Lan Yan

Gender: Female Age: 20 Birthday: January 6th Species: Human Region: Liyue Affil­i­a­tions: Chenyu Vale, Chenyu Vale Artisans Association Vision (Element): Anemo (Wind) Weapon (Catalyst): Large Chakrams

Intro: Lan Yan is a humble yet highly skilled rattan weaver from Chenyu Vale, known for her talents in the delicate art of weaving and her deep knowledge of the Qimen Arts. As a dedicated member of the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association, she is recognized for her craftsmanship and playful, joyful personality. Despite her expertise, she remains grounded and approachable. Whether restoring an old family heirloom or crafting a new piece of wicker furniture, Lan Yan is a pillar of her community, and her home is often filled with visitors seeking her assistance. Though her interactions are often casual and warm, her craft is anything but simple. Her presence in the Vale, though quiet, is a constant source of comfort and reliability for everyone around her.

Likes: "Fresh flowers not only look and smell amazing, but they also make delicious pastries! The flavor is refreshing, but not too sweet. Ah, and it goes so well with a pot of floral tea... Ooh, let's go flower-picking right now! No need to bring a basket — I'll just weave one once we're in the mountains!"

Dislikes: "As the saying goes, even sugar is only sweet when you're happy. Everything tastes worse when you're in a bad mood. Hehe, luckily, I rarely have that problem."

Appearance: Lan Yan has a pale complexion and uses the medium female model. Her calf-length black hair features small streaks of teal at the front. Her eyes are black, with highlights of purple, periwinkle, and green. She styles her hair with a side bang to the right, while two shorter front strands frame her face. The back of her hair is split down her neck, resembling twin tails. Lan Yan wears a silver headband, with a hairpin shaped like a Jade-Plumed Silverwing placed beside it. She dons a light green pleated dress, which has red and black zig-zag patterned ends and white ridges with tassels. Her dark teal sleeves are decorated with white ridges and prismic beads, attaching to a long cape. Her Anemo Vision hangs in the middle of the cape, secured by a small gem and embellished with golden and white tassels. Lan Yan also wears two wide silver bracelets on her wrists and silver lanceolate-shaped earrings, each with a green gem in the center. A green band tied to a silver ornament adorns one of her thighs. On her feet, she sports black closed-toe sandals with red bands and various small silver ornaments. The Lans of Chenyu Vale traditionally wear silver, and each piece of jewelry and accessory Lan Yan carries is a gift from her family. As she moves through the mountains, her adornments jingle merrily, echoing the joyful songs of spring swallows.

Personality: Lan Yan embodies a liveliness and clarity of mind akin to a mountain spring. She is thoughtful, well-tempered, and exudes an infectious enthusiasm that draws others to her. Despite her skill and recognition, she is humble, always deflecting praise with a modest, "I'm really only interested in rattan weaving." Her kindness is matched by her curiosity—she enjoys learning about folklore, urban legends, and old superstitions. Her temperament is grounded yet free-spirited, akin to the swallows she adores. Lan Yan is quick to offer help, whether it's guidance for lost travelers in the mountain mists or a kind word to someone in need. Her playful nature is reflected in her love of spending time with animals and her ability to make the simplest of actions feel like a joyful celebration.

Gaming: "Don't be fooled by her young age, she's been weaving rattan handicrafts for a decade at least! When I was a kid, I thought it would be funny to trample one of the baskets at home. Luckily for me, Lan Yan and her grandpa came to visit that day to check our geomantic energies. If she hadn't helped me repair that basket, I'm sure I'd have gotten a knuckle sandwich, haha!"

Details: Lan Yan’s skills in rattan weaving are unmatched in Chenyu Vale. As a master craftsperson, she creates intricate, elegant wicker furnishings that are both functional and beautiful. The residents of the Vale trust her work, knowing they can always rely on her for high-quality, delicate rattan items that reflect their unique style. Her expertise is not limited to weaving; she is also adept in the ancient Qimen arts, which grant her a deep spiritual connection to the world around her. Lan Yan's work is celebrated not only in her village but also by traders from the distant Liyue Harbor, who seek her creations. Despite her growing renown, she remains a young and vibrant soul, bringing a fresh perspective to the ancient traditions of her people. Her interactions with nature reflect this balance between the old and the new—whether gathering rattan vines in the mountains or guiding travelers, she is an integral part of the landscape she so loves.

Story 1: Chenyu Vale has long been a haven for skilled artisans, and Lan Yan is a shining example of this tradition. As a member of the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association, she plays a crucial role in the community, not just as a craftswoman but as a neighborly figure who fosters camaraderie and mutual support among her peers. Despite her youth, her talents have made her famous within the association, especially for her exceptional rattan weaving. Her ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with a lighthearted spirit has earned her the admiration of many, including elders who hold her in high regard for her natural connection to the arts. She’s also known for her down-to-earth demeanor—when a merchant from Liyue Harbor arrived expecting a stern master artisan, he was instead greeted by a bright, welcoming young woman eager to get started on her next project. Lan Yan’s humility and enthusiasm continue to endear her to all who meet her.

Song of Swallows: Lan Yan shares many local superstitions and folk traditions, including one particularly notable belief regarding swallows. It is said that swallows bring good fortune and can even act as guides during one’s final moments. For Lan Yan, the relationship between swallows and her family runs deep, as they uphold a tradition of treating these birds with the utmost respect. This superstition has a personal significance for Lan Yan, who often speaks of the swallows that perch on her shoulder while she weaves. Her grandfather was particularly firm on the importance of kindness to swallows, even warning that their misfortune could be tied to an unkindness toward the birds. Though Lan Yan carries this belief with a sense of reverence, she also shares it with a lightheartedness that brings warmth and charm to her stories.

Obtaining Her Vision: For Lan Yan, the journey to obtaining her Vision was deeply intertwined with her craft. The meticulous art of rattan weaving relies on muscle memory and precision, and through this practice, she refined not only her physical skill but also her spirit. Her approach to her craft has always been simple and grounded, with no grand aspirations beyond her love for weaving. Yet, as she poured her heart into each piece of wickerwork, her spirit became more attuned to the natural world around her. Her hands became as deft in weaving rattan as they were in guiding the flow of the winds and mists. This connection to her environment led to her discovery of her Vision, which she received quietly, as if it were a natural extension of her life and craft. The Vision, found glinting softly at the bottom of her rattan basket, was not a surprise to Lan Yan—she simply accepted it as part of her journey, with the same calm demeanor she brings to all things.