Raiden Shogun (Genshin Impact)

Who is Raiden Shogun?

Raiden Shogun, known in Japanese as 雷らい電でん将しょう軍ぐん (Raiden Shougun), stands as a formidable and playable Electro character within the expansive realm of Genshin Impact. This enigmatic figure is a fusion of two distinct entities inhabiting a singular corporeal form: Ei, the reigning Electro Archon of the vibrant and electrifying Inazuma region; and the Shogun, a meticulously crafted puppet conceived by Ei to govern Inazuma on her behalf.

Within the complex dichotomy of the Raiden Shogun’s existence, the duality of Ei and the Shogun coalesce to create a captivating narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of the immersive Genshin Impact universe. As the wielder of Electro power and the embodiment of divine authority, the Raiden Shogun weaves a tale that intertwines the celestial and mortal realms, offering players a unique and enthralling gameplay experience in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of Teyvat.

Personality of Raiden Shogun

The Raiden Shogun staunchly upholds her unwavering belief in eternity, envisioning a realm where constancy reigns supreme, indifferent to the ever-changing world. Renowned for her honorable demeanor, she commands great respect from the people of Inazuma.

The Shogun, owing to her initial fixation on “eternity,” operates within restricted protocols, rendering her susceptible to external manipulation. Notably, the Kujou Clan and Fatui successfully influenced her, coaxing her into enacting and sustaining the Vision Hunt Decree.

Despite Ei’s stern demeanor, she stands out as remarkably more expressive and sociable than her stoic counterpart, the Shogun. In contrast to the puppet ruler, Ei embraces personal preferences, finding delight in sweets and displaying a fervor for martial arts. Committed to the concept of eternity, Ei approaches the notion of change with caution, though she harbors a genuine curiosity rather than outright rejection when confronted with novel occurrences, such as the arrival of the Traveler and the intricacies of the modern world.

Having endured the heartache of losing numerous loved ones over the centuries, Ei harbors a deep-seated fear of further loss, compelling her to safeguard Inazuma at any cost. To shield herself from the erosive effects of time, she willingly sealed herself within the Plane of Euthymia and fashioned the puppet Shogun to ensure her physical form remained immune to decay. During her sojourn in the plane, Ei remained indifferent to matters unrelated to her pursuit of eternity, holding a somewhat disparaging view of human ambition, which she perceived as a source of inevitable loss and suffering. However, moments of loneliness did stir her emotions, as evidenced by her genuine enjoyment of the company of Yae Miko and the Traveler.

Acknowledging the flaws in her past actions, Ei’s devotion to Inazuma remains unwavering, driven by a genuine desire to protect both the land and its inhabitants. Once convinced of the destructive nature of her decisions, she demonstrates remorse and a willingness to reassess her perspective on eternity, aspiring to evolve into a more benevolent ruler. This transformation also marks a newfound respect for human ambition and its remarkable achievements.

Appearance of Raiden Shogun

The Raiden Shogun adopts the tall female character model, characterized by her fair complexion, striking purple eyes adorned with light blue pupils, and long, flowing hair in a deep violet hue. The distinctive feature of her hair is its gradual transition to a lighter shade at the tips, emitting a subtle glow when she unleashes her Elemental Skill or Elemental Burst. Additionally, she sports a notable beauty mark beneath her right eye, enhancing her already captivating visage.

Character stories of Raiden Shogun

Throughout the tapestry of existence, humanity has consistently harbored an insatiable yearning and inquisitiveness towards the world—a profound anchor of cognition and the very bedrock of all rationality.

Such sentiments also echo in the realm of the Inazuman people, where thunder, lightning, wind, rain, light, and the vast sea intertwine with the enigmatic presence of the Raiden Shogun. From the cradle, infants are cradled to tales of the Shogun’s divine exploits, the slaying of gods, and the triumphant subjugation of other races.

As the youth traverse the islands, they witness the earth cleaved by lightning and the skeletal remnants of a colossal serpent frozen in time. Warriors, invoking “glory to the Shogun and her everlasting reign,” charge into battle, while the toil of the common folk is steeped in serenity, assured by the Shogun’s watchful gaze and the steadfast Tri-Commission.

