of Eula’s disgraced relatives secretly plotting to restore their nobility by making a deal with the Fatui. Eula and the players must stop this plot, all while townsfolk cast doubt on Eula’s true loyalties. This tests Eula’s resolve: will she uphold her Knightly honor even for those who scorn her? It’s a nuanced social conflict highlighting themes of breaking free from one’s lineage. Albedo and the Dragonspine Doppelgänger: Albedo, the chief alchemist of Mondstadt, harbors a dangerous secret – he was created through alchemy and carries the power of chalk and the Void. In his story quest on Dragonspine, an impostor Albedo (a failed experiment of his master) lurks, causing chaos by attacking knights and civilians. The initial conflict here is almost a horror-mystery: strange reports on Dragonspine of travelers turning to chalk or an “Albedo” behaving erratically. The real Albedo enlists the party to investigate, all while he struggles with the existential fear that if his own creation is flawed, he could lose control too. This quest allows players to solve riddles and survive harsh conditions, culminating in a battle against the rampaging homunculus. The deeper conflict is Albedo’s internal one: the burden of his inhuman origin and the promise he made to destroy himself if he ever goes out of control. It’s an excellent side plot for those who enjoy philosophical and moral dilemmas alongside combat. Kazuha’s Duel: Kaedehara Kazuha begins as a ronin fleeing Inazuma’s Vision Hunt Decree. His dearest friend was killed by the Raiden Shogun in a duel after refusing to surrender his Vision. Kazuha keeps his friend’s Crimson Vision with him, hoping one day it might reignite (a sign of his friend’s ambition living on). Initially, Kazuha’s conflict is running from the law and figuring out how to honor his friend’s last wishes. He’s peaceful by nature but feels a building need to stand up against the injustice that took his friend’s life. Before joining the Traveler, Kazuha is hiding with Beidou’s Crux fleet, where an opportunity arises: rumor has it the Shogun will offer a public duel to anyone who can strike her (this is actually how his friend died). The party could be drawn into Kazuha’s plan to crash the duel or otherwise challenge the decree. Emotional beats include Kazuha reciting poetry at his friend’s grave and the moment the preserved Vision glows once more when a resolution is near – a powerful symbol that can drive a session’s climax. Kazuha’s tale is one of grief, hope, and defiance, very fitting for character-centric play. Cyno vs. Corruption: In Sumeru, Cyno the General Mahamatra has a straightforward but intense conflict: he executes academics who commit heinous taboos, and one such target was once his friend. At the story’s start, Cyno discovers hints that a group of researchers have been experimenting on Archon residue, risking a catastrophe. This puts him at odds with certain Akademiya officials who wish to hush it up. A side adventure could involve Cyno recruiting the party to raid a secret lab in the desert where rogue scholars (possibly aided by the Fatui) conduct unethical experiments on divine knowledge capsules, causing horrific side effects. Cyno’s personal struggle is keeping his strict justice in check – he’s known to eliminate perpetrators without mercy, but maybe one culprit is the younger sibling of his old friend, stirring his conscience. This story explores Sumeru’s themes of morality vs. rationality and lets players delve into a morally gray scenario of academic hubris. Nilou vs. the Akademiya: Nilou, a beloved dancer of Sumeru’s Zubayr Theater, faces conflict when the Akademiya moves to shut down her theater and the arts at large (deeming them useless). Initially, Nilou is almost alone in resisting – the stage is her life, and she rallies her troupe to put on one last forbidden performance (the Sabzeruz Festival dance) in honor of the Dendro Archon. The conflict here is non-violent but high stakes culturally: convincing townsfolk and mild-mannered scholars to allow a celebration of emotion and art in a society ruled by cold logic. In a campaign, players could aid Nilou by gathering audience support, protecting the theater from saboteurs, or debating an Akademiya official on the value of art. It’s a refreshing change of pace where the “battle” is one of ideals. The initial situation before the Traveler intervenes: the Grand Sage has outright banned the festival, Nilou’s mentor is pressured to cancel the show, and Inazuma-style Peacekeepers lurk around to enforce compliance. Can creativity and joy win out? This arc resonates strongly if the party enjoys role-play and community-driven stories. Intertwined Fates – Traveler vs. Sibling:: Finally, the overarching personal conflict driving the Traveler (and thus the campaign’s meta-narrative) is the impending confrontation between the