Durin

Birthday: March 14th Regions: Mondstadt, Simulanka Affil­i­a­tion: Hexenzirkel

Mondstadt is one of the seven nations of Teyvat. It is the first nation in which the Traveler starts to look for their lost sibling. It is the nation that worships Barbatos, the Anemo Archon and God of Freedom.

Teyvat is a world and continent in Genshin Impact. It is located on the edge of a spiral arm of an unnamed galaxy in the sea of stars. See the Teyvat Interactive Map for the locations of important spots, items, and enemies on the map. Teyvat is split into seven primary nations that correspond to an Element, Archon Quest and Archon, along with several regions such as Nod-Krai, Khaenri'ah and Celestia.

Simulanka was a limited time summer event area featured in Version 4.8 during the Summertide Scales and Tales event. The world of Simulanka was created by Alice, Barbeloth, and Andersdotter, three members of the Hexenzirkel; they are known by Simulanka's people as the Goddesses of Creation, Prophecy, and Fate respectively. Alice brought the Traveler, Paimon, Nilou, Kirara, Navia, and Wanderer to Simulanka to experience its story.

The Hexenzirkel is a mysterious organization of powerful witches. It was founded by the mage Alice, and consisted of at least eight members at one point. The group sometimes gathers around for "formal tea parties", with one such meeting spot being a secret island above Falcon Coast. The purpose, motives and objectives of the Hexenzirkel are shrouded in mystery. The coven is comprised of some of the most powerful beings in Teyvat, with some possessing abilities that rival even the gods. While never being explicitly cast in either a benevolent or antagonistic light, members of the Hexenzirkel have nonetheless been implicated in matters of world-changing significance, such as the Cataclysm. The organization is known to conduct Irminsul explorations and possesses substantial knowledge about the mysteries and true nature of the world. The Hexenzirkel once challenged the authority of the Anemo Archon Barbatos, although he managed to pacify them and bring the conflict to a peaceful resolution. They are also behind the creation of Simulanka, a mirror-world based on Teyvat, as well as the Imaginarium Theatre. Rhinedottir is well known for her practice of the Art of Khemia. Her signature, "a flower that is not of this world," refers to her aforementioned ability to create life that doesn't entirely abide to the rules of Teyvat. Alice possesses the power to lift or mold entire island systems on command, and has a longer lifespan than normal humans. According to Skirk, she is "the Sustainer of the World's Borders." Nicole is aware of changes made to Irminsul. Like a prophetess, she only speaks to guide people toward the truth when a major change has occurred. Barbeloth is an astrologist who pioneered the study of divination in Teyvat, even taking students under her wing, such as Mona.

A dragon created by the Hexenzirkel witch Andersdotter in the storybook world of Simulanka, initially likened after the original Durin in an attempt to write a new ending for the original's tale. Through the Art of Khemia, Durin was granted a synthetic human body by Albedo, which he used to integrate himself into Mondstadt society.

Dragons, also known in their juvenile form as Vishaps, are enormous and powerful creatures that inhabit both land and sea of Teyvat. They are creatures of the Light Realm and were the dominant race of the old world before the arrival of the Heavenly Principles. It defeated the Seven Sovereigns, the dragon-lords who ruled the old world, and created a new world for humanity.

Anya "Marie" Andersdotter, also known by her codename "M", was a member of the Hexenzirkel. She was the author of the renowned storybook The Boar Princess and was said to be an exceptional writer. Andersdotter was a human from Mondstadt who never received magic or combat training, and was "simply ordinary" in comparison to other members of the Hexenzirkel. She was described as "A legend that never ends" for her stories, and her prose was able to teach Alice the meaning of grief. In The Mages' Tea Party cutscene, Andersdotter is represented first by the cover of The Boar Princess, and later by the titular Boar Princess and her fox and turtle companions. In the Simulanka event, she creates the fictional character "Durin" despite warnings from Barbeloth that "Durin" will likely share the fate of his real world counterpart.

Durin was an Abyssal dragon created by the alchemist "Gold" Rhinedottir. Five hundred years ago, during the cataclysm, he invaded Mondstadt and was slain by the might of Dvalin. His corpse fell over the mountain of Vindagnyr, thereafter leading the mountain to become known as Dragonspine. Durin's blood was highly toxic and contained power from the Abyss. This blood was one of the catalysts that led to Dvalin's resurgence as "Stormterror" during the events of the Archon Quest Prologue. Durin had a gentle heart and dreamed of befriending the people of Mondstadt, hoping to share with them the stories of his creator and his birth. He was apparently unconscious of his destructive actions in Mondstadt and genuinely believed that his poisonous blood was a "great blessing," seeing the events of his rampage as a "very, very long dream" in which he sang and danced with Dvalin, Barbatos, and the people of Mondstadt. Even after he woke to find that he had been dealt a killing blow by Dvalin, Durin held no ill will toward Dvalin or Barbatos and only wished that they could have met under better circumstances. However, years of long solitude, torment and abyssal corruption changed Durin's heart, even more so after absorbing Subject Two (and the envy and anger he felt towards Albedo), twisting him to becoming something that was of no resemblance to his former self.

