Summary
Nod-Krai is a sub-region that lies on thesouthernmost tip of Snezhnaya, known for its autonomous views and harsh living conditions.Genshin Impacthas been teasing the area for quite some time, and with the upcoming livestream, players can expect a generous amount of lore. The area is considered to be unsafe, as it’s steaming with thieves, monsters, and various types of organisms infected by the Abyss.
Despite this, the region houses many citizens from various backgrounds who all share a variety of beliefs. They’re all divided into factions that they represent, and it’s been confirmed thatNod-Krai has 11 factions residing in it. Each of these factions are fighting for control over the region and the power it holds.Genshin Impactplayers can expect to see old and new factions in Nod-Krai; here’s what you need to know about them.
The Fatui
The Fatui needs no introduction, as mostGenshin Impactplayers have already familiarized themselves with the Tsaritsa’s closest allies. The Fatui Harbingers have been known to concoct drastic schemes toobtain the Archon’s Gnosis, but after the events of Natlan, all the Harbingers have been commanded to return to Snezhnaya and take over Nod-Krai. Their presence may look like assistance to the struggle that the citizens are facing, but their end goal is to mop up the remains and establish a stronghold once the fight is over.
It seemsGenshin Impactplayers will get to meet either Pierro or Dottore during this time. Dottore’s presence has been confirmed by Mavuika in the epilogue of Natlan’s Archon Story, as it seems the eccentric doctor uses Nod-Krai as a research base for his experiments. Unfortunately, the reason as to how he acquired it is not as sincere as one would hope, and the Fatui Harbingers' connection to the rest of the factions can be considered as extortion. However, this is purely speculation through artifact descriptions; players will have to wait for Version 6.0 to find out more.
The Frostmoon Scions
There is a lot to unpack when it comes to the Frostmoon Scions, and what we know so far is purely speculation from artifact and weapon descriptions. The only concrete thing we have about them is the fact that the Frostmoon Scions are descendants of the ‘legendary golden realm,’ which one can assume is HyperBorea. IfGenshin Impactplayers were unaware, HyperBorea was once an ancient land that was inhabited by an ancient civilization who were known to wield the purest form of power. The city has beendubbed the “Golden City”due to the divine power that resides there. Unfortunately, it seems that the Frostmoon Scions are no longer its citizens and had to abandon their home after the First Cryo Archon tried to hunt them down to extinction. It has been speculated that he was jealous of their power and wanted to control them.
Moreover, it can also be speculated that the Frostmoon Scions are descendants of the oldest civilization in Teyvat, the same civilization that existed before the Primordial One came and reshaped the land. This is also one of the reasons they pose a huge threat to the Tsaritsa and the citizens of Snezhnaya. Not only does their divine land supposedly exist in Snezhnaya, but they are also the most powerful entities to walk on Teyvat to this day. Mavuika has confirmed that their power even predates the seven elements, so one can assume that they may be even more powerful than the Dragon Sovereigns.
Despite their tragic background, the Frostmoon Scions had to flee to Nod-Krai and now reside in the forests of the region, fighting for their lives and providing help whenever they can. As they’re descendants of HyperBorea, this also means they are worshipers of the Moon Goddess.
The Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt is basically the Abyss army, and it’s safe to say that they’ll be the main antagonists of Nod-Krai. The Abyss has been expanding, no doubt under the influence of the Traveler’s sibling, and they want to take over the land because they’re searching for the power that the Moon Sisters once held.Genshin Impactplayers should be aware that The Wild Hunt has existed since before the Cataclysm and the establishment of the Abyssal Order. It is from this that we can assume that the usual Abyss enemies we see in Teyvat are not the same as The Wild Hunt.