Traveler and their lost Twin Sibling. At the start of the game’s story, the Traveler learns their sibling is not a captive of the Abyss Order but its leader, who believes in a coming “war against Celestia”. While this hasn’t yet fully played out, it underpins every Archon Quest. The sibling leaves messages and tests for the Traveler (like at the Chasm, where the Traveler experiences a vision of the past via their sibling’s memories in the “Caribert” quest). The initial dynamic is emotionally charged: the Traveler is overjoyed to find their twin alive, only to feel betrayed that the twin is now an antagonist working with monstrous forces. Meanwhile, the twin is conflicted too – they seek to “guide [the Traveler] to the truth” of this world’s cruel gods, believing the Traveler ignorant of what transpired during their 500-year separation. This sibling rivalry shaded with love and sorrow can be a powerful role-playing element. Even before any final duel, GMs can use dream sequences or encounters where the sibling speaks through an Abyss Herald, offering cryptic warnings. The tension of potentially facing one’s own family on opposite sides of a war gives the campaign a poignant personal stake that complements the external conflicts.

Magic & Religion Magic in Teyvat – In the world of Teyvat, magic is intrinsically tied to elemental energy and the gods. Most humans cannot wield elemental powers freely; only those blessed by the gods or other supernatural means can harness true magic. Individuals with great ambition may be granted a Vision, a gemstone bestowed by the divine that allows them to channel an element and even offers the potential to one day ascend to godhood in Celestia. Other, more sinister sources of power exist as well – such as mass-produced Delusions or ancient curses – but these often come at a terrible cost. Below, we delve into how magic works in Teyvat, who can use it, and the deities that influence it. Sources of Magic in Teyvat Visions: Divine Blessings Visions (often called “Eyes of God”) are elemental crystals given as a form of acknowledgment by the gods. A Vision attunes its bearer to one of the seven elements (Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, or Cryo), granting the ability to manipulate that element in battle and everyday life. In Teyvat’s lore, Visions are said to be gifts from Celestia in recognition of a person’s ambition or destiny. Contrary to common belief, the Archons (the seven gods each ruling an element) do not hand-pick Vision holders; Archons lack direct control over Vision distribution. Instead, they “give away a shard of their authority” as part of their duty, and the Vision finds its way to a worthy individual without the Archon even knowing who received it. Each Vision embodies the element of the Archon who governs that element, but the selection seems guided by fate or Celestia rather than the Archon’s personal will. Vision holders are known as Allogenes (those “chosen by the gods”) in the lore. Gaining a Vision is often a life-changing event: it can occur during moments of intense ambition, crisis, or enlightenment, from life-threatening battles to personal epiphanies. There is no guaranteed method to obtain a Vision – some young prodigies receive one early in life, while other hopefuls wait decades in vain. Once granted, a Vision allows its user to produce elemental phenomena: create fire, summon ice, stir the winds, etc. However, it’s not instant mastery; wielders must train to properly channel elemental energy. People express their elemental powers in unique ways – for example, the exorcist Chongyun constantly emits Cryo aura to suppress his yang energy, while acolyte Shenhe combined adeptus arts with her Cryo Vision to freeze a tsunami in one stroke. A Vision can even resonate with the environment; in-game, a Vision may glow in the presence of concentrated elemental energy. Having a Vision confers special advantages beyond combat. Vision bearers develop a heightened elemental sensitivity (they can perceive elemental traces that others can’t). They are also more resistant to supernatural corruption. For instance, those with Visions can endure the miasma of a Withering Zone in Sumeru for far longer, whereas an ordinary person would quickly suffer lethal effects. We even see that Vision users can dive underwater freely in the waters of Fontaine, whereas non-Vision holders require diving apparatus by law. These blessings underscore that Visions are divine boons, marking individuals who are a cut above normal mortals in the eyes of the world. It’s little wonder that possessing a Vision is also seen as the first step on the path to legendary heroism or even godhood – the hero Vennessa, for example, was said to ascend to Celestia after liberating Mondstadt, becoming one of the wind guardians. In sum, Visions represent a sacred contract between the