Genshin Impact: Arlecchino Ascension Materials

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“Fate grants favors to no one. Only those who would fight it with every ounce of their being may earn the right to challenge it.”

— Pierro, “The Jester”

To this day, Arlecchino still recalls that night when she was first appointed as a Harbinger.

Up the stairs and down the long gallery, with naught to see through the windows but a world of ice and snow without end.

The biting wind wailed loudly, now as mirthful laughter, now as somber farewell—

With a start, Arlecchino came to, the hallucinations of her memory mingling with the sounds of real-life conversation that surrounded her.

The hearthfire burned with vigor, its gentle warmth pervading the room, and its red Order glowed on the children’s faces, Ordering up their innocent, unaffected smiles. If some uninformed passerby were to stumble in at this precise moment, they would surely mistake the scene before them for that of an ordinary, happy family.

But just as Arlecchino raised her steaming cup to take a sip of scalding-hot black tea, the clock began to chime — and within an instant, the laughter and cheer that filled the room were banished. The flames flickered so that for a moment the Order faltered, the faces of all present cast in somber expression.

Placing her cup back down, Arlecchino stood up, and in a calm, measured tone, called out several names:

“Chapleau, you’re with Lyney. Retrieve the required intelligence. Foltz, you and Filliol are on guard duty. Stay back and tend to the Hearth…”

“Yes, ‘Father.'”

Without a redundant syllable, nor a hint of hesitation, they answered as one.

Not long after, the fire had dwindled and the house fallen utterly silent, with nothing to be seen but a single shaft of infiltrating moonOrder, peeking through a gap in the curtains upon a cup of gradually cooling tea.

Ascension Materials

Here are all items that you will need to ascend Arlecchino to level 90:

• 420,000 Mora
• 46 Fragment of a Golden Melody
• 168 Rainbow Rose
• 1 Agnidus Agate Sliver
• 9 Agnidus Agate Fragment
• 9 Agnidus Agate Chunk
• 6 Agnidus Agate Gemstone
• 18 Recruit’s Insignia
• 30 Sergeant’s Insignia
• 36 Lieutenant’s Insignia

Talent Ascension Materials

Here is the total cost of fully leveling up for Arlecchino’s single talent:

• 1,652,500 Mora
• 6 Recruit’s Insignia
• 22 Sergeant’s Insignia
• 31 Lieutenant’s Insignia
• 3 Teachings of Order
• 21 Guide to Order
• 38 Philosophies of Order
• 6 Fading Candle
• 1 Crown of Insight

How to Obtain

Fading Candle: Dropped by The Knave in new domain Scattered Ruins.

Teachings of Order, Guide to Order, Philosophies of Order: Obtained from domain Pale Forgotten Glory (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).

Recruit’s Insignia, Sergeant’s Insignia, Lieutenant’s Insignia: Dropped by Fatui Skirmishers, Fatui Agents, Fatui Cicin Mages.

Agnidus Agate Sliver, Agnidus Agate Fragment, Agnidus Agate Chunk, Agnidus Agate Gemstone: Dropped by Pyro Hypostasis, Pyro Regisvine.

Fragment of a Golden Melody: Dropped by Golem Captains.

Rainbow Rose: Found in Beryl Region, Fontaine.

Talents

Normal Attack: Invitation to a Beheading

Normal Attack

Performs up to 6 consecutive spear strikes.

Charged Attack

Consumes a fixed amount of Stamina, dashing toward a nearby opponent and cleaving once.

Continuously holding this button will cause Arlecchino to consume Stamina and engage in up to 5s of high-speed movement.

Plunging Attack

Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.

Masque of the Red Death

When Arlecchino has a Bond of Life equal to or greater than 30% of her Max HP, she will enter the “Masque of the Red Death” state, where her Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks will be converted to deal Pyro DMG. This cannot be overridden.

When in the “Masque of the Red Death” state, Arlecchino’s Normal Attacks will deal extra DMG to opponents on hit that scales off her ATK multiplied by a certain ratio of her current Bond of Life percentage. This will consume 7.5% of said current Bond of Life. Her Bond of Life can be consumed this way every 0.03s. When her Bond of Life is consumed in this manner, All Is Ash’s CD will decrease by 0.8s.

All Is Ash

Summons forth Balemoon Bloodfire, dealing Pyro DMG to multiple nearby opponents and performing a dash-cleave against one of them, dealing AoE Pyro DMG.

