Eric Dessler

Hair: Auburn, tending to more red than brown; is worn short and neat
Eyes: Dark brown
Complexion: Slightly tanned, though not excessively so; has more of a healthy appearance to him
Height: 6’ 0” (182 cm)
Build: Rather muscular and fit for his age, though not to excess
Other: None

Family: Mother (Linda, 41), father (William, died at 34), grandfather (Alexander, died at 67), grandmother (Anne, died at 67)
Occupation: High school senior at start of story

Eric is a laid-back boy, who generally doesn’t let things get to him. Although it might be difficult to tell, he has a strong sense of decency that influences his behaviour, and this sense of decency occasionally creates a conflict he doesn’t know how to deal with. He prefers to do things at his own pace, whatever that may be, and dislikes being rushed or having it dragged out. The one thing he is really insecure about is the question of his parents; he dislikes talking about them or thinking too much on the subject, and this has resulted in a lot of pent-up anger towards them.

Bitaja

Hair: Dark grey fading to white at the temples; formerly black. Worn short and parted sharply to one side.
Eyes: Dark brown
Complexion: Medium olive; he tans very easily
Height: 5’ 8” (172 cm)
Build: Average, but has some muscle mass to him
Other: Permanent twitch in left arm due to nerve damage; scarring on left shoulder

Family: Mother (Theodota of Nisekem, alias Ninbanda, died at 150); father (unknown); half-brother (Nashuja, 124); wife (Kitane, died at 96); daughters (Ninbanda, 81; Ramtha, 77)
Occupation: Retired teacher, currently de facto leader of the insurgency called ‘The Order’ and wanted rebel

Bitaja is a motivated man, even if his motivations are strange and incongruous with his upbringing. He led a relatively normal, if impoverished life prior to meeting one Liupold Aloisburg a few years before his marriage – but meeting him changed everything. Revolutionary fervour seized him (or was merely awakened from dormancy) and continued on for the rest of his life. Formerly of a rather liberal viewpoint, assuming the role of leader has hardened him, and he will stop at nothing to get what he feels is best. To the few friends he has left, he is known as a genuinely caring man, but one who has developed a bit of a persecution complex as the years progress.

Theophanes

Hair: Ash blond; is very wavy and worn parted sharply to one side
Eyes: Blue
Complexion: Very pale and pinkish; sunburns easily
Height: 5’ 11” (180 cm)
Build: Average, though with a few extra pounds around his midsection
Other: One hole in his left ear

Family: Mother (Maria Sophia, 61), father (Spyros, died at 66), younger brothers (Theophilos, 34; Theophylaktos, 24), younger sisters (Theophoteina, 41; Theophone, 29); wife (Ruth, 32)
Occupation: Author, philosopher, Emperor of Erebe

Theophanes is a very intellectual man, continually immersing himself in philosophy and discussion – and he has come up with his own philosophical ideals that he commits to, based on his studies and his personal experiences. Although pleasant, articulate, and outright charitable if he believes in a cause, he can also be subtly manipulative to achieve his ends; while he professes to go about manipulating people with some sense of honour, he can and does resort to ‘dishonourable’ tactics against his enemies. Very loving towards his wife, and tends to be much more relaxed around her than around even his friends.

Marcus Barke

Hair: Black, with a dark brown sheen to it under bright light; usually worn matted into dreadlocks which reach to about his shoulders; these are usually pulled back into a ponytail.
Eyes: Dark brown
Complexion: Darker brown; his skin has a slightly warm, reddish tone to it
Height: 6’ 2” (187 cm)
Build: Average, but has some muscle mass to him
Other: One hole in right ear

Family: Mother (Asha, 50); stepfather (Tizoc, 46); half-brother (Julius, 15); half-sister (Aurelia, 12)
Occupation: Apprenticed engineer with rank of Able Cosmonaut; stationed on the H.M.S. Heliodora

Marcus is a rather relaxed man who doesn’t care much for pomp and circumstance. Although he has experienced personal setbacks in life, he tries not to let it bother him even when they are very real hindrances to society. He prefers to focus on his interests, examining the mechanical aspect of things and how he can make it better. Friendly if not a little awkward in unfamiliar or hostile situations, he gets along rather well with most of his family, and almost his entire unit.

Makhawon Kyriakos

Hair: Black; worn in a buzz cut. He is starting to go bald, especially on the crown of his head and hairline
Eyes: Dark brown
Complexion: Light olive; he tans easily
Height: 5’ 10” (177 cm)
Build: Bulky; he is rather muscular, though his muscle tone is starting to fade
Other: None

Family: Mother (Esperanta, 69), father (Andromaxos, 75), older sister (Poulxeria, 48), younger brother (Glaukos, 40), wife (Chrysanthe, 45), daughters (Neaira, 17; Ariadne, 14), sons (Kitanetos, 12; Orestes, 8)
Occupation: Colonel in the Nisekemi Armed Forces, surgeon

Makhawon is a family man above all, valuing his family’s happiness above all. But at the same time he also enjoys his work, however difficult and depressing it can sometimes be; he enjoys helping other people. It is this attitude that led to him being a strict teacher; he believes that the patients, not the doctors, should ultimately benefit. Very much a people-person, he can feel at ease in a large group. As far as commanding goes, he is generally respected by his subordinates, even if he is not necessarily liked.

Thanatos

Hair: White-blond, reaching to about his ears; it is very, very curly and is generally worn in a loose mop around his face
Eyes: Pale blue
Complexion: Very pale and golden; seems almost luminous
Height: 6’ 5” (195 cm)
Build: Average, but very muscular and well-proportioned
Other: None

Family: None known
Occupation: Unknown

”Thanatos” is a very mysterious man, one who does not like to reveal his motivations in favour of simply getting the job done. He is certainly very memorable, and with his sharp observational skills, he comes across as very knowledgeable and wise. Striving to present himself as a helper or with good intentions often backfires on him, and this constant misunderstanding has begun to grate on his nerves.