Hart is a demigod and Tanrian marshal in his thirties. Known for his pale gray eyes and brusque demeanor, he patrols the dangerous magical region of Tanria. Beneath his rough exterior, he is deeply lonely. This isolation prompts him to anonymously write a letter to an unknown recipient.

Mercy is an optimistic undertaker who manages her family's business, Birdsall & Son, in the border town of Eternity. Easily recognizable by her colorful dresses and red horn-rimmed glasses, she takes great pride in providing respectful funeral rites. She frequently puts her family's needs before her own.

Curtis is the wealthy owner of a rival funeral service operation in Eternity. He utilizes his financial leverage, charm, and intimidation tactics to aggressively pursue a monopoly in the local undertaking industry. He actively seeks to crush smaller family businesses.

Penrose is an enthusiastic 19-year-old apprentice to the Tanrian marshals. He takes on the dangerous job of patrolling the magical border regions to support his mother and four siblings. Perceptive and empathetic, he quickly sees past his mentor's gruff exterior.

Alma is the chief of the Marshal Station and Hart's former partner in the field. She is also a demigod but maintains a much healthier approach to processing grief and trauma. She frequently urges Hart to take better care of himself.

Zeddie is Mercy's younger brother. He has spent the last two years away at trade school. The family expects him to take over the undertaking business, but he harbors ambitions to become a chef instead.

Roy is Mercy's father and the owner of Birdsall & Son. He suffered a heart attack six months prior, forcing him to step back from the physical labor of undertaking. He struggles with office management and stubbornly holds onto traditional views regarding his business.

Lillian is the middle Birdsall sibling and a former math teacher. She is Mercy's closest confidante and frequently acts as a balancing force within the family dynamics. She encourages her sister to focus on her own needs.

Horatio and Bassareus are nimkilim, magical talking animals who work as postal messengers. Horatio is a polite owl who delivers mail in town. Bassareus is a foul-mouthed rabbit who brings mail to marshals in the field.

Diane is Alma's wife. She provides a warm, welcoming presence and frequently offers a place to rest for those who need comfort. She worries about the isolated lifestyle of her wife's former partner.

Bill is a late mentor and father figure within the Tanrian marshals. He trained new recruits years ago. His death during a drudge attack in Sector 28 left a lasting impact on those who served alongside him.

Nathan is a local sheriff's deputy. He occasionally uses his law enforcement authority to try and leverage social interactions, making him a nuisance to the local residents.

The Warden is one of the three New Gods of death worshipped by the local humans. He is known as the god of doorways, exits, and endings. He supposedly guards the entrance to the House of the Unknown God and welcomes the dead.

Danny recently returned from traveling around the islands of Cadmus with his wife. He is a supportive presence in the extended Birdsall family.

Leonard is a friendly half-boxer dog. He serves as a loyal companion to his owner and provides a welcoming presence in the family's undertaking office.

Gracie was a loyal dog who provided comfort during times of grief. Her passing remains a source of lingering sorrow for her former owner.

Twyla is a Tanrian marshal who lives next door to the Birdsall family. She operates within Eternity's local marshal network and looks out for her neighbors.

Frank is a Tanrian marshal who works alongside his partner. He is part of the broader social circle in the town of Eternity.