The Art of Khemia is a form of alchemy that was developed in and primarily used by the people of Khaenri'ah. Because Khaenri'ah was an underground nation with little natural fauna, the Art of Khemia focuses on the creation of life; its capabilities are vastly different from those practiced in the Seven Nations of Teyvat. 500 years ago, the Art of Khemia was a major factor in the fall of Khaenri'ah during the cataclysm. While Rhinedottir created many monsters, whose invasion of Teyvat contributed to a large part of the conflicts during the cataclysm, she considered only two of her creations to be "miraculous beings": the dragon Durin and Albedo, her successful synthetic human. The star-shaped mark on Albedo's neck was left after sealing the area where life force was infused into his vessel. He likens it to a birthmark and a pontil mark left on glassware made through glassblowing. Before she created Albedo, Rhinedottir produced another "abandoned experiment" during her Primordial Human Project. After deeming it a failure, she apparently had him devoured by Durin, allowing him to eventually re-emerge after Durin's death over Dragonspine. Albedo himself would successfully transfer Durin's dragon form into that of a human, using the flesh of an immortal monster from the Mare Jivari, blood extracted Durin's Core, and portions of embryos left behind by his creator.

Alchemy allows the crafting of higher quality Character and Weapon Enhancement Materials, Weapon Ascension Materials, Character Talent Materials, Potions, and Character Ascension Materials, as well as being used to make some Gadgets. It allows players to convert ascension materials using the Dust of Azoth and Dream Solvent. The Parametric Transformer also can be used for material transformation when activated by elemental magic, but in a not wholly controllable way. The Art of Khemia was an advanced form of Alchemy that sustained Khaenri'ah.

Durin is a dragon in the world of Simulanka created by the witch Andersdotter of the Hexenzirkel. He was created based on Teyvat's real world dragon of the same name. Initially a fearsome toy dragon that unintentionally caused havoc in Simulanka, he was transformed into Mini Durin, a smaller, safer form through the blessings of the Traveler, their friends, and the Wanderer. Later, he left Simulanka and traveled to Teyvat, where, after being introduced to Albedo's plans, having hesitant feelings, and also thoughts about finding meaning in a troubled existence, Durin decided to participate in Albedo's alchemy to transform him into a human by combining Mini Durin and Dragonspine Durin's heart.

Mini Durin was initially misunderstood by the residents of Simulanka until he met the Wanderer, who fulfilled his wish. At this stage, Mini Durin was simply a child at heart, who wanted to make friends and explore the world. Upon being given a new form through the combined efforts of the Simulanka visitors, he stepped into this role with enthusiasm and stuck to Wanderer as his first friend. After his transformation into humanoid form, Durin matures to the extent where he asserts 'I'm not as "mini" as I used to be,' after Albedo asks Paimon to drop the diminutive "Mini" on behalf of Durin. Albedo suggests that this prior name no longer reflects who Durin has become, and Durin elaborates on the importance of using names that show respect to one's status. How he wants others to see him is revealed in him insisting: "No matter how you look at it, this isn't a childlike form... Besides, I want to keep moving forward," focusing on growth and maturity instead of the past. He remains very humble, to a fault in the eyes of Varka and Albedo, who encourage him to accept compliments. He's become somewhat more shy and timid around others than in his Mini form, but is also polite and well-spoken, showing proper respect to Traveler and Paimon after their reunion. He's also more open talking to whom he's familiar compared to some of the new faces. Durin's introduction to Mondstadt with a gentle personality overwrites the Dragonspine Durin's feared reputation into a familiar friend. Upon "taking [the Dragonspine Durin's] place" after his transformation, people of Mondstadt no longer "recall disaster" when they refer to Durin, but "remember a gentle young man." An account by Albedo mentions him "standing in front of Floral Whisper, shyly asking which flowers would be more suitable for a friend," and also "at the Good Hunter, sheepishly asking about how to avoid burning the meat."

From his personal anecdotes, Durin has an innocent, trusting nature, a hardworking side and a desire to increase his knowledge about the world. He goes along with Klee’s troublemaking adventures without raising a question, even being stuck in time-out, in efforts to learn how to hunt. He also tries to socialize, such as by drinking alcohol in the tavern with Dahlia, Kaeya, and Venti, even if it ended up being too strong for his liking. Even though his innocent and trusting personality makes him slightly naïve, it gives him the strong faith necessary to make even uncertain wishes come true. Durin finds himself discouraged after realizing a physical letter couldn’t be sent to his mother who passed away, but Lisa responds by saying “loved ones are never lost to us... All you have to do is make a heartfelt wish and your letter can make it.” Upon hearing this, Durin makes a wish before dropping off the letter, which, unbeknownst to him, soon dissipates in light, presumably sent to his mother. Having a tender-hearted soul, he often personalizes his interactions with others, though sometimes to the point of disappointment or discomfort. Durin, thinking wild animals would let him pet because he doesn't have claws anymore, felt rejected after they fled. He also stayed still all night after a cat started sleeping near him, not wanting to disturb it.

