The Abyss

The term "Abyss" refers to an assortment of beings from a dark, underground realm. While a majority of these encountered by the Traveler belong to the antagonistic Abyss Order, others are neutral, and at times even friendly.

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Abyss Order

An enigmatic organization mostly composed of creatures of the Abyss and sworn enemies of humanity and the surface of Teyvat, and thus a constant threat in the Traveler's journey beside the Fatui through such activities as tampering with the land's Ley Lines and agitating hilichurls.

General Tropes

Anti-Human Alliance: For reasons unknown, the Abyss Order seems to exclusively exist to be against humanity.
Arch-Enemy: Dainsleif. The Abyss goes out of its way to take care of the danger Dainsleif represents more than the humans they despise since not only does he share their origins, but is currently the only one who knows the true scope of their plans and actively fights against them with their own otherworldly powers.
Big Bad Ensemble: Alongside the Fatui, the Abyss Order are major antagonists the Traveler faces in Teyvat, whose ultimate goal is to overthrow Celestia and the entire order of gods.
Chekhov's Gun: You can first see their unique runes above Abyss Mages' heads (when they are idle among other mobs) and on their special bonfires. Dainsleif's quest gives them a special focus.
The Corrupter: They convinced a wounded and suffering Dvalin that Humans Are Bastards and that his old friend Venti, AKA Barbatos, betrayed him, making him go rogue and attack Mondstadt. They can also influence Hilichurls to be more coordinated in their attacks; one common Daily Commission quest is about you fighting an Abyss Mage who is influencing a group of Hilichurls. In the "We Will Be Reunited" Archon Quest, the Abyss Herald attempts to corrupt Andrius into servitude and it's revealed that they plan to use a Defiled Statue of the Seven to turn Osial into a mechanized god.
Driving Question: Just what exactly is their "Loom of Fate" operation that they are trying to achieve? While it seems to be a relatively new operation of theirs at first, it's later revealed that it has been in the works for over 500 years ever since Clothar Alberich met the "Sinner" and saw his cursed son Caribert remove his hilichurl mask.
Foreshadowing:
- The Flavor Text of the Bloodstained Final Hour artifact strongly implied that the creatures of the Abyss used to be the inhabitants of an ancient kingdom well before it was confirmed in the story proper.
- In Lisa’s character quest, an Abyss Mage steals a book containing a fairy tale, claiming that they aim to "decode it". The Interlude Archon Quest Inversion of Genesis reveals that Fairy Tales are not affected by the information in Irminsul getting altered, meaning that the Abyss Mage may have been onto something.
The Ghost: Besides the Abyss Mages, Abyss Heralds, and Ruin Machines, the game does not reveal a great deal about the membership of the group including its leaders. Even the Abyss Heralds mentioned earlier did not make a debut in the game until Version 1.4. It isn't until version 3.5 that you learn more about how the Abyss Order was founded by Clothar Alberich after coming into contact with a mysterious "sinner" so he could cure his cursed son Caribert from being a Hilichurl.
Immortality: Chapter 2 Act IV and the revelations in the Chasm show Abyss Order entities are all cursed with immortality. Not only to age, but they seem genuinely unkillable by normal means, as they go to extreme, excruciatingly painful ways to cure it. This also suggests every member of Abyss Order who vanishes upon being defeated merely returns to the Abyss rather than being killed. Chapter 3 Act VI reveals that the monsters making up the Order are descended from expats from other nations (pure-blooded Khaenri'ahns, like Dainsleif and Chlothar, retained their human forms, as the gods viewed them as the greater sinners). It's implied that Chlothar managed to break his curse and die, by as-of-yet unknown means.
Nebulous Evil Organisation: Due to most members of the Abyss Order residing in the Abyss, little is really known about them by Teyvat at-large, other than that they hold a strong hatred against humans, wanting to take over Teyvat and recently, revealed to be all united under a new leader who is referred to as the "Prince/Princess" who is revealed to be the Traveler's missing twin. However, even Paimon questions if they are even the highest-ranking leader in the group. In fact, their origins, base of operations, size, hierarchy, membership including leaders, goals, motivations, degree of power, and threat level are unknown in the story so far. The "We Will Be Reunited" Archon Quest sheds more light on their motives. Namely that they are the people of Khaenri'ah, transformed into monsters of the Abyss, and they seek revenge against the gods for the destruction of their homeland.
No-Nonsense Nemesis: They killed a famous Treasure Hoarder member who was hired by the Mondstadt and Liyue branches to scout out one of their hideouts, demonstrating that they do not mess around, or play kindly with others.
Not-So-Well-Intentioned Extremist: Zig-Zagged. Chapter 1, Act IV reveals that they're not Always Chaotic Evil monsters out to overthrow humanity just for the sake of it, but were originally humans of Khaenri'ah who now seek revenge against the gods for destroying their homeland, and will use any means necessary to achieve their goal. However, since the humans of modern Teyvat are aligned with the Seven Archons by default, the Abyss Order views them as enemies even though none of them had anything to do with the destruction of Khaenri'ah, and will not hold back on using extreme measures against them. However, Chapter 2 Act IV showcased signs of genuine well-intended extremism as the Traveler's sibling tried to work together with some members of the Abyss to cure the immortality of Khaenri'ah's former citizens. However, their methods are extremely flawed as Dainsleif notes that doing that is basically impossible, and those former citizens went through a lot of pain after said attempt in that chapter.
Rage Against the Heavens: The "We Will Be Reunited" Archon Quest reveals that this is their primary motivation. The Abyss Order are the people of Khaenri'ah, a kingdom destroyed by the gods 500 years ago. They themselves became corrupted into monsters of the Abyss and they seek revenge against the gods for the destruction of their kingdom.
The Reveal:
- By the end of Prologue Act 2, we learn that the other sibling leads the Abyss Order, and they are also behind Stormterror's corruption.
- The end of the "We Will Be Reunited" Archon Quest reveals that the Abyss Order are actually the people of Khaenri'ah, corrupted into monsters of the Abyss, and they seek revenge against the gods for the destruction of their kingdom.
Was Once a Man: The Abyss creatures that form the bulk of their forces turn out to be former humans of Khaenri'ah, having been transformed into monsters in the wake of their nation's destruction.
Wingdinglish: Floating runes appear above Abyss Mages or ritual fires. Players have observed that the runes simply each stand for a letter, and when the runes are converted to letters, Latin text can be read.

Leadership

The following character entries all have unmarked spoilers. Read at your own risk!

The Prince/Princess of the Abyss Order

The Traveler's Sibling / Nara Varuna

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/abyss_lumine.png

As Lumine

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/abyss_aether.png

As Aether

Aether is voiced by: Dong Hailong (Chinese), Shun Horie (Japanese), Lee Gyeong-tae (Korean), Zach Aguilar (English)
Lumine is voiced by: Yan Ning (Chinese), Aoi Yūki (Japanese), Lee Sae-ah (Korean), Sarah Miller Crews (English)

"We will meet at the journey's end, once the dust has settled. Then, you will understand."

The unchosen Traveler twin who was separated from them at the beginning of the game by the Unknown God. While the chosen one ends up in Teyvat and meets Paimon, the game later reveals that the other sibling also ended up in Teyvat and became the leader of the Abyss Order, or at least appears to be in an extremely prominent position in the organization for reasons yet unknown.

In the majority of official material, Lumine is depicted as the twin that sided with the Abyss Order.

