DRAMATIS PERSONAE

For those who can't quite remember which kingdom the shirtless prince is from.

The Realms

Miralith – Kingdom of high towers, whisper networks, and moonshadow magic. Known for deception, diplomacy, and the subtle art of turning apologies into threats. Currently plagued by failing glyphs and ambitious dukes.

Drakenborne – Land of fire, ritual, and gods that sleep beneath mountains. Its nobility tend to glow, smolder, and occasionally catch ceremonial armor on fire. A place where "heated diplomatic relations" is more literal than metaphorical.

Tharros – The neutral city-state with the world's finest gossip, sharpest silks, and most suspicious pigeons. Center of diplomacy, espionage, and stylish betrayals. Where even the gardens have diplomatic immunity.

The Riverlands – A flood-prone buffer zone inhabited by priests, heretics, and various creatures with boundary issues. Frequently contested, rarely controlled, perpetually damp.

The Wastes – Do not enter unless you are: 1) cursed, 2) desperate, or 3) looking to become a myth no one survives to tell. A place where magic warps and reality bends. Recommended tourist rating: zero stars.

The Serrated Peaks – Mountains where magical temples hide in plain sight, glyphs fail in interesting ways, and third sentinels watch broken crowns. Accessible only to those with poetic map-reading skills.

The Crowned and the Complicated

Princess Seraphina Moonshadow – Heir to Miralith. Master spy. Moonshadow sorceress. The Whisper Princess. Has sharp knives, sharper instincts, and a scar on her palm from a very memorable wardrobe incident. Loyal to her kingdom—until she isn't. Allergic to diplomatic receptions and reasonable life choices.

Prince Kaelrith Drakenhal – Crown Prince of Drakenborne. Fireblooded, frequently shirtless, and emotionally flammable. Raised for war, haunted by prophecy, and cursed with excellent bone structure. 

Cyric of Tharros – Diplomat, manipulator, reluctant prophet. Wears velvet like armor and watches everything like he already knows how it ends. Certainly irritating. Has heterochromatic eyes that see too much and a smile that reveals too little.

King Ardan of Miralith – Cold, calculating ruler who sees his daughter as a vessel for the kingdom's future. Or maybe just a vessel, full stop. Believes secrets make the best family heirlooms and memories are malleable things.

King Vaelor of Drakenborne – Believes in tradition, sacrifice, and burning things until they stop being problems. Wears a crown of dragon bones and considers that a subtle fashion choice. Doesn't approve of his son's diplomatic tendencies.

Allies (Sometimes) and Others (Often)

Branton Silvertine – Anxious scholar with more secrets than spine. Faked his own death with dormouse extract and theatrical timing. Specializes in ancient texts and modern disappearing acts.

Aerin the Glyphwright – Arcane genius with silver hair. Invents things that shouldn't exist and hacks magical wards for fun. Still somehow the most grounded person in the story. Keeper of dangerous artifacts and dangerous opinions.

Liorah of the Veilguard – Former templar turned protector. Wields both sword and sarcasm. Would take a blade for Seraphina—and has, more than once. Provides distractions, defends against guardian attacks, and occasionally dishes out reluctant wisdom.

Lord Thrustington – Nobleman. Poet. Menace. Unclear how he keeps getting invited to diplomatic events. His rhyming couplets have caused actual incidents. Possesses ridiculous hats, questionable fashion sense, and surprising amounts of useful information. Always appears at the exact wrong moment with the exact right knowledge.

Objects, Myths, and Miscellaneous Mayhem

The Crownfire Orb – Obsidian sphere that pulses with hidden purpose. Not a weapon. Not entirely inert. Possibly sentient. Almost certainly judging everyone. Communicates through rhythmic vibrations and cryptic warnings.

Communication Glyphs – Magical marks that activate when touched or dreamed about. Useful for spies, troublesome for those with unresolved feelings.

Vire Crag – Abandoned watchtower on the border. Filled with bats, memories, and communication glyphs carved into walls. Perfect for clandestine meetings and imperfect diplomatic decisions.

For ease of reference during battles, flirtations, or politically awkward dinner scenes.

Check back often: betrayal may update the cast list.