Episode 40: Khaenri’ah

When we first see the opening cutscene, we’re blissfully unaware of just how deep the story goes. The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles seems to be our only adversary. Soon we learn there’s a connection to the Fall of Khaenri’ah, even if we only learn it piece by piece.

Watch on YouTube: Opening Cutscene

The Caribert archon story line is our latest glimpse into Khaenri’ah, specifically its people. We learn that anyone who was not fully Khaenri’ahn at the time of the Cataclysm is cursed with turning into a hilichurl, while the full-blooded are cursed with immortality.

Watch on YouTube: Prince of Khaenri’ah Cutscene

A storyline preview that not all of us have seen! This video from HoYo gives a great overview of all of our nations and what to expect. It’s also where Dainsleif tells us that he is our final battle.

Watch on YouTube: Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail

Feens mentions the Dark Statuettes, a level up material travelers can obtain by fighting the Black Serpent Knights in the Chasm. Described as “An idol made in the likeness of some unknown, one-eyed person,” our hosts assume they’re talking about King Irmin himself. Read the descriptions in your game archive or the Genshin Wiki page and let us know what you think.

With the latest expansion of the Sumeru Desert, we get our second glimpse at Khaenri’ah! Instead of chaos and red skies, we see an enormous locked door… the door to Khaenri’ah. You can see this ominous place by entering the caves north of Temir Mountains via the underground waypoint. Follow the cave as far as you can go and you’ll soon find it.

Um, excuse me?

How many of us remember Traveler telling us this during our early encounters with Dainsleif? Okay, now really, how many actually remembered? Me neither.

Watch on YouTube: Traveller And Dainsleif Talk About Khaenri’ah

The Masked Men of Teyvat. A new boyband for Alice to groom for Teyvat Idol or the baddies with links back to Khaenri’ah? While we wish both could be true, we’re talking about the potential connections between Pierro, Kaeya & Dainsleif. Here’s what we know – Pierro is the first member of the Fatui. Kaeya’s relative started the Abyss Order. Dainsleif is from Khaenri’ah and knows our sibling. The rest is theory.

During the Hidden Strife event, we’re able to find a few notes on the roof of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters that tells us Kaeya’s family – the Alberich – is not of Khaenri’ah royalty. We’re now able to deduce that Clothar (Caribert’s dad) is also not of a royal bloodline.

The Ruins of Dahri would have been an obvious spot for the entry to Khaenri’ah. After all, Dahri is the Sumerian word for the ancient kingdom. But maybe our hosts have a point, it could just be a very large area with multiple entryways.

Could the dark spots in the ocean also be a sign of where other entryways to Khaenri’ah may exist? We mention the specific dark area north of the Grand Narukami Shrine. This space underwater is also were the Perpetual Mechanical Array resides. Does it mean anything or could it just be a red herring?

Dubbed the “Thousand Winds Extension Site” by Feens, this remote island is off the coast of Starsnatch Cliff. You won’t find it on your map, but trust us, it’s there. And there’s a hidden quest out there as well. If you’re brave enough to make the journey, we recommend either flying with Anemo buffs or using Kaeya’s ice skill to create a walkway out there.

Tif brings up the Unusual Hilichurl, and his briefcase of cabbages. What curse did this fellow get? He’s a hilichurl, but still has remnants of a suit. He won’t attack you unless you make the first move.

You can find the Unusual Hilichurl in 14 different spots across Mondstadt & Liyue, all shown on the interactive map.

Our little quartet has its origins from a larger group of Guff loving folks who played Fortnite every Friday night. While not all of us played (*cough cough* Bee), Guff still remains the mascot of our community.

Bee references the brainy gremlin from the 90’s classic Gremlins 2. If you have never seen it, warning, it’s pure cheesiness. Wonderful, funny, cheese. (The first Gremlins is a must watch movie according to Tif)

Watch on YouTube: Gremlins 2: The New Batch