Genshin Impact – all Fatui Harbingers

As a devoted fan of Genshin Impact, I’ve found myself squaring off against the enigmatic Fatui Harbingers, or as they’re also known, the Eleven. Besides the malevolent forces of the Abyss, these characters have served as formidable adversaries for us players. Yet, some of them have evolved into playable characters or allies, making me wonder if our paths might intertwine by the story’s end. The journey ahead is long, but until then, I’ve gathered all the accessible information on the current status and background of these Eleven Fatui Harbingers for everyone to delve into.

To avoid any potential spoilers that may affect your enjoyment of the Archon Quests, please make sure you’ve completed them all before proceeding. If you haven’t, it might be best to stop here to preserve the story’s surprise elements for when you’re ready.

Genshin Impact: Who are the Fatui Harbingers?

The Eleven Leading Harbingers of the Fatui faction are some of the mightiest entities in Teyvat, with the top three holding powers comparable to deities. Each of these leaders controls a section of the militaristic Fatui, pledging allegiance solely to the Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya. While they may collaborate on occasion to achieve the Tsaritsa’s objectives, they have no qualms about abandoning another Harbinger if it benefits them personally. Their devotion to their Archon is absolute, and they will go to any lengths to serve her.

In the current narrative, they aim to gather every fragment of wisdom known as the Archons’ Gnoses from Teyvat. These Gnoses represent the Archons’ divine power in the form of chess pieces.

The Fatui Harbingers are organized in a hierarchy, with positions ranging from Number 1 to Number 11 based on power and impact towards the Tsaritsa’s objectives. Upon joining their faction, members receive a new identity, both a name and a distinctive moniker.

The names of all Fatui Harbinger members are inspired by Commedia dell’Arte, an Italian form of comedic theater that was widespread in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries. Each member of the Eleven corresponds to a typical stock character from this theater, with their appearances and personalities having some similarities to their historical counterparts.

A Winter Night’s Lazzo prior to the release of version 3.0 that we were officially introduced to all of them.

In a typical instance of commedia dell’arte, a lazzo often serves as a humorous respite. This scene involves characters discussing contemporary happenings directly with the audience. Here in our teaser, we observe how the Fatui engage and converse among themselves during the funeral of their late associate La Signora.

Genshin Impact: The Eleven Fatui Harbingers

Director – Pierro alias The Jester

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

Pierro serves as head of the Harbingers, and it’s highly probable that he was one of the group’s founding members. At present, little is disclosed about him, but we do know that he was once a mage from Khaenri’ah, sharing residence with the Traveler’s Sibling following their emergence there. Pierro appears to have attempted to prevent the scholars of Khaenri’ah from setting in motion the sequence of events that ultimately resulted in the catastrophic destruction of his homeland. However, the details of his survival after the calamity remain unclear.

Pierro brought in a number of both existing and past Harbingers into his group, including Arlecchino, Dottore, Scaramouche, and La Signora. He appears to be the architect of many of the Fatui’s elaborate schemes and seems to have a close relationship with the Tsaritsa.

In Commedia dell’Arte, Pierrot is typically recognized as the melancholic jester, frequently finding his affections spurned by his beloved, Columbina.

No. 1 – vacant (previously Il Capitano alias The Captain)

Status – inactive
Element(s) – Cryo
Playability – no

As a gamer, I’ve come to admire Il Capitano for his unwavering sense of justice and immense strength, earning him respect even among the common ranks of the Fatui. Scaramouche often warns that my absolute righteousness can sometimes be a double-edged sword. In a letter penned by Varka, the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius, it’s mentioned that The Captain was cordial during our recent encounter with their expedition. After that, he moved on to Natlan, where events led me to cross paths with the Traveler. It turns out that The Captain was once a commander in the forces of Khaenri’ah and was cursed with immortality, just like his fellow countrymen, as revealed during my encounter with them.

In the midst of chaos, I skillfully extracted what remained of my squad from our losing skirmishes and tactically retreated to the settlement of Natlan. There, a chief of the tribe showed compassion towards us, an act that was rare among his people. Touched by this kindness, I fought alongside them to protect Natlan. As one comrade after another fell, I held their spirits close within me, promising myself that one day I would find a way to give them a peaceful rest along the ley lines.

As the Harbinger, I traversed Teyvat in search of a solution, but it was only upon my return to Natlan that I found an opportunity to keep my promise – and exact revenge on the Shade of Death, the entity that had cursed the survivors of Khaenri’ah with immortality.