gods and humanity’s ambition, enabling select individuals to work miracles and perhaps one day join the ranks of the divine. Delusions: Artificial Visions Delusions are dark counterparts to Visions – man-made implements that grant elemental powers, at a terrible price. Created clandestinely by the Fatui of Snezhnaya, a Delusion resembles a Vision in enabling elemental control, but it draws on forbidden energy. According to in-game revelations, Delusions are manufactured from the remains of powerful gods. This imbues them with immense power, but that power is unstable and “feeds” on the user’s own life force. In effect, a Delusion drains the vitality of its bearer in exchange for elemental abilities – a stark contrast to the life-affirming nature of a Vision. Delusions feature prominently in the story of Inazuma: the Fatui distributed Delusions to discontented locals as a ploy during the Vision Hunt Decree conflict. Users of these fake Visions found their strength dramatically enhanced, only to suffer grave consequences. One such victim, the resistance fighter Teppei, rapidly withered into an old man and died after prolonged Delusion use – his human life force exhausted. The Traveler themself was briefly incapacitated by the noxious energy of a Delusion factory, which was suffused with the residual power of dead gods used in Delusion production. These examples make it clear that while anyone (even a non-Allogene) can gain elemental powers via a Delusion, it is inherently dangerous and corrupting. Unlike Visions that are seen as blessings, Delusions are viewed with fear and moral ambiguity in Teyvat. They represent the Fatui’s willingness to tamper with divine relics for power. It’s implied that the Tsaritsa (Cryo Archon) sanctions their creation – possibly as part of her agenda against Celestia – since her Fatui organization mass-produces them. In summary, Delusions allow even the unchosen to wield magic, but this artificial gift comes at the cost of one’s life energy and perhaps one’s soul. Curses and Corruptions Not all magic in Teyvat is benevolent; some is decidedly malevolent or punitive, taking the form of curses. The most infamous example is the curse laid upon Khaenri’ah, a civilization that was destroyed 500 years ago after defying the gods. In the Cataclysm that ended Khaenri’ah, the “Heavenly Principles” (greater gods of Celestia) cursed all Khaenri’ahns for their transgressions. This horrific curse split the afflicted into two fates: pure-blooded Khaenri’ahns were condemned to eternal immortality (undying bodies that cannot find release), while those of mixed blood or outsiders were transformed into monsters – the hilichurls and other abyssal creatures that roam the wilds. Both groups also suffer from “erosion,” a gradual loss of memory and self over centuries. This divine punishment means the people of Khaenri’ah literally live in a never-ending nightmare – either immortal and unable to die, or degenerated into twisted forms. The traveler’s companion Dainsleif and even the Abyss Order we encounter are products of this curse, underscoring how deeply a godly curse can shape the world’s conflicts. Curses can also manifest in other ways. In Liyue’s history, when the gentle God of Salt (Havria) was slain, a surge of her power petrified all her nearby followers into salt – a lethal final miracle that was essentially a curse released in death genshin-impact.fandom.com . In Sumeru, the knowledge-seeking King Deshret’s experimentation with forbidden knowledge unleashed a “knowledge curse” that plagued the land with madness, and a disease called Eleazar befell his descendants – an affliction likened to a curse for its mysterious, debilitating effects (later cured when forbidden knowledge was cleansed). These examples illustrate that when divine or otherworldly forces are misused, the consequence is often a curse that corrupts life. Whether it’s a god’s wrath or the backlash of cosmic secrets, curses serve as a grim counterpoint to the gifts of Visions. They remind everyone in Teyvat that the gods giveth and the gods can taketh away – sometimes in cruel and unusual ways. (Notably, even removing a Vision can have “cursing” effects: during Inazuma’s Vision Hunt Decree, those who had their Visions confiscated by the Raiden Shogun were reduced to empty husks of themselves, losing ambition and will to live. While not a curse in the traditional sense, this phenomenon showed how a divine gift, once taken, can leave a person spiritually crippled – a subtle, tragic form of magical affliction.) Other Sources of Power Beyond Visions and Delusions, Teyvat hosts other forms of magic and supernatural power. Adepti and mystical beings can harness magic innately without a Vision. For example, the adepti of Liyue (illumined beasts like Cloud Retainer or Streetward Rambler) and Yakshas like Xiao command elemental powers