[3.8] Fontaine's Real World Inspirations - Genshin Impact Lore

Genshin Impact is getting ready to release the brand new region of Fontaine, and that means it's time to get some fresh context for the real world culture, history, and themes that inspired it to see what we can learn about the upcoming story, settings and plot points!
Bet you never thought you'd be getting a crash course in European History because of a video game! But don't worry - this won't be like school. We'll make this fun.
*Timestamps*
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Cents and Cents-ability
8:00 A Tale of Two Lyneys
11:00 The Industrial Manifesto
17:30 Closing Thoughts
*Further Reading*
This section is a combination of citations and terms/topics that came up during the video (typically) alongside their Wikipedia articles (or similar related sources) which should help get you started when doing your own research.
History of France - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History...
French Third Republic - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_...
Belle Epoque - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_É...
Cabaret - www.britannica.com/art/cabaret
Cabaret - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret
Cabaret Songs - news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
Le Chat Noir - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Chat...
Moulin Rouge - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_...
Bastille - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_d...
Storming of the Bastille - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormin...
Romanticism - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanti...
France’s Industrial Revolution - www.britannica.com/event/Indu...
French Revolution of 1848 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_...
Crash Course: European History - • European History
James Watt - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Watt
Communist Manifesto - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Com...
Guillotine: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine
Anatoly Dyatlov: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatoly...
Westinghouse Electric Corp: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westing...
Belle Epoque: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_É...
Catacombs of Paris: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catacom...
Westinghouse Waltz Mill Facility - www.nrc.gov/waste/decommissio...
Arche - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_p...
Fontaine - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Guillotin - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Fontaine Research Institute - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Antole - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Julien - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Xavier - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Lyney - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Lynette - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Pages from some lost notes - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...
Rene’s Investigation Notes - genshin-impact.fandom.com/wik...

[@nyoon690]

Love how we're getting Fontaine amidst real life protests in France.

[@paulapenagomez6509]

You did not 😂

[@thepinkelephant2520]

Omg 💀

[@arnowisp6244]

Correction. An Ethnic Insurrection via the "New French"

[@cr1ym]

Spoilers: Focalors increases the pension age for the people of fontaine, and they start the fontaine revolutine and stick her head on a pike.

[@arnowisp6244]

@@cr1ym Nah. That was last year. This year it's a Black African shot dead by police. Apparently he nearly ran over them in the process.

[@lucastavares5103]

Ashikai definitely wrote flawless essays when she was in school. Your knowledge and ability to present information is astounding

[@Meese12]

I was gonna respond saying "oh thats because she's an educator" but i cant remember if thats actually true, or i just got that vibe from her and read several similar comments and gaslit myself into believing it

[@kanishkjaiswal5088]

@@Meese12 I would honestly be surprised if she hasnt at least had some experience teaching.

[@DarkzarichV2]

​​@@Meese12n the stream she said that she is a fullstack web developer. Basically does programming for living

[@slushrai]

@@DarkzarichV2 tbf programming is all about writing good logic

[@CKkkei]

I find it interesting to mention that Lyney’s constellation ‘Felis Fuscus’ essentially translates to ‘black cat’, and the name of the first cabaret ‘le chat noir’ also means black cat P.S Lynette’s constellation ‘Felis Alba’ means white cat Edit: Lyney’s constellation actually means brown cat, the siblings are cats (though then what about Ferminet…? Is his constellation ‘Automaton’? I thought the constellations tend to be in latin though?)

[@pewpewpew1834]

Hoyo really be knowing

[@LukeLeafs]

Lyney’s Constellation Means Brown Cat actually

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

Yes

[@iszuhu3613]

​​@@LukeLeafsCan confirm, fuscus means brown (in latin). (The alba part is right tho)

[@LukeLeafs]

@@iszuhu3613 I’m glad you confirmed it and thanks again

[@imnotreanalbertospynotatal6968]

HOW DID YOU WRITE THE SCRIPT SOO FAST WOW

[@lipeepipol]

Hum... *This is a speculation on my part* but she also can have access to leaks, she could write with the leaked information and release when things get announced. She just posted yesterday the list of ongoing videos she's making to release during 3.8, one of them is about the gnosis [Chess Theory Revisited: I think we're wrong about the Gnosis + Chess] (and it just so happens that recently the design of the dendro gnosis was released).