As the chosen one, I made a pact with the Night’s Ruler, offering my life as the sacrifice Ronova demanded, to save Mavuika. In this deal, I would merge my spirit with the Night’s Lord, becoming an integral part of Natlan’s energy lines, enabling me to keep my promise and bring peace to my companions in the Night Kingdom. This union also ensures the stability of the energy lines, offering solace to my soul as it detaches from my cursed, immortal body that lingers in the world above. Since I am technically still alive, Ronova had no choice but to honor this arrangement, as killing me would have resulted in a paradox, breaking her own curse.

Captain’s remains can be found in Ochkanatlan, where he lies on a throne encircled by ice. It seems that the Tsaritsa released him from the responsibility of revealing Natlan’s Wisdom to her – a task possibly taken up by another Messenger soon.

In the world of commedia dell’arte, Il Capitano is a character who frequently boasts and struts around, often portrayed as an outsider with a mysterious past, which allows him to concoct many tales about his battle exploits. However, in reality, he’s usually a coward, avoiding fights whenever possible. Instead, he’s more focused on acquiring wealth and women.

No. 2 – Il Dottore alias The Doctor

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: Once upon a time, referred to as Zandik, I was a scholar at the esteemed Sumeru Akademiya, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. However, my moral compass was questionable, and I cared little for compassion. After my expulsion from the academy, I was offered unlimited resources for research by Pierro, which led me to join the Fatui. In a bid to perfect my scientific objectivity, I created various fragments of myself – clones from different stages of my life. This way, I could explore the world and conduct experiments from multiple perspectives.

Dr. Dottore played a crucial role in bringing Scaramouche into their group and conducted tests on other Harbinger members. Later, he manipulated the Sumeru Academy into initiating a project aimed at deifying Scaramouche. This plan was thwarted by the Traveler and Kusanali. Subsequently, Dr. Dottore bargained with the Dendro Archon to acquire both the Electro and Dendro Gnoses that Nahida possessed. To obtain the Electro Gnosis, he had to annihilate all other versions of himself. In exchange for the Dendro Gnosis, he disclosed information about the skies over Teyvat being false, a fact later proven during the conflict at Natlan.

Dottore is known to have research bases in the semi-autonomous region of Nod-Krai.

In the style of commedia dell’arte, the character Dottore is often portrayed as vain and boastful, serving as a humorous contrast to Pantalone and any romantic figures in the plot. His costume, featuring a cloak adorned with raven feathers and a mask, mirrors the attire of the actual historical figure.

No. 3 – Columbina alias Damselette

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

In the game, Columbina appears youthful and innocent. However, various sources suggest she may be quite perilous. Characters like Tartaglia and Scaramouche advise the Traveler to beware of her. Nahida lists her among the Fatui Harbingers, hinting at divine abilities. Arlecchino describes her as unpredictable but intriguing. As for now, little is known about her true nature.

In the world of Commedia dell’Arte, Columbina is frequently portrayed as a charming and witty servant girl, skillfully guiding others to carry out her wishes. She is also commonly depicted as married to Pierrot, yet she often strays from their marriage with Arlecchino.

No. 4 – Arlecchino alias The Knave

Status – active
Element(s) – Pyro
Playability – yes

In the snowy town of Snezhnaya, Arlecchino manages an orphanage known as the House of the Hearth. This institution serves as a potential breeding ground for the Fatui, a fact that both Tartaglia and Scaramouche find troubling. Tartaglia views Arlecchino with contempt, accusing her of disloyalty towards the Tsaritsa and having grand ambitions. He claims she is not sane at all. Scaramouche concurs, describing her as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, suggesting that those who glimpse her true, mad self disappear without a trace. However, it appears some of these sentiments may be rooted in the rumors spread by Pulcinella, who has a strained relationship with Arlecchino.

During Signora’s funeral service, her spirit took the opportunity to rebuke Pulcinella for his icy indifference towards Signora’s selfless act, and she also leveled accusations of cowardice against him and Pantalone, claiming they often retreated in the safety of Snezhnaya instead of standing by her side.

In the abode known as the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino spent her formative years under the alias Peruere, during a time when it was governed by Crucabena, who was then the Fatui Harbinger. Later on, Arlecchino ended up slaying Crucabena and was granted clemency for this act by the Tsaritsa. Subsequently, Pierro not only bestowed upon her the title of Harbinger but also revealed that she is a descendant from the illustrious Crimson Moon Dynasty of Khaenri’ah.

She provided assistance from her military during the catastrophic flood situation with both The Traveler and Fontaine’s administration, gaining the Hydro Gnosis from Neuvillette as a reward for her actions.

In the genre of commedia dell’arte, Arlecchino is a character who is driven, witty, and full of resourcefulness – frequently attempting to thwart his master’s intentions while also chasing after Columbina in a rivalry with Pierro. The attire for Arlecchino often features a mask with small eye holes, symbolized by the crossed pupils in this depiction, and includes ornamental gemstones, which are echoed on this model as well.

