Halla is a 36-year-old widow from Rutger's Howe who unexpectedly inherits the entire estate of her late great-uncle Silas. Practical and highly skilled in household management, she relies on her relentless intellectual curiosity to gather information and survive dangerous situations. She frequently adopts a calculated persona of a foolish, chattering woman to disarm potential threats and assert a quiet form of power over those who underestimate her.

Sarkis is a cynical, ancient warrior from the northern Weeping Lands who has been magically bound to a sword for nearly 500 years. As the servant of the blade, he is compelled to protect whoever wields it, completely healing from any injury whenever he returns to the scabbard. Despite his gruff exterior and centuries of traumatic servitude, he maintains a rigid personal code of honor and slowly reconnects with his humanity through his interactions with Halla.

Zale is a nonbinary priest and advocate divine for the Temple of the White Rat in Archon's Glory. Dedicated to finding practical solutions to complex problems, they use a sharp legal mind to represent vulnerable clients and untangle unjust situations. Witty and composed, Zale approaches magical mysteries and aggressive religious zealots with steadfast pragmatism.

Aunt Malva is Halla's cruel and domineering relative by marriage who seeks to keep Silas's estate within her immediate family line. Motivated entirely by greed, she views her niece-in-law as nothing more than a legal obstacle to her financial goals. She employs ruthless, coercive tactics, including physical imprisonment, to force compliance.

Alver is Halla's cowardly cousin-in-law who acts as the primary tool for his mother's oppressive plans. Though lacking the overt maliciousness of Malva, his complicity and sense of entitlement make him equally dangerous to Halla's independence. He proposes a loveless marriage solely to claim legal control over her new wealth.

Brindle is a badger-like gnole who works as a professional wagon driver for the Temple of the White Rat. Characterized by his steadfast competence and a laconic approach to danger, he views human affairs with mild exasperation. He relies heavily on his ox, Prettyfoot, and remains a grounding, protective presence during the group's chaotic travels.

Bartholomew is an eccentric, reedy older man and an avid collector of unusual historical artifacts. As an old friend of Halla's late great-uncle, he initially offers shelter and hospitality to the fleeing widow. His home is filled to the brim with antiquities, reflecting his obsessive interest in rare and magical objects.

Nolan is a young scholar-priest belonging to the obscure Order of the Sainted Smith. His religious sect is intensely focused on studying and acquiring historical artifacts, which leads him to associate with collectors like Bartholomew. He carries an air of academic curiosity, particularly regarding the legends surrounding the founder of his order.

Silas is Halla's late great-uncle by marriage who passes away shortly before the story begins. An eccentric collector of strange objects, he kept an apocalyptic pet bird and a tarnished silver sword in his home. His surprising decision to leave his entire estate to Halla sets her family against her.

Bishop Beartongue is a high-ranking official at the Temple of the White Rat in Archon's Glory. She evaluates Halla's legal predicament and offers the Temple's advocacy services for a standard tithe. Shrewd and pragmatic, she demonstrates a keen interest in testing the magical properties of Sarkis's sword.

Mina is a deceptive thief who preys on the sympathies of other women traveling on the roads. She feigns vulnerability to gain trust, only to lure her unsuspecting victims into coordinated ambushes with her armed accomplices in the woods.

Roderick is the family guardsman employed by Aunt Malva at Rutger's Howe. He acts as the physical muscle for the family, enforcing Halla's imprisonment and carrying out the more violent chores around the estate until he is permanently disabled in a duel.

Jorge is a paladin of the Dreaming God, a religious order whose sole jurisdiction is demon-slaying. He travels the countryside eliminating supernatural threats. When he crosses paths with Halla, her practical medical assistance earns his gratitude and the protection of his order.