Ambiguously Evil: As you learn more and more about the Abyss, the people of Khaenri'ah, and their conflict with the gods, at a certain point it becomes hard to say definitively that they are evil rather than someone deeply hurt and desperate to at least fix a tragedy they were too late to stop.
Badass in Distress: After the encounter with the Unknown God, this happens to the playable Traveler's opposite-gender sibling, who they intend to save. However, the cutscene after the Traveler's party confronts Dvalin on Starsnatch Cliff suggests this may not be the case after all...
Brainwashed and Crazy: Implied, since an Unknown God kidnapped the Traveler's sibling, and they are next seen commanding the evil forces of the Abyss Order. If you believe the Battle Point introduction ("Gnostic Chorus" video), the darkness may have corrupted them and made them believe they were always the ruler of the Abyss Order. However, Act I Scene IV muddles the issue, as the Sibling appears to act of their own free will, and fully recognizes the Traveler.
Cain and Abel: The Cain to the Traveler's Abel, essentially.
Canon Name: Regardless of which twin the player chooses to play as the Traveler, players are capable of changing their display name, and other characters will refer to that name in text dialogue (though not in voiced dialogue). However, regardless of what name the Traveler has, the Sibling will always refer to them by their canon names^note. If the Traveler is Aether, Lumine will refer to him as either "Gege" (Chinese for "big brother"), "Sora", "Aether" or "Oppa" (Korean for "big brother"); if Lumine, Aether will refer to her as "Ying", "Hotaru", or "Lumine".
The Corrupter: Through an Abyss Mage, the Sibling is at least partially responsible for Stormterror's campaign of destruction throughout the Prologue storyline. Ironic, since there are implications the Sibling themselves have been corrupted as well. In Act I Scene IV, they dispatch an Abyss Herald to try and corrupt Andrius in a similar fashion, but he resists the corruption long enough for the Traveler to put a stop to it.
Cynicism Catalyst: The "We Will Be Reunited" trailer and subsequent quest shed light to their motives, showing while the playable twin has been asleep for centuries, they had witnessed the destruction of Khaenri'ah in its full glory. Whatever had happened, the events motivated them to join and fight for the Abyss Order.
Dark Is Evil: Should the player choose to play as Lumine, Aether's dark clothes serve as a good sign for his status as the Prince of the Abyss Order.
Doomed Hometown: Version 3.2 implies the Traveler's sibling has always been from Khaenri'ah, the destroyed godless continent, as their memories are stored in Irminsul like other natives of Teyvat. However, as the Traveler themself is one of the Descenders, it's unclear how this is possible, though Act III of the Interlude Chapter has the Traveler, Nahida, and Scaramouche suspect that it might be connected to how the Traveler's sibling ending up in Khaenri'ah after the Prologue. In Chapter III Act VI Caribert, Chlothar Alberich even addresses them as Prince/Princess of Khaenri'ah.
Emotionless Girl
- Should the player choose to play as Aether, Lumine's reaction to their reunion is cold; her tone of voice is emotionally distant and she barely raises her voice when denouncing Dainsleif as her enemy. In fact, the only time she expresses an obvious emotion is when she claims "home" is wherever the twins are together (during which she gives her brother a slight smile), but even then, it lasts for nothing more than a few seconds before she claims she cannot go with Aether yet.
- Averted when one plays as Lumine, as Aether expresses several emotions during the reunion; Aether shows a hint of concern when questioning why Lumine is with Dainsleif, and when explaining about Dain's identity his tone is that of a warning, as if not wanting his sister to be with his enemy. He also appears to be hurt and conflicted as he leaves his sister behind.
Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Despite giving the Traveler a stern warning about not siding with Dainsleif, the Sibling takes a moment to reaffirm their home will always be where they are together with a brief, but sincere smile. The Aranara also recount that the Nara Varuna spoke a great deal about their sibling (which was where the Aranara copied the concept of brothers and sisters from), and the memory brought them joy.The Archon Quest Caribert also shows a memory of them crying in their sleep while they were dreaming about their missing twin.
Evil Former Friend: To Dainsleif, their traveling companion from 500 years ago. The Teyvat preview and the Bough Keeper's dialogue with the Traveler imply that he is fighting the Abyss Order to rescue the Sibling from the group's clutches, but this is muddled as it becomes clear the Sibling leads Abyss Order's operations of their own volition.
The Evil Prince: Should Aether be chosen as the Prince of the Abyss Order.
Face–Heel Turn: Whatever their reasons or cause, the Sibling has chosen to lead the Abyss Order against the surface inhabitants of Teyvat, which puts them on opposing sides with the Traveler.
Fallen Hero: The Aranara of Sumeru heavily imply the Prince/Princess of the Abyss Order was once their great hero, the Nara Varuna, and helped them a great deal in protecting Sumeru. This is no longer the case, as the Prince/Princess is currently sending Abyss Mages and Heralds to corrupt the land.
Hero of Another Story: The Aranara still tell the tale of the Nara Varuna, the Golden Nara who helped them rebuild after their forests were destroyed during the war with Khaenri'ah.
I Choose to Stay: They firmly reject the Traveler's offer to leave Teyvat and go home together, saying word for word that they cannot leave until they finish their goal. Might be subverted in 3.2, with The Reveal that the Traveler's sibling is considered a native of Teyvat by Irminsul, meaning choosing to stay would be a natural action.
Identity Amnesia: Implied. The end of Sumeru Archon Quest reveals that Irminsul has recorded history on them, which means they are native to Teyvat. But the Gnostic Hymn quote hints that they are merely deceived, losing the memory of their origins and believing that they are the leader of the Abyss Order.
Light Is Not Good: Should the player choose to play as Aether, Lumine still wears her white clothes while leading the Abyss Order.
The Man Behind the Man: The Abyss Mage who manipulated Stormterror has been serving the Sibling the entire time.
More than Mind Control: According to the "We Will Be United" trailer, whatever this twin experienced following their fight against the Unknown God completely morphed their morality and goals. Despite having opportunities to reunite with the Traveler, the Sibling opts not to and avoid their reunion until the Abyss Order achieves its goals. The Sibling also seems to be convinced the Traveler will eventually agree with their opinions about the world of Teyvat and join the Abyss Order.
Never Tell Me the Odds!: During the "Requiem of the Echoing Depths" Archon Quest, they ask the Abyss Herald with them the chances of their plan to restore the Hilichurls to their original forms succeeding, only to cut them off, stating that even a one-percent chance would be enough. Dainslief doesn't think the plan has even a one-percent chance of success, calling it "the height of foolishness".
Perpetual Frowner: The sibling's face is almost always stuck in a frown or emotionless, even while talking to their subordinates and allies. The only person they're willing to give a smile to is the Traveler, and even then it's very brief.
Red Baron: The Nara Varuna, hero to the Aranara.
The Reveal: By the end of Prologue Act 2, we learn that the other Outlander leads the Abyss Order, and they are also behind Stormterror's corruption.
A Sinister Clue: Lumine if the player chooses Aether as the Traveler since she is the left-handed twin leading the Abyss Order.
Sir Not-Appearing-in-This-Trailer: Aether as the Abyss Prince has never made an appearance in any of the official promotional materials.
Static Role, Exchangeable Character: They are the sibling you didn't choose as the Traveler.
Sugar-and-Ice Personality: While the sibling stays mostly cold and detached in the "We Will Be Reunited" quest (especially regarding Dainsleif), they allow a small smile, a softer expression, and a gentler tone when they reaffirm to the Traveler that home is where they're together.
Trailers Always Spoil: The official "We Will Be United" trailer, released even before the game launched, outright reveals the missing sibling is a high-ranking member of the Abyss Order, more than half a year before it was revealed in-game.
Villainous Princess: Should Lumine be chosen to rule the Abyss Order.
We Will Meet Again: The "We Will Be Reunited" trailer has the missing sibling (depicted as Lumine), after finding out the whereabouts of their twin, saying that they will meet again... but "not now, not here." Likewise, the Archon Quest of the same name has the Traveler's sibling retreating with an Abyss Herald while promising they will meet again.
We Used to Be Friends: In his Story Quest, Dainsleif mentions that he used to travel with a companion implied to be the Traveler's missing Sibling. The "We Will Be Reunited" Archon Quest later confirms this, however, the Sibling now regards Dainsleif as their enemy.

The Founder

Chlothar Alberich/"Eide"

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ezgif_5_ee4fd9405b.png

Voiced by: Zhao Ming (Chinese), Shinnosuke Ogami (Japanese), Andrew Russell (English)

A nobleman from Khaenri'ah that survived the destruction of his homeland, and was cursed with immortality. The loss of his family drove him to madness, and along with the Traveler's sibling, he encountered a mysterious power that inspired him to found the Abyss Order.

Admiring the Abomination: He is disturbingly fascinated with the Abyss Herald encountered deep within the Domain, viewing it as perfection instead of a twisted monster.
Ambiguously Related: Kaeya is his descendent, at least according to Dain. But it isn't clear exactly how the two are related, since Chlothar only mentions his son-turned-Hillicurl and both vanished long ago. Did he have other, legitimate children that survived the destruction of Khaenri'ah? Did he have children later on, after founding the Abyss Order? Or do they simply share the same family tree? Those questions remain unanswered, along with what exactly happened to Caribert.
Dead All Along: The Traveler's encounter with him was just their sibling's memory of events that happened hundreds of years ago, due to leyline instability in the area. In truth, Chlothar is implied to be long dead.
Dramatic Irony: After begging the God of Wisdom for help restoring his son Caribert's consciousness only for there to be no results, he takes this as a sign the gods are just taunting and debasing him in an attempt to flaunt their power and rub Khaenri'ah's destruction at their hands in his face. At that time however, the particular god he is trying to pray to has been locked up since the Cataclysm by her own people and would go on to have severe self-esteem issues by the time the Traveler meets her from the 500 years of abuse and neglect.
Fantastic Racism: His disdain for the gods for the destruction of Khaenri'ah also extends to those who follow them. He's initially hostile to the Traveler when he encounters them as he believes they were a follower of the Seven and he later gets into a rather heated exchange with some Forest Rangers when searching for Caribert.
Father's Quest: When the Traveler meets him, "Eide" is in the process of making a medicine that he hopes will restore his son's mind. The majority of the quest is spent helping him seek out the ingredients or searching for his child together.
Giggling Villain: In the English dub, he giggles quite often, even when he's far from happy or amused, which only serves to further highlight his mental and emotional instability.
Given Name Reveal: He initially introduced himself as Eide to the Traveler's sibling before correcting himself later.
Go Mad from the Revelation: He was already unstable after the fall of his homeland, but his encounter with the "Sinner" caused a religious fervor to the point that the Traveler describes him as a "zealot". His madness only increased after the "miracle" that awoke his son, leading him to establish the Abyss Order in service of that mysterious being. Eventually, he would further decline until he vanished and the Traveler's sibling took over leading the Abyss Order.
The Lost Lenore: His wife hailed from Mondstadt, and as such suffered the Curse of the Wilderness instead of immortality. Her body is implied to have been buried in the field outside of his house and caused the growth of the strange mushrooms.
Maligned Mixed Marriage: He fell in love with a woman from Mondstadt, which seems to have caused friction with his noble clan. His son was considered illegitimate, and the family was unable to be together prior to the disaster that left his wife and son transformed.
Meaningful Name: He is named after the French king Chlothar I, whose son was Caribert I. Unlike in Genshin, Caribert I was Chlothar I's legitimate son.
Mood-Swinger: As a sign of his decaying sanity, Chlothar is prone to frequent mood swings, often fluctuating between bouts of mania, soul-crushing despair, to furious indignation all in the same scene.
Papa Wolf: There is nothing he wouldn't do for his son, whether it be praying before a statue of the gods he despises or threatening a group of Forest Rangers.
Rage Against the Heavens: Khaenri'ah already banned things involving the Seven and Celestia, and then the Heavenly Principles destroyed it while cursing the people. Little surprise that he hates the gods, disgusted at the thought of anything to do with them or their followers. This hatred would be central to his founding of the Abyss Order, and everything the group has done in the story.
Sanity Slippage: His sanity is already on a dangerous knife's edge when the Traveler first encounters him due to years of grief and isolation, which was exacerbated by the curse of immortality slowly eroding his mind and body. But it wasn't until his encounter with the Sinner and the "divine miracle" that awoke his son that his sanity would go completely over the edge.
Uncertain Doom: Dain states that the Abyss Order's founder vanished, leaving the Traveler's sibling in charge of the organization. It is unknown what became of him after that, but the Traveler and Dain discover a man's skeleton buried in the field outside his home alongside a woman's skeleton. They theorize that it could be Cholthar and his late wife, but this would have required the Curse of Immortality to be broken.
Who Wants to Live Forever?: Chlothar was cursed with Immortality, while his wife and son were transformed into Hillicurls. When the Traveler's sibling met him, he'd been caring for his son-turned-monster for an untold period of time while slowly going mad from grief and isolation.

The Sinner

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screenshot_2023_04_09_at_33215_pm.png

An abomination found by Chlothar and the Traveler's Sibling 500 years ago. He granted Chlothar the power to temporarily restore his son Caribert at great cost.

Ambiguously Evil: While he doesn't do anything overtly evil, he identifies himself as a sinner opposing the gods and whatever happened to Caribert after he was given medicine imbued with its power is not implied to be good. Not only that but Dainsleif, who is shown to have genuinely good intentions in opposing the Abyss, is shown to have guesses of who he is and does not want to be around the Traveler while it's possible he is watching.
Deal with the Devil: He healed Caribert... But only temporarily, after which an unknown horrifying thing happened to him, making him into the "Loom of Fate".
Immortality: Implied, given it says it will shed a tear for Chlothar at the end of time itself.
Kneel Before Zod: Downplayed. Its presence alone can force hilichurls and Chlothar to bow before it as if it's a god, and in Chlothar's case, his bowing pose is noted by the Traveler to be similar to the Grand Thief's in front of the Defiled Statue of the Seven back in Chapter I, Act IV. However, the Sinner doesn't do this intentionally, as it expresses genuine confusion as to why it's being worshipped in the first place. The Traveler is the only one unaffected by this.
Purple Is Powerful: It presents itself as a chained-up purple crystal and its power is purple-colored. It is so powerful it can partially reverse a curse from the gods themselves.
Satanic Archetype: Heavily implied given its ability to partially restore Caribert's mind despite a curse from the gods having been placed upon him and its status as a "Sinner".
Stop Worshipping Me: Downplayed. The Sinner expresses confusion as to why it is being worshipped, identifying itself as a sinner rather than a god to be bowed to. Nonetheless, it grants Chlothar some of its power.
Telepathy: It has the ability to speak directly into the minds of others.
Time Abyss: Implied. It has been around for a while and says it will be around until the end of time.

