Unraveling the Mystery of Tsurumi Island’s Fog: More Than Just Bad Weather in Genshin Impact
Have you ever stepped onto Tsurumi Island in Genshin Impact? It feels like a constant drizzle of despair. You’re not alone in this. The fog is not just atmospheric; it acts as a character steeped in lore. Let’s explore why Tsurumi is covered in mist. You can navigate this phenomenon.
The Fog’s Murky Origins: Sacrifice, Thunderbird, and a Broken Promise
What causes the fog? It is not random. It weaves a tale of sorrow and divine mistakes. The story begins with Ruu, a boy tragically chosen as a sacrifice. The ancient Tsurumi tribe worshipped the Thunderbird as a god. They believed it brought storms and rain. They offered blood in exchange for nature’s gifts.
In a final ceremony at the Moshiri Site, Ruu met his end. Picture a bad day at work, if work was a sacrificial altar. The Thunderbird, furious or just indifferent, unleashed its wrath. This devastation led to the fog and lingering Thunder Manifestations. They reflect Ruu and Kapatcir’s regrets, whom we’ll discuss soon.
Now, consider a Divine Nail theory. Imagine a celestial object, like a Divine Nail, crashing onto Tsurumi while the Thunderbird was around. This might have caused a moment of clear skies before the fog returned, thicker than before. Supposedly, the Thunderbird had the power to clear the fog but chose not to. Such divine indifference.
Kapatcir enters the story next. Ruu might have viewed his sacrifice as an honor, but Kapatcir disagreed. She could not handle the broken promise. Perhaps this promise involved protection or a better fate for Ruu. In her anguish, she did not just withdraw ; she eradicated the entire tribe and cursed the island. This curse may lift only if Kapatcir hears Ruu’s song again. Quite a challenge since Ruu was sacrificed.
Delving Deeper: Lore Morsels and Ghostly Blobs
Let’s explore more of this dark lore. Ruu’s sacrifice was not a quick ritual. It was the grand conclusion of sacrificial ceremonies. His last moments took place at Moshiri Ceremonial Site, now likely giving off serious bad vibes. Later, Kapatcir found Ruu’s blood in a golden goblet atop a sacrificial altar on Mt. Kanna. A truly grim find.
The Thunderbird civilization showed deep devotion to their deity. To them, it was the source of storms and the rain that nourished their land. Blood sacrifice was their way of expressing gratitude. Perhaps a bit excessive for a thank-you note.
Kapatcir’s tale continues with her being labeled a monster. She faced pursuit from the Raiden Shogun. The official reason was being “an obstacle to progress.” Unofficially, whispers hinted she posed a danger to Seirai Island. Kapatcir transformed from a grieving figure to a vengeful spirit, then to a supposed monster. Quite the arc.
What of the eerie ghosts on Tsurumi Island? They are not typical specters. They appear featureless, barely human-like. Is this a side effect of Ley Line Disorder or the nature of Tsurumi’s afterlife? The game leaves this unclear, adding to the unsettling aura.
Gameplay in the Mist: Clearing Fog and Avoiding Existential Dread (Getting Lost)
Lore is intriguing, but how does this fog affect you? Visually, it adds atmosphere. As for gameplay, it’s a navigation challenge. But no worries, Genshin has tools for you! To clear the fog temporarily in some areas, interact with Perches. They are scraggly trees that release feathers when engaged.
When you interact with them, collect the feathers released into that area. Your mission is to gather these feathers and return them to the perch. Think of it as a feathery scavenger hunt. Once done, make an offering, and *poof*, the fog clears for a time!
Feeling lost in the fog? Genshin helps you again. Look for glowing structures called Stormstones. These serve as navigational aids in the misty lands. Move from Stormstone to Stormstone. Follow these glowing guides to avoid being lost deeper in the fog’s grasp. Consider it insurance against getting lost.
Here’s a quirky detail: Tsurumi operates on a Three-Day Cycle. Yes, you read right! Due to some time loop effects, chest and enemy spawns change every three days. It’s grounds for groundhog day, but with hilichurls. Only a few spawns remain unchanged in this temporal rotation, making Tsurumi a dynamic area to explore.
Accessing the Misty Isle and Unlocking Ancient Secrets
Ready to explore the fog? First, some prerequisites. Tsurumi Island isn’t easily accessible. You cannot just go there from Mondstadt. You need to finish the “Seirai Stormchasers” world quest on Seirai Island first. Check your quest log; if Tsurumi is absent, Seirai is your starting point.
After that, talk to Katheryne at the Adventurer’s Guild. This is standard adventurer protocol. Then, find Sumida and Kama in Ritou. After touching base with them, *bam*, teleport to Tsurumi Island awaits you. Genshin-style island hopping!
Want more than just fog? The Moshiri Kara domain calls you. Unlocking it is like a mini-puzzle. You must complete three challenges around the smaller islands nearby. Look for portals to help here. Once those tasks are complete, return to the domain island and use Electro attacks on the three pillars. Zap them strong, and the domain unlocks!
But wait! Prerequisites for diving into this domain include unlocking Tsurumi Island first. That requires finishing the “Through the Mists” quest series which starts with “Seirai Stormchasers.” You also need Adventure Rank 22 or have completed the “Song of the Dragon and Freedom” quest. Some adventuring homework is necessary.
Fluorescent Fungus: Glow-in-the-Dark Goodness
Away from fog and lore, Tsurumi Island also offers resources, especially Fluorescent Fungus. Why care about glowing mushrooms? If you build Thoma, the housekeeper, you need them. Thoma, a Pyro character, ascends with Agnidus Agate. Typical Pyro fare includes Treasure Hoarder drops and Smoldering Pearls from the Pyro Hypostasis. But Fluorescent Fungus, unique to Tsurumi, is on his list.
Tsurumi is Fluorescent Fungus central, yet not the only place to find them. If you venture north of Tsurumi, you can discover these glowing fungi in the Underground Ruins of Shirikoro Peak, Oina Beach, and Chirai Shrine. They offer great options for alternative mushroom hunting.
A Glimpse Beyond: Natlan Fog
Fog isn’t unique to Tsurumi. Natlan, the land of Pyro, also has foggy regions. If you want to explore Natlan’s misty parts, head to its westernmost point. Look near the ocean’s edge just before the foggy island. There should be a Teleport point nearby. Unlock it for quick access to Natlan’s foggy realms.
Foggy island hopping is indeed becoming a trend in Genshin!
Echoes of Real-World Culture: Ainu Inspiration
Lastly, let’s connect to real-world culture. Tsurumi Island’s Thunderbird civilization isn’t mere fantasy. It draws from Ainu culture, indigenous to Hokkaido and surrounding islands. Places, characters, and parts of Tsurumi Island borrow from Ainu language, represented by Ishine Script in-game. Battling Thunder Manifestations and navigating fog, you experience a world rich with real-world cultural heritage. Genshin Impact intertwines fantasy with fascinating cultural nods.
