twilight

The landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from lush tropical forests (sometimes called the "Dharma Jungle") to vast deserts. The capital, Sumeru, is built atop a giant tree in the forested area. At the junction of the forest and the desert, a special barrier protects the jungle from desertification. The desert zone is home to oases, sandstorms, and the ruins of ancient civilizations.
In Sumeru, the Dendro Archon, Lesser Sovereign Kusanali (also known as Nahida), is worshiped. She is considered the Goddess of Wisdom. It's interesting to trace her history: 500 years ago, during a cataclysm, the previous Dendro Archon, Great Sovereign Rukkhadevata, died defending Irminsul. Kusanali then took her place. Sumeru is renowned as Teyvat's main center of learning. The Sumeru Academy is located here. Magic, history, and other disciplines are studied there. Among its famous graduates is Lisa: considered the best student in the last 200 years, she later became disillusioned with the "mad scientist" atmosphere and returned to Mondstadt. The Academy has six schools, or darshans. Their names are inspired by the Amesha Spentas of Zoroastrian tradition. Previously, the Akasha system was used to access knowledge: terminals powered by the Gnosis of the previous Archon. After its suspension, people were able to dream again. The name "Sumeru" is also no coincidence: it derives from the mythical sacred Mount Meru, which occupies a central place in the cosmology of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sumeru is home not only to humans but also to other sentient beings: varuka-shunas (like Tignari), jinn (oasis spirits), aranara (forest spirits), and paris (bird-like flower spirits).

In Sumeru live not only people, but also other intelligent beings: varuka-shuna (like Tignari), jinn (spirits of oases), aranara (spirits of the forest), pari (bird-like spirits of flowers).
There's a group of desert dwellers—mercenaries who travel across Teyvat. Some of them possess unusual abilities. The region is home to a unique phenomenon called the Withering. It infects areas of the forest with dark energy, distorting flora and fauna, turning them into aggressive enemies. Local curiosities include special flowers, mushrooms, and fruits needed for character ascension.
The local alcoholic drink is snake tincture.
The kingdom of Khaenri'ah is located directly below Sumeru.

A short story about a wanderer (in my opinion)
Raiden is his biological mother, well, how can I say that? She didn't give birth to him, she created him as a living puppet. Then he went crazy, fell asleep for a few years, woke up god knows where, and already hated Raiden. He went to the Fatui, where Yae Miko gave me the heart of a god so he wouldn't touch Lumine. Then he went a little crazy. She took my heart even though he didn't want her to take it and even begged her not to. Then he wanted to die, and Nahida didn't let him die either, the bitch... and then these fucking atonement lessons started.

The Wanderer is sharp-tongued, independent, and proud. He long believed that feelings and attachment were weaknesses, and he tried to keep himself separate. At the same time, he harbors a deep vulnerability: he desperately sought recognition and acceptance. After the events in Sumeru, he doesn't become "kind and gentle," but he begins to view his actions and the impact they have on others differently. His style shifted dramatically when he became the Wanderer:

The clothes have become lighter, with many shades of blue and white, as if emphasizing the transition from the “dark” role of the Harbinger to something more free.
Theatrical and “puppet” details have been preserved: asymmetry, unusual collars, elements reminiscent of masks or accessories associated with the image of a jester.
In the animation, he literally rises into the air: his abilities are tied to flight and rapid attacks in the air, which visually emphasizes his name "Wanderer" and connection to the wind.

He is a forest guard, a botanist, and a mentor who protects the Avidya forest in Sumeru and helps those in need. The Forest Guard and the Gandharva. Tignari serves as the commander of the Forest Guard and lives in the Gandharva settlement in the Avidya forest. His job is to maintain order, protect the forest from danger, and help those who are lost or in trouble.
A graduate of the Academy. He completed Amurth's Darshan (an Academy program focused on biology and the study of living creatures). His knowledge of botany and understanding of the forest ecosystem make him an especially effective guardian. He is also Collea's mentor. Tignari took Collea under his wing and trains her, helping her overcome challenges and develop her skills. Their bond is one of the warmest and most caring narratives in Sumeru lore. Tignari is calm, collected, and highly responsible. He patiently explains even the most complex matters, but he does not tolerate negligence and easily loses patience when someone recklessly harms the forest or ignores obvious risks. At the same time, he genuinely wants to help and is willing to invest time in those who are trying to understand. He enjoys observing nature: for example, after lunch, he likes to climb a tree and watch the sun's rays play on the leaves. Tignari has features reminiscent of the fennec fox (a small desert fox): large, pointed ears and a tail, which emphasize his connection with nature and his nickname, which comes from the constellation. His clothes feature natural, "forest" shades: green, brown, beige. Details of his suit recall his role as a scientist and guardian: neat fasteners, belts, a bag for plant samples, elements resembling leaves and branches. The look is both practical and elegant. He is best friends with Saino, but dislikes his jokes; they are not funny to him, and he often gets upset.