The Wild Hunt’s attacks on Nod-Krai have been occurring for centuries, and they all appear to be orchestrated by a leader who wields Abyssal power. It’s a known fact that it’s not only the Abyss who have experience of this power, as the reason for Khaenri’ah’s downfall was the misuse of abyssal power. Thus, it can be speculated that the leader of The Wild Hunt may very well be Rerir,one of the most mysterious of the Five Sinners. His name directly translates into ‘Moon Hunter,’ and since Nod-Krai is all about the Moon Sisters and Moon Power, it’s safe to say there is some sort of link there.
The Hexenzirkel
The Hexenzirkel is a faction that has been around for centuries and a silent player in the Traveler’s journey since Version 1.0. We know a lot about them, but not as much as we would like. The faction consists of a group of witches who conduct Irminsul explorations, and there are currently only eight members. Each of them has different roles; here’s what we know so far:
The Lightkeepers
Not much has been officially said about the Lightkeepers, except for them being an ancient organization that has been around to defend Nod-Krai from The Wild Hunt. They were founded by the Torchforger, and it seems that this was only possible with the help of the Moonchildren. This power allowed them to keep The Wild Hunt at bay in ancient times and help Snezhnayadefend against the Abyss- perhaps in exchange for this autonomy that we see today. The Torchforger wanted Nod-Krai to become a ‘paradise’ for the people, but this all changed during the Cataclysm.
The Fatui were sent to Nod-Krai, and instead of honoring the oath the Lightkeepers had with the previous Tsaritsa, the Palestar Edict was commanded, and no help was sent. The Fatui were simply there to help clean up the mess once the Abyss finished attacking the Lightkeepers.
The Voynich Guild
Every region needs a governmental body, and the Voynich Guild is basically Nod-Krai’s version of it. However, though they are called a ‘governmental body,’ they aren’t really one. Instead, they are Nod-Krai’s strongest force, existing to maintain order. They don’t lead; they control, and everything is run by one woman.
The Knights of Favonius
The Knights of Favonius are pretty self-explanatory; they are the elite force led by Grand Master Varka. They, too, are on a mission to find the truth behind the ancient power, and after traveling the entirety of Snezhnaya, they finally make their way to Nod-Krai.
The Treasure Hoarders
The Treasure Hoarders have been an organization that has been circulating Teyvat for quite some time, but despite their enigmatic insignia, not much has been revealed about them until recently. The organization actually originated in Nod-Krai and has since spread throughout the rest of Teyvat. It was created by Reed Miller, a legendary thief and treasure hunter who wished to create ‘a world without boundaries.’ Unfortunately, Reed was eventually executed for his crimes, but before he was taken away, he left behind a ‘great treasure’ buried somewhere in Nod-Krai.
We can speculate on the treasure left behind by Reed Miller by looking closer into theinsignia of the Treasure Hoarders. One can theorize that the symbol in the middle looks similar to the four-pointed star that represents Khaenri’ah - perhaps hinting that the treasure is related to this lost civilization. Moreover, the star could even relate to the Traveler, as this is the animation we see when the Traveler lands in Teyvat. There is talk that the treasure could even be the Traveler’s original sword.
The Snowland Fae
The Snowland Fae are quite the important faction in Nod-Krai and are known to be a magical race in Snezhnaya. These Fae were the followers of the First Cryo Archon, Belyi Tsar (Tsarbelyi), and something akin to what Oceanids were to Egeria (the first Hydro Archon). It’s because of this that they have great influence over Snezhnaya’s court, but one cannot assume the position they have in the present is similar to the recognition they had in the past.
The Adventurers’ Guild
Everyone isfamiliar with the Adventurers' Guildand Katheryne when visiting new regions. However, Nod-Krai is a little different, as it seems that the Adventurers’ Guild Headquarters is in Nod-Krai. Players may also get to meet the head of the Guild, who may or may not be Sandrone - one of the Fatui Harbingers.
The Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop
Not many details have been given out regarding the Krumkake Craftshop except for the fact that it might be a Cookie Workshop. The description states that it has also become a machine workshop, so players will have to just wait and see what it brings to the table once the area releases.
