Christopher is an English boy visiting his grandfather's estate in Scotland for the winter break. He has an unusual affinity for wild animals, which often cluster around him and isolate him from his peers. Raised by an overprotective father, he possesses a keen sense of observation and a strong desire to explore the natural world.

Malum is a young girl living in the isolated town of Icthus within the magical Archipelago. Her bird-like features, light bones, and ability to fly using a mysterious coat set her apart from others. She takes a scientific approach to tracking signs of decay in the local soil, marking the borders of the dying land in the forest.

Francesco Sforza is a mysterious, powerful man operating in the Archipelago. He commands loyalty from dangerous individuals and seeks to extract magical resources from the land. His actions directly correspond with the environmental devastation spreading across the magical islands.

Fidens is the gruff captain of the smuggling ship Neverfear. As a Berserker, he is physically incapable of feeling fear, a condition that leaves him feeling purposeless and prone to heavy drinking. Despite his rough exterior and illegal profession, he adheres to a strict personal code of honor.

Adam is an assassin characterized by a prominent mole on his face. Operating in the Archipelago, he hunts targets on behalf of a powerful employer. He views violence as a means to escape his own downtrodden past and gain standing in a rapidly changing world.

Irian is a passionate marine scientist tracking the environmental collapse occurring across the Archipelago. She possesses luminous brown skin, cropped hair, and modest clothing that helps her blend into her surroundings. Her deep knowledge of local habitats makes her an invaluable guide for those traveling the islands.

Marik is a historical figure known in Archipelago legends as the Man Who Said No. According to the lore kept by the sphinxes, he was an Immortal who refused to bear the burden of holding all of humanity's memories. His past decisions continue to affect the current state of the magical world.

Anja is a wealthy and influential woman operating in the City of Scholars. She dresses in fine clothing and expensive perfumes, maintaining her power through a vast network of favors and animal spies. She offers her ship, the Shadow Dancer, to those in need, though she typically expects something in return.

Naravirala is the largest and oldest of the sphinxes living on a remote mountain island. She serves as a guardian of deep wisdom, challenging visitors with riddles to test their critical thinking skills. She possesses vast knowledge about the history of the Archipelago and its magical borders.

Frank is Christopher's grandfather, living in a dilapidated house at the foot of a steep hill in Scotland. He comes from a long line of guardians tasked with watching over the border between the human world and magical realms. He is pragmatic and largely unfazed by the presence of mythical creatures.

Leonor is Malum's great-aunt and guardian, living in the remote town of Icthus. She attempts to enforce strict rules to keep her niece safe, specifically forbidding her from flying beyond their yard. She steps between her niece and danger without hesitation.

Gelifen is a young griffin, a mythical creature that is part lion and part eagle. Hatched from an egg by Malum, he serves as her constant companion in a world where griffins are widely believed to be extinct. He is small enough to be carried but acts fiercely loyal to his friends.

Warren is the first mate on Fidens Nighthand's smuggling ship. He assists in steering through the hazards of the Archipelago's waters and remains loyal to his captain during their various illicit operations.

Ratwin is a ratatoska, a talking, squirrel-like creature, who serves as the navigator for the smuggling ship Neverfear. She uses her small size and quick wits to help the crew chart safe paths through the unpredictable seas of the Archipelago.

Galatia is a nereid, a mermaid-like creature with legs instead of a tail, who rules over a specific region of the sea in the Archipelago. She monitors the receding magic in the water and tracks the unnatural migration of marine predators.

Jacques is a tiny jaculus dragon tasked with guarding rare magical resources. Despite his small stature, he is capable of unleashing powerful fireballs. He possesses a strong sense of self-importance and demands that his life story be documented.

Petroc is a handsome but bitter centaur held prisoner on a cursed island. He is a skilled alchemist capable of brewing complex magical potions. His confinement has left him angry and eager to exploit any opportunity for escape.

Erato is the leader of the dryads, living in a beautiful, flower-filled colony in the Archipelago. She communicates formally and commands the respect of her fellow forest-dwellers, assisting travelers who treat her domain with appropriate reverence.