No. 5 – Pulcinella alias The Rooster

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

In the city of Snezhnaya, Pulcinella serves as the mayor and cleverly amasses power within the nation by doing so. He takes care of numerous Fatui soldiers’ families, thereby controlling them to maintain their allegiance. It is widely known that Tartaglia was enlisted by Pulcinella, who recognized him as a valuable asset for the Harbingers. Furthermore, Pulcinella has control over Tartaglia’s younger siblings, giving him leverage over the young Harbinger.

The brief mourning period he declared for La Signora at her funeral suggests a heartless attitude, earning disapproval not only from Pantalone but also Arlecchino. Pulcinella, who has a strained relationship with Arlecchino, exploits his connections to circulate unflattering gossip about her.

Not much is known about him otherwise so far.

In the world of commedia dell’arte, Pulcinella stands out as a multi-talented figure. Frequently depicted as a wily plotter, he dons a mask featuring a lengthy beak for a nose and a characteristic hat. This character’s appearance in games reflects these distinctive features. Driven primarily by self-serving intentions, Pulcinella occasionally finds himself intervening to help other characters escape tricky predicaments.

No. 6 – vacant (previously Scaramouche alias The Balladeer)

Status – inactive
Element(s) – Anemo
Playability – yes

For several centuries, this location has been empty due to Scaramouche stepping out of historical records following his encounter with Irminsul. Prior to that, he was secretly enlisted by Pierro and Dottore in a carefully planned scheme. Initially, Scaramouche was discarded as a puppet created by Raiden Ei, the Electro Archon. However, he felt deceived three times over when Dottore’s sinister plan on Tatarasuna reached its completion, and the people of Inazuma were involved in some way.

In the Harbingers, Scaramouche battled in the Abyss, where his skills were augmented by Dottore via gruesome testing. Propelled by a frenzied quest for Gnosis, he engaged in the plot that ignited the conflict within Inazuma, ultimately fulfilling his ambition and allowing Dottore and Sumeru Akademiya to create a vessel for him, aiming at transcending into divinity with Electro Gnosis. However, when the Traveler and Lesser Lord Kusanali thwarted this scheme, he pledged loyalty to Nahida, erasing his existence from history, transforming into the Wanderer. He has vowed retribution against Dottore.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share a fascinating tidbit: I’ve learned from Scaramouche himself that the sky of Teyvat is not what it seems. During his mission to Mondstadt, assigned by none other than Pierro, he unveiled this intriguing secret about our celestial landscape.

In the art of Commedia dell’Arte, Scaramouche is a haughty antagonist, much like Il Capitano, who may find himself on the receiving end of Arlecchino’s retaliation due to his excessive bragging and boastful behavior.

No. 7 – Sandrone alias Marionette

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

Beyond the fact that Sandrone has a profound interest in automaton research and development, little is known about her. One of her creations, a colossal figure in a top hat, seems to be her constant companion. For some reason, she appears to have an aversion towards Tartaglia, while Scaramouche openly criticizes all her inventions as worthless. However, given that he himself is an artificial construct, it’s possible that he views them as inferior to himself.

In the art form known as commedia dell’arte, the character Sandrone is a shrewd and modest family man, whose name “Marionette” suggests that he was initially depicted by a puppet. This connection to puppetry can also be seen in his use of mechanical beings or automatons.

No. 8 – vacant (previously La Signora alias The Fair Lady)

Status – deceased
Element(s) – Cryo, Pyro
Playability – no

Originally hailing from Mondstadt, a woman named Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter later pursued studies at Sumeru’s academy. Tragically, her beloved Rostam perished during the calamity in Khaenri’ah, leaving her overcome with grief and animosity. To express her sorrow and seek vengeance on the creatures that took Rostam’s life, she mastered the art of liquid fire, enveloping herself in ever-burning flames, thus earning the title, the Crimson Witch of Flame. Eventually, Pierro tracked her down and managed to tame the inferno that threatened to consume her entirely. He then brought Rosalyne into the Harbingers under her new alias, La Signora.

Signora, known for her role in schemes, sought to acquire knowledge artifacts from Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma, thus emerging as the main adversary for the Traveler across these regions. She seized Venti’s knowledge artifact by force, while obtaining Zhongli’s through a contract he had agreed to with the Tsaritsa. However, her mission in Inazuma proved to be her last act of service for the Cryo Archon. Overconfident due to her diplomatic standing and personal power, she challenged the Traveler to a duel before the throne at Tenshukaku, the palace of the Raiden Shogun – an Inazuman tradition that guaranteed death to the defeated party.

