Potential Powers of Genshin Impact\’s Shades of the Heavenly Principles

Of the 5, Ronova’s element is probably the most straightforward to me. I think she’s going to be Pyro. First of all, she shares many design similarities to Arlecchino, who has innate Pyro abilities. And secondly, when he destroyed the cube space in the video, she burned it away. On top of that, Pyro is the most “destructive” Element, so it would make the most sense.

As the Rule of Death, it would not surprise me if Ronova also used a scythe. As a result, I expect her to be a Polearm user. Admittedly, Hoyo may not want to repeat this combination, since it would look very similar to Arlecchino, but, on the other hand, it would also make sense if Ronova is somehow connected to The Knave’s powers for them to have similar weapons.

Istaroth, Shade of Time

I see Istaroth as Anemo. Not only does she have a connection to the Winds in Lore, but she is voiced, in almost all languages, by the same voice actresses who voice Venti. There are just too many connections for them not to also have the same Element. That said, I do expect her kit to be more “time” related, as opposed to “wind” related.

I also expect Istaroth to be a Bow-user. Admittedly, this is only because I want to give all of the Celestia gods a different weapon,n and, by process of elimination, bow is the only one left for her.

Asmoday, Shade of Space

Asmonday is, perhaps, the hardest of the Shades to pin down. While we did see her in combat against the Traveler Twins in the opening of the game, she didn’t seem to use any Elemental powers. However, I believe the Statues of the Seven provide a hint towards her Element. Whereas all other Archons are holding a Sphere, the Geo Archon holds a Cube. And, since Asmoday’s power seems very Cube-related, I believe she will be Geo.

As for her weapon, I see her wielding a Claymore. That said, I don’t see her holding it. I see her using her power over space to move it around telekinetically, kind of like Kaveh, but with a longer range.

Naberius, Shade of Life

First off, let’s clarify a point. The design shown in the video is Rhinedottir. When you see Naberius in the old lady’s story, she looks different. Plus, Nabdottir (that’s what I call the fusion of Naberius and Rhinedottir) has golden hair. All the other Shades have white hair. So, the body is Rhinedottir’s, not Naberius’. Just so we are all on the same page.

In terms of her Element, Hydro is the clear favorite. She uses her power to create life from the Primordial Sea, and her motif is very blue. Plus, water being the cradle of life is a common theme. That being said, there is a chance, because of Rhinedottir, that Nabdottir could be the first dual Element character. If so, I think the second Element will be Dendro because of Rhinedottir’s connection to flowers.

Nabdottir’s screens and priestess like aesthetic lead me to believe that she will be a Catalyst-user. I also believe that it won’t really matter since she will most likely be a summoner. After all, if there’s anyone who would use creations to fight, it’s the Ruler of Life.

Phanes, God of Creation

We know very little about Phanes personally. We have some history, but that’s it. However, we do know a decent amount about Dendro. Of the 11 playable Dendro characters, only 5 of them have actual plant/lifeform-related abilities (Traveler’s Burst is more of a mushroom than a plant). The remaining 6 all manipulate energy in some way. Furthermore, Dendro is tied to thoughts and memories (see Irminsul). As such, since Phanes is tied to “Reason”, I believe they will be Dendro.

As for their weapon, as the High Rule of Teyvet and the embodiment of the Heavenly Principles, I assume that Phanes will wield a Sword. It is the most “regal” of the weapons.