KAEYA LORE FROM THE KAEYA HANGOUT with some theories
Spoilers below!
It's a long one so get ready!
First of, let me mention the fact that the EN team surprisingly changed the dialogue post release of the Caribert quest.
The original dialogue (still the one in the genshin wiki) merely implies that the main goal of his father was to give him a happier life.
In my recent playthrough of the quest, however, they have now changed the dialogue into something more concerning. The way this was phrased, the happier life is not the main concern, but is instead to keep Kaeya alive. Was there a threat to his life? How unsafe must it have been to have his father leave him in a distant nation?
Ok, but then so what right?
They then hit us with the Kaeya hangout, and 2 certain routes that are very telling. The play ending and the Venti ending.
For the one with the play, we are introduced to a certain play called The Tale of Prince Qubad. It is a story about a war-hungry father doubting his son and putting him to trial by having his son walk thru raging fire. The prince is unscathed, proving his innocence, however, his father is still doubtful. He sends his son to the battlefield.
A quick search to the name Qubad will lead you to a book of poems called "Shahnameh", a pre-Islamic Persian book that translates to "Epic of Persian Kings".
What are the contents, you may ask? Fascinatingly enough, certain topics of the book includes talks of royal lineage, how their choices affect their people, and primarily, fathers and sons with fathers making mistakes.
I skimmed thru some summaries and found out that Prince Qubad is actually a King in the book. One who surprisingly trusted his son when the prince mentioned of a betrayal and coup against him. His reign continued.
(The book of poems also has a character named Rostam who arguably has the most popular story from the book)
Like the play we see in the game, the Shahnameh also pits fathers and sons against each other, most of the time ending in tragedy. It seems like its a cycle that plans on repeating.
Must it be so?
Prince Qubad decides to go against his fate. He decides to live in a distant land to maintain peace. His tutor, the one who he truly thinks of as a father, wishes him well.
This choice of the prince is what maintains peace, preventing unnecessary bloodshed and suffering, including a full eradication of their supposed enemies.
This brings several questions and theories?
Who is who in this story? Who is the enemy faction? Is this about Celestia vs. Khaenri'ah? This specific dialogue is for sure talking about the effects of it (with both the Fatui and Abyss Order gunning for a fight with Celestia)
Was this about Kaeya? Left in a foreign land by his tutor rather than his biological father? Is Kaeya's biological father perhaps the true threat to his own life then? (Damn, imagine losing 3 fathers. Spiderman-core). Is this why he mentions that Kaeya is their only hope? To prevent another devastating war?
Was him being left in Mondstadt a means to continue the peace in Teyvat? So should Kaeya return to Khaenri'ah...
Or perhaps this is this his father's story in a sense that it was King Qubad in the book who for once changed fate and trusted his own son? Was he on the run from the clan, fully against their choices and opinions, to save Kaeya from said fate? This could also explain why Kaeya is cut off from certain things and how Dainsleif is not familiar with him.
All in all, I can at least be certain that Kaeya wishes to challenge his fate. It's as if he knows how things will end and is repeatedly lamenting on the idea of "is this really his fate?" " can he change it?" and "can he leave the narrative?". He is literally wondering if there is a way to escape a horrid fate and maintain the peace. That is his true wish in all of this, because at the end of the day, Kaeya wants everyone to make it to the end.
Before moving on, this part is curious to me... is he implying that Celestia is making the people of Teyvat play a role into things? Criticizing the script everyone has been given and wanting everyone to go against it? He is asking people to wake up... and when the traveller questions his thoughts, he immediately backtracks.