[@imnotreanalbertospynotatal6968]

@@lipeepipol there was no info about arleccino, Lynne and Lynnette working together and she did mention it in the video

[@ManonLcz]

I believe in her livestream of the 3.8 genshin update stream she mentioned she was already working on her Fontaine video so 😅

[@imnotreanalbertospynotatal6968]

@@lipeepipol and that vid isn't out yet so is it really safe to assume that she didn't come up with a theory and looked at leaks instead?

[@lipeepipol]

@@imnotreanalbertospynotatal6968 there was. There was leaked info that lyney and lynette are from one of Arlecchino's orphanage lol

[@KrackenSyndrome]

If that 'the wind will protect you wherever you go' trope persists, and lynette is the first anemo character we meet...plus the magicians are entangled with fatus, we might have one complicated story treadinging in grey zones.

[@TheJH1015]

Lynette about to Houdini us out of trouble xD

[@theshig9618]

It would actually be real interesting to see a Nation where we ended up begrudgingly on the Fatui's side

[@kiaradoesart9682]

@@theshig9618 We kinda sorta had that with Childe in Liyue?

[@arnowisp6244]

@@theshig9618 Haha. How? I think we'll only do that in Sneznaya.

[@coriakacoron5851]

'the wind will protect you wherever you go' trope only seems to apply to anemo boys till now...

[@byakumaruZ]

It never ceases to amaze me how much detail loretubers can infer from the game even without touching leaks. Another great video with very informative IRL history lesson.

[@greatedcorn]

as someone who knows a bit about film, something interesting to note is that when neuvilette walks along the hallway there are shadows that looks like bars that he walks through. this use of shadow in film often foreshadows future imprisonment or feelings of being trapped in a situation

[@whistlegirl5726]

And the way Furina is holding the remains of the photo makes it look like he is being framed.

[@greatedcorn]

@@whistlegirl5726 for sure, as if she wants it to be picture perfect but the picture she's holding is in the process of burning away

[@kiplingwasafurry1108]

Looks like if Furina is inspired by Marie Antoinette, then Neuvillette might be based off de Gaulle ig.

[@joesunday199]

I think the shadow might actually be of the woman with the gun (I forget her name). But it is hard to tell. Neuvilette might be a misdirection. Being a man of high status we would think he could be corrupt. However, maybe he will be framed. At any rate, I think we should keep an eye on the woman with the gun.

[@BoRaiChoWins]

I’m super excited for Fontaine. Since it’s France, it would be cool to see something with the catacombs of Paris

[@lowkeyhighkey8785]

Maybe a area between Sumeru and Fontaine??

[@user-lv3gx9xp2m]

they already have the sewers

[@kiaradoesart9682]

I mentioned it in a previous video's comments section, but China has strict rules about the depiction of human remains in media (skeletons are a No). Considering how huge the Chinese market is for Genshin, they likely won't be making any areas filled with human bones. Maybe monster bones, but that wouldn't make sense for a human city.

[@kizaragiren]

@@kiaradoesart9682 they dont have to show the skeletons tho if they want to reference it, something like memorial would do

[@bobbywibowo]

@@kiaradoesart9682 i believe something along that line was also said to be the reasoning behind hu tao not being able to appear in version 1.3 trailer (first lantern rite). heck, xiangling had to be the wielder of staff of homa in the trailer, to at least signify hu tao was even released in said version. there was also the argument that it coincides with their national holiday, thus making hu tao and her whole funeral/death thing being even more of a sensitive issue to be paired together. alright, that's all understandable. so then, what's with version 3.4 (third lantern rite), in which mihoyo straight up made her the mascot character of lantern rite? all i'm saying is, something tells me that mihoyo may already be able to skirt around the rules to some degree by this point. perhaps related to their ongoing success, and perhaps also their embrace of chinese culture (the whole chinese opera thing, which was often dubbed straight-up as a love letter from mihoyo to the chinese opera). with that said, i still don't think they will straight up show human bones (we already got a taste of censorship of that in caribert archon quest; although on hindsight, showing the bones in that context would've been in poor taste anyways), but we may be up to some surprises as to how much they'll be able to show in the future, at least in terms of visual representation

[@minglifeng2862]

It’s actually not like Morax killing the yaksha though. It’s more like there’s a new geo archon trying to kill the yakshas. Because the oceanids are the servants of the FIRST hydro archon not Focalors perhaps there are some power struggles involved.