Named Members

Landrich and Emery

Landrich, the Hydrochanter and Emery, the Cryochanter

Two notable Abyss Mages who were operating their mission separately only to get interrogated and tortured by the Heroes of Mondstadt.

Electric Torture: After stealing the book named The Pale Princess and the Six Pygmies, Emery is subjected to this by Lisa due to the book being past its return date.
Jack Bauer Interrogation Technique: These two are subjected to this.

Mr. Fluffball

"Mr. Fluffball"

A Pyro Abyss Mage, nicknamed by Klee, tried to steal Klee's precious treasure.

Shmuck Bait: The Pyro Abyss Mage had acquired Klee's most precious treasure which is actually a bomb, ignoring Klee's warnings. It ends up predictably by mishandling it.

Agnarr and Egill

Imperator/Commander Agnarr and Pious Egill

Two Abyss Lectors in Perils in the Dark World Quest.

Dual Boss: You will fight two of them upon reaching the dark fog and reading the Fatuus journal.
Playing with Fire: As a Fathomless Flames, Egill uses the power of Pyro.
Shock and Awe: Agnarr is a Violet Lightning and utilizes the power of Electro.

Enjou (Unmarked Spoilers!)

Enjou

^{Click here to see his true form}

Voiced by: Satoshi Yamaguchi (Japanese), Patrick Seitz (English)

"There are lots of reasons why I should kill you. As for reasons against, there's only one: 'I rather like you.' Could you think of another?"

A scholar well-versed in the ancient Enkanomiyan script who is sent to assist you in uncovering the secrets of Enkanomiya. He is eventually revealed to also be a disguised Pyro Abyss Lector, leading a faction of the Abyss Order more interested in exposing the Dark Secrets of Teyvat than carrying out the plans of the Abyss Order's leader.

Abhorrent Admirer: The 2024 White Day celebration features Enjou attempting to flirt with the Traveler, and ends with him asking them to put down their sword.
Affably Evil: He's an easygoing guy who makes some funny statements here and there. Even after he reveals himself as an agent of the Abyss Order, he never loses this demeanor, which is quite jarring.
Ambiguously Bi: The 2024 White Day celebration features Enjou attempting to flirt with the Traveler, bringing them flowers and comically holding one in his mouth while winking in an effort to seem seductive. He even makes a heart outline with his Pyro powers!
Anti-Villain: He just wants to continue his research into the world's past and Celestia, and has no ultimately villainous goals. He even helps the Traveler in the Three Realms event out of simple liking of them.
April Fools' Day: On April 1st, 2022, he received a "playable character trailer" animated in stop motion style with puppets. In it, he attempts to steal "Before Sun and Moon" from the Traveler and Paimon, only to find he's stolen the Raiden Shogun light novel instead.
Arc Villain: Of the Enkanomiya arc, serving as the antagonist of the Traveler's exploration of the region and playing a role in the version 2.5 Three Realms Gateway event. After that Enjou took a background role and has not appeared again for several versions.
Badass Bookworm: Even as Pyro Abyss Lector, he claims that he's a cleric first and foremost. He puts a good fight against The Traveler, but admits it's foolish for a bookish type such as himself to go against the hero since he'd lose on paper. Despite this, he easily mops the floor with the Bathysmal Vishap pair in Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames.
Beware the Silly Ones: For all his silly antics and quirks he mops the floor with the Bathysmal Vishap pair in Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames.
Big Damn Heroes: He helps the Traveler and gives them a critical quest item to resolve Enkanomiya's crisis in the Three Realms event.
Body Horror: Like all Abyss Lectors, he has been cursed into a tall humanoid form with dark, red-veined skin. However, unlike most of them, he seems to be able to take on a human form at will.
Bullying a Dragon: In the Three Realms Gateway Offering event, he invites the Traveler to throw down with him, to 'work off that excess energy and calm them down'. By this point, he's already fought the Traveler in the main Enkanomiya quest and is aware of their ability. The result is as obvious as it is funny, and this is before he realized that the Traveler once took on the Raiden Shogun.
Enjou: Stop, stop! My life is flashing before my eyes!
Card-Carrying Villain: He has no problem with calling himself a villain, even though he never does anything evil.
Combat Sadomasochist: Enjou often brings up the possibility of the Traveler fighting him. Lampshaded by the Traveler, who calls Enjou out on seemingly being too eager for them to beat him up.
A Day in the Limelight: The Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames April Fool's Character Demo shows a day in Enjou's life as he attempts to retrieve Enkanomiya's lost texts.
The Dragon: To the Prince/Princess of the Abyss Order, and is the one who reports the Traveler's progress to them in the "Luminous Glimmer" - Commemorative Trailer.
Dramatic Irony: He and his fellows from Khaenri'ah covet the book "Before Sun and Moon" to prove that the gods are foreign to Teyvat, and conquered its previous civilization by force. The book does in fact corroborate these claims, except that it also states that the primordial civilization in question was actually made up of Vishaps, ruled by dragonlike gods known as the Seven Sovereigns. While there are a few other things the book calls into question about Celestia, it ultimately concludes humanity is a creation of the gods.
Exact Words: He says that he's a clerical staff sent to aid the Traveler, but he never says that he was sent by Watatsumi. Instead, he was sent by the Abyss Order. During the Three Realms Gateway Offering event, he also made a deal with the Vishaps in which he covered Enkanomiya with darkness as per the agreed terms, but the darkness was actually Abyssal energy that is poisonous to Vishaps.
Fantastic Racism: He is very wary of Vishaps and warns the Traveler to not trust them. Given the Traveler is betrayed by a Vishap Priestess in Version 2.5's Three Realms event, his wariness is not unjustified.
Friendly Enemy: After being defeated by the Traveler, he admits that he actually rather likes them and prefers their company to the current Ruler of the Abyss Order. Though still enemies, he offers quite a bit of information and a warning about trusting too easily, before leaving with a promise to meet again. Additionally, during the Three Realms Gateway Offering event, he fights the Traveler again, it's mostly to get them to cool down instead of a serious confrontation, and afterward he provides the Traveler with the means of resolving the crisis as a "parting gift".
Ineffectual Sympathetic Villain: Lampshaded by Enjou himself, who knows he has absolutely no chance against the Traveler but fights them anyway to attempt to retrieve his book, offering them a good deal of information for their trouble and later helping them again in the Three Realms Gateway event. He fails again in Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames, where despite surprising the Traveler he steals a Raiden Shogun-themed isekai novel rather than the book he actually sought out.
Large Ham: Like all Abyss Lectors, he has very hammy attack calls. His hamminess is even more pronounced in his character lines in Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames, where he plays a Card-Carrying Villain when stealing Aether's book.
Late-Arrival Spoiler: The Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames trailer spoils the plot twist in the Enkanomiya storyline that Enjou is not from Watatsumi Island and is instead an impersonator.
Not in This for Your Revolution: Downplayed version. Though he certainly despises Celestia as much as the other members of the Abyss Order, he confesses he's not particularly loyal to the Abyss Order's Prince/Princess, has his own ideas about what the Abyss Order should be doing, and thinks he might actually like the Traveler more.
Playing with Fire: Befitting a Pyro Abyss Lector.
Pungeon Master: Downplayed. When an opportunity to make a fire-related joke appears, Enjou just can't help himself, which may or may not be a side effect of being a Pyro Abyss Lector.
Sarcastic Confession: When he starts rattling off a bunch of nonsensical possibilities for the potentially dangerous things that might happen when he opens up the Dainichi Mikoshi, the last one he gives is that he might end up being cursed and turned into a flame-flinging monster. Guess what he turns out to be?
Supernatural Gold Eyes: He has golden eyes and is, like all Abyss Lectors, cursed by the heavens.
Transformation Sequence: Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames depicts his change into an Abyss Lector as a magical girl-style sequence.
Vile Villain, Laughable Lackey: He works under the Prince or Princess of the Abyss Order, who have sent emissaries to corrupt various godly entities, spread Marana, and are working to overthrow the gods. Enjou himself is an Affably Evil goof who knows he stands no chance at ever winning against the Traveler.
Villain Has a Point: He's not wrong for advising the Traveler not to trust people easily, a sentiment Rosaria shares, and how trusting Childe almost resulted in Liyue getting wrecked by Osial.
Voluntary Shapeshifting: He can turn from his human form into his Lector form at will.
Wham Line: One that hints at the origin of the gods and Celestia, as well as his true allegiance.
Enjou: I came here to search for a certain book. That book contains records of things that happened in Byakuyakoku before the Dainichi Mikoshi was constructed. These chronicles are known to the people here as the times "before Sun and Moon." Back then, no gods walked the earth, and the whole land belonged to a single civilization... That way, we, the Abyss Order, would have proof. Proof that the gods and Celestia came from beyond this world.

Klingsor (Unmarked Spoilers)

Klingsor

A former Order of Skeptics member-turned Hydro Abyss Herald. For more details on him, see here.

Troops

Abyss Mages

Voiced by: Shunpei Fukuma (Japanese), Nam Doh-hyeong (Korean)
Introduced: v1.0 "Welcome to Teyvat" (September 28, 2020) [Pyro, Hydro, and Cryo variants], v2.0 "The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia" (July 21, 2021) [Electro variant]

Robe-clad beings who can channel the elements, as well as the most common footsoldiers of the Order, often seen on the surface world leading hilichurls. In general, the Mages can be seen enveloped in elemental armor, rendering them impervious to damage, airborne, and capable of teleporting and bombarding their enemies with elemental magic until their armor is destroyed with the appropriate elemental reactions, rendering them temporarily helpless until they summon their shields again.