through adeptal arts or karmic might. It’s said that adepti can control elements without an external Vision, though some choose to carry Visions to “comply” with human norms. Likewise, gods and archons themselves obviously have immense elemental power by virtue of their godhood – far beyond what a mortal Vision user can do. Each Archon carries a Gnosis, a chess-piece-like conduit that resonates with Celestia and symbolizes their authority. The Gnosis is not used by mortals, but the Fatui have been collecting these from the Archons, hinting that Gnoses might be key to a greater power or ritual. Alchemy and technology also provide alternative pathways to supernatural feats. The art of “Khemia” (practiced by the alchemist Rhinedottir, a Khaenri’ahn) created life forms like Albedo and other homunculi, essentially magical life through science. Khaenri’ah, having no Visions, famously relied on machinery and alchemy to defend itself – their autonomous Ruin Guards and Ruin machines are a form of techno-magic empowered by elemental energy from the Ley Lines. In Sumeru, ancient mechanisms harnessed Primordial Seawater and other magical resources to achieve feats humans alone could not. Even everyday artifacts and talismans (like the adepti’s charms or Fontaine’s clockwork devices) show that magic can infuse objects not just people. Finally, the Traveler (the protagonist) themselves is a unique case: as a being from beyond Teyvat, the Traveler can wield elements without a Vision by resonating with the Statues of the Seven. This ability remains mysterious, but it demonstrates that not all magic is bounded by Teyvat’s usual rules – the Traveler channels elemental power through their own will and perhaps an innate connection to the world. In summary, while Visions are the primary avenue for humans to use magic, Teyvat’s world offers myriad other sources of magical power: from ancient god-given artifacts to the innate might of non-human entities, to the careful manipulation of the natural laws via alchemy. Each comes with its own lore and limitations, painting a picture of a world where magic and myth are woven into every corner of society. Deities and Divine Influence While magic is the lifeblood of Teyvat, gods and religion are its soul. Countless deities have left their mark on this world, but foremost are The Seven Archons – the god-kings who rule the seven nations and elements. These seven ascended to power during the Archon War 2,000 years ago, and each Archon’s ethos shapes the land they govern. It is important to note that not all gods are Archons; Teyvat’s history is full of lesser gods, rival gods, and lost gods that also influence its regions and lore. Here we provide a brief overview of the major deities confirmed in the game’s lore, both the Archons and others, and how they influence the world’s magic and people. The Seven Archons (The Seven) Each Archon represents one element and one guiding Ideal for their nation. Though divine, they are not infallible or omnipotent – they act with personalities and agendas, and their perspectives on Visions, humanity, and other gods can differ. Below are the current Archons and their known ideals (with only brief info, as their full stories are covered elsewhere): Barbatos – Anemo Archon of Mondstadt (God of Freedom): Barbatos values Freedom above all. In practice, he allows Mondstadt’s people to govern themselves and rarely intervenes openly. Barbatos does not personally choose who gets Anemo Visions – he has implied that Visions choose their bearers on their own, aligning with his laissez-faire approach. His ideal of freedom extends even to divine gifts; the wind god believes individuals should grow without a god’s constant oversight. (In-game, Barbatos’s mortal guise is Venti, a playful bard. He helped establish Mondstadt’s free city-state and then stepped back to let human society flourish freely.) Morax – Geo Archon of Liyue (God of Contracts): Morax upholds the Ideal of Contracts (or Order). As Liyue’s deity, he presided over commerce, law, and the sanctity of agreements. For thousands of years Morax personally led Liyue Harbor, annually ensuring prosperity and defense. He sees the value of human self-reliance; in fact, Morax arranged his own “death” to test if Liyue could stand on its own. Geo Visions, as fragments of his power, resonate with his principles of solidity and perseverance. (Morax’s human form is Zhongli, a consultant who espouses the importance of contracts. He parted with his Gnosis in a deal with the Tsaritsa, demonstrating his ideal that even gods are bound by contracts.) Raiden Ei – Electro Archon of Inazuma (God of Eternity): The current Electro Archon, Ei, pursues Eternity as her ideal – an unchanging, perfected existence. Traumatized by loss, Ei believed preserving her nation in stasis would protect it. This led to the Vision Hunt Decree, where