Durin originally had a toy-like, mechanical appearance composed of large colorful blocks. His head was built from purple blocks representing scales, with black blocks forming the horns and yellow blocks for the horn interiors and tips. His eyes glowed red at first, giving him a fierce expression, and his claws were assembled from a combination of purple, red, and yellow blocks. Eventually, his eyes changed from red to blue. In his revised form, Durin resembles a small flying dragon with skin that combines dark blue and light purple hues, based on the official art. His eyes have a layered color pattern featuring dark purple pupils, red irises, and yellow rings, with an orange eyeliner-like marking around them. He has a cream-colored underside and a golden-yellow stripe running from his chest to his tail. His wings have reddish-pink bones and membranes blending yellow, light purple, and pink tones. His large, segmented horns are dark brown with gold tips, curving upward and slightly backward. In his human form, Durin has fair skin, hot pink eyes and purple hair, with part of his hair extending to the back of his neck in a slightly tousled style. Prominent black horns curve upward from his head, resembling his dragon form's horns, and is mistaken by others as a headpiece. He possesses large black wings with deep red membranes and a black dragon tail with a pink tip, adding to his draconic appearance. He also possesses a Pyro Vision, attached to the back of his clothing just above his tail. When utilizing Abyssal power, Durin's eyes become deep red.

His outfit, A Gift From the Stars, consists on a black high-necked tight shirt with a hot pink heart-shaped crystal on his chest; a purple vest with silver decorations under a black coat with a white and black shawl-like part around his shoulders, white cuffs and red crystals decorating it. The coat interior is in shades of pink and purple with a veiny pattern. His Pyro Vision is at the back of his coat, just above his tail. His alternative outfit, Toward the Distant Horizon, is nearly the same as his original with a few differences; the dark purple colors are replaced with a lighter hue, the crystals are more brighter and the two arrows around his heart are no longer there. He wears white pants and black boots with silver lining. He also wears white gloves.

Pyro is one of the seven Elements. Its associated Archon is Haborym, whose domain is Natlan.

The seven Elements of Teyvat are at the core of both gameplay and lore of Genshin Impact. They act as special Status Effects and Damage types that can be applied in specific orders to trigger Elemental Reactions. The seven elements cover seven of the eight damage types, last one is Physical. Each element corresponds to an Archon and their own nation that worships said Archon. The nature of the relationship between an Archon and their element is unknown. Similarly, while regions are heavily affected by its element, the nature of their relationship is also unknown.

The Seven Archons, typically shortened to The Seven, are the seven gods who preside over the seven nations of Teyvat, established after they or their predecessors emerged as the victors of the Archon War 2,000 years ago. Each Archon is associated with an element and an ideal, by which they formed their territories' environment and determined their method of governance over their regions. Each Archon possesses a magic focus called a Gnosis, which allows them to resonate directly with Celestia. By comparison, Visions are "primitive" — though a Gnosis's capabilities and purpose, beyond acting as a symbol of an Archon's status, remain unknown. Each Archon is bound to a divine throne, which is composed of an elemental Authority stolen from the Seven Sovereigns, and which grants them authority over the corresponding element. As of the Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act V - Masquerade of the Guilty, only six divine thrones remain after the Hydro Archon's throne was destroyed, returning the Authority within to the Hydro Dragon Sovereign and breaking the established order of the Seven.

Natlan is one of the seven nations of Teyvat and one of the major regions in Genshin Impact. It is the nation led by Mavuika, the Pyro Archon and God of War. Archon Quest Chapter V takes place in this region.

A Gift From the Stars is Durin's Default Character Outfit. Durin's outfit consists of a black high-necked tight shirt with a hot pink heart-shaped crystal on his chest; a purple vest with silver decorations under a black coat with a white and black shawl-like part around his shoulders, white cuffs and red crystals decorating it. The coat interior is in shades of pink and purple with a veiny pattern. His Pyro Vision is at the back of his coat, just above his tail. He wears white pants and black boots with silver lining. He also wears white gloves.

Visions are jeweled amulets which allow their users to directly channel the power of one of the seven Elements. They are bestowed by Celestia and the Seven Archons to allogenes, people of Teyvat with particularly powerful desires who have the potential to ascend to Celestia and become gods themselves. Allogenes who accomplish their goals will cause the gods to receive an "abundant" gift. On the other hand, evidence suggests that a person deprived of their Vision also loses that ambition, which may cause them to undergo a massive change in personality. In the upper left corner of the character menu is an icon that represents a playable character's Vision or equivalent, with their element denoted by the gem and their in-game nation denoted by the decorative design around the gem. This icon is present even for the characters that do not use Visions and characters with non-standard Vision designs.

Celestia is a mysterious location that very few people understand. It is the floating island that can be seen in the sky above Teyvat, and is the residence of the gods. It is currently controlled by the Heavenly Principles, although they have been silent since the cataclysm 500 years ago. It is said that only mortals who perform great, heroic feats can ascend to Celestia and achieve godhood, where they will watch over their people from above. All Vision wielders are "allogenes" who have the potential to reach godhood.