Always a Bigger Fish: Though often seen leading hillichurls, Abyss Mages rank low within the Order. Fortunately, higher-ranking members, like the Heralds, seldom appear out in the wild.
Barrier Warrior: They can create an Elemental Barrier around themselves, making them invulnerable to damage and flinching till you destroy it.
The Corrupter: Their role in the Abyss Order is to corrupt non-humans to their cause, like manipulating Dvalin into attacking Mondstadt, and some of the most common Daily Commissions involve stopping them from recruiting other monsters.
Deadly Force Field: Whenever Abyss Mages teleport in, they deal wide-ranging elemental damage. In addition, in some Domains, the Spiral Abyss, and limited-time events, they can also deal damage whenever they teleport out (except the Electro variant, which instead generates Electro rings upon warping in).
Demoted to Extra: They had a prominent speaking role during the Mondstadt Archon Quest before the Heralds and Lectors took over their speaking role for the rest of the game.
Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors: The Pyro variants' armor is weak to Hydro; Hydro, to Electro; Electro, to Cryo; and Cryo, to Pyro.
Elite Mook: Downplayed. They're classified as this in the Adventurer's Handbook, but are the lowest-ranking members of the the Abyss Order.
Evil Sounds Deep: Only in the Japanese voice acting, but Pyro Abyss Mages have a deep and menacing voice compared to the other Abyss Mages.
The Fair Folk: Between their diminutive size, their deceptive fighting style (such as teleporting and casting a spell immediately to catch you off guard), then taunting you, floating taking the place of flying, and one of them corrupting Dvalin to attacking Mondstadt, they're the closest thing to the fae.
I Shall Taunt You: They have the charming habit of reclining inside their Elemental Barrier should their larger attacks hit you (or in Hydro Abyss Mage's case, occasionally after launching their normal attack).
Mooks: According to Diluc, there is more to the Abyss Order than just some Mages when warning the Traveler and Paimon to not underestimate them, implying that there are stronger monsters in the organization yet to be seen. During the first Traveler's Tale, Dainsleif introduces the Traveler to an "Abyss Herald" who has been leading the Mages.
Normal Fish in a Tiny Pond: They're actually the weakest known members of the abyss, yet they're strong and crafty enough to lead hilichurls.
Not-So-Harmless Villain: The first time a player is likely to see the Abyss Mages in the game's storyline, you can easily dispatch one, and from there the ones you find seem more content to taunt you and laze around until you burst their bubble. However, all it took is one Mage to drive Dvalin into a desperate rage due to the abandonment he felt, and the one that did so had no problems getting serious when needed.
Power Floats: They never walk, preferring to float around. They can even lazily recline while floating to taunt the player.
Squishy Wizard: The reason they hide behind shields in the first place. They have a variety of annoying and dangerous attacks, but they have comparatively low HP, and once their shields are down they are easily interrupted or launched. This is especially true of the Electro variants, whose shields are so weak that they can be taken down with even Swirl or Crystallize reactions.
Starfish Language: Played straight at first. While the Abyss Mages are quite capable of speaking the human language in cutscenes (varies depending on the dub), when you meet them in the wild, they will speak an unrecognizable, eldritch language in their spell incantations, and watching them while they perform rituals with hilichurls will reveal mysterious runes appearing above their heads, which is remarkably like the runic writing found in various ruins. Then, Chapter 1, Act IV reveals that the language they speak is the original language of Khaenri'ah, averting the trope entirely since the language was once used by them back when they were humans.
Summon Bigger Fish: In Shenhe's Character Demo, when a Hydro Mage finds itself outmatched by Chongyun, it summons a pair of mitachurls to assist it. And when Shenhe herself proves too strong, it summons a Stonehide Lawachurl for aid.
Turns Red: If you take too long to kill one once you destroy its barrier, it will cast a spell that will relentlessly bombard you with elemental attacks that track your position until you kill it.
Underground Monkey: Abyss Mages come in Pyro, Cryo, Hydro, and Electro variants.
Villain Has a Point: The Abyss Mages are taking advantage of Dvalin's emotions but doing so by pointing out that Mondstadt had abandoned him after he awoke from his poison-induced coma because the city had written off the Four Winds as legends in the time since.
"Let your wrath fester! Mondstadt has already turned its back on you!"
Villain Teleportation: Abyss Mages frequently teleport whenever either their target is too far away or it is vulnerable to attack.

Pyro Abyss Mage

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pryo_abyss_mage.png

In its shielded mode, the Pyro variant can either launch a single fireball to its enemy or summon three demonic heads to spew fire five times on its target's last known location. Whenever it tries to regenerate its armor, it will summon bursts of fire beneath its target's feet.

Artificial Stupidity: They can be more-or-less stun-locked by luring them into the water; Vaporize disintegrates their shield every time they regenerate it, and they will not move unless their shield is active. If it is deep water, they will drown right away.
Attack Drone: It can summon three demonic heads that surround the player and breathe fire on them.
No-Nonsense Nemesis: It does not taunt its opponents like its other kin, instead simply going down to business.
Playing with Fire: This variant of Abyss Mages can hurl fireballs, summon three demonic heads that breathe fire on a fixed location, and summon bursts of fire beneath your feet.

Hydro Abyss Mage

In its shielded mode, the Hydro variant can either launch a small bubble that moves rapidly or a slow, large bubble that homes in on its target and trapping them. When trying to regenerate its armor, it will summon large bubbles randomly.

Friendly Fireproof: Averted with regards to its large bubbles. Agile players can redirect them to small enemies (such as Hilichurls or smaller Slimes), trapping them instead.
Homing Projectile: When launched during the Abyss Mage's shielded phase, the large bubbles track its target. Quick-fingered players can take advantage of this by getting behind other, small enemies, causing them to be trapped instead.
Making a Splash: This variant of the Abyss Mages can either fire a small, swift bubble or a large, homing bubble that can trap players.
Nerf: The addition of Dendro as an element made them a lot easier to deal with, as Dendro is strong against Hydro.
Trap Master: Hydro Mages will entrap the player in large bubbles, similar to Hydro Slimes, either in its shielded form or whenever it tries to recharge the shield. This is especially dangerous if they are paired with Cryo Mages as they can trigger Freeze.

Electro Abyss Mage

In its shielded mode, the Electro variant can either fire a small thunderbolt or summon a ring of lightning that zaps enemies who come too close. Whenever it tries to regenerate its shield, it will fire four orbs of electricity seven times.

Close-Range Combatant: An unusual variant. While Electro Abyss Mages still attack by firing Electro projectiles from their staves, unlike the other Abyss Mages who prefer to stay out of melee range and only teleporting to close the gap with players if necessary, the Electro Mages prefer to get up close and personal by teleporting directly into players to inflict Collision Damage with their shields and cast an Electro ring spell on them.
Energy Ball: Whenever it tries to regenerate its shield, it will fire Electro orbs in all directions.
Rings of Death: It can create a ring of electricity that damages enemies upon contact. In certain Domains, the Spiral Abyss, and limited-time events, some Mages can also generate the ring whenever they teleport in.
Shock and Awe: This kind of Abyss Mage can either hurl a thunderbolt, envelop itself in a ring of electricity that damages the surrounding foes, or fire electric orbs in all directions while trying to restore its shield.

Cryo Abyss Mage

In its shielded form, the Cryo variant can either sic an icicle or drop larger ones thrice on its target's last known location. Whenever it tries to regenerate its armor, it will conjure a pair of rings of two orbiting icicles each that deal damage upon contact.

Cutscene Power to the Max: In Diluc's Story Quest, they display abilities unseen in gameplay such as creating spikes of ice that travel along the ground or telekinetically manipulating the ice around them.
Damage Over Time: In some Domains, the Spiral Abyss, and limited-time events, some variants of this Abyss Mage can leave behind a frozen mist following their icicle rain that, for twenty seconds, deals gradual damage on surrounding enemies.
Death from Above: Some of its attacks involve dropping down large icicles on opponents thrice.
An Ice Person: It can either fire a small icicle, drop larger icicles over its enemies' heads, or summon orbiting icicles while regenerating its armor.
No-Sell: Cryo Abyss Mages are normally immune to drowning in water, due to passively generating an ice sheet over it even if stunned or knocked back; however, if you use Pyro to forcibly melt their ice, then they will drown. Ironically, Hydro Mages are not as lucky.
Rings of Death: Whenever it tries to regenerate its armor, it will summon a pair of rings of two orbiting icicles each that damage any enemy upon contact.

Abyss Heralds

Powerful Abyss monsters clad in dark armor and armed with wrist-mounted blades who serve as the elite warriors of the Abyss Order, leading the Mages to battle against the surface world.

Black Knight: They're giant humanoids clad from head to toe in black armor that serve as the strongest members of the Abyss Order.
Blade Below the Shoulder: Their weapons are wrist-mounted blades made of Elemental energy.
Elite Mook: Dainsleif says that Abyss Heralds are even stronger than the Abyss Mages. A single Abyss Herald can hold its own against the Traveler, with Paimon shocked that the Abyss Order had monsters that powerful. Later, the Herald is shown to be capable of subduing Andrius and would've corrupted him had the Traveler not been there to stop them.
Evil Is Bigger: The Heralds are over nine feet tall, towering above all the heroes.
Evil Sounds Raspy: Abyss Heralds have raspy, sinister-sounding voices.
Humanoid Abomination: When compared to the Abyss Mages, the Abyss Heralds look more humanoid and wear dark suits of armor that appear like Tartaglia's Foul Legacy Transformation.
Informed Attribute: The Archive description refers to them as "silent figures," although in both gameplay and story, they are anything but silent.
Sword and Sorcerer: The sword to the Abyss Lectors' sorcerer, being close-ranged fighters. An interesting variant as they use their Hydro/Cryo abilities to create a pair of blades rather than carrying a physical sword.
Turns Red: Once its HP falls below 20%, the Abyss Herald will gain a shield of elemental energy, rendering it impervious to damage as long as it is intact, as well as strengthening and/or extending its attacks and giving it new attacks.

Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents

Voiced by: Hiroki Takahashi (Japanese), Lee Gwang-soo (Korean), Kellen Goff (English)
Introduced: v1.4 "Invitation of Windblume" (March 17, 2021)

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/enemy_abyss_herald_wicked_torents.png

Presager of the Abyss

An Abyss Herald who wields the element of Hydro. Previously serving as enemies exclusive to the Spiral Abyss, they appeared in v2.4 as overworld enemies exclusive to Enkanomiya. One first appears in Version 1.4 as the main antagonist of the We Will Be Reunited Archon Quest and returns as the antagonist of the Traveler and Dainsleif's second team-up within The Chasm.

The Abyss Herald typically attacks enemies with blades made of Hydro energy emanating from its arms, either in the form of the Tidal Slash combo; Surging Tide, a cross-shaped projectile of concentrated Hydro energy that, upon contact, extends any existing cooldown time of its enemies' Elemental Talents; Aqua Slash, a combo of Hydro projectiles; or Abyssal Roar, a spinning charge. Should it be close to defeat, it will blast surrounding enemies with Hydro energy and trigger its "Dark Descent" state, rendering it impervious to damage as well as granting it a sharp reduction to the duration of its Frozen state, but more importantly increasing the potency and/or frequency of the aforementioned attacks, in addition to giving it access to The Wicked Torrents, a flurry of slashes that generate eight Hydro slashes that disperse in all directions and also extend the cooldown time of its enemies' Elemental Talents.

