Zhongli & Neuvillette: A Contrast Between Two Dragons

In the globally acclaimed game Genshin Impact, Neuvillette and Zhongli stand out as two distinctive characters, each bearing profound backgrounds and unique abilities. What is particularly striking is that they are both endowed with dragon elements, but there are significant differences between the two in terms of their dragon forms as well as their identities and character traits.

Zhongli & Neuvillette: Rex Lapis and Chief Justice

Zhongli

Character Element: Geo

Personality Traits: Steady, Wise, Reserved

As Morax, the God of Contracts of Liyue Harbor, Zhongli has walked in mortal guise for over six millennia. He is the most ancient Geo Archon of the continent of Teyvat, and in his dragon form as the "Rex Lapis," he once carved mountains and parted seas to lay the foundations of Liyue. Having shed his divine responsibilities, he now assumes the role of a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, erudite and versed in the lore of the past and present. His composed and refined demeanor contrasts uniquely with a certain detachment from the mundane world.

Neuvillette

Character Element: Hydro

Personality Traits: Calm, Decisive, Mysterious

The Scales of Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette, is speculated by players to be the incarnation of the "Hydro Dragon." He embodies the solemnity of absolute justice and the law, wielding the scepter of judgment with a demeanor of icy rationality. Despite his aloof exterior, he harbors a profound compassion for life. His dragon form has yet to be fully unveiled in the storyline, but the grandeur of the Hydro Dragon's phantom has already been glimpsed within his elemental abilities.

Zhongli Dragon Form & Neuvillette Dragon Form

Zhongli's Dragon Form

Zhongli's dragon form has been featured on Rite of Parting as "Exuvia", an incarnation of the Geo Archon from the ancient myth of Liyue, and its design is inspired by the ancient Chinese image of the dragon, combining majesty, dignity and mystery. Its dragon shape emphasizes the attributes of the Geo element, with scales of rock-like texture and a golden sheen covering the surface, highlighting the dignity and immortality of the Geo Archon.

Zhongli merchandise, including dragon plushies, dragon scarves, and dragon home robe, further highlight Zhongli's dragon form, adding more evidence to the depiction of his dragon nature.

Zhongli Robe

Rex Lapis Plush

Neuvillette's Dragon Form

Although Neuvillette is a dragon, he consistently presents himself in human form and is one of the sovereigns of the ancient dragon compendium. Neuvillette dragon form has always been a topic of fascination for travelers. Based on the available information, it is speculated that his dragon form may more closely resemble the image of a Western dragon, with a body of profound blue, scales that shimmer with the luster of ocean waves, and azure wings that are both agile and elegant, embodying the grace of the water element while exuding a sense of formidable power.

Similarly, the dragon form of Neuvillette appeared during the Lantern Rite Festival. It made a spoon based on its own form and gave it to the Traveler. Genshin Impact's official store released this cute little water dragon-themed merchandise. In addition, there is also the cute sea waves on the Neuvillette cup. I wonder if the inspiration for this also comes from Neuvillette's dragon form.

Neuvillette Cup

Neuvillette Ladle

The above depiction of the dragon form is derived from existing storyline speculations within Genshin Impact and is provided for reference only.

Identity and Role Positioning: The Interplay of Divine Authority and Elemental Laws

The Essence of Identity

• Zhongli: A creator who voluntarily relinquished his divine status, witnessing the evolution of civilization as an "observer."
• Neuvillette: An adjudicator who still wields substantial authority, maintaining the ecological balance of Fontaine through judgment.

Zhongli is a Geo character, renowned for his formidable shields and petrification abilities, with skills that resonate with the theme of the "Guardian Dragon." His Elemental Skill, "Dominus Lapidis," allows him to summon a Stone Stele that resonates with the Geo element, providing teammates with an impregnable shield. Moreover, his Elemental Burst, "Planet Befall," calls down a massive meteorite that deals Geo damage to enemies and inflicts a petrification effect, rendering them immobile. Zhongli's shields not only boast exceptional defensive strength but also grant teammates additional damage reduction and survivability, making him the go-to support character in high-pressure situations.

Neuvillette is a Hydro character, known for his substantial Hydro damage output and charged attack damage, embodying the offensive nature of the "Lord of Torrents." Both his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst can generate Droplets of Source Water. By absorbing these droplets, he can expedite the execution of his charged attacks, dealing continuous Hydro damage to enemies. Neuvillette's damage-dealing capabilities primarily rely on his charged attacks, with elemental reactions being the key to amplifying his damage. Within a team, Neuvillette typically assumes the role of the main Hydro DPS (Damage Per Second), leveraging synergies with characters of other elements to trigger various elemental reactions, thereby unleashing his maximum damage potential.

Though both Zhongli and Neuvillette are dragons, they bear the distinct imprints of vastly different civilizations-the former embodies the Eastern concept of "divinity interwoven with the mortal world," while the latter represents the Western ideal of "rational order" as a concrete authority. Such character design not only enriches the narrative depth of the characters themselves but also adds to the diversity and profundity of the game world of Genshin Impact, offering players a more nuanced and captivating gaming experience.