Toward the Distant Horizon is Durin's Alternate Character Outfit. It is obtained by completing Durin's Story Quest, Draco Rubedo Chapter: Act I - The Magic Known as Storytelling. What do you suppose would be a writer's greatest regret? "To... leave a story without an ending?" Such was Alice's reply, as one who had been touched by such regret all too often in her sojourns across many worlds. An author who had toiled for decades might suddenly pass away due to acute illness, leaving an epic tale of swords and sorcery frozen before the final battle... Or perhaps a brilliantly gifted author, their time limited by some malady, may find themselves never able to fully present their grand imagined world to their readers... Alice, who loved reading, was deeply troubled by this and couldn't help but sigh. "My greatest regret is that every story I write has to come to an end in the first place." This was the answer that Anya "Marie" Andersdotter, one who had authored many a fairy tale, gave. She glanced back at the bookshelf, where many characters born from her pen slumbered between the pages. Some were clever or brave, winning the hearts of many readers with their outstanding performances. But no matter how brilliantly a character shines, the moment their story ends, their potential is lost forever. For them, the story itself becomes an inescapable fate. Looking at the books, now covered in a thin layer of dust from being sealed away for so long, Alice understood her friend's regret. "Anya..." "But what if instead, I could place my pen in their hand and let them continue the story themselves?" Anya's gaze returned to the manuscript — the last story she would leave behind, and the most special. Other stories would eventually form part of the "past," but this story could have a "future." Alice quickly understood that this was her friend's final wish. "...What the writer you are, Anya. Your imagination never ceases to amaze."

"And you do know how much I love a happy ending. You shall have my help, my dear."

In the past, when outsiders asked about "Durin's Story" in Mondstadt, most locals would recount a dire tragedy (Cataclysm) — how the wicked dragon (Durin) descended amidst a tide of monsters, battled Dvalin across the skies, brought untold calamity upon Mondstadt, and finally fell upon the snow mountain (Dragonspine). And yet, not long ago, when outsiders inquired about "Durin's Story" again, answers varied. Some continued to tell of the tragedy at the mountain, while others would mention a horned youth, and share amusing anecdotes of his embarrassing moments at the tavern and how he and Klee were scolded by Acting Grand Master Jean. "Has a new version of Durin's story emerged?" With such doubts in mind, some outsiders would find their way to Mondstadt's most renowned bard (Venti), hoping for an answer. And that Bard would gently strum his strings while gazing towards the distant sky. "No. Best consider it a wholly new story, a far brighter one."

The cataclysm, also referred to by a myriad of other descriptions including the catastrophe, the disaster, the fall of Khaenri'ah (or the "ancient kingdom"), the Dark Calamity or the Calamity of Darkness, and the pitch-black calamity, refers to a period of widespread chaos and destruction which occurred five hundred years ago. The conflicts surrounding the cataclysm primarily revolve around the encroachment of the Abyss — an otherworldly power at odds with Celestia's power — and the destruction of Khaenri'ah, a nation that lived without the influence of the gods. While the exact order of events is unknown, monsters carrying Abyssal power spewed forth from Khaenri'ah and wreaked havoc throughout Teyvat. Khaenri'ah's attempt to rebel against the gods ended with its destruction at the hands of the gods and the Heavenly Principles. This led survivors from the fallen nation to bear grudges against Celestia and the Seven Archons, while The Seven themselves grew embittered towards Celestia. Two of the Teyvat Chapter's main antagonistic groups, the Abyss Order and the Fatui, were established as a direct response to Celestia's actions. The exact circumstances surrounding the cataclysm remain a mystery, but it is linked to the "truth of this world." The Traveler's journey is to uncover said truth, during which they will learn more about the cataclysm.

Dvalin, also formerly known as Stormterror, is an Anemo elemental dragon and the Dragon of the East of Mondstadt's Four Winds. He has been the Anemo Archon Barbatos' friend for almost 2000 years and is the longest-worshipped of the Four Winds. However, during the cataclysm five hundred years ago, Dvalin was grievously injured in battle against the corrupted black dragon Durin, and settled in the ancient god Decarabian's abandoned tower to recuperate. Over the course of five hundred years, the Abyssal poison in Durin's veins that Dvalin ingested continued to torment him, while the people of Mondstadt forgot him. When he finally awoke, Dvalin believed himself abandoned by the Anemo Archon and Mondstadt. The Abyss Order took advantage of this to corrupt his mind even further, inciting him to attack Mondstadt and earning the dragon the name "Stormterror." Dvalin's sanity is eventually restored through the efforts of Barbatos, in his disguise as Venti, the Traveler, Paimon, Jean, and Diluc.

Dragonspine, historically known as Vindagnyr, is an area located in Mondstadt. It is a vast mountain, engulfed with ancient ruins and snow-capped areas, and also containing the remains of Durin. It was named Vindagnyr prior to Durin's fall. There are some peculiarities with how the snow gathers but never melts on the mountain. Due to its extreme cold, Dragonspine is also one of the most dangerous places in Mondstadt.