Opponents hit by the aforementioned attack will have a Blood-Debt Directive applied to them.

Blood-Debt Directive

Lasts 30s. Every 5s, it will deal 1 instance of Pyro DMG to the opponent. Max 2 instances. This DMG will be considered Elemental Skill DMG.

When Arlecchino uses a Charged Attack or her Elemental Burst, Balemoon Rising, she will absorb and clear nearby Blood-Debt Directives. Each Directive absorbed grants her a Bond of Life worth 65% of her Max HP.

The maximum value of the Bond of Life she can be granted through Blood-Debt Directives within 35s after using her Elemental Skill is 145% of her Max HP. Using the Elemental Skill again during this duration will restart the count on duration and the limit on the value of Bond of Life she may gain from Blood-Debt Directives.

As she sees it, not every grain of wheat that falls upon the earth will grow into an ear, while those who obstruct her, once burned to ashes, can certainly be used to nourish flowers.

Balemoon Rising

Arlecchino’s great wings of Balemoon Bloodfire beat, absorbing and clearing Blood-Debt Directives around her, and dealing AoE Pyro DMG before clearing the CD of All Is Ash and healing her. The healing is based on her Bond of Life value and ATK.

It is commonly believed throughout Teyvat that moon phases other than the full moon are mere metaphors of ill-omen, used only by those who practice alchemy and astrology.

She saw this crimson moon in her dreams many times. Were those portents of disaster? Indeed they were, but the destined catastrophes belonged to those who enraged her.

The Balemoon Alone May Know

While in combat, Arlecchino gains a 40% Pyro DMG Bonus and can only be healed through Balemoon Rising.

Agony Alone May Be Repaid

Blood-Debt Directives have the following characteristics:

When defeating an opponent with a Directive, Arlecchino will be granted a Life Bond worth 130% of her Max HP.

5s after a Directive is applied, it will be upgraded to a Blood-Debt Due. When absorbed, it will instead grant Arlecchino a Bond of Life worth 130%.

A Bond of Life created in the aforementioned ways cannot exceed the original limit on the value of Bonds of Life obtained through All Is Ash.

Strength Alone Can Defend

Arlecchino gains 1% All Elemental and Physical RES for every 100 ATK she has in excess of 1,000. The maximum RES increase she can gain this way for each is 20%.

Constellations

“All Reprisals and Arrears Are Mine to Bear…”

Masque of the Red Death is further enhanced, the value of the increase is 100%. Additionally, Arlecchino’s interruption resistance is increased when she performs Normal Attacks while affected by the Masque of the Red Death.

“All Rewards and Retribution, Mine to Bestow…”

Blood-Debt Directives are now already Blood-Debt Due when first applied.

When Arlecchino absorbs such a Due, she unleashes Balemoon Bloodfire in front of her, dealing 900% of her ATK as AoE Pyro DMG. This effect can trigger once every 10s.

You must first unlock the Passive Talent “Agony Alone May Be Repaid.”

“You Shall Love and Protect Each Other Henceforth…”

When Arlecchino successfully absorbs a Blood-Debt Directive, Balemoon Rising’s CD will decrease by 2s and 15 Energy will be restored to her. This effect can occur once every 10s.

“For Alone, We Are as Good as Dead…”

Increases the Level of Balemoon Rising by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

“From This Day On, We Shall Delight in New Life Together.”

The DMG of Balemoon Rising is increased by Arlecchino’s ATK multiplied by 700% of Arlecchino’s current Life Bond percentage.

For 20s after Arlecchino uses All Is Ash, both her Normal Attacks and Elemental Burst gain 10% increased CRIT Rate and 70% increased CRIT DMG. This effect can be triggered up to once every 15s.

Voice-Over

Hello

I am The Knave, Arlecchino, Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers. The children of the House of the Hearth call me “Father.” I do hope our partnership proves to be a pleasant one, although I would imagine that should be fairly easy. After all, there’s no cause for contention between us at the moment… wouldn’t you agree?

Chat: Eyes

Staring into my eyes is ill-advised. I can’t promise you’ll like what you see…

Chat: Home

What could the children be up to… Hmm. Never mind. Let them do as they please.

Chat: Tip-Off

Something you wish to report? Go on. You have my undivided attention.

When Thunder Strikes

Fear not. What’s a little thunder when even lightening wouldn’t dare strike our path.

When It Snows

Only in the grip of winter do people truly appreciate the warmth of flames.