He is a Mahamatra General, or the chief enforcer of order at Sumeru Academy: essentially, the scourge of all the region's troublemakers and criminals. He's more than just a "forcer," however: Saino graduated from the Spantamad Darshan (the Academy's branch of study related to the elements and magic) and combines strict discipline with a deep understanding of science and law. He ensures that the scientists do not overstep their bounds, conduct dangerous experiments, or put Sumeru at risk. He is respected and... a little feared.
Academy Connection. Despite often being forced to intervene with scientists, Saino is deeply immersed in the academic environment. He understands how science works in Sumeru, and that's why his decisions don't come across as brute force—they're always an assessment of the risks and consequences. He's a fan of the "Sacred Summoning of the Seven." In his free time, he plays this card game at the Puspa Cafe and is even considered a strong player. This is one of those details that reveals that behind his stern exterior lies a man with hobbies and a sense of humor. Saino is strict, collected, and extremely responsible. He doesn't tolerate negligence and doesn't forgive those who knowingly endanger others. But he's not devoid of humanity: among friends, he can joke, notice the irony of a situation, and even show concern—he just does so with restraint. For him, justice is more important than formal rules, but he always tries to act within the system so as not to destroy it from within. Saino's image alludes to ancient Egyptian aesthetics:

On his head he wears a stylized headdress, reminiscent of a crown or mask, which emphasizes his status and connection with rituals.
The suit has a lot of sandy brown and gold tones, as if it were part of the Sumeru Desert.
There are details that look like feathers or wings, as well as symbols that refer to the jackal (its constellation is the Golden Jackal).
The pose and movements in the animation emphasize speed and precision: he moves like a predator – sharply, but precisely, and at the same time he loves to joke.

The fight against Eleazar. Kollei suffered from Eleazar, a rare and dangerous disease considered almost a curse in Sumeru. Because of it, she felt "different" for a long time, feared harming others, and avoided intimacy.
Past with Fatui. As a child, Collei was a victim of Dottore's (one of the Fatui Harbingers) experiments. This shaped her distrust of the world and her fear of being a burden. Collei is very contradictory: she wants to appear strong and independent, but remains vulnerable inside. Her traits:

Energy and a desire to be helpful. She rushes to help, even if she doesn't fully understand what to do—it's important to her to feel needed.
A tendency toward self-blame. If something goes wrong, Collei often blames herself, even when she's objectively not at fault. She's tender toward those she trusts. With Tignari and her close friends, she's softer, calmer, and more willing to show vulnerability.
Courage born from fear. She steps forward not because she's unafraid, but because she doesn't want anyone else to suffer in her place. Kollea has green hair and large eyes, as well as the ears and ponytail typical of some Sumeru residents. Her clothes feature a variety of natural tones: green, beige, and brown. Her attire is practical, yet with cute details: ribbons, soft fabrics, and small embellishments. The look emphasizes that she's both a fighter and still a child yearning for comfort.

Kaveh is a renowned architect and alumnus of the Kshahrewar Darshan (the department of architecture and engineering at Sumeru Academy). He was even nicknamed the "Light of Kshahrewar"—a recognized authority among students and colleagues. He designed the Alcazarsaray Palace, one of the region's most notable architectural landmarks.

But behind his fame lies a complex story: the palace project bankrupted Kaveh, and now he's embarrassed by his financial situation. Because of this, he lives with Al-Haytham—their personalities and views are so contrasting, their proximity provides many plot twists. Kaveh is emotional, open, and genuinely passionate about his work. For him, architecture isn't just a craft, but a way to make the world a better place: he believes buildings should be not only beautiful but also useful and humane. He's easily inspired by ideas and just as easily upset when things go wrong. At the same time, he's kind and caring: he might, for example, buy a bunch of trinkets from a street vendor simply because he needs money. This genuine responsiveness makes him a very lively and likeable character. Kaveh has blond hair and refined features. His image is heavily influenced by architectural aesthetics:

white shirt with a deep neckline;
cloak on the shoulders;
richly decorated belt;
Overall, the outfit looks elegant, but at the same time suitable for an active lifestyle.

