Diving Deep into the World of Fatui and Foes in Genshin Impact
Have you ever thought about those masked diplomats causing trouble in Teyvat? You have come to the right place. Let’s explore the mysteries and power of the Fatui from Genshin Impact, along with other intriguing characters and challenges in your adventures.
The Fatui: Diplomats or Menace?
From the icy lands of Snezhnaya, the Fatui claim to be diplomats. Don’t be fooled by the title. They act more like Teyvat’s biggest headache, a group with dubious methods and cold ambitions. Under the rule of the Cryo Archon Tsaritsa and her elite Eleven Harbingers, they pose a serious threat to travelers.
Behind the Masks: The Fatui Ethos
Notice those masks the Fatui wear? It’s more than a fashion choice. Tales say joining the Fatui means letting go of your past self. Old names, identities, faces – they vanish. It’s a fresh start, or maybe a chilling end, serving the Tsaritsa’s goals.
Fatui Harbingers: The Eleven Faces of Power
The Harbingers lead the Fatui, eleven fierce figures with titles inspired by Commedia dell’arte. Think of Italian masked theater, where characters embody clear roles. These Harbingers play for keeps on the Teyvat stage.
Where do these power players go when they’re not scheming world domination? It’s a question that sparks theories, but their Snezhnayan origins are clear.
Snezhnaya: Motherland of the Fatui
Snezhnaya is the home base of the Fatui, located in Teyvat’s northwest. Picture a frigid mix of Tsarist and Soviet Russia. Think Siberia, but more fantastical. It borders Natlan to the south and Fontaine to the east. Snezhnaya is a place built on ice and ambition. Their naming often features the letter “R”, enhancing that unique vibe.
Meet the Harbingers: A Rogues’ Gallery
Let’s take a look at some notable Harbingers.
1. Pierro: The Director
Pierro, the original Harbinger. He is the Director, masterminding Fatui operations, scouting and recruiting known members like Il Dottore and Scaramouche. Think of him as the cold CEO of Fatui Corp.
2. Childe (Tartaglia/Ajax): The Playable Enigma
Childe, Tartaglia, or Ajax – pick one. He juggles identities like Hydro daggers. The Eleventh Harbinger is playable. You first battle him in Liyue’s Golden House, a boss arena that remains post-Archon Quests.
His birth name is Ajax, Tartaglia is his Harbinger name, and Childe is his alias. He appears as an ally, only to reveal his true colors later. Classic Childe.
Despite being a Harbinger, Childe has interesting relationships. Ekaterina from Northland Bank hints at his massive savings. Post-Northland Bank incident, Zhongli seems to consider him a friend? Childe reacts to Zhongli’s perceived betrayal, suggesting a deeper bond. Oddly, he doesn’t mind being manipulated.
When battling Childe, remember: Hydro and Electro resistance are key. Choose your DPS wisely.
Did Childe ever leave the Fatui? During the Inazuma arc, he took Raiden Shogun’s Gnosis and went off-grid. The Fatui thought he turned rogue but returned empty-handed. Is he loyal? With Childe, expect the unexpected.
3. Signora: The Crimson Witch
Signora is known for being bold. Remember her iconic scene slapping Venti and stealing his Gnosis? That captures her essence. She drops materials for character ascensions, including Molten Moments and Hellfire Butterflies. Crucial for powering up characters like Aloy.
Her boss fight occurs in Inazuma City during the Inazuma Archon Questline. Her hatred for Venti likely arises from her tragic past—her lover’s death during the Cataclysm, which she blames on the Gods. This links her with Tsaritsa’s goals to challenge divinity.
Signora didn’t just steal Gnosis; she engaged in a verbal duel with Venti first. Letting him show off his Anemo powers before making her move was dramatic flair.
Whispers about her personal life persist. Rumors say she is Pantalone’s wife and Pedrolino’s mistress. Teyvat’s social dynamics are fascinating.
Interestingly, Signora features as an enemy challenge card in TCG. This could hint at her unlikely potential as a playable character—two Signora cards would complicate things.
4. Capitano: The Righteous Commander?
Capitano, once Thrain from Khaenri’ah, was its Commander. His backstory is intriguing! Despite being a Harbinger, leaks suggest Capitano isn’t a typical villain. He supposedly “abhors evil” and might be righteous. Could he align with the Traveler like Arlecchino? Watch this one closely.