After one particular Windblume Festival, a new face appeared in Mondstadt — a young boy with horns upon his head and wings growing from his back. Master Jean told the people that this boy had once been a dragon. Through wondrous alchemy, he had gained a human form and now sought to learn how to live among them. A dragon turning into a human wasn't exactly shocking news. After all, countless fairy tales had sprouted from Mondstadt’s soil. What truly stirred the people's curiosity was the boy's name: Durin. Whenever that name was spoken aloud, people would instinctively look toward Dragonspine. Beneath its blinding snows lay the colossal bones of a creature long gone, and with them, memories of a calamity best left buried. For most citizens of Mondstadt, that name carried not wonder, but unease. Still, with Jean and the Knights of Favonius vouching for him, Durin was welcomed into the city all the same. People began to see him everywhere in the city, and they soon discovered that in truth, Durin was the more timid one in every encounter. He was curious about everyone, yet preferred to watch from afar, uncertain and hesitant to draw near. Whatever dread his name once evoked, the boy before them had no share in it. Little by little, the people of Mondstadt grew used to Durin's presence. Their wary glances softened, and daily life returned to its peaceful rhythm. In time, when they spoke his name again, many no longer looked toward the white peaks. Instead, they thought of a gentle boy — one who blushed as he asked Flora in front of Floral Whisper which flowers might best suit a friend, or who stood outside Good Hunter, embarrassed yet earnest as he asked how not to burn the meat. Bit by bit, those gentle scenes washed away the memory of that old disaster. The name "Durin," once spoken of in fear, no longer made anyone flinch. It felt, in a way, like rewriting the ending of a sorrowful tale, right from its very beginning.

Have you ever heard the story of Durin? Through on-site investigations and the study of ancient records passed down among Mondstadt's people, the Adventurers' Guild has pieced together a fairly detailed account. Hundreds of years ago, when the catastrophe from Khaenri'ah spread across the land, an evil dragon named Durin descended upon Mondstadt, leading a horde of Abyssal creatures in its wake. Its very existence was a disaster — with a single breath, it could turn fertile plains into barren wastelands. Guided by Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, his familiar Dvalin took to the skies above the snowy mountains to face Durin in a fierce battle. In the end, Dvalin tore open Durin's throat and brought the dragon down. Yet Dvalin, too, was tainted by the venomous blood, and remained so until recently... All in all, it is a rather tragic tale. In the days following that great calamity, a certain poem quietly circulated among the bards of Mondstadt: "Mother, as you bade me, I have come to this land to show everyone my beauty." "The flowers here are fragrant, and the wind is gentle. I run with the breeze, and the blossoms bloom brighter in my wake." "Butterflies flutter around me, as if in awe of my beauty. Yet when I reach out to them, they always shy away." "But then, a lovely one approached me of his own accord, as though inviting me to dance." "I accepted his invitation, and together we spun and twirled. The wind lifted the petals, adorning our dance with their colors." "Mother, I think... I've made a new friend." Strangely, soon after its appearance, the Knights of Favonius traced the poem back to its source after being tipped off by some unknown party. They erased its title and sealed away the collection it appeared in, marking it as a forbidden text.

At the time, people had no idea why the Knights of Favonius acted as they did. But if you take a keen interest in Durin's story and dig a little deeper, you might find an alchemist's experimental notes revealing that Durin's consciousness came from beyond the heavens and was fused with the body of the wicked dragon through alchemy. Corrupted by Abyssal power, his senses and experiences were far removed from those of ordinary beings. Until his fall, he never had any choice but to become the embodiment of disaster, and he likely could not make sense of the cruel world around him. Seen this way, the poem might actually be telling Durin's story from his own perspective. A certain mage chanced upon this tale and could not help but feel a pang of regret. If the soul known as Durin could have freed itself from the Abyss's curse and ultimately forged a friendship with Dvalin, how different might the ending have been? Perhaps to reconcile this lingering sorrow, the mage set pen to paper and wove a new story into being, one in which the protagonist bore the name Durin.

When Durin first arrived in Mondstadt, he always preferred to avoid crowded places. He was like a lone splash of color at the edge of a painting — striking, yet unable to form any meaningful scene. Trapped in this static blot, he struggled to make new friends and begin the story that was truly his own. At that time, Lisa had just accepted Jean's request to become Durin's tutor. She observed all this and quickly realized that Durin was not naturally solitary. His yearning to make friends was evident, yet he hesitated at every turn. When Lisa asked him about it, he finally confessed his worries. "I... I don't know how to get along with other humans..." "Well, learning how to interact with people is indeed a prerequisite for friendship," Lisa replied, "but that is not something that can be taught in a classroom." So Lisa assigned Durin an extracurricular task — to step out of his room and observe how the people of Mondstadt interacted with one another. The request from his mentor dissolved most of his hesitation, and he finally left his room, just as he had once climbed out of his hiding place in the mine. Durin's first choice for guidance was Albedo, whom he regarded as a genius who seemed to know everything. But when it came to learning "human social skills"... Albedo glanced around his alchemy workshop, secluded amidst the surrounding snowfields, and after a moment's thought suggested that Durin find a more suitable teacher. Next, Durin thought of Klee. She seemed capable of befriending anyone. Surely she knew of an effective method for connecting with others. Klee's advice, however, was simply to "go fish blasting with them." In her view, two people who had blasted fish side by side could certainly count as comrades-in-arms. Durin only began to understand what she meant after being locked in the confinement room with her by Jean.