When the Sun Is Out

This kind of weather is more enjoyably spent under the cover of shade.

When the Wind Is Blowing

I would advise you to keep your secrets close to your chest. Divulge them too easily, and you never know where the wind might carry them.

Good Morning

Good morning. Any plans for today?

Good Afternoon

Whenever I return home at midday, I often find the children sprawled across the ground in the midst of sleep. A certain level of fatigue is common at this hour. Perhaps you, too, should rest a bit before we head out.

Good Evening

It is said that the moon is like an eye gazing down upon the mortal plane. We have merely grown accustomed to its scrutiny.

Good Night

Time to retire for the night. Oh? “Can’t sleep,” you say? Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to figure something out for yourself. I have a certain suspicion my solution won’t be to your liking.

About Arlecchino: Perception

Seeing yourself clearly is a difficult task indeed, perhaps even a thankless one. After all, they say those who lack adequate powers of self-perception often lead a happier existence.

About Arlecchino: Cold Blood

On occasion, I hear others whisper in secret, calling me cold and cruel. People are free to believe as they wish, and I don’t intend to clear up their misconceptions. Prejudice has a way of concealing the truth, and that is hardly to my disadvantage. Still, I believe the time has come for certain measures to be taken to “live up” to their expectations… Let’s just hope those on the receiving end of these measures have enough power and status to escape with their lives.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Us: Compromise

Our ideals are not entirely aligned. If we are to work together, we must be willing to compromise. To that end, I’m willing to share certain secrets with you. Information that I choose not to reveal, however, is best left unexplored… for your own good, of course.

About Us: Being a Guest

The children simply adore your stories. They often ask me when you’re coming around again. I do hope you won’t let them down. Betraying their expectations comes with a price… Perhaps that’s something worth your consideration.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

About the Vision

For the longest time, there wasn’t anything I desired, until the idea came to me to assassinate Crucabena. It was a ludicrous thought then. She was a Harbinger, famed and experienced, and nearly everything I knew about fighting was taught by her hand.

However, it appears you need only desire something with sufficient intensity, and the gods will answer. In the end, I gained a Vision, and after making certain sacrifices, I mastered this power. Surpassing one’s teacher often requires the pursuit of the unexpected.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Something to Share

“Flames course through my body like blood”… This may be nothing but a figure of speech to some. But for me, it’s the harsh reality of my existence.

Interesting Things: Aurora

The aurora in Snezhnaya is quite beautiful. Certainly worth a visit.

Interesting Things: Spiders

I once had a pet spider named Bambi. Raising spiders is quite fascinating. They cannot be domesticated like cats or dogs. Any affection bestowed upon them will not be returned, and they require little investment in terms of care. It’s the kind of relationship that suits me perfectly.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Lyney

Clervie once asked me what a “real home” looks like, but I had no answer for her. How could any of us know the answer when the House of the Hearth is made up entirely of people who never had a place to call home.

By killing Crucabena, I was able to assume the identity of “Father” and rebuild the House under a new set of rules. Still, I’m well aware that, even with these efforts, the House is far from that ideal. As for what a real home truly looks like, I suppose that question is best put to the side for now… Perhaps one day, Lyney will be able to give me a new answer.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Lynette

Lynette’s uniquely calm personality is also her strength, and I believe she is more than clever enough to recognize that. She is an irreplaceable part of that little team of three, and I would imagine that role brings her much joy. As her “Father,” my duty is merely to give her the space to put those talents to good use.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Freminet

Freminet has a complex mind and often hides his emotions. He blames himself for things that aren’t his doing and allows them to eat away at his conscience. I would imagine the other children might find it difficult to understand his manner of thinking, but you seem to share a similar delicate sensibility — perhaps you two would make good friends.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Neuvillette

Monsieur Neuvillette intentionally maintains a certain “distance” in professional and private settings. Many say this makes him cold and unfeeling, but I believe the truth is just the opposite. In order for all beings to be treated equally under the law, a certain level of emotional distance is expected. Maintaining that kind of indifference is, in itself, a demonstration of kindness.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Furina

I asked Lyney to deliver an assortment of cakes for her theater troupe to enjoy during teatime. The children made the cakes themselves as a gesture to express the support and enthusiasm of her “audience.” I do hope she enjoys them.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About the Tsaritsa

