Prologue: The Outlander Who Caught the Wind
A stranger lands in the City of Freedom to challenge the gods and hunt down lost kin.
The Outlander Who Caught the Wind launches Genshin Impact's story, dropping players into the vast continent of Teyvat alongside the Traveler hunting for their missing sibling. This prologue sparks the clash between the Traveler and the Archons while rolling out the elemental powers that shape each region. Acting as both a tutorial and an emotional anchor, this questline walks newcomers through exploration and combat in Mondstadt, the City of Freedom. It sets the board for the whole journey by showing the Traveler's power to use elements without a Vision, hinting at their divine roots and the cosmic threat hanging over Teyvat.
- Region
- Mondstadt
- Key Characters
- Paimon, Venti, Diluc, Jean, Zhongli
- Archon Involved
- Barbatos (Venti)
- Element Introduced
- Anemo
- Status
- Completed
- Narrative Role
- Introduction and Prologue
Lore & Background
The prologue begins with the Traveler awakening from an extended slumber, separated from their twin by an unknown god. After meeting Paimon, a floating spirit who becomes their guide, they arrive at Mondstadt only to be mistaken for an agent of the Fatui or a threat by the Knights of Favonius. The narrative quickly pivots to uncover the true nature of the Stormterror, Dvalin, who has been corrupted and is terrorizing the city. As the Traveler aids the Knights in investigating the dragon's corruption, they encounter Venti, a wandering bard who reveals himself as Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. The story delves into the history of Mondstadt's liberation from tyranny, drawing parallels between the past and the current crisis. It is revealed that Dvalin was corrupted by dark water tainted by the Abyss Order, a shadowy faction that opposes the gods. The climax involves a confrontation with the corrupted dragon atop Stormterror's Lair. With the help of Venti's power and the Traveler's unique elemental affinity, they purify Dvalin, restoring balance to the skies. The chapter concludes with a chilling revelation from Zhongli, a mysterious consultant who warns that the punishment for stealing an Archon's power is severe, hinting at the Traveler's impending fate in Liyue.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the stone arches of the Dragonspine foothills, carrying the scent of pine and distant rain. Paimon hovered anxiously beside the Traveler, their small form trembling as they gazed up at the swirling vortex above Mondstadt. 'We have to stop him,' the Traveler whispered, feeling the strange resonance in their chest—a power that felt neither human nor divine. Below them, the city lights flickered like stars trapped in glass, unaware of the shadow descending from the heavens. As Venti's song drifted on the breeze, a melody of freedom and sorrow, the Traveler realized this was not just a rescue mission; it was the first step into a war against gods who had forgotten their promises.
Reader's Guide
The journey begins with 'A New Era,' where the Traveler awakens in Teyvat and meets Paimon. They learn basic movement and combat while evading the Knights of Favonius, establishing the initial misunderstanding about their identity. In 'Dragon's Lair,' the focus shifts to investigating Stormterror's corruption. The player explores the city, gathers clues from Diluc and Jean, and discovers the dark water poisoning Dvalin. This segment introduces the Abyss Order as a recurring antagonist. The narrative peaks in 'Wind and Freedom' and 'Stormbearer's Call.' Venti reveals his true identity as Barbatos and aids the Traveler in purifying the dragon. The climax involves a multi-phase battle against Stormterror, culminating in Dvalin's restoration. Finally, 'A New Era' concludes with a meeting between the Traveler and Zhongli. He warns them of the consequences of their actions, foreshadowing the conflict in Liyue and setting up the next chapter of the Archon quest.
Did You Know?
- The prologue is the only main story arc where the player can choose to play as either Aether or Lumine at the start without affecting the narrative outcome.
- Venti's true identity as Barbatos is revealed here, marking the first time an Archon discloses their godhood directly to the Traveler in a friendly manner.
- The corruption of Dvalin serves as the primary plot device that introduces the concept of Abyssal influence on Teyvat's natural guardians.
- This questline establishes the mechanic of elemental resonance, showing how the Traveler can wield elements without possessing a Vision.