Durin also considered seeking help from Dahlia and Kaeya. After all, one was a deacon with an adept listening ear, and the other the Cavalry Captain eager to help others. Once Durin explained his situation, the two immediately agreed and took him to the Angel's Share. There, the reticent Durin watched as the tavern's patrons raised their glasses, singing and laughing together. In Mondstadt, this was clearly "human social interaction." However, after just a single sniff of the bar's beverages, Durin nearly toppled over. Luckily, the composed bartender quickly swapped his drink for juice. This method of socializing, he realized, was beyond him... at least for the moment. Still, the experience sparked an idea. He ventured to another tavern, quieter and free from the dizzying fumes of alcohol. There, people socialized through a card game called "Genius Invokation TCG." But before Durin could even find an opponent, he was swarmed by a group of cats, only escaping thanks to Diona's intervention... A few days passed in the blink of an eye. Durin tried again and again but never quite learned a practical way to interact with others, and in the end, he hadn't completed the extracurricular assignment Lisa had set for him. However, when he went back to report, Lisa did not blame him. "Then let's treat this as a long-term assignment. When you feel ready, come find me and I'll check your results." "Really? Thank you, ma'am!"

Lisa hadn't eased her requirements carelessly. She could see that Durin was no longer the isolated, colorless block he had been before. He had begun to find his place in the world. Albedo had set up extra heating in his mountain workshop, the knights sometimes left an extra chair in the confinement room, the Angel's Share had a bar seat reserved just for juice, and a special table occasionally appeared outside The Cat's Tail. In truth, human interaction had no fixed form. Everyone brought their own edges, rough or otherwise, collided with one another, and eventually found the places where they fit. Unbeknownst to him, Durin had already become part of this picture. His colors were still a little unusual, but he now added to the many interesting scenes unfolding around him. The people appearing in these scenes were his friends, present and future. The events taking place within them were his story. And once he came to realize this, his assignment would be complete. composed bartender (Diluc)

Angel's Share is a point of interest and an instance located in Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt. It is a tavern owned and operated by Dawn Winery. It sells drink-based Food items which can be purchased by speaking to the bartender, Charles.

The Cat's Tail, also simply known as Cat's Tail, is a point of interest and an instance located in Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt. It is owned by Margaret, with Diona working as one of its bartenders. It is located between Katheryne's Adventurers' Guild Post and Good Hunter. It is where people in Mondstadt go to play Genius Invokation TCG.

Albedo's Campsite (mountain workshop) is a point of interest located in Dragonspine, Mondstadt. It is a small laboratory outpost in Dragonspine used by Albedo. It is situated in a small cave along the path from the Entombed City - Ancient Palace to the Entombed City - Outskirts. At the entrance are two lit torches that warm up the player upon approach, along with a cooking pot that can be used for cooking or processing ingredients. There are two workstations and four shelves, all stacked with research materials. There is also a Crafting Bench that players can use for Alchemy. Finally, various barrels and crates are scattered along the outpost, some of which can be investigated for ingredients.

When Durin first arrived in Teyvat, Sumeru was his first stop. At that time, he had not yet gained a human body and was known to everyone as "Mini Durin." His very existence was extraordinary, which naturally drew the attention of the curious and the unscrupulous alike. Fortunately, Hat Guy served not only as his guide but also as his bodyguard. With nothing more than his perpetually gloomy expression, he could scare off most nosy bystanders, while the mercenaries hired by merchants trafficking exotic beasts rarely lasted a single encounter in his presence. Those days were light and happy ones for Durin. By strict comparison, Teyvat could not match the peace and comfort of Simulanka, yet he found himself enchanted by this new world. But the one doubt that lingered in Durin's mind after arriving in this world came from Hat Guy himself. As a dragon born of fairy tales, Durin viewed everyone as a unique story. Living in Sumeru with Hat Guy, he was fortunate enough to witness countless tales, such as "Rainforest, Mushrooms, Tail Care, and Big Ears," or "The Akademiya, Jokes Dragons Don't Understand, Genius Invokation TCG, and Big Ears on a Hat." Occasionally, trips into the desert offered opportunities to read "Desert, Games of Catch, and the Little Wolfhound"... Yet whenever Durin looked at Hat Guy, the one who had spent the most time by his side, he could see no story at all. In the end, Durin didn't voice his doubts to Hat Guy. He felt it was simply too soon, so he stayed close, hoping to uncover Hat Guy's story. Not long after, however, the latter suggested ending their journey. "I've had enough of our little trip for now. You should go bother someone else, or return to that fairy tale world of yours." "No, I still don't know your story!" Hat Guy (Wanderer)

Durin stood firm in his refusal. Though Hat Guy's tone was, as always, sharp enough to make anyone frown, Durin could tell he wasn't just trying to send him away out of impatience. The real reason Hat Guy wanted him to leave seemed to lie hidden somewhere within his own story — one Durin had yet to uncover. Had it been anyone else, Hat Guy would probably have just turned and walked away. But he saw the determination in Durin's eyes. Ever since the day Durin decided to follow him on his journey across Teyvat, Hat Guy had never once managed to turn him down for good. This time, he relented as well. "Do you wish for your story to take root in this world, Durin?" "My story... in this world?" "This will almost certainly be an important choice for you. But if you stay by my side forever, how much of the world will you really come to know? I want you to go farther — to see its beauty, and its ugliness too. Then, once you've seen enough, make your choice." "Mmm... but what about your story, Hat Guy?" "If you decide to plant your story here in this world, I suppose I'll have a small part in it. Just remember that part I played, and that'll be enough. That's my story, as far as you're concerned." "Mmm... but what about your story, Hat Guy?" "If you decide to plant your story here in this world, I suppose I'll have a small part in it. Just remember that part I played, and that'll be enough. That's my story, as far as you're concerned." Hearing this, Durin fell silent for a long while. It was the first time he'd ever heard Hat Guy speak to anyone like that — in an encouraging tone, yet tinged with a faint trace of something that almost sounded like a plea. In the end, Durin accepted his advice.