Arch-Enemy: The Hydro Herald serves as one to Dainsleif, who has been chasing it for quite some time.
Blade Spam: The Wicked Torrents is a flurry of slashes that can deflect arrows and send projectile slashes of Hydro energy in all different directions.
Contractual Boss Immunity: While in Dark Descent mode, its shield reduces the duration of Freeze reactions by 70%, significantly negating the most obvious weakness of being perpetually affected by Hydro.
Cooldown Manipulation: Both Surging Tide and The Wicked Torrents will add six seconds to the cooldown time of your characters' Elemental Talents, like the "Slowing Water" ley line anomaly in selected Domains.
Cornered Rattlesnake: Whenever the shield of its Dark Descent mode has less than a third of its resilience, Tidal Slash can now hit five times and Abyssal Roar can now be done four times in a row.
The Corrupter: The Herald attempts to corrupt Andrius into serving them just as they did Dvalin. Thankfully, the Traveler puts a stop to it.
Degraded Boss: A player is most likely to meet them first in the first Traveler's Tale (Archon Quest Chapter I, Act IV), where one serves as a Recurring Boss. Since then, Heralds are merely Elite Enemies found in the Spiral Abyss and in the open world in Enkanomiya and The Chasm.
Dimensional Cutter: The Wicked Torrents unleashes a flurry of slashes that tear miniature holes in time and space, sending eight concentrated beams of cutting Hydro energy in all directions.
Dual Wielding: It wields twin wrist-mounted blades of Hydro energy.
Flunky Boss: In its first fight with the Traveler, the Hydro Herald will face them alone. In later fights, it will bring back up in the form of Hillichurls in the second fight, and Abyss Mages in the third fight.
Ground Punch: When transitioning to Dark Descent, it will stab the ground with its blade, unleashing a wide-ranging burst of Hydro damage.
He Knows Too Much: The Herald attempts to kill both Traveler and Paimon when they discover the Defiled Statue of the Seven, only relenting when it realizes that they are related to the leader of the Abyss Order. The game implies that it murdered the "Grand Thief," the Treasure Hoarder you find near the statue for the same reason.
Kick the Dog: Subverted. Early in the Sumeru Archon quest, the Herald tells the Traveler that they're weak and they should give up because the Prince(ss) has already abandoned them. However, it's just a dream the Traveler has, meaning the Herald was a manifestation of the Traveler's fear and insecurity.
Kneel Before Zod: "Bow before the Abyss!", said just after spotting the player.
Knight of Cerebus: The game's story takes a much darker turn when the Abyss Herald makes its debut as we learn the full scope of the Abyss Order's plans and ambitions as well as the dark truth surrounding their origins. The game also implies that it created the first onscreen death of a human character.
Know When to Fold 'Em: During the first Traveler's Tale, the Hydro Herald often retreats when things fall out of favor. Towards the end, it tries to make a run for it, only to be stopped by Dainsleif, needing a timely rescue from The Traveler's Sibling.
Last Villain Stand: It is finally defeated in the second Traveler's Tale (Archon Quest Chapter II, Act IV) when it engages the Traveler and Dainsleif in a final battle to keep them from interfering with their plan to cleanse the curse using the special water from the Chasm.
Logical Weakness: Hydro Heralds are especially vulnerable to the Frozen and Electro-charged reactions, especially after activating their Elemental Shield.
Making a Splash: The first one you meet in 1.4 wields the Hydro element.
Parrying Bullets: The Wicked Torrents has the Hydro Herald perform a Blade spam that will deflect arrows from Bow characters.
Recurring Boss: You fight the Hydro Abyss Herald thrice throughout the second Traveler's Tale (Archon Quest Chapter II, Act IV).
Spin Attack: Normally done one at a time, Abyssal Roar, a spinning charge, increases in frequency depending on the Abyss Herald's health: twice whenever its HP falls below 60%; thrice while shielded (i.e., after its HP falls below 20%), and four times when said shield's resilience is less than a third.
Sword Beam: It can unleash long-range projectile slashes of Hydro energy from its blades, which come either in the form of Surging Tide, which has a Cooldown Manipulation effect (see above), or Aqua Slash, a flurry of slashes. In its Dark Descent state, it can launch The Wicked Torrents, which fires eight slashes of Hydro energy in all directions.

Abyss Herald: Frost Fall

Voiced by: Andrew Russel (English)
Introduced: v3.5 "Windblume's Breath" (March 1, 2023)

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ezgif_2_7631cbbc26.png

Secret Keeper of Fate's End

This variant of the Abyss Herald, first found in a mysterious sanctuary near The Chasm, wields an arm-blade made of Cryo energy on its right arm, with which it attacks either with Stance of Desolation, where it either swings at nearby opponents or lunges towards them if they are distant; Frigid Sweep, a circular sweep against surrounding enemies; Wintry Rush, a quick dash attack; or Dark Frost Icicle, where it fires an icicle. All attacks have a chance of triggering "Dark Frost Enchantment," which imbues all succeeding attacks with the ability to burn through its victims' Stamina; for most attacks, the success rate increases for each failed attempt, while Dark Frost Icicle has a guaranteed activation, albeit at the expense of a sharp reduction to the success rate of the next attempt to trigger the state. Once its HP falls dangerously low, the Herald enters a state of "Icy Dominion," which provides a Cryo-elemental shield, enhances all its attacks, increases the success rate of triggering Dark Frost Enchantment as well as guarantee that the first one will activate the state, gives Stance of Desolation and Wintry Rush a chance to trigger a finisher which will be guaranteed once the shield is close to breaking, increases the damage radius of Frigid Sweep, and gives it the ability to trigger The Dark Frost Falls, where it leaps into the air and hurls a couple waves of four projectiles, with a guaranteed chance to trigger Dark Frost Enchantment albeit at the expense of completely negating the next activation opportunity.

Blade Below the Shoulder: Like all Heralds, its main weapon is a wrist-mounted blade of Cryo energy though, unlike its Hydro counterparts, it only wields one.
Critical Status Buff: Apart from the Cryo-elemental shield, the Icy Dominion mode guarantees its first attack to trigger Dark Frost Enchantment as well as increases the activation rate for successive attacks, and increases the potency of all its attacks.
Deadly Lunge: Wintry Rush begins with a Slow Walk before making a beeline for the Herald's target. In its Icy Dominion form, it gains a chance to trigger a leaping stab, which will be guaranteed to activate once its shield's durability is no more than 40%.
Gathering Steam: Initially, the chance of triggering Dark Frost Enchantment is 0%, which then increases by 20% for every failed attempt; once the Enchantment has been triggered, the base chance is reset. In Icy Dominion mode, the activation rate will now increase by 27% and the first attack will be guaranteed to trigger the Enchantment.
Ground Punch: The Dark Frost Falls, accessible only when the Herald is in Icy Dominion mode, has it leap in midair and fire two waves of four icy projectiles each that deal wide-ranging damage, which is guaranteed to trigger Dark Frost Enchantment but also negates the chances of the next activation attempt.
An Ice Person: It can utilize the element of Cryo.
Spin Attack: Frigid Sweep is a double-spinning attack against surrounding enemies. In Icy Dominion mode, its damage potency and radius increase.
Stamina Burn: All of the Herald's attacks have a chance to trigger Dark Frost Enchantment, which eats away 50 Stamina from its victims (as well as 20 for successive hits within three seconds of the first one).
Stance System: Normally, Stance of Desolation is a two-hit slash combo; if its target is distant, it will be preceded by a lunging stab to close the distance. As with Wintry Rush, in Icy Dominion form it gains a chance to launch an upward-slash finisher, which will be guaranteed once the shield's durability is no more than 40%.
Sword Beam: Dark Frost Icicle hurls one shard of dark ice, while The Dark Frost Falls, accessible only in Icy Dominion mode, sends two waves of four icicles each. Both attacks are guaranteed to trigger Dark Frost Enchantment, albeit at the expense of sharply reducing the chances of triggering the next instance of the Enchantment (61% from the former, 100% from the latter).

Abyss Lectors

The evangelists and scholars of the Abyss, Abyss Lectors are powerful mages who wield the elements in praise of the darkness. Previously serving as enemies exclusive to the Spiral Abyss, they appeared in v2.4 as overworld enemies exclusive to Enkanomiya.

Abyss Lectors specialize in striking at their foes from a safe distance, either in the form of single-burst attacks or homing projectiles, as well as a wide-ranging blast whenever their enemies are too close. Like their Herald kin, the Lectors can summon elemental shields around themselves whenever their HP is dangerously low, rendering them impervious to attacks, enhancing their earlier attacking patterns, and introducing new, deadlier attacks.

The Archmage: Like the Heralds, they are powerful casters who rank higher than the Abyss Mages in both hierarchy and power. They even use books like Catalyst users in combat.
Badass Bookworm: The rather friendly one you meet notes that their kind is stereotypically bookish, and are officially clerks of the Abyss Order.
Badass Preacher: They are the evangelists of the Abyss Order, extolling the virtues of the Abyss. They even go into battle armed with books. And their voice lines make them sound like a demented cult leader.
"By holy proclamation!"
Elite Mooks: They're the Abyss Order's highest-ranking and most powerful members alongside the Heralds.
Evil Is Bigger: Like the Heralds, they tower over the playable characters.
Holy Halo: Lectors form a halo of elemental energy behind then for certain attacks, adding to their image as preachers.
Long-Range Fighter: In contrast to the melee-oriented Abyss Heralds, Lectors hang back and bombard enemies with magic attacks from their given element, with their only close-ranged attack being a wide-ranging burst.
Meaningful Name: A "Lector" is a fancy term for a reader, particularly someone who reads lessons in Christian worship, fitting the Lectors' evangelist theme. Likewise, their true name, "Exegete," is a technical term for someone who expounds on or interprets scripture, again fitting their evangelist theme.
Only Known by Their Nickname: One Fathomless Flames variant you meet in Enkanomiya reveals that the term "Lector" was applied by the surface-dwellers and that they are actually called Exegetes. This is even referenced in the Archive description for the Fathomless Flames variant.
"The surface people have a slightly distorted understanding of what their name means, calling them "Lectors" when their name can also mean "exegete." Reading the word of grace grants them great power."
Power Floats: They constantly levitate above the ground during combat.
Turns Red: Like the Heralds, they will generate an elemental shield when their health is low, protecting them from damage and enhancing their attacks.
Sword and Sorcerer: The sorcerer to the Abyss Herald's sword, being traditional spell casters.

Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames

Voiced by: Satoshi Yamaguchi (Japanese), Patrick Seitz (English)
Introduced: v2.4 "Fleeting Colors in Flight" (January 5, 2022)

This Pyro-aligned variant typically attacks either with Solar Orb, a large fireball; Sparking Flares, a salvo of five smaller fireballs; Scorching Scriptures, which burns surrounding enemies; or Abyssal Flames, a triad of bursts that inflict the "Brand of Abyssal Flame" onto its victims, which explodes after a few seconds. When shielded through its "Hellfire Haven" state, it uses Darkfire Meteor, wherein it drops down a meteorite upon its enemies, followed by The Fathomless Flames, a salvo of fiery bursts that inflict the Brands and last as long as the "Darkfire Furnace" left behind by the meteorite has not been destroyed.