[@gohunt001-5]

I think a more apt comparison would be like if Nahida started killing the aranara

[@user-dj1ss4rq1l]

​@@gohunt001-5which is still really messed up tho

[@TheSushyyum]

"Arlechino being here as a potential reference to the Franco/Russian alliance of the late 1800s"! was not expecting this many history facts! Actually amazing video

[@anonymousig5603]

You explained the Industrial Revolution in 20 minutes better than my history teacher ever could 😭 love your videos 💖

[@quangtuantran7181]

Just want to add, Freminet, apparently a sibling of Lyne n Lynette, might be a ref to Martin Freminet, a prominent artist during the French renaissance, namely in the second school of Fontainebleau movement. And this was before the industrial revolution, so could he be a remnant of the past, aka someone connected to the previous archon? The school of Fontainebleau was also very closely related to the royal family. Freminet also seemed to be an important character, so Im sure his name wasnt just a random reference.

[@om_telolet_om666]

Same as Alhaytam, Hoyoverse didn't randomly pick that name.

[@wordsmith6154]

I'm very much looking forward to Fontaine and I'm interested to see what kind of lore drops we're going to get with today's update. The summer event usually gives us some insight. The first one introduced us to some of the mechanics and one of the bosses for Inazuma. The second one gave us insight into the kinds of puzzles and power possessed in the land of Dendro. This year has quite a few more technical advances like the roller coaster and even some new kinds of enemies to fight, but I'm hoping we'll get even more insight into what Fontaine might have for us. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!

[@koteghe7600]

Wait, what puzzles in 2.8 were simmilar to ones in Sumeru, I literally remember nothing from that event

[@wordsmith6154]

@@koteghe7600 Mostly the fact that many were logic based. Take Fischl's island for example. Most of the puzzles there were figuring out which raven did whatever thing. Also, there was the mechanic where they moved on stage. That one was a lot like a mechanical puzzle in the desert. A lot of it also had to do with other dream-layers to them, which Nahida tells us is similar to her power. It's also an intro to give us a taste on concepts for the Aranara realm.

[@koteghe7600]

@@wordsmith6154 I think that Fischl one would be more comparable to these text thinking in story quest, or recent event with akademiya, with these stories about moving things on stage, I would say that it was more Inazuma thing (foggy island)

[@someguy4405]

Whenever there's a zoom-in on Yanfei's face in these videos I can't help but imagine that she's in terrible pain.

[@TheSushyyum]

I'm continually impressed with the amount of interest and knowledge the Genshin writers have for world history

[@akiimpact5636]

While watching the video , I had a speculation about "Azocite" (don't know the spelling).If Azocite is the purest form of elemental energy Then is all elements in Genshin like pyro , hydro , Electro , Anemo , dendro , Geo , Cryo a derivative of the "Azocite"(maybe a contaminated form of power or of poor quality like different quality of uraniums).Similar to White Light which is a mixture of all colours and the Azocite being similar to the energy source which waws censored being travellers sword which they lost.This can be true as when the traveller lost the sword they are unable to use their orginal powers.With this wew can say that the traveller is just a vessel for elemental energy like a vision.this may mean that when we unlock all the elements for the traveller cryo being last traveller may gain thier orginal power.

[@nawenyxar4378]

Very interesting! I don't think the power of the traveler depends of his sword, but more that he's somehow mayde of Azocite. Or he's a living Azocite.

[@Famemem]

I think you’re right about traveler’s original power being the purest elemental form, which is the aame as azosite. That also made me wonder if this is why the traveler has special purification abilities? Because azosite was mentioned alongside the power of khvarena, which dispels abyssal energy, maybe azosite can also dispel abyssal energy and that’s why the traveler was able to purify corrupted things? (Like Dvalin’s tear etc.) But also now I realize that the traveler purified Dvalin’s tear when he only had anemo…

[@manuelaparcedo417]

if azocite is the root of all elements, wouldn't it be closer to Imaginary than to Quantum?, the "light" element instead of the darkness one...

[@x4E5t]

Crack theory but maybe azocite is actually a higher quality than khaverna as that power comes from 3 different Gods(elements) and azocite is likely all 7+? And that’s likely why the traveler is unaffected even by abyssal power.