When I was imprisoned, it was the Tsaritsa who pardoned me and gave me the title of Harbinger. I could sense she was a person of true sincerity and compassion, unlike all those pompous hypocrites with their posturing and rhetoric. Yet… It’s difficult to say whether her compassion alone is enough to melt the ice and snow that permeates her land. All I can say is this… If we are forced to be at odds one day, I will raise my weapon against her without hesitation, because that is the greatest level of respect I am able to bestow.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About The Jester

As the original Harbinger, much about him remains a mystery. Upon our first meeting, he recognized my background with ease, yet to this day, I know little about him.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About The Captain

He is very powerful, and that power comes with a high level of responsibility. However, I believe him to be someone worthy of respect independent of the power he holds.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About The Doctor

When I first took over the House of the Hearth, he proposed a number of plans for us to work together. He wanted me to send any “rejects” to him. He planned to experiment on them and then share the results with me. I heard that he and the previous Knave had quite the professional rapport in that regard. All I can say is that, if he weren’t one of my fellow Harbingers, I would have expedited their happy, little reunion long ago.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Damselette

She is a very special Harbinger. Pose her a question, and the answer you receive will be entirely unpredictable, if she sees fit to give a proper answer at all. Regardless, any answer you do receive is sure to be an interesting one.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About The Rooster

The Rooster holds little love for me, and the feeling is mutual. He is an acceptable mayor, I suppose… perhaps even an exceptional one. He has an uncanny ability to make great gains at a small price, which has earned him substantial acclaim throughout his political circles. However “small” the price may be, if it continues to come at the expense of my organization, sooner or later… Hmph.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Marionette

I have little interest in her. She is extremely… passionate about her research and does not appear in public often. In fact, many of our officers have yet to see her at all. Compared to, let’s say, someone who would go so far as to create segments of themselves to better wander across the land, I suppose you could say she is at the other end of the extreme.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Regrator

I won’t deny that he is a capable and imaginative individual, but he lacks “clarity.” He can formulate grand plans and manipulate the economy with ease, yet at the same time, he allows his actions to be governed by the vengeance and hatred locked in the depths of his heart. Rational people often believe themselves capable of controlling their emotions, but I believe that confidence is their greatest weakness.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About The Fair Lady

She and Pierro were the first Harbingers I became acquainted with. Her prideful attitude when she first visited the House of the Hearth failed to earn her many friends among the children. Subsequent visits were accompanied by gifts and the stately claim that “those who dislike me shall receive none.” The children quickly learned how to play pretend, and she in turn basked in their attention, superficial though it may have been. I imagine she quite enjoyed being surrounded by children, perhaps due to the persistent loneliness that plagued her… I found her sacrifice to be a great shame. May she be reunited with her lover in death.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Childe

Objectively speaking, his personality is ill-suited to that of a Harbinger. He often tries to think the best of others… and finds himself used by them as a result. Of course, he is very talented. With time, I’m sure he’ll come into his own. I see no need to judge him too early.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

More About Arlecchino: I

You wish to know more about me? Why, of course. Our relationship is one of mutual trust. There’s little need to keep things hidden… I would only inquire as to whether you’re truly prepared for what you might learn. Secrets can be sharper than a knife. Innocent curiosity can lead to dangerous places.

More About Arlecchino: II

The moment you wield a blade, you realize that different lives carry different weights. Some people have an air of renown and distinction, yet grovel and plead for their lives when faced with death — their outward demeanor nothing more than a hollow facade. Others appear unremarkable, yet carry a heavy burden within. Despite the factors that differentiate us in life… death awaits us all — the great and final equalizer. Cruel, you say? I merely state the truth.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 3

More About Arlecchino: III

My Snezheviches and Snezhevnas… those with the courage to walk through shadow even when the world gets dark, and the conviction to embrace the heat even at the risk of getting burned… I will do my utmost to teach them how to navigate life. The House of the Hearth begs favors from no one — like a spider, we hunt for what we want.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

More About Arlecchino: IV

No one has the power to choose where they come from, but we all have the right to fight for the life we want. In this sense, the world is both unfair and just in equal measure. I don’t take in children out of a desire for recompense. In fact, should they so wish, the children are free to leave and pursue a life outside my organization… so long as they’re willing to pay the price.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 5

More About Arlecchino: V

Fate can be a peculiar thing. When I was young, “Mother” favored me due to the unusual set of abilities I possess. No one was able to discern their true nature, not even me. We could only speculate that they were the result of some sort of hereditary curse. Whatever the origin of my power, all I knew was that it was the source of my strength, and often the impetus for my suffering. It was only after I became a Harbinger that I finally learned the truth from The Jester. He expressed surprise that the Crimson Moon bloodline had not gone extinct, and that, in a strange twist of fate, the House of the Hearth had ended up in the hands of an orphan of that lineage once again.