Alliterative Name: The Pyro variants are called Fathomless Flames.
Armor-Piercing Attack: Downplayed. While elemental shields can prevent the application of the Brand of the Abyssal Flame, they won't protect you from damage if it's already applied.
Damage Over Time: Abyssal Flames and The Fathomless Flames apply the Brand of the Abyssal Flame, which after a few seconds damages the entire party's HP (though mercifully with the exception for off-field characters should their HP fall below 15%).
Large Ham: It's far more bombastic than its Violet Lightning kin, screaming most of its lines at the top of its lungs.
Meteor-Summoning Attack: Darkfire Meteor, used only in the Lector's Hellfire Haven mode, calls down a meteorite which leaves behind a Darkfire Furnace that powers up The Fathomless Flames. Destroying the Furnace will deplete part of its Pyro shield and interrupt the latter attack.
Playing with Fire: Wields flaming Pyro magic.

Abyss Lector: Violet Lightning

Voiced by: Joji Nakata (Japanese), Lee Jeong-gu (Korean), Cory Yee (English)
Introduced: v1.5 "Beneath the Light of Jadeite"

Baptist of the Fallen Kingdom

This Electro-aligned variant jolts enemies either with Thunderbolt, which rains down lightning on its target's last known location; Thunder Wave, a creeping line of lightning; Thunderous Declaration, which zaps surrounding enemies; or Abyssal Light, which launches three lightning orbs that, upon contact, drains its victims' Elemental Energy. Once its HP is dangerously low, it enters a "Storming Sanctum" state, which increases the hits of its former two attacks, as well as allowing it to use The Violet Lightning, a salvo of eight lightning orbs that fly in all directions and sap its victims' Energy.

Bolt of Divine Retribution: Its main attack involves calling lightning like an Electro Cicin Mage. It can also fire waves of lightning as another attack.
Cold Ham: In contrast to the Heralds and its Fathomless Flames kin, it's calmer and more reserved, though it can also use the same dramatic speech.
Energy Ball: Abyssal Light and The Violet Lightning involve firing orbs of electricity—the former, three at a time towards its target; the latter, eight in all directions.
In the Name of the Moon: Violet Lightning Lectors can invoke this trope when they activate their shields.
"In the name of the truth!"
Mana Drain: Both Abyssal Light and The Violet Lightning drain 20 Energy on hit, like the Engulfing Storm ley line disorder in certain domains.
Purple Is Powerful: It's a high-ranking member of the Abyss Order whose color scheme and lightning are purple. Its Boss Subtitles even call it "Violet Lightning".
Shock and Awe: Wields the element of Electro to cast lightning bolts, orbs of electrical energy, and various other electricity-based attacks.
Yellow Lightning, Blue Lightning: Its lightning attacks are a mix of purple and black much like those generated by Tartaglia whenever he uses his Foul Legacy Transformation, signifying its corruption by the Abyss.

Independent Entities

All-Devouring Narwhal (Unmarked Spoilers)

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/all_devouring_narwhal.png

Visitor from the Far Side of the Sea of Stars

Tropes relating to the Narwhal itself

Arc Villain: Serves as the overarching villain of the Fontaine arc, as it is the culprit behind the prophecy that would wipe out all of Fontaine.
Battle Theme Music: Its boss battle music comprises of the soundtracks Eschatologia Iudicata, which plays during the Narwhal phase, and Silhouette of Catastrophe, when the player is swallowed and faces the being in its belly, which were released in the disc Ad Consummationem Aquarum.
Beast of the Apocalypse: The very star-beast foretold as early in v3.6 in the Flavour Text of the Fell Dragon's Monocle, that Rene saw would "drink the amniotic fluid of the world (the Primordial Sea) dry" and would have caused Fontaine's final Great Flood and the extinction of its people if not for Focalors successfully averting it with Neuvillettte's help.
Big Eater: As its name implies, it constantly seeks to devour everything around it. Skirk complains that it "eats too much", as though it were just a gluttonous dog and not a nation-ending monster.
Breaking Old Trends: Out of all the weekly bosses that were both released since version 1.1 and are fought during Archon Quests, the All-Devouring Narwhal is the first one that isn't a Fatui Harbinger.
Climax Boss: The boss that is fought during Chapter IV Act V, right as The Great Flood that it has been prophesised to cause will submerge Fontaine.
Company Cross References: The insides of the Narwhal is a disorganized landscape that would not look out of place in the Sea of Quanta in Genshin's sister game Honkai Impact 3rd.
Early-Bird Cameo: Its earliest glimpse turns out to be the battle in the Golden House, as Childe states the hydro whale he summoned is based on the beast he dreamed about while lost in the Abyss. The real Narwhal is briefly glimpsed at the end of Chapter IV Act IV, where it was swimming above Childe after he escaped from the Fortress of Meropide.
Genre Motif: Genshin music is mostly orchestral symphony, with the odd Ominous Latin Chanting here and there. This creature, or at least the entity within it, is accompanied with electronic music not that different from dubstep, emphasizing how eldritch this creature is.
Getting Eaten Is Harmless: When fighting it, the Narwhal can swallow your character, sending them into another dimension, where you fight a shadow being dwelling within.
Moby Schtick: Childe has been obsessed with it since glimpsing it in his youth, basing one of his attacks on it and relating in a voice line his intentions to hunt it down one day. After vanishing into the Primordial Sea, he engages in a lengthy battle with it before collapsing from exhaustion. Skirk, for her part, is exasperated at her master's pet and her apprentice getting into a fight so soon.
Monster Whale: It comes with the territory of being a ginormous narwhal of Abyssal origins.
Pet Monstrosity: Skirk casually mentions that the Narwhal is in fact her master's pet, and one she seems to have very low opinions about.
Psychic Link: While the exact nature of it remains unclear, the Narwhal shares a connection with Childe as a result of their encounter many years ago. He senses its growing agitation, influencing his own mood and eventually leading him to come to Fontaine for a "vacation". Once sent to the Fortress of Meropide, the Narwhal's call draws him back into the Abyss and leads to a lengthy battle between them. Skirk implies that she suspected the two would be drawn into battle with each other eventually, but is annoyed at it being sooner than expected.
Sapient Cetaceans: It has been shown that, despite its animalistic behavior, this creature is intelligent.
Space Whale: Hinted to be one of these, based on its title as a "visitor" from the "Sea of Stars".
Villain Teleportation: The Narwhal can travel through interdimensional rifts to navigate around.

Tropes relating to the being existing within the Narwhal

BFS: It wields a gigantic sword to fight.
Shock and Awe: It is capable of channeling Electro into its combat prowess.

Skirk (Unmarked Spoilers Below)

Skirk

Voiced by: Xie Ying (Chinese), Mamiko Noto (Japanese), Seo Da-hye (Korean), Cat Protano (English)

"I simply did not have anything to say to the weak... but you, on the other hand, managed to defeat the All-Devouring Narwhal without using 'power from beyond this world'... so you may speak to me as equals."

A mysterious warrior that Tartaglia encountered while lost in an abyssal realm. Though unwilling to speak of her own origins, she took the youth in as a student and trained him as a warrior, including teaching him the "heretical" Foul Legacy technique. Her origins and current whereabouts are unknown, and her apprentice has been unable to find her after years of searching.

Always Someone Better: Childe considers her to be this, and aspires to prove his growth by forcing her to fight him with both hands.
Apparently Human Merfolk: Skrik has a fin along her spine in her otherwise humanoid appearance, suggesting that her nature is similar.
As You Know: Subverted. Skirk is under the impression that the Traveler and Neuvillette already know everything she is talking about, leading to awkwardness when she realizes they have no idea. She struggles to explain about her master, surprised that he isn't more famous, and casually drops a major bombshell about the Gnosis while grasping for the terminology used by Teyvat's people.
Comically Missing the Point: When asked what kind of person would have an Eldritch Abomination as a pet, Skirk agrees that it's a terrible choice for a pet with its huge appetite and disobedient nature. Paimon notes that she completely missed the point of the question.
Company Cross References: Skirk bears a strong resemblance to Durandal from miHoYo sister game Honkai Impact 3rd, even sharing the same Japanese voice actress. Both are warriors of great strength, as well as travelers familiar with their world's dangerous interdimensional "sea", care for a Pet Monstrosity, and struggle when dealing with ordinary people due to their immense power. As a bonus, her design heavily resembles the Palatinus Equinox battlesuit, which has two forms: a softer, flowing mini-dress and a darker, armored form. While Skirk is only glimpsed briefly in one form, she is implied to have a Foul Legacy of her own just like the technique she taught to Childe.
Cryptically Unhelpful Answer: Childe describes her as someone who rarely gave a straight answer, including the time when he directly asked her why she took him in. Her response did little to answer his question, but he was able to gather that it involved him "awakening it" and being able to fight means having some use to him in the future.
Dull Eyes of Unhappiness: Like her disciple, her eyes are dead looking and lack a shine to them. This is probably due to her connection to the Abyss.
Exotic Eye Designs: Her pupils are shaped similar to the orb she created with her powers, a small dot in the center with a sharp line down the middle.
Human Aliens: Implied to be the case. Skirk's origins and true nature remain a mystery, other than her making it clear that she is neither human nor a native of Teyvat's "surface" and speaks of it as a "planet". Whether she's an Outlander or not, she's clearly something outside the laws of Teyvat.
The Mentor: She took a young Ajax under her wing, training him as a warrior and teaching him her techniques. He remembers her as a stern teacher who rarely spoke unless necessary.
Ms. Fanservice: Skirk's wardrobe does a very good job hugging her curves, with torn segments that act like thigh-highs and leaving almost nothing to the imagination.
Mysterious Past: Tartaglia describes her as a complete mystery, as she never spoke about where she came from or what she had been through. She took him in, trained him, gave him a vague warning about "it", and then disappeared just as suddenly as she'd appeared. Over the years, he's exhausted all leads searching for Skirk or the place where they met.
Mystical White Hair: She has flowing long white hair, fitting for a resident of the Abyss that possesses supernatural powers considered "heretical" by the established order of Teyvat.
Nightmare Fuel Station Attendant: Not surprising, considering her own implied alien nature. While complaining about the Narwhal, she notes that the only thing it has going for it as a pet is its looks. Skirk apparently thinks the nation-ending, prophecy fulfilling, beast from beyond the void to be cute.
One-Winged Angel: It's implied Foul Legacy Transformation was originally her own technique and she merely taught it to Childe.
Purple Is Powerful: Her limbs gradually fade into the shade of deep purple associated with the Abyss at the tips, and her strength so great that she considers the All-Devouring Narwhal as a simple target for her training.
The Quiet One: Zigzagged. Childe describes her as a woman of few words, rarely ever speaking to him during their months together. But when the Traveler encounters her, Skirk is more than willing to have a lengthy conversation and share several important pieces of information. When Paimon points out the contradiction, Skirk explains that she doesn't bother with those she considers "weak", but is more than willing to talk as equals with those that have proven their strength.
Red Eyes, Take Warning: Skirk is a warrior of incredible power and an inhuman resident of the Abyss, with wine-colored eyes that are just odd enough to hint at her lack of humanity.
Stern Teacher:
- Childe recalls her as being one, and this matches with her treatment of him when they are reunited. She tosses him around casually, and explains that she didn't talk much with him because she considered him "weak". Though in spite of her critical words about him, she still returns her wounded student to the Fatui for treatment, and indicates her intention to keep in contact with him going forward.
- Her own master seems to be one as well, and Skirk explains that the Narwhal was intended as a casual training session for her and her slip-up will likely result in having to do three million sword swings as penance.
Strength Equals Worthiness: Skirk states that she rarely bothers to even speak to those she deems weak, explaining Childe's impression of her as The Quiet One. But she's surprisingly willing to talk to the Traveler and Neuvillette, since their defeat of the Narwhal proves them to be worthy of her time; she readily offers quite a bit of information and even a warning about the Gnosis, before promising to follow up with them in the future.
Unseen No More: For a very long time, Skirk did not make a physical appearance in the story, only ever getting mentioned in Childe's profile and voice lines, and Childe admits that he's spent the last several years trying to find her. She finally makes her physical debut in version 4.2.
Walking Swimsuit Scene: As a traveler in the Sea of Stars whose back fin hints at mermaid physiology, her outfit appropriately appears to be a one-piece swimsuit.