[@khiluxxe7975]

The fact that you edited this so fast after the pv came out LUL Good job ash!!

[@fleur1838]

One thing I also want to point out about Navia is that she has on her hip a ships steering wheel and on her hat a lot of roses and in the preview of fontaine from 3.8 livestream in the sewers theres a sign that has an anchor and roses on it so Im very mcuh thinking that this and Navia are connected Especially adding to the fact that it seemed like Clorinde who very much seems like some kind of police officer was shooting at Navia

[@mitab1]

In the drip marketing for the twins and their little brother you can see one of Fontaine symbols is an anchor with roses around it,

[@maurorodriguez9508]

Now, after playing 4.1 I can say you're insane with many of your assumptions being right on point ❤

[@arturheart9940]

The hype is real!!! From the beginning Inazuma, Fontaine and Snezhnaya piqued my interest the most and I can't wait too see what the nation of Justice has for us. I love the story, the music and the characters personalities. Everything is looking great!

[@Josh-qt5zi]

I betting Snezhnaya Is based off of the end of Tsarist and the start of the Russian revolution as where everyone in Russia turn they back from the Tsar which at that time is Nicholas the 2nd

[@scd3628]

Natlan so underrated

[@joesunday199]

@@scd3628 Natlan is the region (now that Sumeru is about done) that looking forward too the most. I've heard it might be based off Aztecs. I want that so bad.

[@metalunderground2020]

Another banger and highly informative video! Of all Genshin content creators you are far and away my favorite. The method in which you connect historical and mythological figures, events and stories to Genshin's lore never ceases to amaze me. I am more hyped than ever to start exploring Fontaine.

[@Lukz243]

Interesting. I could notice that Fontaine was based upon post-industrial revolution Paris (aka the one that gives the nickname "the city of Lights"), but I could never link the dots of it using instead a nuclear energy. Great work as always, Ashikai. Can't wait for Lynney and Lynnette video!

[@donshont]

I can't believing I'm developing class consciousness in a Genshin Impact lore video.

[@Quill3noReal]

i told my class teacher all of this when she asked me to tell a little bit of frances history. Bc of that every friday our class plays genshin with PRINCIPAL APPROVED, currently our class is completeing sumerus lore and gameplay, what happens is that our principal thought genshin was so good with history that she got a keyboard with mouse (usb connected ofc) only one then after each battle, switches to another child so everyone gets a turn. for small world quests when the child completes the world quest, it switches. the best part is the entire friday we play genshin and learn its lore from channels like this sometimes oh yes and talking about genshin is allowed even when its not friday

[@macrider007gaming3]

Cool man

[@OmegaWeiss01]

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who thinks Neuvillette is Furina's dad

[@iSpotJosh]

It’s amazing analyses like this that makes me wish HoYo allowed past events to be replayable! I appreciate you doing the work to pull all these narrative threads together because I wouldn’t have had context to the Oceanid events you reviewed here. Can’t wait for Fontaine -- the art direction and character design has me hyped!

[@gloriousgravynugs]

Bringing up the fact that Fontaine is/may be using khaenriahn magic or whatever really just cements the fact that I’m hoping we get celestial drama in Fontaine. I’m thinking that celestia will drop a nail on Fontaine while we’re there the way they dropped one in the chasm and dragonspine. I WANT CELESTIAL DRAMA

[@_please_dont_]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="773">12:53</a>-<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="777">12:57</a> the energy/design of the boat has the same blue light coming off the top of the domain in the next shot and we do run into people from Fontaine by domains a lot, what if the new energy source is the chaotic energy from domains?

[@mitab1]

Aka laylines

[@SaulAguilar87258]

It’s surprising that Kokomi who is theorized to be related to the water dragon can’t sink on water when she uses her ultra it sounds absolutely insignificant but like there could be more to it like if it’s a sin to sink and everyone sinks when they don’t swim or float does it have something to do with the divine or dragons idk but It just sounds interesting

[@HiTwoBah]

I do wonder how much Scottish influence we'll see. Scotland was, along with France, known for achievements technological and chemical sciences (why Scotty in Star Trek was Scottish) and we've already got Lochfolk, with loch being a Scottish word. It's interesting that they set it up early with some Scottish references, but it's been almost entirely French since. I wonder if there will be some theme of the old guard versus the new guard with the old guard being of more Scottish influence in the new guard being more French? What with the lochfolk being the oceanids who, of course, fled the new regime.