Now to connect this with the Venti ending
I think we can all agree that both Kaeya and Venti know of each other. It was absolutely hilarious to see the way they talk to each other like "I know that you know that I know that you know-" (reminiscent of the time Venti went to Liyue and just started the very same type of dialogue with Zhongli lmao)
Kaeya seems to want to remove himself from the narrative, "leave the stage" you could say, once his role to things is done. He does the same thing after the play, running off once the people who wished to talk to him put their eyes off of him. He chooses to move away to the background and simply watch the seeds of his efforts bloom from a distance. Does he think he does not deserve to be part of it then? ( Did he not do the same for when he prepared for Jean's party? Sitting alone in the tavern rather than mingle with others by the end? And how he nearly left Dawn Winery after being invited for dinner? He keeps wanting to leave...) Venti criticizes him on this. Venti wants both Kaeya and the traveler to see the ending.
And then Venti proceeds to gift Kaeya with a poem (the same way Kaeya and Venti seem to converse with each other for most of the time... more poems huh? It seems we have a perchance for poetry when it comes to Kaeya)
What an interesting poem. If i were to interpret this, I would say that he is talking about how Kaeya was left with a cruel fate and given a life full of trials and hardships, and yet Kaeya strives forward despite it all. Kaeya's troubles are unheard to many, but Kaeya also has his eyes facing forward, onwards to a brighter future that he strives for.
Clearly Kaeya wants to see the ending too, whether he thinks he deserves it or not. Kaeya keeps deciding to bring himself out of endings every single time, but the people around him thankfully bring him back and want him there.
Venti will want Kaeya to come back home by the end of everything. How's that for a poetic ending, hmm??
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Hidden Strife Event: Dawn Winery Letters
A Letter With Rough Handwriting:
Diluc,
Jean wrote to me lately with shocking news. If I don't miss my guess, she wrote to you too. Her sentiments are those of the Knights as a whole
Crepus was a good man, and I thought very well of him. It grieves me greatly to know that he met with such a fate.
As for the defeat of the drake, the honors for that accomplishment should go to your father. I do not accept Eroch's theft of the credit for that deed, which was bought with your father's sacrifice.
Stolen credit will not be accepted within the Knights of Favonius under any circumstances. I will not permit it.
I have already given Jean the authority to punish Eroch with all necessary severity. The Knights will inform you of the results.
I've heard that you've been taking some time off outdoors and may not be easy to reach, so there is no guarantee that my letter will reach you. As such, I'll stop here for now.
If this does reach you, then I wish you good health and safety in your travels. Contact us if you need anything.
I hope that falcon of yours will help put this letter in your hands. I mean, I don't write in person very often, you know?
These may seem like pointless words to you right now, but remember: even the greatest of disasters must come to an end.
Mondstadt waits for your return, and if you're willing, the Knights will always welcome you. (If you're not, forget I said anything, yeah?)
-
A Tidily Written Letter:
To the heir of the Ragnvindr Clan,
I apologize for sending this letter without notice. You may not remember me, but we've met a few times.
We've met near the square, when I sat at the table adjacent to yours at the Good Hunter, and I've seen you in your tavern...
You were always busy with a great many things, especially back when you were much chattier than you are now. You spoke cheerfully and often with your brother and friends then.
It's probably no surprise that you did not notice me then. But I've always had my eye on you, child.
I recall with crystal clarity how my little Klee once made a complete mess of your vineyard while she was trying to catch Crystalflies there...
But you didn't get angry. In fact, you personally escorted Klee back and even gave her a few bottles of fresh grape juice.
Now I think that might jog your memory, yes?
Klee recently told me that she "hasn't seen that strange man with the red hair in aaages," so I decided to look into it out of curiosity.
My deepest condolences regarding your father.
In many of the stories I've been told, you are the model knight: proud, driven, a knight of noble character and lineage.
But I know that you're gentler than you appear. If you weren't, you wouldn't have treated Klee the way you did.
And since you helped my child out, I hope you won't mind if I treat you as if you were my own.
Therefore, I sincerely hope that you will leave the dark place that you are presently in, and that you will not wallow in grief and remorse.
Partings are most painful things, but they also encourage us to grow. A bird that has lost the roof over its head will fly further than others of its kind.
Go out and see the world. That's the best course of action I can envision. Only by feeling, observing, and listening can your heart be healed.