The Foul

Surtalogi, the Foul

A mysterious being residing within the Abyss who is said to be pursuing a form of "perfection". He is the master of Skirk and the All-Devouring Narwhal.

Mythical Motifs: His name is Old Norse for "Surtr's Fire," the fire with which Surtr destroys the world.
Names to Run Away from Really Fast: "Surtalogi" is the name of Surtr's sword which he uses to burn the world. That's not even mentioning that his title is The Foul.
Outside-Context Problem: What little is known about him is that he is a being outside Teyvat's established order, and wields power sufficient to make a nation-ending abomination from the Primordial Sea that he keeps as a pet.
Pet Monstrosity: The All-Devouring Narwhal is apparently his pet, one he allowed out so Skirk could have a casual training session with it. In the process, it nearly destroys Fontaine.
They Call Him "Sword": Like Dainsleif, he is named after Surtr's sword of Norse mythology.

Rifthounds

Introduced: v2.2 "Into the Perilous Labyrinth of Fog" (October 13, 2021)

Rockfond Rifthound Whelp

Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp

Rockfond Rifthound

Thundercraven Rifthound

Lupine creatures that were accidentally created by the alchemist "Gold" that have the power to corrode whatever they touch. Having been constantly pushed back by human civilizations, a vast majority of rifthounds settled down in the long-depopulated island of Tsurumi in southern Inazuma, led by a so-called "Golden Wolflord." They typically come in either the Geo-aligned "Rockfond" or Electro-aligned "Thundercraven" variants, and are in turn classified as either the adult or juvenile "Whelp" sub-variants.

All rifthounds attack either with a dashing bite or a double swipe of their claws, in addition to the Whelps having a single-swipe move and the adult variants a tail swipe, with the adult Rockfond and Thundercraven variants in particular having the additional ability to respectively spit a rock and fire a spinning thunderbolt from the tail. Moreover, attacking them with their innate element builds up their "Fury" meter; once it is full, they enter the "Elemental Devourer" state, which endows it with heightened attacking speed in exchange for a penalty to resistance to their innate elements, with the adult variants gaining the ability to launch dash attacks. Of particular note, however, is the ability of all their attacks to inflict "Corrosion," which slowly drains away at its victims' HP regardless of whether or not they have elemental shields.

Animalistic Abomination: Befitting artificial creatures of the Abyss created by an alchemist, their biology is markedly alien though they resemble wolves, with Floating Limbs held together by strange energy. Notably, while other enemies (even some other Abyss monsters) fade into blue light particles upon death, Rifthounds are instead sucked into a dark portal, as if the world of Teyvat itself is saying that they don't belong there.
- This is only played straighter when it is revealed in the Ann of the Narzissenkreuz series of World Quests that even Khaenri'ah identified the Rifthounds as having originated from Another Dimension, meaning that they are not manmade at all.
Armor-Piercing Attack: They are specifically designed to counter shield-generating characters like Noelle, Zhongli, Diona, Xinyan, Thoma, and Layla, as their attacks can bypass shields and inflict the Corrosion status, causing characters to take Damage Over Time and forcing them to either gorge on a lot of food or bring dedicated healers such as Barbara and Kokomi.
Badass Adorable: The Rifthound Whelps look rather adorable for creatures of the Abyss, but are just as dangerous as their matured counterparts.
Beware My Stinger Tail: Aside from their claws and fangs, Rifthounds can also lash out with their tails.
Breath Weapon: Rockfond Rifthounds can spit a blast of Geo energy from their mouths.
Dash Attack: Aside from their claws, Rifthounds can attack with a lunging bite. They can also use an attack where they repeatedly dash at you.
Damage Over Time: Their main ability is to inflict Corrosion, causing characters to take damage over time. This status can even bypass shields.
Deadly Disc: Thundercraven Rifthounds can fire a spinning thunderbolt from their tails.
Dem Bones: Rifthounds have a decidedly skeletal appearance.
Dimensional Cutter: According to Ei and as told in their Archive descriptions, their role during the Cataclysm was tearing open passages through space with their claws and teeth and paving the way for stronger monsters to attack.
- They did this to Khaenri'ah, too.
Energy Absorption: According to their Archive descriptions, Rifthounds have the ability to absorb elemental energy. In gameplay, this translates into them entering the Elemental Devourer state upon being attacked with the element of their type, making them stronger at the cost of being more vulnerable to the element that empowered them.
Foreshadowing: In Razor's Story Quest, when he and his pack are accused of attacking Springvale, Razor mentions that the true culprits are a pack of black wolves. v2.2 would later introduce the rifthounds, something that is referenced in the Archive description for the Thundercraven Rifthounds.
Thundercraven Rifthound description: A beast with monstrous blood that is capable of eroding the boundaries of the world. They were created by "Gold." Once upon a time, they ran riot across the continent, but they went extinct for a time due to resistance and mass hunts. Recently, however, they have re-emerged. The pack of black wolves that now threaten Springvale and Wolvendom are such creatures.
Invisibility: Rifthounds can turn invisible like the Fatui Pyro Agents, allowing them to stealthily move about the battlefield.
Phlebotinum Overdose: Attacking rifthounds with their innate elements will cause them to enter an Elemental Devourer state, becoming stronger and more resistant to every type of damage but with the catch of becoming weaker to the very elements they embody. This encourages risk-and-reward fighting styles, where players can capitalize on their specific weaknesses to deal more damage to them while facing a greater challenge from their buffs.
Power Floats: Rifthounds can hover in the air, giving them a ghostly appearance.
Savage Wolves: They are creatures of the Abyss designed to resemble wolves.
Turns Red: If Rifthounds are hit with the same element they wield, they will enter an "Elemental Devourer" state, causing their attacks to become more aggressive at the cost of being less resistant to said element.
Villain Holds the Leash: While they aren't the creation of the Abyss Order, the Abyss Order seems to assert dominance over some Rifthounds, as Rifthounds can often be found fighting alongside them.

Shadowy Husks

Introduced:
v2.5 "When the Sakura Bloom" (February 16, 2022) [Standard Bearers, Line Breakers, and Defenders ("Three Realms Gateway Offering" limited-time event, starting Februrary 17)]
v2.6 "Zephyr of the Violet Garden" (March 30, 2022) [Standard Bearers, Line Breakers, and Defenders (permanent content), Windcutters]
v3.5 "Windblume's Breath" (March 1, 2023) [Rockbreaker Axes (Spiral Abyss)]

Animated suits of armor reanimated by the power of the Abyss from the corrupted remains of footsoldiers of an underground kingdom forgotten to time. Though they lost their sapience, they have not lost their sense of duty to their long-forgotten homeland.

The first three enemies from this group—the Standard Bearers, Line Breakers, and Defenders—first appear as unique enemies in the "Three Realms Gateway Offering" limited-time event in Enkanomiya, before appearing as permanent content exclusive to The Chasm, alongside a higher-ranking offer, the Windcutter.

Boss in Mook Clothing: The majority of them are considered elite enemies (bar the Windcutter's cohorts), complete with an emphasized HP bar and name; however, since they drop Statuettes,^note they will respawn and can be re-fought.
Cast from Hit Points: The Husks sacrifice 15% of their current HP to provide buffs for themselves and their fellow Husks whenever any of their attacks are fully absorbed by shields (unless they are broken)—Standard Bearers erect shields that last fifteen seconds, Line Breakers confer gradual healing, Defenders generate a shield and increase their own Attack, and Windcutters can dodge the first counterattack as well as gain a temporary boost to their Attack.
Empty Shell: They are nothing more than suits of armor brought to life by Abyssal energy.
Man of Kryptonite: Like the Rifthounds, they are specifically designed to counter-shield characters. When they hit a shielded character, they can grant buffs to other nearby Husks.
Mighty Glacier: Their attacks are strong, and their ability to counter shield characters makes them dangerous in groups, but their attacks are so slow and telegraphed you may not even need a character who can generate shields.
The Speechless: Zigzagged. In gameplay, they are completely silent, but the second Traveler's Tale (Archon Quest Chapter II, Act IV) shows that they are capable of vocalizing through growls. However, some Shadowy Husks you fight in the Chasm are fully capable of speech.
Was Once a Man: Their Archive descriptions heavily imply that the Husks used to be human. v2.6 reveals that they were once the Black Serpent Knights, the Royal Guard of Khaenri'ah once led by Dainsleif.

Shadowy Husk: Standard Bearer

This variant of the Husks attack with a phantasmal banner made of Pyro energy generated from a spear, which they either transform into a fireball to hurl at their opponents or swing around to scorch surrounding enemies. Moreover, whenever any of their attacks are blocked by elemental shields, they install an elemental shield for their allies at the cost of some of their current HP.

Barrier Warrior: Whenever their attacks are blocked, they erect Pyro-elemental shields to protect themselves and their fellow Husks that last up to fifteen seconds and can be regenerated should their attacks be blocked again.
Fireball: Standard Bearers can shoot fireballs as a ranged attack.
Improbable Weapon User: True to their name, Standard Bearers fight using phantasmal banners made of Pyro energy attached to their spears.
Playing with Fire: Standard Bearers are aligned with the Pyro element, judging from their fireballs, burning banner sweeps, and their Pyro-elemental shields.

Shadowy Husk: Line Breaker

This variant of the Husks attack with their jousting lances, either with a simple thrust, a charging thrust, or a sweep on surrounding enemies. Moreover, whenever any of their attacks are blocked by elemental shields, they generate healing energy that gradually heals themselves and their fellow Husks.

Dash Attack: One of its attacks involves running towards its target with its lance.
Heal It with Water: Whenever their attacks are blocked, they generate healing bursts that restore HP for itself and its fellow Husks for ten seconds (to a maximum of 10% HP).
Jousting Lance: It uses one as a weapon, with which it either stabs its enemies, makes a dash towards them, or sweeps it to hit nearby foes.
Making a Splash: Line Breakers are aligned with the Hydro element, which appears in their simple thrust, a charging dash, a sweep of their lance, or healing their kin.