5. Scaramouche (The Balladeer): From Puppet to… Wanderer
Scaramouche, also known as The Balladeer, has had an interesting journey. His Trounce Domain, Joururi Workshop, becomes available during Sumeru Archon Quests, Act 5. In combat, use Neo Akasha Terminal against him. Charge it up, fire it to weaken his defenses.
Like Childe, Scaramouche fell out with the Fatui after taking a Gnosis and following Signora’s downfall. They presumed him rogue too. Seems Harbingers often go off the radar.
6. Arlecchino (The Knave): Pale Beauty
Arlecchino, also known as The Knave, is a striking figure: tall and pale-skinned with stark black eyes and asymmetrical hair with white and black streaks. She is certainly memorable.
7. Pantalone (Regrator): The Money Man
Pantalone is the richest Harbinger and financial powerhouse of the Fatui. Goth from Goth Grand Hotel in Mondstadt can share stories about him—Pantalone rented out the entire hotel indefinitely, paying upfront. He has deep pockets.
8. Columbina (Damselette): The Clever Servant
Columbina or Damselette is named after a clever servant from Commedia dell’arte. Often seen as the brains behind operations, she tries to unite “Innamorati” (lovers). Her true role within the Fatui remains unclear.
Fatui Foot Soldiers: Skirmishers and Agents
Beyond the Harbingers, numerous rank-and-file members exist. Fatui Skirmishers commonly appear in Dragonspine. Electro works well against Fatui Hydrogunners, while Cryo, Pyro, and Anemo (especially mixed with other elements) can also help.
The Fatui Pyro Agent acts as debt collectors for Fatui’s… less diplomatic tasks. They belong to the Fatui alongside Cicin Mages and Mirror Maidens, adding variety to antagonist threats.
Beyond the Fatui: Other Notable Entities
The Cryo Archon (Tsaritsa): Benevolent or Manipulative?
The Tsaritsa is the Cryo Archon and puppet master of the Fatui. She commands from her Zapolyarny Palace in Snezhnaya, directing Harbingers to collect Gnoses. Her true motivations remain unclear. Is she a villain or more complex? Genshin portrays her as layered—not entirely evil.
Anna: A Child’s Hope
Switching to personal stories, we meet Anna. She suffers from a chronic illness but clings to hope. Anna throws coins into fountains wishing for help from a fairy—a poignant reminder of human elements amid Teyvat’s grand struggles.
Ryuuji’s Missing Person Case
In Inazuma, Ryuuji from Tenryou Commission has a secretive task: find a key missing member. The Commission wishes to keep it private to avoid complications. Intrigue and mystery thrive in every corner of Teyvat.
Villains Beyond the Fatui
The Fatui aren’t the only enemies in Teyvat’s story. Marcel, better known as Vacher, pops up as a significant villain in Fontaine Archon Quests. Azar takes center stage as Sumeru Archon Quest’s main villain. Teyvat is full of conflicts.
Full of bad news bears.
Other Bosses and Enemies: From Capybaras to Undying Machines?
Want a boss fight? Try the Capybara Boss. Go east from the Ancestral Temple. Find a heart-shaped lake. Look for a cracked monolith. Interact to start the fight. Prepare yourself.
Tlatzacuilotl waits in the Sulfurous Veins. “He Never Dies” needs you to stop his “Ultimate Technique: Giant Undying Collision.” Three times to win and earn the “He Never Dies” achievement.
Nations Beyond Snezhnaya
Khaenri’ah is Capitano’s homeland. Snezhnaya borders Natlan and Fontaine. Teyvat features diverse nations. Each has unique lore and landscape.
“He Never Dies” Achievement: A Totem and a Challenge
Location, Location, Location
Need Atlatl’s Blessing? Teleport to the domain. Move east until you see a waterfall with a cave. For Ichcahuipilli’s Aegis, go north Natlan, above the Goldflame Qucusaur Tyrant boss, north of Huitztli Hill. Teyvat hides many secrets.
Salvinorin A comes from *Salvia divinorum*, a plant with curious properties. Tournefort’s gundelia? Found in temperate Asia. Shabriri from Elden Ring? Near Zamor Ruins. Aegis VII? Abandoned after a Necromorph outbreak. Wrong universe… or not?
Biblical references pop up, like Numbers 6:22-27, a blessing from the Lord. Joni’s Repose? Located in Hollow Knight’s Howling Cliffs. Real and fictional places intermingle, like Genshin Impact lore itself.
So there you have it – a tour through the Fatui and their Harbingers, mixed with Genshin tidbits. Teyvat is vast and filled with secrets. Keep exploring and questioning. Watch for masked diplomats – they’re always scheming.