she confiscated Visions from her people, fearing that human ambitions (symbolized by Visions) would catalyze unwanted change over her eternal order. For a time, no new Electro Visions appeared in Inazuma, a phenomenon attributed to the Archon’s will during that period. Ei eventually realized this was a mistake and repealed the decree, learning that eternity must encompass human desires as well. (In public, Raiden Ei was worshiped as the Shogun; in private, she meditated in her Plane of Euthymia while a puppet carried out her will. Her journey in the story is one of reconnecting with humanity’s present.) Nahida (Buer) – Dendro Archon of Sumeru (God of Wisdom): Nahida embodies Wisdom. As the youngest Archon, she spent much of her early time captive, but once free, she guided Sumeru to value knowledge tempered with compassion. The Dendro Archon’s philosophy is that curiosity and dreams drive progress – she reveres scholarly pursuit but learned that wisdom must also include emotions and moral growth. Nahida hasn’t been seen directly bestowing Visions, but Sumeru’s culture of learning and the Akasha system were deeply influenced by her (and her predecessor’s) presence. She also showed respect for other gods’ legacies, working with the memories of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and King Deshret to resolve Sumeru’s forbidden knowledge crisis. In short, Nahida’s influence encourages the flourishing of minds and hearts in her land. Furina (Focalors) – Hydro Archon of Fontaine (God of Justice): Furina’s ideal is Justice. Fontaine, under her rule, is a nation obsessed with law, drama, and the pursuit of truth through trials. Uniquely, Fontaine’s Archon has a dual nature: the Hydro Archon’s power is shared in a sense with the Hydro Dragon Sovereign (Neuvillette). Furina loves spectacular court spectacles and believes justice should be live theater, reflecting the values of accountability and entertainment. While little is revealed about how she feels regarding Visions, we do see that Hydro Visions gravitate to individuals who seek change and clarity (traits resonating with justice). Furina’s governance led to advanced technology like the Oratrice, blending magic and law. Over Fontaine’s story, Furina learns humility and true justice beyond mere performance, stepping up to protect her people when a prophecy of flood loomed. Her tenure illustrates an Archon’s growth alongside their ideal. Murata – Pyro Archon of Natlan (God of War): Murata is known through lore as the God of War, and her people in Natlan live by a passionate, warlike ethos. Though not yet seen in game, Natlan’s culture (as hinted by characters like Iansan or stories of the rerun) prizes strength, competition, and fiery enthusiasm – all hallmarks of Murata’s ideal. It’s said her followers thrive on the crucible of combat. Murata’s domain likely means Pyro Visions gravitate to those with burning spirit or relentless drive. One legend ties Murata to Vennessa, the great heroine of Mondstadt who was originally a war chief from Natlan’s tribes; Murata’s blessing may have been with Vennessa when she ascended. While concrete details await future stories, Murata stands as a deity who encourages power through struggle. (Historically, Natlan’s first Archon is rumored to be a being named Xbalanque who defeated a primordial flame dragon, but whether Murata is the same entity or a successor remains to be seen in confirmed lore.) The Tsaritsa – Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya (God of Love [formerly]): The Tsaritsa is a figure shrouded in mystery and contradiction. She is the Archon of Cryo, ruling Snezhnaya, and the patron of the Fatui. Unconfirmed lore (narrated by Dainsleif) suggests her original ideal was “Love,” but at some point she became utterly disillusioned with love and turned to mourning. Now, the Cryo Archon’s actions seem cold and warlike: she withdrew from attending Archon gatherings and instead empowers the Fatui to gather the other Archons’ Gnoses. It’s believed the Tsaritsa is preparing for a rebellion against the divine order of Celestia – in her own words (via Fatui Harbingers), she wages war “for the salvation of all”. The Tsaritsa’s view on Visions is not directly stated, but given her agenda, she likely sees them as trivial trinkets in comparison to her grand goals. Snezhnaya’s people revere her as the God of Cryo who welcomes outcasts (the Fatui Harbingers are granted god-like authority by her). Whether she truly cast aside Love or still secretly fights out of love for humanity will be a major question when her story comes to light. For now, she is both an Archon and an antagonist by proxy – showing that even an Archon’s ideal can undergo a radical change, with worldwide consequences. Other Gods and Mythical Entities Teyvat’s rich mythology includes many gods besides the Seven. In the Archon