Caterpillar
Caterpillar is an NPC appearing in the Fontaine storyline of Genshin Impact. Formerly affiliated with the Narzissenkreuz Ordo under the title 'Pupa of the Phantasmal Moth,' he is an Anemo Hilichurl Rogue gifted with high intelligence and human disguise capabilities. He was created using the abyssal-corrupted remains of the former researcher Carter Scherbius alongside elements from other Ordo members. After the Ordo's defeat, he was detained and spent four centuries imprisoned within the Fortress of Meropide.
Overview
Caterpillar is an NPC appearing in the Fontaine storyline of Genshin Impact. Formerly affiliated with the Narzissenkreuz Ordo under the title 'Pupa of the Phantasmal Moth,' he is an Anemo Hilichurl Rogue gifted with high intelligence and human disguise capabilities. He was created using the abyssal-corrupted remains of the former researcher Carter Scherbius alongside elements from other Ordo members. After the Ordo's defeat, he was detained and spent four centuries imprisoned within the Fortress of Meropide.
Appearance
Caterpillar usually disguises himself as a young boy with white hair, though his hands retain distinctive black claws. His true physical form is that of an Anemo Hilichurl Rogue, a monstrous creature into which he shifts when entering combat.
Personality
Despite his monstrous origin, Caterpillar is composed, highly intelligent, and philosophically minded. He exhibits deep care and devotion toward the young girl Lanoire, willing to sacrifice his own freedom and safety to ensure her well-being. He carries a mature outlook on his own limited lifespan and respects the independent futures of those he leaves behind.
Abilities
Caterpillar commands the Anemo element and can transform between a human child disguise and his true Anemo Hilichurl Rogue form for battle. Beyond his combat strength, he possesses high intelligence, demonstrating strategic planning skills such as managing resource gathering and orchestrating complex escapes from restricted areas.
Background
His origin traces back to Carter Scherbius, an incurable researcher whose failed abyssal treatment left behind corrupted remains. Jakob and Narzissenkreuz later synthesized these remains with the Holy Blade's power to grant him memory and intellect, creating Caterpillar. Following the Ordo's downfall, he was held in the Fortress of Meropide for 400 years. To return the orphaned Lanoire to her family, he orchestrated a prison escape alongside the Traveler. He later joined the effort to stop the Ordo's grand scheme, and after visiting the realm within the Book of Revealing, spent his remaining days offering a final farewell on Lanoire's birthday.
Relationships
In his past life as Carter, he worked as an assistant to Alain Guillotin and shared a warm bond with Ann's namesake, Mary-Ann Guillotin. As Caterpillar, he acts as a protective guardian to the young girl Lanoire. After escaping imprisonment, he aligns with Ann and Seymour, working together with them and the Traveler to end the plans of Jakob and Narzissenkreuz.
Trivia
His English name 'Caterpillar' matches his Ordo title 'Pupa of the Phantasmal Moth,' reflecting themes of metamorphosis. He also played a key role in encouraging the painter Julien, giving him the conviction to pursue his artistic pilgrimage.