[@alistairt7544]

France has such a significant impact in world history, and world culture and the arts. I've always been fascinated by that country since I first learnt about it as a kid. Now, Fontaine is coming and seeing all the parallels, I'm even more excited about our new upcoming region! Thank you for such a comprehensive video about it, albeit having sparse knowledge about Fontaine pre-release :)

[@ManonLcz]

As always Ashikai nails it and knows were to dig 👀 Im excited about Fontaine to see if ill be able to stop the inspirations etc as i am french, i was happy to hear the term Melusine cause in the region in from its not as unknown as it is to other parts of France so I knew immediately what it was about and it was really fun! So looking forward to more of that (and to people butchering our language, i will be giggling but not in a mean spirited way in a way that i find very cute people who try their best) Also Guillotine being a canon character in the Genshin lore is extremely dark as he is irl the inventor of the guillotine which as im sure a lot of people are aware was what was used during the reign of terror and other terror periods (great terror, white terror etc) where heads were rolling left and right, the king's, queen, nobility and church and civilians for opposing the radicals who did the coup to take the power from nobility and the royalty so uhhh yeah interesting to see that name here 🤠

[@athankoh1]

Furina: Off with their heads!!! Neuvelitte: Ugh, here we go again. (Eye roll) I am really hoping the their dynamic is somewhat like that. Hahahaa

[@ManonLcz]

@@athankoh1 she does give big Queen of Hearts from Alice in wonderland energy 🤭

[@nikhenibasena7052]

The amount of information you correlated with actual human history..mind blown. You are amazing and your videos never cease to amuse me every time. One of my favourite content creators. Knowledgeable, witty and funny...if you ever have kids of your own, their bedtime stories must be a whole new level. ❤

[@owo4470]

"For every government thus far" *Jean still managing mondstat for varka*

[@EldorJ10]

Loved this video and how you connect Fontaine possible lore to the real historical happenings from France.

[@ironwoodkid9577]

Fontaine is hoyoverse's redemption arc for what they did with Inazuma's story. Civil war is brewing in Fontaine and i hope they do a better job portraying that than they did with Inazuma

[@phi_greek]

God I’m glad You use the rogueport sewers theme in your vids, perfect “Braining” music for this type of vid, either speaking of lore or gaming history or what have you

[@ZE.brigitte]

As a French, I hope they make a reference to the Mont-Saint Michel, it'll fit and it's pretty. Also your pronounciation are not accurate, but wonderful, I love listening to it Just remember that a word MUST have a silent letter, it's the rule, for example "Chat" is "Cha', you do not pronounce the T And final edit. I love the music during The Two Lyney segment, can I know the name ?

[@billystokes3917]

Mont-Saint Michel is gorgeous!! If they have anything similar to that in Fontaine, I will be satisfied.

[@enryu7886]

oh ur french ? oui oui travelier :)

[@ZE.brigitte]

@@enryu7886 Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr baguette baguette hon hon hon Also if you want a little funfact, if we meet someone we know well or talked recently, we say 'Coucou" or "Salut" ;)

[@ZE.brigitte]

@@billystokes3917 same!

[@simonditomasso9868]

@@enryu7886”voyageur” 😂

[@eveningstar4560]

I really hope there’s a underground theater in the poor slums that’s like the Moulin rouge

[@Endellion099]

I love how I'm learning more history from a Genshin lore video than from school

[@SleepyKurisu]

Just to let Ashikai know if she wants to hear it I've made a whole theory about the circus trio being spies and Lynette being a robot because so much was given away during the trailer and the drip marketing

[@silis_pap8473]

But wouldn't Lynette being the robot make it a very in your face, obvious choice?

[@SleepyKurisu]

@@silis_pap8473 I don't understand what you mean by that

[@silis_pap8473]

@@SleepyKurisu I mean that it would be too obvious for Lynette to be a robot/marionette, narrative wise. I find it possible that she's acting that way and someone else is the marionette, so as to subvert our expectations

[@genesisofthebetween]

@@silis_pap8473 Ooh, that’d be a twist

[@MiguelRodriguez-zr7of]

As someone who studied history at college is a delight to see this types of videos. If you are eager on learning and enjoyed the process of learning this, please count us in because at least I am looking forward for it.

