​​​Dramatis Personae

‡

VIRALS

Threadfin Todder, an imperial viral mage

Tezcat Licolo, a friend of Threadfin’s, who died during the purges. Her soul is magically linked to Aiyana Todralan’s, and she can sometimes take physical form

Skelet, guardian of an underground prison in the desert

‡

GREENCLOAKS

Nevet, a white-haired, one-eyed corporal from Icarthya’s Prole Quarter

Grudge, a corporal and a scout who’s considered a bit of an oddball

Vilt, an archer with the rank of sergeant from Ancyra, who loves Grudge for some reason

Sind, a corporal from Frayle

Tope, Sind’s twin brother and a corporal

‡

ICARTHIANS

Podral Pole, an imperial bodyguard known as a Darken, in service to Threadfin Todder, and leading a squad of greencloaks

Ebban Bander, a Tiralian sailor and first mate on an imperial ship

Davard Tystrus, former spymaster and member of conclave

Lorn Larthuz, the woman who stole existence, she is a former Aidari now on the run

Myral Azarm, a zorast priestess with some magical ability

Roper, a former thief, and acquaintance of Threadfin Todder’s from the city of Lame

Seth Marak, a zorast priest with a vicious reputation

Slither, a former Aidari and friend of Wither

Wither, a former Aidari with a grudge against Threadfin Todder

‡

OTHERS

Adal, a mysterious character out of legend, otherwise known as the Eleventh Torment

Asher, a kobold guard serving a man named Roper

Astra, a strange young girl with powerful magic, an ancient name, and even older secrets

Rasnal Nalrost, a high mage long since dead (non-viral)

Ralan, a son of the Grim and a Torment, imprisoned in chains

Mania, a powerful shraed in female form

Manic, Mania’s twin brother

Nipper, a mongrel scribe serving Threadfin Todder

Striga, a female Torment, serving the Grim, and her own interests

Cadaver, a male leader of the Torments, serving the Grim

Karun, a blue-skinned shraed enslaved by Manic and Mania

The Fetch, a creature formed using the magic of Darklight, a collection of stolen reflections or souls, in service to the Grim

Weedy, a kobold guard serving a man named Roper

TO SAIL THE EVER

To swim the Melt

To abandon the Lost

And greet the Grim

—Excerpted from the Book of Chains, chapter 18, verse 3