I cannot say what the future holds. I trust fate will give me an answer in time, and when it does, I’m prepared to do things my way, even if that means striking down fate with my own two hands.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

Arlecchino’s Hobbies

In my free time, I enjoy observing insects in the forest. The dynamics between them are fascinating — the way they hunt for food, compete with each other, even cooperate… Those that seem formidable aren’t always the ones that make it until the end, and a single error can prove fatal. I observe their struggle as they near death, and slowly commit the image of their suffering to memory, much like I do for those that fall by my own hand.

Arlecchino’s Troubles

The children often make use of words and phrases from popular vernacular that are only comprehensible among themselves, much like the codewords we use during missions. Of course, children often need their own space, and I fully understand that.

* Complete “Masquerade of the Guilty”

Favorite Food

On occasion, we hold barbecue dinners at the House, and the children prepare the ingredients themselves. They enjoy participating in activities like that, and the feeling is mutual. After all, it’s always possible certain familiar faces will be missing from the crowd the next time a similar event rolls around.

Least Favorite Food

I dislike complex seasonings. They dull one’s sense of smell and taste. Allowing the ingredients to maintain their original flavor is also a way to respect their integrity.

Receiving a Gift: I

An impressive showing of culinary expertise. Perhaps you’d be interested in teaching a cooking class at the House of the Hearth?

Receiving a Gift: II

The taste is palatable. Perhaps the children will enjoy it.

Receiving a Gift: III

The intent is appreciated, but there is much room for improvement.

Birthday

This memo states that today is your birthday. Is that true? Birthdays should be lively occasions. It’s always nice to have an excuse to set formal matters aside every now and then, whether it’s for the purpose of celebrating yourself or others. Come. I’ve prepared a feast for you at the House of the Hearth. Let’s not keep the children waiting.

Feelings About Ascension: Intro

Always keep moving forward. Never let yourself be constrained by power.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 1

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up

Anger makes you impulsive, and sorrow causes you to waver. Always maintain control over your emotions.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 2

Feelings About Ascension: Climax

Some call me excessively strict. In truth, it is an approach I extend even to myself.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 4

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion

I’ve learned much from you during this time, and I trust the sentiment is mutual. In fact, I believe maintaining this cordial relationship might prove advantageous for us both… Who knows what thorny issues the future holds. I imagine there may yet be many an occasion for us to join hands.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 6

Elemental Skill: I

Transfixed.

Elemental Skill: II

Overruled.

Elemental Skill: III

Laid bare.

Elemental Burst: I

This is where you fall.

Elemental Burst: II

Witness my rise.

Elemental Burst: III

Everlasting as the moon.

Opening Treasure Chest: I

What greater pleasure is there than the unexpected?

Opening Treasure Chest: II

An impressive bounty.

Opening Treasure Chest: III

Ah, something with which to commemorate this occasion.

Low HP: I

Commendable.

Low HP: II

My turn.

Low HP: III

Wanted my full attention, did you?

Ally at Low HP: I

Step back.

Ally at Low HP: II

New strategy.

Fallen: I

The hearth is now… extinguished…

Fallen: II

I hear… the children singing…

Fallen: III

This shall not be my fate…

Heavy Hit Taken: I

Pitiful.

Heavy Hit Taken: II

Go on.

Joining Party: I

No need to fret. I shall handle this.

Joining Party: II

An insurmountable problem, I presume?

Joining Party: III

This will be a productive partnership, I hope.

Story

Character Details

The Hotel Bouffes d’ete, situated in the Vasari Passage, is a lovely building with clean walls and sparkling windows, and well-mannered, well-groomed children frequent it every day.

Unlike other mansions of comparable beauty in the Court of Fontaine, the registered owner of this property does not live on-site. Indeed, nearby residents have not even heard of her.

The signature on the relevant documentation is but a false identity — the real power lies with someone else.

If one could hear the children whisper at night behind the Hotel’s closed gates, one would hear this appellation: “Father.”

When speaking of “Father,” some faces turn worshipful, some hearts are seized with fear, and still others look inscrutable, torn — but their tone always becomes one of respect.

These children are part of the organization known as the House of the Hearth. They belong to the Fatui.