Parents all wish that they can accompany their children forever, and the skies, seas, and stars bear witness to that oath.
Everything that was your father now finds new life with you. That which you will experience in this world may have been things that your father experienced once upon a time.
I hope that the wind will bring you all manner of wondrous things in your journeys to come.
In any case, keep your chin up, young child.
-
A Letter with Clear Handwriting:
Master,
Master Kaeya took leave and stayed at Dawn Winery for a few days.
In a rare turn of events he decided to stay in his original bedroom. He would pace about the grounds when idle, and even asked Adelinde to make him his favorite dishes.
Ah, it really does take me back.
I shall be honest with you, but I was quite surprised to hear Master Kaeya say that he wanted to stay for a few days.
We did not refuse him, however. We believe that even if you were here, you would not refuse him outright.
Dawn Winery has always been a more quiet location, perhaps because all who stay here are rather peaceable people
The house is made by those who live in it, and Master Kaeya's uncommon arrival did end up livening the place up significantly
I hope that you are doing well in your travels abroad. Everyone here at the winery misses you.
May you remain safe and in good health.
-
A Letter with Elegant Handwriting:
Dear Diluc,
Welcome back to Mondstadt, Sir.
It has been some time since the incident. We discovered that Eroch had betrayed us, and he has been punished severely.
I hope that this news will put your mind at ease.
In other news, our people have discovered that the Abyss Order has stepped up its activities between Wolvendom and Stone Gate lately.
Also -- a mysterious individual that people are calling the "Darknight Hero" has suddenly started showing up out of nowhere all around Mondstadt City. He typically acts in the dead of night, and his intentions are currently unclear.
Please stay safe, and notify the Knights as soon as possible should you see anything suspicious. We will send support immediately.
Whether you are presently in our ranks or not, all faithful knights will remember your contributions to the Knights of Favonius.
May you remain in great health.
-
A Neatly Written Letter:
Dear Mr. Diluc,
It is my pleasure to investigate the ley lines alongside you.
As you know, my focus is on alchemy, so my knowledge of the ley lines remains quite shallow, and I fear that I will only be able to share what little understanding I have.
According to many pre-existing documents, the ley lines can be seen as a medium for storing information. Under certain circumstances, they can record activities that occur in the area around them.
All this information goes through a recording and storage process. After a certain period of time, they may be released once again by the ley lines
If I may be so bold as to make a guess, there should be a method to activate the ley lines. Those who grasp such methods can control the times at which ley line information is recorded and released.
Judging from the runic symbols and some other clues, I surmise that there are particular members of the Abyss Order who may have a very small chance of being able to achieve this.
If you believe that this requires further investigation, these entities may serve as your point of entry.
I wrote a paper a few years ago in which I covered my brief foray into questions concerning the flow of ley lines and other topics. You will find a copy of this paper enclosed.
I hope that it can help to clear up some of your doubts
-
A New Letter:
Dear Darknight Hero, the Knights of Favonius have stepped up the guard details throughout Mondstadt without making major movements. The Abyss Order will not have noticed.
I am scouting around Dragonspine. The monsters here are scattered and separated. Clearly, they haven't been assembled by the Abyss Order.
There are no signs of enemy activity in the south of Mondstadt either.
If you can confirm that the other locations are also free of monsters, we will be able to conclude that the Abyss Order has nothing to do with the recent ley line disorder
-
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (I)
To D:
A storm is brewing within the Knights of Favonius. Varka's inner circle is preparing to investigate Eroch and his henchmen, and it's looking increasingly likely that Eroch is about to get unseated from that high horse of his.
You might not be too pleased to see this letter of mine, but I mean to get this news to you as soon as possible
You don't have to reply.
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (II)
To D:
Even I was a little surprised to hear that you'd decided to leave on a trip.
Jean wanted to write and try to dissuade you, but I advised her against it.
