Rin
The southern coalition’s shamanic commander, increasingly unable to distinguish necessary resistance from total war.
Kitay
Rin’s strategist and bonded life-partner, who bears the physical cost of her choices.
Nezha
Leader of the Republic after Vaisra, wounded by Rin and trapped between Hesperian power and national survival.
Daji
The former Empress, temporarily allied with Rin against their common enemies.
Jiang and Riga
The other members of the Trifecta, awakened into a conflict that reveals how destructive their old ambitions remain.
Souji
A southern commander whose local authority and rivalry with Rin test the coalition.
Venka
Rin’s ally and adviser, whose death removes one of the few people willing to challenge her honestly.