[@Ren_rz]

Arlacheno's line to Leney and Lenette about them being actors and Leney talking about right time, place and people, I get the feeling that the Duo will play the part of magician theives, facede of being simple entertaining magicians in the surface while being expert theives behind the scenes

[@mystery8820]

So, Phantom Thieves?

[@Ren_rz]

@@mystery8820 I guess so, but exactly as this Dip will probably be focusing on miss direction, do kinda like the 4 horsemen from NYSM

[@ozanemreakl8272]

I love how much of this was a french history lesson and I learned a ton thanks to you

[@bitvanbite]

Paimon: Let me eat cake! Traveler: That does not mean what you want it to mean.

[@yourlocalyanfei]

I looked up Furina’s VA, and I have learned that the same person who voiced Toy Chica from FNAF also voices her.

[@ValCalExtra]

And some other crazy-sounding Anime characters, I think that's foreshadowing “something”...

[@genesisofthebetween]

Of all the people I’d expect her to share a voice actor with, Toy Chica was not one of them

[@alguien908]

I think that Situationism influenced to some extent the setup in Fontaine, particularly the concept of the Spectacle. Quoting directly from Wikipedia: In the general sense, the spectacle refers to "the autocratic reign of the market economy which had acceded to an irresponsible sovereignty, and the totality of new techniques of government which accompanied this reign."[1] It also exists in a more limited sense, where spectacle means the mass media, which are "its most glaring superficial manifestation."[2] Debord said that the society of the spectacle came to existence in the late 1920s.[3][1]. Basically, from my limited understanding on it, the spectacle refers to a show of sorts that capital displays towards the population in order to control them, and it forms the basis of social interactions while being reinforced by the institutions. The spectacle would have emerged in places like France during the timeframe Fontaine seems to reference. I think, and an analogy could be established with what we know as "the spectacle of the courtroom", the state institutions in Fontaine controls the population through not only mass media but also magic shows and even court trials, with the Archon herself seemingly buying into court trials as entretainment, a distraction from the material issues and problems that Fontaine has going on.

[@grassina3]

That’s how I understand it too, like Brave New World or the Hunger Games. What complicates it here is the implication that the twins are like rebels or traitors against Fontaine. That means the spectacle in their case would be a distraction not on behalf of the government but against it

[@kennethM]

hi I was looking for this. I don't even play anymore but i love your lore videos. They're how I keep up with the game unless I decide to come back.

[@kasuha]

This was the best Fontaine video I've seen recently and you don't even talk about the teaser that much. Thank you, and keep it up!

[@Vaky_cos]

I was so waiting for your video. Thank you for putting out all this info together so fast.

[@voidlexis]

Very insightful video! Thank you for your hard work! Also loved the Paper Mario TTYD track, very fitting!

[@ariannaistired]

TY FOR PUTTING THIS OUT SO FAST I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS🫶🏻

[@madison2858]

I guess I'm most interested in how Focalors gained the gnosis and became the archon instead of anyone else. There were likely plenty that could have vied for it, but she was the one to do it. She's a new archon relatively speaking. Nahida carries with her the memories of Rukkhadevata, but she's also a new archon. However, Focalors in the promo video seems to be... disconnected and ruthless to the populace. Given, I think this is also why she was the one to become the archon instead of anyone that could have been an opponent.

[@sonups8483]

really like these kind of videos talking about fiction and story telling aspects

[@Lychiis]

This was really well researched and explained. props

[@everperplexing]

Amazing video and it’s amazing how fast you made this video

[@prince_8bit]

I'm so excited for Fontaine. While a vast majority of it is French, the fact that we had an NPC named Dvorak means we will have Czech influences. I'm very excited !!

[@DataStorm76]

Guillotin like the guillotine ? Interesting. He surely made a similar killing device too .

[@lemonjuiceboi1034]

I have been waiting for a new video! Very nice work

[@tahaali5034]

Holy! thanks for the vid ashikai! It single-handedly reignited my motivation to hop back into genshin

[@aceldeath1871]

This video IS AMAZING ASHIKAI. I love your theory videos and I love how much detail and deep you get into the story! And how there are real-life references. It would be cool if you go over commedia dell'arte and how it correlates with the harbingers.

