hello hello!! i feel like i’ve had zhongli at least somewhat settled and with my really unpredictable schedule, it’s a bit easier for me to write when i have at least something plotted whether it be to get ahead of the awkward hello stage or just a guide to direct our threads! if you’re interested in plotting something with this old man, please see some potential ideas below:
ALLIES: zhongli is a god of wartime and has endured centuries of it, never quite seeming to be rid of it. while he’s typically more than capable of handling things himself, given his new restrictions, it’d be reassuring to have people to rely on in case things go awry.
ACQUAINTANCES: just a friendly face who he’s sure to recognize!! small details about them, sparse encounters, enough so that he can remember them from somewhere.
FRIENDS: they’re few and far between even with his extensive lifetime, zhongli has only managed to call a small handful his friends. he would definitely benefit from having more but forming those connections, especially as someone who’s only comparatively recently learned how to navigate his own emotions. having some here would allow him a more comfortable space to grow.
SPARRING PARTNERS: the archon of warriors, and the oldest one at that, has had no trouble honing his skills with warriors both of his own and from foreign regions. here, having to adapt to a completely new skillset from scratch, a partner would be greatly appreciated. it’s also his most comfortable form of forging bonds.
IMMORTALS / GODS: he doesn’t know many, aside from the other archons and the adepti of liyue, but he would certainly like to know more. there’s a certain kinship that comes with this commonality and if anything, he’s a nosy creature.
ENEMIES: while it isn’t hard to get on zhongli’s good side, it’s equally easy to anger him. it’s been his default emotion for so many centuries that reverting back to it takes no time at all; putting his people in danger (though there are few at the island), threatening his friends, breaching contract, and generally doing malicious things will earn someone a spot on his enemies list.
SCHOLARS: his favorite group!! zhongli speaks a lot in game both of his experiences and realms of expertise which are honestly.... quite many. talking to other experts in their field is one of his favorite pastimes and being able to share his own knowledge is a bonding experience he really enjoys.
ROMANTIC INTERESTS: not really something that he’s ever consciously had but it’s definitely an option!! it’ll take a lot of time and effort because he really is just so dense but he’s a steadfast lover who’s loyal and gentle and tender