As for Varka, I don't think he knows about this. Otherwise, he'd have probably sat you down for a talk.
If you'd like to leave, do it now. The less the people know, the less the goodbyes you'll have to say. Leave at night, too, so things won't be too saddening.
Take care.
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (III)
To D:
Some slightly bad news. Eroch won't be quite so difficult to bring down after all.
The Grand Master's order to investigate has certainly dealt him a major blow, but I wouldn't call the problem "pulled up by the roots" yet.
The matter's been handed over to Jean's jurisdiction. She'll take care of this, I believe. Eroch is an obstacle in her path, in any case.
Just sit tight and wait for the good news.
-
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (IV)
To D:
Recently, a group of businessmen returned to Mondstadt. Word is that the reason for their return is a downturn in business.
According to my observations, their employees are regulars at Angel's Share. These people can also be found out in the more dangerous parts of the wilds around the city.
Now, a few of them were a little careless and even dropped some pages of their notes on the ground. I took the liberty of returning these sheets to the Angel's Share. You know, out of the goodness of my heart.
I think they might have something to do with you, seeing as how they were there. I also noticed that their notes were written in code. Information brokers, perhaps? Or some kind of secret organization?
Whatever the case, it took quite a lot of effort to see those blurred words with only one eye, you know? Don't worry, I'll keep this a secret.
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (V)
To D:
I didn't try to hide it from you on purpose, you know. But I suppose you found out all the same, huh?
I mean, not everyone who wears an eyepatch must be blind, right? Don't people also wear an eyepatch if they have a scar over their right eye?
The long-awaited good news is finally here.
Now, I'm going to bring a glass of wine when I go to watch Eroch pack his things and leave on his last day (good riddance, by the way). That should be fun, eh?
I know you're not the type to do that sort of thing, but I am, so allow me.
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (VI)
To D:
Oh, my! No sooner did you get back than a mysterious character started popping up.
I hear he's called the Darknight Hero. He has repeatedly fought off Treasure Hoarders and monsters in the Mondstadt Area -- and he's even attacked Abyss Order strongholds.
So far, it seems like he is on Mondstadt's side, but the Knights of Favonius could never permit the existence of a vigilante.
I get the feeling that the two of you would get along nicely. Why don't you find an opportunity to get to know him and give him some sage advice? You know, just so he doesn't get caught by the Knights?
-
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (VII)
To D:
Per standard procedure, the Knights of Favonius needs to take a statement from all relevant parties.
Recently, the Knights of Favonius have received reports from a number of eye-witnesses claiming to have seen the Darknight Hero in the vicinity of the Dawn Winery.
The Grand Master has assigned the Cavalry Company to this mission. As such, I will be paying you a visit in three days.
He seems to think that our relationship can be improved if we are forced to talk in person.
Don't worry, though. My lips are sealed. This will be nothing more than a formality. Anyway, three days' notice should be enough for you, I presume?
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (VIII)
To D:
The appearance of the Darknight Hero has indeed bought the Knights of Favonius some valuable time during the Abyss Order's last attack.
This helped Jean convince the Knights of Favonius to stop focusing on trying to stop him.
This will decrease the limits on the Darknight Hero's actions, but this doesn't necessarily mean that his situation will necessarily improve.
Objects with too honed an edge tend to be damaged more easily. You, I'm sure, are aware of the great dangers that come with acting alone.
That said, I would advise against such a course of action.
A Letter in Beautiful Handwriting (IX)
To D:
I heard that the Dawn Winery did not suffer any damage. Likewise the Knights of Favonius only sustained minor injuries, and will recover quickly.
However, an employee of a local merchant has gone missing, and their last known location just so happens to align with the Abyss Order's area of activity
The Knights have dispatched people to go to the rescue.
Do be aware that the Abyss Order has become more dangerous as of late, even going so far as to organize multi-pronged offensives.
Perhaps the Darknight Hero and the Knights of Favonius should team up. That might guarantee that things will go off without a hitch, hmm?
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