[@hajrakhan2129]

thank you for this loved the inspirations that you talked about it, it really fits logically and gives a lot to think about

[@FiletLeon]

Thank you for the videos!!! I've learned so much! I'm also ready for Fontaine!

[@TheWeirdLady]

Kyaa!! Love your content as always. Also love that your Avi is Yanfei, she would definitely spout knowledge at us about all these historical links... unless it was a sunny day... or a rainy one....

[@rikkucrowe]

You can't wait for the lore and I can't wait to hear it sadly work keeps me alil to busy to keep up on everything so your a massive help keep up the great work

[@hannah-h.s.j.williams4812]

OKAY, but I saw someone else point out that the last card to flicker across the screen after the twin’s card trick is a smiling black cat, so that matches up to Chat Noir perfectly.

[@whoknowsanymore2909]

Honestly my crack theory is that Focalors(Furina) represent 2 sides of the same coin. That coin being the 2 different ways the justice system treats people on trial, one side being the entertainment and twists of certain trials as they go on. And the other side being the empathetic and need to help people who were falsely accused. To add to this, she has 2 different colored eyes, one light and one dark, but both have tear drops in them. You don't have to believe this but it's fun to think about

[@whoknowsanymore2909]

She might also be using entertainment to keep herself distracted from the fact that from what we know, Celestia is above Fontaine

[@Uranusmv]

In that aspect he would look a bit like Ei, the boy who is praying to him at the altar, near the stairs, mentions like 1 out of 10 occasions, Raiden shogun, has helped him with his problems, before he has to bring him sweet food as a tribute and wait for results. The boy is called shouta.

[@thatonedonutlover]

good job ash there is alot to unpack with this 1 teaser

[@lostinanillusionx]

You are so good at find information and putting it in a matter that makes sense. God I wish I could do that!

[@CocogoatMain0501]

I've just discovered your channel and your work is simply amazing!

[@dxvidvfx]

oml i was waiting for this video !

[@InTheEnd75]

This was a really well made video. You earned a subscriber

[@presidentofnebraska]

YAY IM SO GLAD U POSTED I LOVE UR VIDEOS MORE THAN ANYTHINGGG

[@MrVidau]

Is anyone else scared that there is little to no information on Natlan?? Both Snezhnaya and Fontaine have quite a few references from the past updates, but I can't remember a single thing nor a single visiting NPC from Natlan. I know I'm jumping the gun considering we're over a year away from it, but Ashikai's video made me think.

[@pudumaro]

banger video as always ashi!

[@idyotako]

I love it when Ashikai gives us these type of videos! Not only do we get game lore stuff, we learn about real life history and stuff. My IQ improves with every video! 😀

[@geogodzhongli]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="165">2:45</a> Garrett and Sons in Leiston, England - that's just down the road from where I live! the Long Shop Museum has lots of blueprints and pictures of their early steam-powered machinery and motor vehicles, glad to see somewhere so close to home on your video :D

[@LeaksHater]

Great video!

[@faizaholajide6913]

I mentioned it in another person's video but I will mention it here too. Yesterday I searched for the meaning of overture and it said an introduction to something substantial(There are different definition of overture but it all means to begin something or an opening or introduction to something but you get the picture). Which means Fontaine is going to be a major turning point of the story of genshin where it introduces something important.

[@FarookKMOON]

This a great way to introduce us to fontaine and I love all the IRL history parallels

[@stephim7399]

I enjoyed your video from start to finish, with some steam coming out of my ears from time to time (info overload) haha. Thanks for refreshing me the history of France to explain Fontaine's possible background story. Also I have a vibe from Navia as the thief Lupin, did someone else have it too ? Can't wait for this new region

[@snapdragon139]

AS SOON AS THIS TEASER CAME OUT I WAS WAITING FOR YOUR THEORIES

[@supayambaek]

I literally screamed in excitement TWICE when I saw this vid in my feed! This is good food, Ashi!