This place is home to orphans the world over, and the luxurious Hotel is but one of the House’s faces.

As for this “Father,” the master of the House, she is none other than The Knave, Arlecchino, presently Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers.

The Fatui — and this Harbinger — enjoy a mixed reputation. But to most of these children, “Father” is the most important figure in their lives.

“It is only because ‘Father’ is here that this place is truly like a ‘home.'”

Character Story 1

Almost all who have had dealings with The Knave have felt the unseen, oppressive weight that emanates from her.

She commands any conversation with ease, and few can keep the secrets of their heart from showing on their faces when confronted with those unique eyes.

Ever ruthless, she will settle affairs while talking and laughing, even being so considerate as to do those who come after a favor by rendering the area spotless, so as not to traumatize them.

But none of that is what makes her most dangerous. “The unknown” has, after all, ever been the source of all dread.

Even the children, who interact with her on a day-to-day basis, cannot claim to understand her. Not her hobbies, her dislikes, or the things on her mind when she gazes out to sea.

Each August, they rack their brains thinking of birthday presents for her, and yet her reactions to each gift are virtually the same.

This continued until last year, when Freminet was given a nasty shock by a lizard that leaped down from the ceiling. The little “invader” was caught by Lynette’s sharp eyes and quick fingers and then imprisoned on top of the table by a bowl she swiftly seized.

Both bowl and lizard wound up being taken for that year’s gift by The Knave, who just happened to return home at that moment.

The next day, when Lyney entered “Father”‘s office to give a report, he found a familiar figure in the feeding box.

The temperature and humidity within the box seemed to be eminently suitable for the little lizard, which seemed to be quite enjoying itself.

“Father” seemed to have experience in rearing reptiles.

As The Knave raised her teacup, Lyney immediately shifted his gaze away from the lizard, but he quietly noted this incident to himself.

The children seize every opportunity they can to get closer to their “Father,” after all.

Thus, Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet began looking up all sorts of knowledge regarding raising lizards, hoping to have something to discuss with “Father” when next they saw her.

But just a few days later, when he next set foot in her office, the box was already empty.

“‘Father’… What happened to that lizard?”

“It attempted to open the box lid a few times, so I gave it back its freedom. Our acquaintance was brief indeed, but that was the choice life made.”

The Knave’s voice was completely calm. Looking at the confused Lyney, she then directed a casual finger at a bird that was poking about at the windowsill.

“Ah, yes. Not long after it left, the lizard became this one’s lunch. Now it seems to want me to serve it seconds… Go chase it away.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 2

Character Story 2

Vanity is but human, and adolescent children gradually gain awareness of beauty and homeliness. They begin to surreptitious don accessories and trim their split hairs with scissors.

Rebellious little tendencies such as these are of no concern to “Father,” nor will she interfere.

But should a child reveal their position during a night operation on account of a necklace she would not lay aside — now this would require a “Father”‘s instruction.

Thus did Arlecchino enter that girl’s room, a lovely handbag in hand.

The necklace had already been taken off and placed on the table, and the girl stood trembling next to it. She knew her error.

Arlecchino scooped up the necklace and gazed upon it, before walking over and looping it back around the girl’s unblemished neck.

She then lifted the flowing gold locks around the child’s ears. “Oh, you pierced them yourself.”

And so “Father” once more retrieved velvet ribbon and jeweled earrings from that bag, tying the girl’s hair with the former, and affixing the latter to her ears.

Then, taking her by the shoulders, she guided the girl before the mirror. The young lady reflected within was as a gem-encrusted noble rose, her beauty shining through the unease that blazed across her features.

“It is normal to be vain at your age. But do not let these beautiful trinkets arouse vanity and dull your intellect.”

“I’m sorry, ‘Father,'” the young woman anxiously apologized, her terror evident.

With quivering hands she reached for the earrings, making to unfasten them. “It won’t happen again, I swear…”

But the mirror showed only “Father”‘s unwavering calm, her smile seemingly undimmed.

“Shh… Do not be so nervous. People often long for that which they cannot have, and it would not do for regret to make beautiful memories seem ever rosier.”

“Wear them. Once you have grown accustomed to them, you will realize that no gem, however exquisite, is any more than an object, cold and dead.”

“This is your new lesson — to understand the source of your emotions. Master them, use them. Never be their slave.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 3

Character Story 3

Before “Father” rewrote the rules, the House of the Hearth had a wholly different face.

