Episode 74: The Akademiya Scribe, Alhaitham

SEASON FOUR

Every episode our team provides travelers with visual and video aids to help better understand comparisons, learn more about topics, and follow what we’re discussing. While we strive to include links to official Genshin Impact resources, some may also be to third-party channels.

Below are some resources surrounding this episode about the Akademiya Scribe, Alhaitham, that may be helpful in understanding the talking points and lore better:

Alhaitham’s character demo video gives us more than just a look into his fighting prowess. It gives us a glimpse into his relationships with his BFFs and his “roommate” (cough cough, boyfriend). And if Cyno is involved, you sure know there’s a round of TCG happening.

Watch on YouTube: Alhaitham: Think Before You Act

We learn from his character teaser that Alhaitham is searching for the origins of language and tends to always have his nose in a book. You don’t get to be a Sumeru Akademiya Scribe by spending your days jumping on mushrooms, after all.

Watch on YouTube: Alhaitham: Questions and Silence

Dainsleif tells us about Alhaitham’s reputation around the Akademiya in his collected miscellany video. Pragmatic, forthright, and just. Alhaitham doesn’t mince words for anyone. He tells it like it is, whether you’re the Grand Sage or a first-year student.

Watch on YouTube: Alhaitham: Profound Reasoning

We touch on Alhaitham’s story quest and the hivemind experiments his old schoolmate Siraj is performing. In the end, Alhaitham lets us know that he pretty much figured out everything going on the moment he met Ilyas and worked his way into Ilyas’ good graces knowing the opposing thought would stir up trouble in the hive.

Watch on YouTube: Alhaitham Story Quest | FULL WALKTHROUGH

The artwork that caused the Genshin fanbase to wish they were a book. Alhaitham’s hand spawned many fanfics and artwork, including this piece by errimyon, which is a favorite of Feens (other pieces on the IG page may be NSFW, FYI).

The cinematic duel between Alhaitham and Cyno might be a little shorter than we’d like, but it’s still worth a rewatch or two or three. Realizing it was a misunderstanding, they put down their weapons and continued to work together on the task at hand.

Watch on YouTube: Cyno fight with Alhaitham Cutscene Genshin Impact

Alhaitham and Kaveh are roommates. Nothing more, nothing less. You didn’t believe that either, did ya? These two bickering boys seem to always get on each other’s nerves, but they always look out for one another. Their time in the Akademiya had them working together, and this house was their reward. Kaveh’s pride let him relinquish it fully to Alhaitham, a decision I’m sure he regrets every time he forks over the rent.

The Sumeru Archon Oscar goes to…. Isak! The cute little boy who acted as a Nahida body-double to trick some Sages will always be a highlight of that Archon Quest. Also noteworthy is Nilou’s dance. Feens had me put that in here. No, really, just ask her.

Did you also forget that the Palace of Alcazarzaray is Dori’s place, like Tif did? No wonder Kaveh went broke making this place; it’s gorgeous! If you haven’t been there yet, it’s north of Sumeru City, just west of the Dream Onion, err, Tree of Dreams.

Did you wonder why I made a Feens joke? It’s because she’s making me write out Honkai. What’s fair is fair. Anywho, have you noticed a trend across the Hoyoverse? We have the same couple in three games. Maybe four if they add the pair to Zenless Zone Zero.

Here are some helpful links if you’re unfamiliar with the pop culture references we mentioned during the episode.

We compare Alhaitham to Young Sheldon, which is the prequel to Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.

Artist Spotlight

Genshin Impact fanart by Keyade depicting Kaveh and Alhaitham at home. Kaveh is on the left, back to the camera as he works on a architectural drawing. His side of the room is bright and warm, showing daylight out the window and Mehrak at his feet. A pothos plant ceperates them, showing Alhaitham in a mirrored version of the room, sunset through the window, as Alhaitham picks a book off of a large bookshelf. — © Keyade (@keyadeart)

There are so many talented & creative people in the Genshin community, and we’d like to spread some love to a wonderful artist – Keyade (@keyadeart). Her work is divine! These Kaveh & Alhaitham pieces that work together and separate are gorgeous for so many reasons – including this beautiful light coming in the windows. Do yourself a favor and give her a follow! And while you do that, be sure to check out her collab Gold Foil Charms with fellow artist Hashagi on their store. You can also see them featured on our Genshin Merch page.

See more work from Keyade on Instagram, X/Twitter, and at her store.

Artwork posted with permission of the artist.

Letters from Afar

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