Zenless Zone Zero Spook Shack Agents Prototype Investigation

"Spook Shack" is one of the important factions in the game Zenless Zone Zero, and its character designs are full of mystery and uniqueness. These characters not only possess distinct personalities within the game's setting, but their underlying cultural archetypes and sources of inspiration are also extremely rich. Today, let's delve deeper into the character prototypes of these members together!

1. Zenless Zone Zero Spook Shack Faction Introduction

"Spook Shack" is an emerging faction in Zenless Zone Zerofocused on collecting and researching anomalous phenomena, combining both academic exploration and practical street-level operations. Its activities span the Inter-Knot forums, Porcelume market, and Hollow investigation fields within New Eridu. Under the motto "Tales of a hundred demons. Endless mysteries await", it is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind supernatural events in the city.

The design prototypes for the Spook Shack's characters are primarily drawn from strange tales and fantastical lore. In "Spook Shack", "Spook" can mean "ghost" or "spy", while "Shack" means a small, simple hut or shed, but in military slang, it can also carry the meaning of "to destroy" or "to wreck". This naming method reflects the faction's connection to mysterious and eerie elements, while also hinting at its special role within the game.

Each character has a very distinctive design. If you like them, you can check out the House of the Hearth collection, which is beautifully crafted and faithful to the game, showcasing each character’s unique charm.

Spook Shack Badges

Spook Shack Acrylic Stands

Spook Shack Keychains

Spook Shack Collection Cards

2. ZZZ Lucia's Prototype

Lucia's online username is "Night Emissary". Its origin may stem from the night demoness Lilith, who earliest appears in Jewish folklore, described as a demonic figure. She is portrayed as an ageless beauty.

With long flowing hair and possessing the tail of a large serpent, no man who saw her could fail to be enchanted. Lilith would absorb the life force of men to achieve immortality, and in later legends, she became the representative of the succubus.

The English painter Rossetti's "Lady Lilith" describes her as such: "Beware of her charms... She is the first witch of ancient sorcery-before sweet sleep descends, she ensnares young men with her exquisite coils, draining their life force with her kisses."

Interestingly, Lucia appears to be a Caprinae Thiren based on her appearance and profile information, as she exhibits astonishment upon hearing about the creation of parchment.

"My tribe lives on the edge of the Hollow, far from civilization."

"For us, the ever-changing city feels more distant than the wild cosmos."

"Though, just because we don't have all your fancy metal boxes from the city doesn't mean we're writing on turtle shells!"

"What did you say? Parch...ment?!"

"What kind of horrifying creation is that?!"

The goat and its horns are often associated with demons, paganism, desire, and similar concepts in Western culture. To a certain extent, goat horns have become a standard feature of the Western succubus. The core premise of a succubus is to seduce mortals with beauty and absorb their life force or soul. Therefore, its image needs to directly embody "desire." The goat has traditionally been a symbol of vigorous vitality, an impatient temperament, and lust in European culture. In other games, such as The Witcher 3, succubi are depicted with goat horns.

The weapon Lucia holds resembles a modified khakkhara (monk's staff). Originating in ancient India, it was initially a practical tool used by Buddhist monks during pilgrimages, for begging alms, and for preaching. When shaken, its metal rings produce a sound. The middle section is typically made of wood; the lower part might be crafted from metals like bronze or iron, or from materials like ivory or horn.

Based on the currently available Agent profile, Lucia seems somewhat like a female elf isolated from the world. This is evidenced by her recording of Ethereal stories and her peculiar behavior, such as perching on the external unit of a video store's air conditioner.

3. ZZZ Yidhari's Prototype

Judging from the name, Yidhari's prototype should be "Yidhra". Yidhra is a unique Outer God in the Cthulhu Mythos, often called the "Dream Witch". She usually appears as a young, charming human female, but this is merely an illusion used to bewilder beings. Her true essence is an ancient, ever-changing, and massive organic entity.

Yidhra can continuously evolve by devouring and absorbing other organisms to acquire their characteristics, memories, and even forms. For instance, by consuming an octopus, she learned to grow tentacles; by devouring a giant bear, she learned to wrap herself in fur to withstand the northern cold. This allows her to assume almost any biological form.

Yidhra can split herself into multiple independent individuals who share the same consciousness, with each avatar potentially having a different appearance and mission.

In contrast to the "horror" associated with her prototype, based on her Agent profile and others' evaluations, Yidhari comes across as a sister who loves "gossip".

4. ZZZ Komano Manato's Prototype

Komano Manato's prototype is the Koma-inu (lion-dog), a stone carving often shaped like a lion, commonly used as a decorative element in traditional East Asian architecture. They can be seen in Chinese palaces, temples, pagodas, bridges, mansions, gardens, tombs, as well as Japanese shrines and temples.

They typically have a body tensed and leaning forward, with sharp claws and keen, piercing eyes, serving as a warning to ward off all evil beings.

5. ZZZ Ukinami Yuzuha's Prototype

Ukinami Yuzuha's design prototype is likely related to the Tanuki (raccoon dog) in Japanese traditional mythology. In Japanese myths, the tanuki is a creature possessing mystical powers, considered a Yōkai (monster/spirit) known for its love of pranks and mischievous nature, while also being regarded as a Fukujin (deity of good fortune) that can bring wealth.

Yuzuha's tanuki companion, Kama, finds its origin in the Japanese folk legend "Bunbuku Chagama" (The Tea-Kettle of Good Fortune). This tale recounts how a tanuki, to repay a man who saved its life, transforms itself into a magical tea kettle that can boil water by itself and never runs dry. Later, after being sent to a temple by its owner, the tanuki reveals its true form and performs dances, attracting large numbers of visitors and substantial donations to the temple.

6. ZZZ Alice's Prototype

Alice originates from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. This work tells the adventure story of a young girl named Alice who chases a white rabbit and falls into a fantasy world. In Zenless Zone Zero, Alice is characterized as a tsundere, timid noble young lady. She uses a rapier as her weapon, demonstrating an adventurous spirit and courage similar to the original Alice.

That concludes all the content regarding the character prototypes of the "Spook Shack". Indeed, one must have some unique capability to join the Guaitanwu. So, among these members, which one is your favorite?