The previous Knave was named Crucabena. Of course, few used that name directly, and the children all called her “Mother.”

And she seemed a perfect one: a friendly smile, a gentle demeanor, conscientiously caring for her family, and never without stories to tell the children.

Yet, should you have been brought up in an even slightly ordinary environment, the tales she told would have curdled your blood and chilled you to the marrow…

She would speak of unspeakable cruelties as if they were fairy-tale fantasies, guiding the House members to mutual slaughter, until the strongest among them was selected as “king.”

She called herself a mother, but never saw the Hearth as her home. To her, the unnumbered sacrifices were but an interesting experiment.

…

Before taking the title of The Knave and changing her name to Arlecchino, the young girl had another name: Peruere.

She was an orphan of unknown origin, like all others in the House of the Hearth — a “child” of their “Mother.”

Many knew that “Mother” favored her especially, indeed, caring far more for Peruere than even her own biological daughter, Clervie.

As such, even to the last, few understood why Peruere repaid this kindness with a magnificent assassination.

Crucabena’s insane experimentation took place far from prying eyes, so naturally, almost none knew of them.

Peruere was thus tarred as having committed “matricide,” her madness known to all.

…

Even after the dust had settled, she who had once been Peruere — and was now Arlecchino — did not offer any explanation.

She indulged the spread of these rumors, and indeed added fuel to the fire from the shadows.

Whether as a diplomat or assassin, one profits most from seeing through the other party while keeping oneself shrouded in mystery.

A small tombstone stands at the site where she slew their “Mother,” the eulogy penned by her hand.

“Here the last light of the setting sun lies buried. Here the coming dawn finds a welcome.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Character Story 4

To hide her origins and consign the truth to the flames, Arlecchino has always proclaimed herself a Fontainian.

The truth is, however, that she discovered an ability to wield a strange fire from a young age.

This attracted much curiosity, as no one in her “family” knew of such power. But at her young age, this seemed like no ability to be boasted of so much as a deep-rooted curse.

Each time she let her vigilance wane, this power would run rampant, eating away at her body. First her fingers, then her palms, and then her forearms…

The blackened marks were akin to those of burned charcoal, just as she seemed akin to burning firewood.

Here she had a vague foreboding, that if this dark shadow were to creep up her shoulder, and snake from shoulder to heart, she would likely undergo some sort of “change.”

Perhaps that would be the moment fate tipped its hand to her.

…

Even without the corrosion, this flame brought her other troubles.

Those rendered ash by these fires would leave “afterimages.” At times, they were fragments of memory, and at others, they donned the aspect of dazzling colors.

As those who fell at her hand increased, Arlecchino began to hear various voices.

Screams, wails, and hurled recriminations would wake her from dreams, and she soon grew used to this. She had few dreams worth remembering fondly, in any case, filled as most were with crimson moon and barren wilds.

In cases few and far between, these afterimages would be complete enough to take on the form of a “conscious individual.”

Of course, these were hardly as special as “Clervie’s shadow,” but they would still appear by Arlecchino’s side, driving the clamor away and buying her a moment’s respite.

Like children at play, they would gather for a time, and then drift away as they pleased.

Arlecchino remembered who they were in life. But she would never call them by their names.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 5

Character Story 5

After meeting the Tsaritsa, being bestowed with a Delusion, and inheriting the name “Arlecchino,” the young Knave was also granted an individual audience with her superior.

Director Pierro’s expression lay hidden behind his half-mask.

“I know you still harbor dissatisfaction and doubt. As such, I will answer five of your questions concerning the world… or concerning yourself.”

“You need not ask for guarantees from me, ask about our programs and principles, or about Her Majesty’s ideals. Those, I can answer freely and without reservation.”

Arlecchino did not wholly trust The Jester’s open honesty.

“Then let me also state that I reject any deliberate mystifications or obfuscations, as well as word games and lies.”

“Most prudent. In that case, allow me to answer the first question weighing on you. Why did we choose you, and why did you accept? ‘The naive will die for their ideals, but we are willing to endure even the meanest existence to accomplish our goals.'”

…

“Question three. What do my constant dreams of a crimson moon and my powers mean?”

“I once served the final dynasty of an ancient underground kingdom. Its dynastic name was ‘Eclipse,’ and before them came the ‘Crimson Moon.’ As for the secrets from before your birth… I suggest you purchase a book named ‘Hleobranto Innamorato.’ I read no such tales in the days when I pursued academic attainment and saw it only by chance. The circumstances depicted are specious, but the key details are accurate.”

