A 33-year-old mosaicist from Varena known for his fiery red hair and stubborn perfectionism. Struggling with profound survivor's guilt after the loss of his family to the plague, he reluctantly journeys to Sarantium under a false name after receiving an imperial invitation. His dangerous interactions on the road force him to slowly emerge from his depression.

The 19-year-old Queen of the Antae and Batiara. Facing constant threats from hostile factions and fully aware of the precariousness of her rule, she devises a desperate, covert plan to secure her survival and prevent an invasion. She uses her beauty and intelligence to manipulate whatever resources she can find.

The brilliant and immensely hardworking ruler of the Sarantine Empire. Possessing a near-eidetic memory and an unyielding work ethic, he is deeply dedicated to his ambitions of rebuilding the Great Sanctuary and reunifying the Rhodian Empire. He treats the geopolitical landscape like a complex puzzle.

The arrestingly beautiful and formidable wife of the Emperor. A former dancer for the Blues faction, she wields unparalleled political acumen and courage, acting as a crucial, trusted partner to her husband in all matters of state. She delights in outsmarting those who underestimate her.

The soul of a young woman bound by Zoticus within the form of a mechanical sparrow. She communicates telepathically with Crispin, hiding her traumatic past behind a patrician drawl and a highly critical attitude. She does not require sleep, making her an excellent sentry for the travelers.

A pale, blonde Inici slave whose mother sold her to afford winter grain. Driven to desperation after learning she is scheduled to be brutally murdered in a pagan ritual, she begs a stranger for help. She possesses a fierce will to live but struggles to adjust to life outside of captivity.

A quiet, large Inici man bearing a distinctive scar on his cheek from a family dispute. Initially working as a temporary servant, he is a devout follower of Jad whose worldview is violently shaken by supernatural encounters on the road. He values courage above all else.

A proud tribune in the Sarantine army who commands an encampment in Saraudia. Despite a violent introduction involving threats of severe punishment, his bold and tenacious nature allows him to form an unexpected camaraderie with the travelers as he escorts them to the City.

An aging alchemist with the heretical ability to bind the souls of the dead into mechanical birds. Living quietly in a farmhouse, he acts as an insightful advisor to both passing travelers and desperate royalty. He carries a heavy burden of responsibility for his magical experiments.

Crispin's aging business partner and former master in the art of mosaics. Deeply concerned for Crispin's mental state, he forces the younger man to accept a prestigious imperial commission by officially passing his own identity to him.

The devoutly religious Supreme Strategos of the Sarantine forces. A staunch follower of Jad, he values military duty and order above all, making him both a vital asset to the Emperor and a strict philosophical counterpart to Crispin's artistic worldview.

The beautiful, scheming wife of Supreme Strategos Leontes. Hailing from a wealthy, formidable family that harbors deep grievances against the Emperor for her father's death, she uses her intelligence and seduction to maneuver against the imperial couple.

A famous, highly skilled charioteer for the Blues faction. Despite his massive celebrity status and daring maneuvers on the track, he understands his vulnerability among the ruling class and shows a noble instinct for protecting others in danger.

A clever, highly regarded principal dancer for the Greens faction. She manages the difficult social expectations of her profession while harboring secrets related to her estranged father.

A selfish courier responsible for delivering the Emperor's invitation to Martinian. His profound sense of entitlement and subsequent firing lead him into petty, violent acts of vengeance.

The brilliant but petulant architect in charge of rebuilding the Great Sanctuary. He initially dismisses the importance of mosaics compared to his structural designs but respects true talent.

An arrogant mosaicist at the Imperial Court who views Crispin's arrival as a direct threat to his position and methods.

Crispin's deceased wife, whose loss to the plague, along with their daughters, haunts his every decision and dream. Her memory serves as the root of his profound survivor's guilt.

Secretary to the Supreme Strategos who harbors an intense infatuation with a local dancer, leading to awkward social encounters and jealousy.

Queen Gisel's most trusted servant and eunuch, whose unwavering loyalty makes him a vital part of her dangerous survival strategies in Batiara.

The Master of the Senate who observes the complex political maneuvering of Sarantium. He provides a grounded, historical perspective on the brutal realities of imperial power and mob dynamics.

The pagan god of the Aldwood, who sometimes appears as a massive bison avatar. He commands absolute terror and demands blood sacrifices from the local villagers.