The illustrious name of the Raiden Shogun has transcended the boundaries of mundane existence, evolving into the timeless creed of Inazuma. The people place unwavering trust in this mighty name, envisioning that future generations will bear witness to the same marvels, fostering a faith that becomes the bedrock of their inner worlds—an enduring legacy handed down through the ages.

In the embrace of this eternal promise, the Almighty Shogun bequeaths her people an everlasting paradise.

1st character story

Bearing the true name “Raiden Ei,” the journey of the Raiden Shogun unfolds against the backdrop of centuries and millennia, where the toll of Inazuma’s progress is etched into the annals of time.

In the tapestry of her existence, the zenith of joy faded, and trusted companions metamorphosed into adversaries. Ultimately, the very purpose for which she wielded her blade slipped through her grasp.

In the crucible of her experiences, Raiden Ei internalized a harsh truth — the inexorable link between progress and loss. To her, this was an immutable law, with time acting as a relentless arbiter. Overnight, even the mightiest nations crumbled, and venerable Liyue Harbor bid farewell to its Geo Archon. The winds of parting whispered from the outer realms of time.

Despite the enduring resonance of the Raiden Shogun’s name, she foresaw a day when Inazuma would stand bereft of its divine shield. As a warrior vigilant against all adversaries, she sought a countermeasure, a weapon against the intangible foe that time represented.

Her solution? “Eternity.” In the stillness before the storm, Raiden Ei envisioned freezing the entire expanse under the sky, rendering Inazuma truly impervious to death.

“Then, while things are still good, let us have stillness… Let us march towards Eternity”

2nd character story

In the relentless quest for Eternity, the ephemeral nature of mortal flesh posed an insurmountable challenge—the inescapable dilemma of limited lifespan.

Ei grappled with this profound concern until, by a twist of fate, a mysterious technique unfolded before her eyes. This technique promised the creation of intricate puppets, seamlessly mirroring true life.

In theory, such a puppet could emulate every facet of Ei, transcending the confines of her mortal existence to safeguard Inazuma perpetually. Yet, the replication of an Archon proved an extraordinary feat.

Undeterred, Ei delved into countless experiments, discarding numerous failed attempts and investing an unimaginable amount of time and resources. Her unwavering determination and warrior’s spirit persevered until, at last, she birthed a flawless puppet.

The nascent Raiden Shogun sat in silent contemplation, absorbing Ei’s revelations about herself and even about them both. The future of Inazuma materialized in a magnificent blueprint.

Addressing Ei with a singular question, the automaton queried, “There is no turning back from forsaking your form. Do you regret nothing?”

Ei’s response resonated with unwavering conviction: “Your existence is my answer.” With that, she transferred her consciousness into her blade, giving birth to the Plane of Euthymia—a testament to her resolute pursuit of Eternity.

3rd character story

Before ascending to the mantle of the Shogun, Raiden Ei served as a samurai, entrusted with enforcing the decrees of her predecessor, the previous Electro Archon, Raiden Makoto. Ei’s responsibilities often entailed matters of warfare and bloodshed, a stark contrast to the moments of tranquility she cherished away from the battlefield.

Despite Makoto’s lack of prowess in combat, Ei found solace in repose under the sakura trees with her friends, engaging in the simple joys of playing karuta. In this traditional card game, Ei, with her stoic nature, was consistently the most reserved player. Unfazed by her lack of victories and the allure of prizes reserved for champions, she poured the same dedication into karuta as she did into swordsmanship. Frequently challenging Makoto and Mikoshi Chiyo to matches, she would spend moonlit nights reciting the poetry inscribed on the cards.

The turning point arrived beneath the sakura trees, where Ei triumphed over opponent after opponent, including the formidable tengu. Her victory resounded with a triumphant whoop, only to be met by the laughter of her friends. It was then that Ei realized she had momentarily abandoned her usual composure, swiftly returning to her customary cool facade.