War, numerous rival deities vied for power; those who lost either perished, submitted, or fled. After the war, the Seven became the chief gods, but remnants of other divinities persist in lore, either as spirits, transformed beings, or simply remembered legends. Here are some noteworthy gods and entities confirmed through in-game lore that influence Teyvat’s spiritual landscape: Celestia and the Heavenly Principles: Above all stands Celestia, a mysterious floating island visible in the sky. It is “home to the gods, as well as mortals who have ascended to godhood.” en.wikipedia.org This implies Celestia is both a residence for Archons and an abode for heroic souls (like Vennessa) elevated to godhood. Celestia occasionally intervenes in mortal affairs, both benevolently and harshly. The so-called Heavenly Principles or Sustainer of Heavenly Principles is a primordial entity enforcing Celestia’s will. At the start of the Traveler’s journey, a female figure claiming to be the Sustainer trapped the twins in Teyvat, preventing their departure. And 500 years ago, when Khaenri’ah’s hubris peaked, Celestia unleashed judgment – destroying the nation and cursing its people. In legends recorded in Enkanomiya, an even more ancient time is spoken of when a “Primordial One” and its shades (possibly including a Time deity named Istaroth) shaped the world, and later Celestia smote civilizations with Celestial Nails to quell forbidden knowledge. All this paints Celestia as the ultimate divine authority in Teyvat: granting Visions and ascension to some, but also laying down absolute law (the “rules of this world”) that, if broken, invite wrath. People of Teyvat generally worship the Archons directly, but Celestia looms in the background as a heaven that only the worthy or the foolhardy seek to reach. Descended and Ascended Gods: Some characters in lore have ascended to godhood or are reborn deities. One example is Neuvillette in Fontaine – not an Archon, but the reincarnation of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, an ancient power equal to a god. With the return of his memory and power, Neuvillette took on duties akin to an Archon to protect Fontaine genshin-impact.fandom.com . There are also the Moon Sisters (three lunar goddesses) mentioned in cultural tales, and new Vision-like objects called Moon Wheels in the far region of Nod-Krai, said to be created by those moon goddesses. These hint that beyond the Seven, other spheres of divinity (like the moons, dragons, and shades) quietly influence Teyvat’s fate. We also meet Azhdaha, a venerable dragon sealed by Morax, who possessed god-like power over Geo until erosion drove him mad – blurring the line between “god” and colossal elemental beast. Even Dvalin (Stormterror) and Andrius (Wolf of the North) are revered as guardian deities in Mondstadt (two of the Four Winds). They aren’t Archons, but they’re directly empowered by Celestia’s system (Andrius was offered a spot in the Archon War but declined ruling, instead choosing to become a free guardian spirit genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com ). These cases show the diversity of divine beings in Teyvat. Fallen and Local Gods: Many regions have lore about gods who predate or were defeated by the Archons, some of whom left lasting marks. In Mondstadt, before Barbatos, there was Decarabian, the Tyrant of Storms, and Andrius, the Great Wolf King. Barbatos’s rise involved the fall of Decarabian (whose seat Barbatos took) and the friendship of Andrius (who chose not to rule) genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Mondstadt’s culture still honors the Four Winds, including the deceased Decarabian’s former lover Amos and the spirit of Andrius, illustrating a form of ancestral worship of lesser gods. In Liyue, the Geo Archon’s era was shared with gods like Guizhong (the God of Dust) and Havria (the God of Salt). Guizhong was a wise and gentle deity who perished during a war 3,700 years ago, dying in Morax’s arms at Guili Plains genshin-impact.fandom.com . Havria, kind but weak, tried to avoid war but was ultimately betrayed by her own followers and killed; at the moment of death her released power turned the surrounding crowd to salt, a story passed down as a cautionary tale genshin-impact.fandom.com . Liyue folklore and landscapes (Sal Terrae, Guili Assembly ruins) still carry these gods’ names and legacies. Another Liyue entity is Osial, a giant sea god whom Morax defeated and sealed under the ocean; Osial’s attempted reawakening caused chaos in Liyue Harbor until he was resealed genshin-impact.fandom.com . In Inazuma, the islands were once not unified – Raiden Shogun (Makoto and Ei) had to subdue foes like Orobashi, the great serpent god. Orobashi fled to the dark depths of Enkanomiya and later brought the island of Watatsumi to the surface to save those people genshin-impact.fandom.com . Eventually, Orobashi violated a Celestia taboo (by reading an forbidden tome) and was executed by the Electro Archon genshin-impact.fandom.com . To this day, Inazuma’s people honor Orobashi as the slain god of Watatsumi Island, and his gigantic skeleton remains part of the landscape. Inazuma also had minor gods such as the Nameless Oni Gods of legend and the Raiden twin Archons (Ei’s twin, Makoto, was the original Archon who died 500 years ago). Sumeru too had a unique situation: it was jointly ruled by three gods in harmony – Greater Lord Rukkhadevata (the previous Dendro Archon), King Deshret (the Scarlet King of the desert), and Nabu Malikata (Goddess of Flowers) genshin-impact.fandom.com . Rather than war, they shared knowledge and friendship. Deshret eventually refused Celestia’s Archon seat and pursued his own dream of an ideal society, but tragedy struck when forbidden knowledge led to catastrophe: the Goddess of Flowers died long ago (circumstances mysterious), and later Deshret sacrificed himself to stop the spread of madness from forbidden knowledge, leaving only Rukkhadevata as Archon. Sumeru’s deserts are full of ruins from Deshret’s advanced civilization, and to this day desert folk worship the memory of the Scarlet King. Meanwhile, Sumeru’s lush region was tended by Rukkhadevata until she, too, perished (erased from existence to cleanse the Abyssal corruption). Her young reincarnation, Nahida, now carries on, but even she consulted residual memories of Deshret and the Flower God to resolve recent crises – the echoes of those gods guided her. This interplay shows how the influence of long-gone gods can linger in artifacts, ruins, and even mental impressions, aiding or haunting the present. Fontaine had a previous Hydro Archon named Egeria, known as the Lady of Justice before Furina. She died in the cataclysm 500 years ago, with her remains creating the magical Amrita springs that purify waters genshin-impact.fandom.com genshin-impact.fandom.com . Fontaine’s oldest tales also speak of a God-King Remus and a prophecy of a great flood – hints of ancient divine drama specific to the Hydro nation. And Natlan, according to obscure legend, was heavily shaped by primordial dragons fighting for dominance such that human gods barely took part; the eventual rise of its Archon (possibly Murata or her predecessor) involved slaying a dragon and even making a pact with the God of Death (Ronova) to gain power genshin-impact.fandom.com . This paints Natlan’s religion as one interwoven with elemental dragons and possibly death worship. Evil Gods and the Abyss: Not all gods are benevolent. The aftermath of the Archon War saw defeated gods either killed, absorbed, or exiled. Those who fled to the edges of the world (the “Dark Sea”) became known as evil gods genshin-impact.fandom.com . They no longer have nations, but some still influence the world through cults or by tempting people. In various quests we encounter hints of malevolent deities or powerful Abyssal entities (like the Sinner who speaks to the Traveler’s sibling, or the Abyss Heralds serving dark powers). The Abyss Order itself worships a twisted ideal of overturning the gods of Celestia. Whether the Abyss has actual gods is unclear, but it certainly has power comparable to them (e.g. the Abyss Princess/Prince leading it, who is the lost sibling of the Traveler, is treated as a sovereign of that dark realm). There is also the entity called “The Sinner” glimpsed in an abyssal ritual – possibly one of the ancient “Sinner Lords” from Khaenri’ahn lore – which suggests that some forsaken god or being is imprisoned in the Abyss desiring return. These darker facets of divinity show that “gods” in Teyvat span a wide moral spectrum, from loving protectors to world-threatening demons. In conclusion, magic and religion in Teyvat are two sides of the same coin – power granted by higher beings, and the higher beings who shape fate. Visions and other magical boons are the tangible proof of the gods’ touch on the world, while the Archons and myriad gods (seen and unseen) steer the course of history. Archons act as intermediaries of sorts, each with their own philosophy on how humanity should live and evolve, reflected in how they administer their nations and what divine gifts or decrees they dispense. Meanwhile, the hidden Celestia watches from above, intervening in drastic ways when the balance is threatened. Every curse and every blessing in Teyvat ultimately traces back to a god’s will or a clash between cosmic forces. As travelers in this world discover, understanding how magic works inevitably means understanding the motives of the gods. And as the story continues to unfold, the question remains: are the people of Teyvat players in the gods’ grand design, or can they, with Vision in hand, forge their own destiny that even the gods must respect?