[@eveschenberg8571]

Hi ! Thank you for all your work ! And especially about French history and our complicated XVIII to XIXe century (in 80 years we went through 7 different regimes). Just a few chronological precisions though : - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="430">7:10</a> the French civil code was established in 1804 (and is still the one we use today - with fortunately a few adjustments) and the French Criminal Code in 1810, during the First empire under Napoleon and thus before the establishment of the 2nd republique (1848) that you mentionned. Maybe you meant that we got a new constitution ? Because the Constitution of 1848 did indeed present a judiciary system. But like nothing that new compared to what the First empire created. - a tiny tiny one : actually la Belle époque was not under the same industrial revolution ("IR") than the 1848 era. Indeed, in France we usually distinguish three IR : one in 1765 (mechanical revolution : train, steam etc that you mentionned, and lasted until half of the XIXth century), and then a second one in 1870 which was especially know for the ... electricity ! New form of ... energy iykyk. Which aligns pretty well with your point about the new source of power that Fontaine seeks. (the third one is automatisation in the XXth). - And just for chronological clarity about the 1848 revolution you mentionned and the Belle Epoque : that revolution gave birth to the 2nd Republique (1848-1852) that became the 2nd Empire when then-president decided he did not want to not be president anymore and started a coup (surprises surprise, he was a Napoleon). The 2nd Empire ended due to multiple war defeats (lead by a third Napoleon-dude against Germany). Thus started the 3rd Republique in 1870 (that started with a period of turmoil where La Commune (1871) happened ! Famous period of communism within Paris, ended in a blood bath though.) La Belle Epoque only started around 1879 when the government was more firmly established. Sorry for nitpicking, your presentation was really great :D (and clearer than my long paragraphs ahah) Can't wait for Fontaine ~

[@undertias2646]

The first industrial revolution in France (steam, train, coal, etc...) began rather under the July Monarchy around 1840 and ended around 1860-1870 under the 2nd Empire. Then, the second industrial revolution (electricity, automobile, etc.) began around 1896 and ended around 1913, therefore under the Third Republic. I think the timeline you mention fits the UK more than France. They started their industrial revolution long before us (perhaps partly because they weren't busy killing each other during a revolution and conquering Europe for 25 years...) Also, I think that at 7:10, she is referring to the victory of the Parti de l'Odre (the conservative right) in the legislative elections of 1849. The new assembly in effect canceled certain social measures which had been taken by the governments of 1848, but above all, it will restrict universal suffrage in order to withdraw the right to vote from 2-3 million poor workers.

[@JohnTezlaNFS]

this vid made me sub, good work indeed

[@Son_Milton]

You left out the part that the traveler(us) is basically a celeb in Fontaine seeing how we made waves in the Steambird newspaper

[@bumblebees4242]

YO fun fact, I'm related to James Watt. We have a family bible from before HE was born! right now its with a family member in Alberta. Great video and discussion Ashikai, lots of love and thanks for the amazing videos!

[@ChaosFlute]

Starving? Maybe this last pre-Fontaine patch will at least feed us some cake, eheh.

[@Melotaku]

I just had an idea! What if there’s a flooded city that we get to explore with the new diving mechanics in Fontaine?!

[@bholluBhollu]

I love how you made a video comparing elemental energy with nuclear radiation and visions with like a hazmat waaaaaay before all this

[@demestriu529]

love history. thank you for this.

[@yang2chan]

wow you made the video so fast!

[@alucradtheweeb9837]

Love yer videos, have a nice day

[@ASTERIA_YT]

This came out fast!

[@olchum7605]

Ashikai you are a gem, love your content)

[@krys9463]

I can't wait for Fontaine! I'm already stocking up on artifacts for Hydro traveler as well as any characters I'll roll for in the future (also the sword of descension for aesthetic purposes). One thing I'm curious about is at the end of the trailer where the girl complains about 'having a real twist for once', I wonder if that's hoyo giving out a hint that they have a big twist prepared for the archon quest. Maybe I'm reading to much into it but I'm really looking forward to it.

[@poppythecat454]

I wish you were my history teacher, Ashikai. You make things easy to understand. I had to do the French industrial revolution at school - each of my teachers made it so difficult

[@namig1990]

I can finally understand the people who complained about the pronounciation of certain words in all other regions, I am dying inside-

[@saturnza]

i like how theres persona music in the background it fits with the subjects idk how to explain it

[@BLU3vt]

Also i find it interesting that one of the npcs Dvorak is named after a czech musician so are there inspirations from other countries? 😮