Her friends, understanding her character and the effort she invested, meant no harm in their mirth. The Kitsune Saiguu, the overseer of the karuta matches, presented Ei with handmade pastries as a reward. While Ei, not inclined toward indulgence, saw these treats more as a vindication of her desire to win, she couldn’t help but break into a smile, finding the cakes as delightful as the taste of victory. Despite her clumsy attempts to conceal her joy, her friends found the sight entertaining.

In the echoes of memory, Ei often revisits the sakura tree, even though she hasn’t done so in a long while. Despite the absence of friends under its branches, she yearns for time to freeze, savoring the sweetness of that victorious moment forever.

4th character story

Ei retains vivid recollections of the profound affection Raiden Makoto harbored for Inazuma—the breathtaking landscapes, the delectable cuisine, and the captivating tales of its people. Makoto, unlike Ei, was unburdened by frequent concerns about the future; her focus lay squarely on the present.

For Makoto, the transient nature of existence only heightened the importance of savoring each moment. “It is precisely because we know that this scene is but a fleeting shadow that we should enjoy it all the more,” she would wisely remark. Ei, the shadow warrior, couldn’t help but acknowledge her own conservative disposition compared to the genuine Raiden Shogun. She resolved to cultivate a more leisurely mindset, drawing inspiration from Makoto’s carefree approach.

However, the currents of time surged forward with unexpected swiftness, catching Ei off guard. In the blink of an eye, she found herself clutching the very blade that a fading Raiden Makoto had entrusted to her. On this transformative day, the kagemusha emerged as the true Raiden Shogun, and with this ascension came the poignant realization of erosion’s relentless advance.

As time unfurled its inevitable march, even the blade in her hands and the sakura trees she cherished would succumb to the passage of time. Witnessing the ephemerality of all life in Inazuma, Ei recognized the solemn duty that befell the Raiden Shogun—to safeguard the foundational essence of Inazuma itself.

“If you look at it this way, thinking ahead is not meaningless, nor is it vain arrogance,” she resolved, embracing the weight of her responsibilities. With unwavering determination, Ei transcended her mortal confines, and the mantle of eternity descended upon the mortal plane.

5th character story

In the hush of night, Raiden Ei delved into a captivating dreamscape as she meditated. Here, amidst a celestial canvas, only she and a mirror reflection of herself adorned the expanse.

The automaton’s voice, like a gentle sigh, resonated in her ears, revealing an unsettling truth: “The eternity you resolved to establish in your heart has been shaken by the countless wishes of the people. Thus, you have become my enemy.”

During the creation of the puppet, Ei had meticulously weighed all concealed risks. She acknowledged the possibility of a worst-case scenario — a future where she, too, might pose a threat to Eternity. Yet, undeterred, she pressed forward, determined to reach the coveted realm of timeless existence.

The puppet’s words echoed questions she had long pondered: “Do you presently have some new ideas, or have you, too, fallen victim to inexorable ‘erosion’?”

Though their faces mirrored one another, their ideals diverged. The battle against herself, against her past, loomed on the horizon, but Ei knew that day was not today. She understood she was not yet prepared.

While her heart remained resolute, the cries of her people compelled her to halt. The once-empty sky above the mirror filled with the sounds of crows, and the silent halls echoed with their haunting calls. Dawn approached, and the samurai within her stirred, prompting her to grasp her sword.

This dream, so vivid and real, dissipated like a fleeting shadow, leaving Ei to confront the waking world with a heart still clear but a sense of impending conflict lingering in the air.

Etymology of the Raiden Shogun character

• In Shinto mythology, the name Raiden (雷電, pronounced as “Raiden”) is synonymous with Raijin, a deity associated with lightning, thunder, and storms. Additionally, Raiden translates to “thunder and lightning” in both Japanese and Chinese languages. The title Shogun (将軍, pronounced as “Shougun”) historically denotes military dictators who governed Japan before the transformative Meiji Restoration in 1867.
• The constellation name of Raiden Shogun, “Imperatrix Umbrosa,” translates to “shadow empress.” This title alludes to her original role as the kagemusha, or shadow warrior, of her twin sister. It reflects her connection to shadows and her significant role in mirroring her sister’s presence.

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