…

“Question five. What will become of me and the others in the House of the Hearth once everything is finished?”

“I will be frank. None of you have any place in my ideals, for I plan only to uphold ‘the virtue of folly.’ But I can guarantee that our Tsaritsa will once again be a god who loves all humans, and in her ideals shall all human wishes be granted.”

This “virtue of folly” was, of course, left enigmatic, but she accepted this answer nonetheless. The Fool had given five answers to her five questions, and the mist that covered her eyes was beginning to part.

“Arlecchino.”

Pierro called out to her as she departed, and she turned around.

“Rather than dwelling on how the world is now, you should consider to where it should go.”

The sounds of her departing footsteps as she spun on her heel and kept walking were the only reply.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

“Marelle”

The House of the Hearth uses many codewords to maintain operational security and secrecy, and of these, “Marelle” was personally selected by The Knave herself.

“Marelle” takes its meaning from a popular Fontainian children’s game. Boxes sequentially marked with numbers are drawn out on the ground, a sandbag is thrown into one of the boxes, and the player will jump from box to box in a specific order.

No one knows when this game began to spread, nor who created the rules, but all young children of the Hearth have experienced being taken by older children to play the game.

Light-footed leaps, boisterous laughter… The memories married to “Marelle” were always wonderful, like the kiss of radiant sunshine.

As such, at first the children were perplexed when their “Father” was torn between assigning “At Ease” or “Danger” to that codeword.

Little did they know that in the House that came before, Marelle was no game.

In those days, each and every child would leap into the boxes one by one under the vigilant eyes of the adults. Stepping out of the lines or breaking the rhythm was not allowed.

There was never a need to ask the punishment for making a bad jump, for the area outside of the boxes was lined with upturned blades.

Those who lost their balance, whose stamina failed, or simply made an error out of fear… So, so many fell beyond the bounds, and the dark-red soil mourned that painful past.

None would have associated it with being “at ease” — indeed, few could speak of it without blanching.

Yet, after her hesitation, Arlecchino chose “at ease” as the codeword’s meaning that day.

Marelle was by then no longer associated with “danger.” Now, all that came to mind when this game was mentioned were smiling faces.

In which case, she thought, let those unhappy memories dwell in her heart alone. Let the blood and dust be wiped away, for should children not see a broader future?

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Vision

Arlecchino has many sources of power.

The ancient Balemoon Bloodfire burns within her, the noble blood serving as both curse and blessing — this was her first support.

The merciful Tsaritsa pardoned her matricide and granted her a Delusion, proof of royal favor and a badge of honor. That was the third time she obtained a source of power.

Between these two, the girl who still called herself “Peruere” received a Vision.

While Clervie yet lived, Peruere had mooted the idea of assassinating “Mother” to her. Perhaps she lacked confidence, or perhaps it was their familial bond that yet shackled her, but Clervie refused.

Clervie’s destiny concluded when the cold blade pierced her. But as she slipped away towards death, she was truly happy, for she had finally found her freedom.

But for the living Peruere, fate’s gears had only begun to turn.

The experiment to select a “king” was over, but “Mother”‘s ambitions were far from fulfilled.

Peruere thus decided to undertake the plan that had once been shelved solo.

From that day on, she silently calculated the gap between herself and “Mother.” Her martial skills were the fruit of her “Mother”‘s tutelage, and the strength flowing through her bloodline was laid bare before “Mother.”

And what was a child before adults but a nestling — even one who had emerged as ruler of the roost?

But what her life of suffering up till now had not taught her was how to give up.

Thus Peruere constantly honed herself, though her body became riddled with scars from constant battle, though her arms should be burned black from baleful blood-fire she could not completely control.

Then, on one moonlit night, a Vision came to her without warning or portent.

The round Vision lined up perfectly with the moon, and the glimmering gem tinted the latter crimson—

Was this her wish?

Was this merely the fruit of hundreds of days and nights of ceaseless thought?

Such a question was doomed to remain unanswered, and so she did not obsess over it.

She merely concealed the Vision in the place closest to her heart before sending “Mother” a “pleasant little surprise.”

As a Fatui Harbinger, Arlecchino bows before no god. Yet though it represents the institution of The Seven, she always takes meticulous care of this Vision.

To her, this is proof of her defiance of fate, wresting from it command over her future.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6