Sumeru is one of the seven nations of Teyvat and one of the major regions in Genshin Impact. It is the nation that worships Lesser Lord Kusanali, the Dendro Archon and God of Wisdom. It is renowned as Teyvat's center of learning for housing the Sumeru Akademiya.

Before Durin was rescued from the curse via the blessings everyone bestowed upon him, most of his days in Simulanka were spent in the mines, tormented by solitude and despair. Yet when he had first arrived, there had been a brief stretch of happiness. In those days, his mother, Anya "Marie" Andersdotter, had still been amongst the living. At that time, Simulanka was still under construction. Durin often accompanied his mother whenever she could take a break from her work, exploring the four corners of Simulanka with her. Along the way, he watched as she and his two aunts debated how to shape the world around them. Their discussions always started with the same question: What would a world with dragons look like? From that spark came grand designs — valleys carved, tracks laid, castles rising — all brought to life in the midst of their lively debates. Sometimes, though, those debates turned into arguments. His fiery-red aunt loved adding thrilling elements — bombs, or anything that would make the world more exciting — while his mother always expressed her worries. She cherished the people of Simulanka as if they were her own children and couldn't stand the thought of their home being reduced to ruins by some reckless artifice. Still, the arguments never lasted long. Soon enough, the fiery-red aunt would find clever ways to adjust her ideas — not only putting his mother's worries to rest, but making their world all the more vibrant and fascinating. Back then, the story of Simulanka had yet to be completed, and his mother often paused her writing to think. Whenever she did, his pale-blue aunt would come to visit, bringing delicate teacups and plates of delicious sweets. Their conversations were deep and far-reaching, stretching from pleasant afternoons into quiet nights, from the stars above to the future of Simulanka itself.

During these talks, this pale-blue aunt would often glance at the new scales growing on Durin with a complicated look in her eyes — one that made him uneasy. Still, she always brought wonderful treats, so he didn't mind her visits too much. At all other times, his mother could usually be found bent over her desk, writing. Durin would sit quietly by her side, listening to the sound of her pen as he drifted to sleep. He thought those days would go on forever, until one day, his mother suddenly set down her pen, as though she had finally finished her work. "Come, my child," she said, rising from her chair. "Take a walk with me." She led Durin to a courtyard high up in the sky. Gazing out toward the horizon, she reached out her hand, as if tracing the edge of a page. "My dear, if you ever had the chance... would you want to leave this world and see what lies beyond?" "Could I really... leave this world?" "You could," she replied with a gentle smile. "Your aunt Alice is quite remarkable — she's already proven to me that her magic can make it possible." "Then... what would happen to me after I leave?" "That, I can't say," she said softly. "Those are things that shall happen after 'my ending.' But you know, 'going to a faraway land' is a curious phrase — some stories use it as their ending, while others take it as the beginning. Durin, I want you to do something for me. When you have the chance, try leaving Simulanka. Go see what lies out there." "There will be many, many hardships waiting for you, but don't be afraid. Alice's magic will guide you... and my blessing will go with you." Realizing how important her words were, Durin nodded solemnly, accepting the task she had entrusted to him.

"In that case," she murmured, "I suppose I've now finished writing the most important passage of all..." Then Durin watched as his mother turned her gaze toward the distant sunset. The emotions that flickered in her eyes were like the light reflected there — burning first with warmth and reluctant farewell, then softening into quiet tenderness, until at last they faded gently into the approaching night. Not long after, the gears of Simulanka's destiny began to turn. The origami animals of the Forest of Blessings and the toy figures of Constellation Metropole each set out on the stories woven for them by the three goddesses. Yet Durin's mother was gone. His days of happiness had come to an end for now.

Carried by the wind that Venti had gifted him, Durin caught up with Dvalin, soaring together into the skies above Windrise. And finally, the story the mage had been writing arrived at the chapter she had been waiting for. Standing by the long table where mages gathered for meetings, Alice watched Durin's figure recede into the distance. Her thoughts drifted back through the years to a tea party where all seven of them had been present. Delighted by the occasion, she had been struck by a whim to start a story-telling game, only to stumble when choosing a theme. She turned to Anya, the writer among them, who offered a simple, potent answer: "The Undying Fire." "If I ever get the chance, I want to leave behind an 'Undying Fire' through my stories. As an author, that is the greatest pursuit I can imagine." "An 'Undying Fire'? What exactly does that mean?" "I suspect each of us has our own answer to that question. Isn't that what makes it perfect for a storytelling relay? I am still searching for my own answer, in any case." Anya didn't answer directly. As she often did in her own works, she left a hint of suspense, sparking Alice's curiosity. "All right, then, let's go with this theme! Each time we meet, the next person will take their turn and write their chapter. Hmm... Anya, you take the final chapter. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, I expect you'll have your answer ready for me." And so began the relay. Alice volunteered to write the opening — the little witch set off on a journey to find the "Undying Fire" in order to complete the trials set by the old witch.