In their encounter, The Explorer outmatched Madam, even as she morphed into the Flame Witch. Subsequently, the Shogun Raiden carried out Madam’s execution, using her Thousand-Handed Technique to obliterate the Emissary with a single blow, as per tradition’s requirements. Overwhelmed by this event, The Explorer retrieved only Madam’s charred mask as remnants. Her demise stirred up a commotion throughout the organization, prompting all but Scaramouche – who had acquired the Electro Gnosis from Yae Miko without Madam’s knowledge – to return for her funeral. This event sets the stage for A Winter Night’s Jest.

In the art form of commedia dell’arte, La Signora is frequently depicted as a woman who is stunningly attractive, clever, and haughty. On occasion, she is wedded to Pantalone, leveraging his riches for her personal ambitions.

No. 9 – Pantalone alias Regrator

Status – active
Element(s) – unknown
Playability – no

Originally hailing from humble beginnings, Pantalone has amassed great wealth and stands as the wealthiest member among the Harbingers, effectively serving as Snezhnaya’s economic chief and overseeing the Northland Bank. Tartaglia views him as highly ambitious, with the goal of transforming Snezhnaya into a financial powerhouse that would make other nations reliant on them. It is rumored that Pantalone frequently collaborates with Dottore in achieving this ambition.

Pantalone devised a scheme to eliminate one of Liyue’s Seven, intending to install a puppet in their place on the council. However, his plan was thwarted by Yelan and the Traveler. Despite this, Pantalone anticipated Yelan’s actions and successfully erased any incriminating evidence that could be traced back to the Fatui.

Presently, Pantalone and Pulcinella are collaborating on a venture they’ve named Project Stuzha. Tartaglia was summoned back home for this initiative. Arlecchino is cautious about this project, believing it aims to diminish the influence of the House of the Hearth.

In the tradition of commedia dell’arte, Pantalone represents a wealthy, self-centered character who frequently meddles in others’ affairs due to his elevated social standing. While he is sometimes depicted as married to La Signora, it’s important to note that any connection between them in Genshin Impact is highly unlikely.

No. 10 – ???

At present, it appears that Position 10 among the Harbingers is vacant. It remains unclear if the former occupant perished or if no Harbinger has ever held this position before.

No. 11 – Tartaglia alias Childe

Status – active
Element(s) – Hydro, Electro
Playability – yes

In the group known as the Harbingers, Tartaglia stands out as the youngest and least prominent member. He’s fiercely dedicated to honing his fighting skills and is deeply loyal to the Tsaritsa. Moreover, he takes great care of his three younger siblings who reside in Snezhnaya under Pulcinella’s supervision. One moment he may appear cheerful or even arrogant, but the next he can be a formidable combatant. His character is hard to predict. He dislikes underhanded schemes and treachery, yet he employs them when necessary in service of the Tsaritsa. Initially, Pulcinella enlisted him into the Fatui at a tender age, but it was Pierro who ultimately promoted him to the rank of Harbinger before the Archon’s throne.

Scaramouche considers Pulcinella untrustworthy and foolish for allowing him to take care of his family, even going as far as saying that Tartaglia’s admission into the Harbingers has diminished their status.

At a tender age, Tartaglia, also known as Childe, plunged into the Abyss. There, he managed to live due to the tutelage of Skirk – an enigmatic warrior hailing from beyond Teyvat and a student of Surtalogi, one of the Five Sinners from Khaenri’ah.

As a fervent admirer looking back, I recall the tale of Tartaglia, who was tasked to manage the Fatui’s affairs in Liyue Harbor under the belief he needed to slay Morax, the Geo Archon, to claim his Gnosis. In pursuit of this objective, he even invoked the ancient deity Osial, whose wrath could have annihilated the entirety of Liyue and its inhabitants. Fortunately, the Traveler, the Adepti, and the Qixing united to thwart him, preventing a catastrophe. Moreover, the Traveler bested Tartaglia in single combat. To add salt to the wound, Tartaglia later discovered he had been tricked by his own faction: Morax had already sealed a pact with the Tsaritsa regarding his Gnosis, with La Signora being the one to retrieve it.

In the town of Fontaine, Tartaglia was wrongfully imprisoned for alleged crimes, spending time behind bars until his mysterious disappearance. This led him back into the Abyss where he confronted the All-Devouring Narwhal, slowing its destructive march against the Hydronation Nation. Seriously injured in the fight, he was rescued by the Traveler, Skirk, and Neuvillette before being returned home to take part in Project Stuzha.

In Commedia dell’Arte, the character Tartaglia is often portrayed as a hardworking commoner who struggles with stuttering and has a tendency to be rather clumsy. However, he may also represent an individual from the upper-middle class, adding versatility to his role.

2025-05-26 16:38