Crucabena ⇒ Uncover Its Dark Legacy in Genshin Impact!

Genshin Impact’s expansive lore is filled with characters who leave a lasting impact on the world of Teyvat, and one such figure is Crucabena. As the former 4th Fatui Harbinger and original leader of the House of the Hearth, Crucabena played a pivotal role in Fontaine’s dark past. Her strict and ruthless methods stunned many, making her one of the most fearsome figures in Fatui history. From a chilling orphanage to her inevitable downfall, Crucabena’s tale is both tragic and profound, offering insight into the unforgiving world of the Fatui. This article explores Crucabena’s background, her role in Genshin Impact, and her complex relationships, ultimately uncovering the legacy she left behind.

Source: Genshin Impact

Crucabena – The Original Knave of the Fatui

Among the ranks of the Fatui Harbingers, Crucabena was known as the original Knave, a ruthless leader and an expert manipulator. As the former head of the House of the Hearth, she controlled an institution that masked its true purpose behind a facade of care and upbringing. In reality, this orphanage in Fontaine was a training ground for elite Fatui operatives—where only the strongest could survive.

Her Role in the House of the Hearth

Crucabena reigned over the House of the Hearth with an iron grip. The orphanage she led brought in children, seemingly providing them safety from the outside world. However, instead of a warm shelter, the orphans were forced into grueling training. She believed in turning them into warriors for the Fatui, using extreme methods to toughen them up.

Children in her care were frequently subjected to deadly training exercises.
She enforced brutal combat, often pitting children against each other.
Survivors of these trials earned the title of “King of the House.”
Failures were either sent on highly dangerous missions or handed over to Il Dottore for experiments.

For these reasons, she was often both feared and respected by her recruits. While the children called her “Mother,” there was no warmth in the title—only fear.

Crucabena’s Methods – A Leader Without Mercy

Among all the Fatui Harbingers, Crucabena stood out for her merciless teaching methods. While other Harbingers worked in espionage, warfare, or direct military tactics, she specialized in psychological conditioning.

The Deadly Trials

Perhaps one of Crucabena’s most shocking traditions was the trial where children fought each other. Only the victor—crowned the “King”—survived. This method ensured that only the most ruthless and skilled children remained under her tutelage, strengthening the Fatui.

Collaboration with Il Dottore

Those who failed Crucabena’s trials would often face grim fates. Some were handed over to Il Dottore, the infamous Fatui Harbinger known for his grotesque experiments. This meant uncertainty and a near guarantee of suffering for many orphans.

Crucabena’s Relationship with Clervie

Crucabena was not a mother in name alone—she had a biological daughter, Clervie, whom she raised in the House of the Hearth. However, this did not grant Clervie any special treatment.

A Daughter Without Privilege

Unlike what one might assume, Clervie was treated as any other child within the House of the Hearth. From the moment she stepped foot inside the institution at the age of six, she underwent the same brutal training.

Clervie’s Resistance

Clervie tried to reach out to Crucabena, hoping to convince her mother to end her harsh practices. However, Crucabena had no patience for weakness or sentimentality. She harshly dismissed Clervie’s pleas, seeing them as a sign of frailty rather than compassion.

The Tragic End

Clervie’s defiance eventually led to her downfall. One of the children Crucabena had trained—Peruere—ended up killing Clervie. Peruere, the future Arlecchino, would later take Crucabena’s place as the new Knave. This act marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Fatui, proving that even Crucabena’s own daughter could not survive the harsh reality she created.

Crucabena’s Death and the Rise of Arlecchino

Crucabena’s reign came to an end when Peruere, now fully embracing her rage, confronted her. This battle concluded with Crucabena’s death, making way for a new leader—Arlecchino.

The Death of a Tyrant

Peruere, later known as Arlecchino, was immensely resentful against Crucabena. Fueled by vengeance and the curses of her past, Peruere struck down the former Knave. With Crucabena dead, the position of the 4th Fatui Harbinger became vacant.

The Tsaritsa’s Pardon

Despite Crucabena’s fall, Peruere was not punished. Instead, the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya granted her a pardon, allowing her to assume Crucabena’s former title. Peruere, now Arlecchino, would lead the House of the Hearth in a way that starkly contrasted with her predecessor’s methods.

Crucabena’s Legacy in Genshin Impact

Crucabena continues to influence the story of Genshin Impact long after her death. Her actions left an irreversible impact, particularly on Arlecchino and the children of the House of the Hearth.

Appearances in the Game

Crucabena’s past is explored through the animated short “The Song Burning in the Embers.”
Her influence is heavily referenced in Arlecchino’s Story Quest, especially in Act 1, “Ignis Purgatorius.”

How to Learn More About Crucabena in Genshin Impact

If you want to dive deeper into Crucabena’s backstory, follow these steps:

Watch “The Song Burning in the Embers” for an animated depiction of her story.
Play Arlecchino’s Story Quest, “Ignis Purgatorius,” to learn about her influence.
Explore Fatui-related lore in-game, where her role is frequently mentioned.