What Alice didn't anticipate was that by the time the witches gathered again, Anya had passed away, lying in her coffin, asleep forever. She had misjudged how differently witches and humans experienced the passage of time, and how profoundly that would affect Anya. She had been expecting to wait for the next chapter, but Anya had already grown old. By the time the story reached the fifth volume, Anya was gone. The tale Alice had begun started veering wildly in the second and third volumes, handled as they were by Barbeloth and Rhinedottir respectively, but it was partially rescued in the fourth volume under Ivanovna. Yet in the fifth volume, penned by Nicole, it was hastily concluded in a single line. Alice felt frustrated, convinced she would never learn the answer Anya had intended. The story took a turn with Octavia. The Hexenzirkel had never been marred by a loss since its founding until Anya's passing, a loss that now brought the frequently-absent Octavia to the gathering. She brought with her the already written sixth volume, in which the little witch was given a second chance, reuniting with the old witch. "The Undying Fire might exist after all," she said. In response to Octavia's reminder, Alice turned her attention to the final work Anya had left behind — the world they had created together, Simulanka. In this world, a dragon named Durin waited, restless and uncertain, for miracles that might come in the future. The possibilities Anya had woven into him, much like the unresolved threads she left in her other works, glowed like a softly burning flame, illuminating the world of the story and tugging at Alice's curiosity. Gazing at this flame, Alice recalled the promise she had once made to Anya. "It seems the ending she was meant to write falls to my pen instead."

And so the years passed, with Alice often turning her gaze to the dragon. She watched the child, once burdened with the name of a drake most fell, receive blessings from others, step out of the world of the story, make friends, forge connections with the world beyond the tale, and together with his companions face and overcome fate. In the end, she saw him completely rewrite the story of Durin the wicked dragon and take flight alongside Dvalin... Drawing her thoughts back, Alice realized she had finally received Anya's answer. "Anya, just as I wrote at the end of the storytelling relay, I've always thought you were the most capable among us." "You always say you would leave little behind, but I see it now — the undying fire you left for us."

Durin's everyday outfit came from a most extraordinary experience. Though there was no direct proof, he had always believed it was a gift from his mother, Anya, bestowed with some kind of magical charm. After all, every element of the outfit was familiar to him, each one tracing its origin to her works. Clearly, his mother had cherished him deeply, dressing him as though he were a prince from a fairy tale. Still, there was one detail Durin didn't recognize: the heart-shaped gem at the collar. Considering how he had been reborn and the gem's locked design, he gradually realized its meaning. The gem held the heart of the evil dragon fused with him, and his body now served as the cage keeping it sealed. But when Durin took up his mother's pen and began writing his own story, the lock on the heart vanished. Placing his hand over the gem, he felt not the pulse of some malevolent being, but his own heartbeat. In that moment, Durin finally understood the gem's true meaning — it was not the dragon's heart. It was his own. And now, that heart was free.

When Durin traveled to Mondstadt to visit Albedo, he saw for the first time the massive dragon skeleton slumbering amidst the snowy mountains. The owners of these bones shared his name. Through Albedo's words, Durin learned the devastation his name had once brought to this land, and that history was on the verge of repeating itself. "Isn't there any way to save the people here?" "There is, but..." Albedo explained a possibility. By using alchemy to fuse Durin with the heart of the evil dragon, he could seal its Abyssal power completely. However, the plan was far from perfect. As an essential part of it, Durin would have to bear certain costs. Albedo explained that once the alchemical process was complete, Durin would take the place of the evil dragon and remain in this world. Yet this world was far from the peaceful beauty of Simulanka, and the power he would have to seal was far more terrifying than the curse that had once turned everything into building blocks. Albedo knew this could not be a demand made unilaterally — he respected Durin's choice. Durin looked toward the distant dragon bones, sensing the guiding force that had led him here. Yet now, with this decision laid before him, that force fell silent. Even the goddesses who wrote fate seemed to have set down their pens. This choice was his alone. "What if... I want to stay?"

In that moment, memories of his past flooded back. His mother had told him to journey far away, leading him to Teyvat. Hat Guy had urged him to go farther still, and through that, he had seen the world in all its beauty and cruelty. Along the way, he had faced countless unexpected events, some joyous, some disappointing, none neatly arranged as in a story. Surprises came unbidden, and expectations sometimes fell short. Yet it was precisely this uncertainty that captivated Durin, the one who had stepped out from the pages of a tale. It drove him to keep exploring this world. And it was this very uncertainty that granted him something no character bound by a story could possess, something born only when facing the unknown: A "wish." "I want to stay. I love this world. I want to fulfill my mother's request, to leave my story as Hat Guy said, and to help you save everyone... to suppress the evil dragon and become... a true human." In the end, it was Durin who solemnly entrusted his desire to Albedo. "Please... help me make this wish come true." And so, a great trial began. The light of the alchemical array blazed across Mondstadt's sky. When the dust settled, Durin found a shining Vision at the center of his side of the array. His wish had been granted.

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