Shadowy Husk: Defender

This variant of the Husk prefers fighting from a distance with a bow, either shooting a single arrow straight at its enemy or sending down an icicle to hit enemies over a wide radius. Moreover, whenever any of their attacks are blocked by elemental shields, they transform their bows into tower shields that block all frontal attacks and boost their own attacks.

Death from Above: Defenders can fire an arrow into the sky that rains down from above.
An Ice Person: Defenders are aligned with the Cryo element, which manifests through firing arrows encased in ice.
Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: As their name implies, Defenders can transform their bow into a tower shield to protect against frontal attacks for thirty seconds.
Status Buff: In addition to the tower shield, Defenders can increase their own Attack by 15% for thirty seconds.

Black Serpent Knight: Windcutter

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Once high-ranking officers of the lost kingdom from which the Shadowy Husks came, Windcutters are masters of "Truthseeker" style of swordsmanship, wherein they either attack with wild swings with their greatswords through either a two-hit Stormslash Sweeping or a three-hit Galeblade Greatsword; turn their sword into a whip-blade with which it either triggers Whirling Windblades, wherein it launches four spinning blades before retracting them, or Windspike Whipsmash, wherein it whips at its target; or conjure six pressurized wind bullets called "Swiftwind Seekers."

Blow You Away: As their name implies, Windcutters are aligned with the Anemo element, with which they either wild swings of their greatsword, turning it into a whip-sword to either let loose spinning blades or whip it around their targets, or conjure wind bullets.
Flash Step: When hitting a shielded character, Windcutters gain the ability to dodge your first counterattack, as well as enjoy a 30% Attack boost for thirty seconds.
Odd Name Out: Unlike the rest of the Shadowy Husks that the Windcutters are related to, they don't actually adopt the Shadowy Husk name, instead being referred to by their original moniker that they once held in Khaenri'ah; "Black Serpent Knight". This is likely to distinguish the Windcutters as higher-ranked officials who lead the Husks into battle.
Razor Wind: Swiftwind Seekers are six pressurized wind bullets they can occasionally launch onto distant enemies.
Whip Sword: Windcutters are armed with greatswords that can turn into a whip for long-ranged attacks.

Black Serpent Knight: Rockbreaker Ax

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The other kind of high-ranking officers of the Black Serpent Knights, the Rockbreaker Axes are large, bulky warriors armed with a pair of heavy axes and wield the power of Geo. Like their Windcutter counterparts, they have developed the "Truthseeker" art and adapted it to their axes, with which they either swing away at their enemies, combine both axes into a great battleaxe which they swing on enemies around them, or combine them into a tower shield which it slams onto its enemies as well as provides protection against frontal attacks. If it is accompanied by Shadowy Husks, it can also use Guardian Greatshield, where the axes' tower shield form generates a protective aura that blocks all frontal damage and lasts until its enemies can somehow get behind it. And like all its kin, if its attacks have been blocked by elemental shields, it will retaliate by entering a state of "Rockbreaking Rampage," sacrificing a chunk of its HP in exchange for heightened damage potency, damage reduction, and interruption resistance, as well as grants access to either a frenzied spin attack or a lunging upward cleave.

Brutish Character, Brutish Weapon: They are large, bulky Shadowy Husks, and their choice of weapon reflects their size and strength.
Dishing Out Dirt: As their name implies, they can control the power of Geo, using it mainly to empower their attacks with Geo energy.
Dual Wielding: They wield twin axes that can combine to form either a shield or a much larger ax.
Fat Bastard: Similarly to the Fatui Legionaries, they are quite rotund.
Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: If fighting alongside Shadowy Husks, the Rockbreaker Axe can use Guardian Greatshield to protect the Husks, blocking all frontal attacks. The shield cannot be broken, and the only way to get around it is to attack from behind, which will be made no easier by the fact that the Rockbreaker Ax will always adjust its position.
Mighty Glacier: Like other Shadowy Husks, their attacks are incredibly slow and telegraphed, but very powerful.
Morph Weapon: Their axes can combine to form either a tower shield or a giant battleaxe.
Shield Bash: One of its regular attacks has it combine its axes into a tower shield and slam it down, dealing damage as well as temporarily protecting it from frontal attacks.
Spin Attack: Two of their attacks have them combine their axes together and perform a wide-sweeping spin attack.
Turns Red: If they hit a character with a shield, they will enter the Rockbreaking Rampage state, where for eleven seconds they enjoy a 20% boost to their Attack and 50% to all their Resistance stats, as well as heightened interruption resistance.

Iniquitous Baptist

Voiced by: Chris Hackney (English)
Introduced: v3.6 "A Parade of Providence" (April 12, 2023)

The Guide to the Dark Paradise

A four-armed being who claims to have caught a glimpse of the great darkness beyond the skies and has gained the power to wield multiple elements at once found inside the Gate of Zulqarnain in Gavireh Lajavard in far northwestern Sumeru.

Unique among its fellow creatures of the Abyss for its ability to use three elements at a time, the Iniquitous Baptist begins battle by conjuring three elemental rings around itself which explode in a wide radius unless they are destroyed with the appropriate Elemental Reactions, which temporarily paralyze it if all three had been destroyed. Afterward, it will then cycle between its three elements, each bestowing it an elemental shield as well as influencing its attacking patterns. In the Cryo phase, it can launch Dark Frost Icicles, a series of four icicles that drain its victims' Stamina upon contact, Icy Blades, a volley of two to four blades of ice followed by a cross-blade attack, or Shattering Blast, a wide-ranging attack. In the Electro phase, it can launch Abyssal Light, a volley of three lightning balls that drain its victims' Energy on contact, Violet Beam, a quick laser attack, or Lances of Retribution, where it hurls a pair of lances made of Electro energy, as well as teleport away if its target is too close. In the Hydro phase, it can trigger Surging Tide, where it fires two to six water blades, followed by a cross-blade attack, each of which can extend the cooldown time of its victims' Elemental Talents, or Orbs of Cleansing, a volley of four water bombs. In the Pyro phase, it can trigger Searing Precept, where it summons seven embers that inflict victims with "Brands of the Abyssal Flame" that explode after a few seconds, or Orbs of Incineration, a volley of four fireballs. After a short while, the Baptist will cycle between elements, as well as launch a wide-ranging two-element damage burst corresponding to its current and succeeding elements, unless the related elemental shield has been destroyed first, temporarily stunning the Baptist and rendering its associated phase unusable; once all three have been destroyed, it will be stunned for much longer before it is forced to use the elemental rings anew and refresh its phases.

All Your Powers Combined: Being an apex creature of the Abyss, the Iniquitous Baptist uses some attacks from the Heralds and Lectors, in particular the ones with auxiliary effects.
Cooldown Manipulation: Each hit of Surging Tide extends existing cooldown times for its victims' Elemental Talents by six seconds.
Desperation Attack: If the third elemental shield has not been destroyed within 25 seconds or it has been destroyed with the next element unavailable, the Baptist will resort to conjuring the elemental rings before refreshing its elemental phases.
Elemental Powers: The Iniquitous Baptist can simultaneously wield three elements at a time, with its options being Cryo, Electro, Hydro, and Pyro. Its current elemental affinities, which change with daily resets, can be determined by observing three swirling crystals at its spawn point.
Glass Cannon: On paper, the Iniquitous Baptist starts battle with three elemental rings that can One-Hit Kill squishier teammates, as well as cycles between elements which provide it with the appropriate shields and grants it access to attacks that inflict debilitating debuffs. Breaking all three ring cores or each elemental shield, however, will stun it, leaving players with ample time to wail away at it before it recovers, with a longer stun if all three shields have been destroyed; in particular, the latter halves the durability of the shields the next time they are accessible again, and as it can be inflicted twice, this means that, after the second long stun, the Baptist will be left completely unprotected, making it relatively easier to defeat.
Herd-Hitting Attack: Searing Precept is guaranteed to inflict victims with Brands of Abyssal Flames that explode after a few seconds and hurt even off-field characters.
Hoist by Their Own Petard: As powerful as the elemental rings are, they can also temporarily stun the Iniquitous Baptist if all three cores have been destroyed before they detonate, with an even longer stun duration if all three elemental shields have been destroyed.
King Mook: It is essentially a larger, stronger version of the Abyss Lectors.
Know When to Fold 'Em: Implied. Upon its defeat, the Baptist will retreat into the same dark portal from which it entered the battlefield.
Mana Burn: Abyssal Light drains 20 Energy from its victims.
Multi-Armed and Dangerous: It has four arms and is a powerful monster of the Abyss Order.
Rings of Death: Its Signature Move is creating three Elemental Rings that will explode in a wide range and deal massive damage. Also, its unique drop, the Evergloom Ring, is the same weapon it uses in battle.
Stamina Burn: Dark Frost Icicles eat away 80 Stamina from its victim, with successive hits within three seconds of the first one draining only 25 points.
Stance System: The Iniquitous Baptist will periodically change elements, and hence combat specialties.
Stuff Blowing Up:
- The Iniquitous Baptist starts battle by conjuring three elemental rings that eventually explode on a wide range each and deal massive damage unless their cores have been destroyed, with an additional incentive of paralyzing the Baptist if all three have been destroyed.
- If its first or second shield has not been destroyed within thirty seconds, the Baptist will trigger a two-element burst attack corresponding to the current and succeeding element in the cycle.
Thinking Up Portals: It makes its entrance onto the field by emerging through a dark portal, as well as retreats into the same portal once defeated.

Breacher Primuses

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Shatterstone Breacher Primus

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Large Shatterstone Breacher Primus

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Overgrown Breacher Primus

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Large Overgrown Breacher Primus

Strange alien life forms that mostly reside in Elnyas, having appeared shortly after the cataclysm according to research.

Adorable Abomination: The Melusines view them as this, anyway. Justified, as both the Melusines and the Breacher Primuses are born from Elynas, the former as its "children" and the latter as its "cells".
Dishing Out Dirt: Shatterstone Breacher Primuses can project Geo barriers while attacking.
Eldritch Abomination: They are so otherworldly that they are claimed by researchers to defy all known categories of life, being neither animals, plants, Shroom-kin, or Elementals, to the point where they have been banned as a research topic largely due to their classification remaining unfinalized. Elynas calls them its "cells", acting similarly to an immune system.
Elemental Barrier: They're capable of erecting these to reduce damage, becoming temporarily paralyzed if they're destroyed.
Green Thumb: Overgrown Breacher Primuses can project Dendro barriers while attacking.
Not Quite Dead: The description for the Alien Life Core claims that there is no way to truly exterminate a Breacher Primus, as one reduced to nothing but its core will eventually resurrect with no way to tell when it will happen.

Characters / Genshin Impact: The Abyss aka: Genshin Impact The Abyss Order

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