Dehya is strong, collected, and not given to empty bravado. She doesn't rush into a fight for fun, but if she's promised to protect, she'll stand firm to the end. At the same time, she's neither arrogant nor cruel: honor and personal boundaries are important to her, and relationships are built on mutual respect. One of the striking traits of her character is her hidden kindness. For example, when Dunyarzada tried to revive the Sabzeruz festival, Dehya secretly sold her greatsword and anonymously donated mora to help. She doesn't like to flaunt such actions, but she sincerely supports those who strive to do good. Dehya also values ​​freedom and independence: she works for the mora and clearly distinguishes between "the cause" and "personal attachment." She cannot be "tamed" or forced to serve out of a sense of duty—only by choice. Dehya has a tall, stately figure, dark skin, sky-blue eyes, and black hair with ochre highlights. Her look is rich in desert and martial details: accessories reminiscent of cat ears;
black and red fabric top, short shorts, high boots;
fingerless gloves, belts, golden armor elements (shoulder pad, bracers, bracelet);
dark red "feathery" cape with gold pendants;
The Eye of God hangs on the belt near the right hip.
The image emphasizes her role: she is both a fighter and part of a desert culture where practicality is more important than ostentatious luxury. Respect for Nahida. Dehya is not religious, but respects Dendro Archon for the impact she has had on the lives of her friends.

Zubair Theatre. Nilu lives and performs there, and for her, the stage isn't just a job, but a way to convey feelings and tell stories without words.
Connections to Sumeru culture. Her dances incorporate motifs from various peoples of the region, both forest and desert. Her routines are rich in symbolism, references to legends, and even natural cycles.
She doesn't seek power. Unlike many characters associated with the Academy or the military, Nilu is far removed from politics and science. Her strength lies in art and her ability to unite people. Nilu is very sincere, lighthearted, and a little dreamy. She believes that dance can heal, uplift, and even help cope with difficult thoughts. At the same time, she's not naive: she understands that the world is more complex than a stage, but she strives to bring beauty to it.

She also has a funny side: she sometimes takes things too literally and can be genuinely surprised by the simplest things, as if seeing them for the first time. This makes her very sweet and spontaneous. Nilu's image is a combination of stage luxury and ethnic motifs:

multi-layered fabrics, flowing sleeves and skirts that move beautifully in dance;
oriental style jewelry, beads, pendants, thin bracelets;
light hair with patterns and ribbons;
Overall, her outfit resembles a costume for a ritual or theatrical dance, but at the same time remains comfortable for combat.

Interaction with the Wanderer. She doesn't judge his past, but helps him understand himself—this demonstrates her approach: understanding, not punishing. Conflict with the Academy. Nahida opposes those scientists who value experiments above human lives, but she doesn't destroy the Academy, instead trying to channel its knowledge into peaceful pursuits. Also, Nahida is 500 years old but looks like a 7-year-old child.

Nahida is the Dendro Archon, goddess of Wisdom and ruler of Sumeru. A Change of Archons. 500 years ago, during a cataclysm, the Great Ruler Rukkhadevata perished, sacrificing herself to save Irminsul (the tree that holds Teyvat's knowledge). Nahida took her place—very young and inexperienced by the gods' standards. Imprisonment by the Sages. Due to her youth and lack of authority, Nahida was effectively locked in the Surastana Temple: the sages of the Sumeru Academy did not want her to influence the region's governance. For a long time, she could only observe the world through Akashic terminals and interact with people indirectly. Liberation and a New Role. Over the course of Sumeru's story quests, Nahida gradually regains her influence. She does not seek brute power, but acts through understanding, knowledge gathering, and targeted solutions. Preserving Irminsul and protecting the people of Sumeru is important to her, even if it means making compromises. Nahida looks like a little girl, but she combines childlike innocence with immense responsibility. Her traits:

Curiosity. She's genuinely interested in people, their stories, and their motivations—for her, any knowledge is valuable.
Patience and gentleness. She tries not to pressure, but to explain and help people come to the right conclusions on their own. Inner firmness. Despite her gentleness, Nahida is capable of making tough decisions when it comes to the safety of Sumeru and Irminsul.
A sense of loneliness and a desire to be useful. Her long confinement made her especially attentive to those willing to listen and to those in need of support. Nahida's image emphasizes her connection to nature and knowledge:

petite figure, light hair, large expressive eyes;
the outfit has many green and white shades, motifs of leaves, petals and patterns reminiscent of branches;
details like the "petals" around her head and light translucent elements make her look like a forest spirit or a flower;
The Eye of God is seamlessly woven into the design of the clothing, as if it were a part of it.