Main Characters
Appo Ilonnorot: Healer, former priest, one of the leading figures in the burgeoning field of medicine. Called to Ash to investigate the screaming plague. Worships Lowya, the goddess of pestilence. Cityfolk from Jyvask (east of Ash). Inquisitive, skeptical, determined.
Jere: A mercenary with a mysterious past who works under Boah Awil-Ishtar. Former priest. Semi-reluctant companion of Appo’s investigation. From the far south of Ostior. Laconic, stubborn, tactical.
Boah Awil-Ishtar: One of the nine Heads of Ash, summoned Appo to investigate the plague. An influential figure amongst Ashfolk and Heads alike. Charismatic, ambitious, intimidating.
Juddken Awil-Ishtar: Boah’s young adult son. Works with the Guard Corps, loyal to his father above all else. Sadistic, quiet, deceptively plain.
Isbibarra: A ‘blind’ beggar who seems to be involved with the Screaming Plague.
Eevi: A former raider turned bartender. An acquaintance of Jere and Isbibarra.
The Nine Trader Heads (ranked by influence at the beginning of the story, follow either Okkan or Ati)
1. Mendalla Ealamassi: The most powerful and influential Head within Ash. Sells pottery, though recently came into power by orchestrating the Day of Akkavan. She is classist and judges Boah despite their similarities. Stern, but open to reason. Secretly sentimental. Worships Okkan.
1. Mother of Amaren.
2. Boah Awil-Ishtar: Sometimes referred to as “The Big Man for the Little People.” Sells jewelry and high-end clothes. A self-made man, made his initial fortune from water trading. Is the newest Head and is treated as such by many Ati worshipers. Is highly influential with Ashfolk, who believes he will one day not only replace Mendalla in influence but also become the high priest. Is well known for his impassioned, often extemporaneous speeches in the open. Worships Okkan.
1. Father of Juddken
3. Zaman Urash: the patriarch of the Urashs, an old and influential family who ruled Ash for centuries until recently. Sells spices, most notably the aphrodisiac brown ash. Is old, decrepit, vulgar, and traditional in his beliefs, but is exceptionally cunning. Worships Ati. Is close friends with Kyosti and Kirashi. Maintains his own brand of desert mercenaries separate from the Corps.
4. Shimsusa: Sells perfume. Had distinctive red hair. Worships Okkan. She is highly fanatical and often praises Okkan. She works with her brother Enlil, the current high priest of Ash.
5. Harran: Sells silk. An early supporter of Boah, paying for his schooling, and remains a vital ally to him today. Often called sycophantic by others. Worships Okkan. Has a large mustache.
6. Kyosti: Sells beads and riding animals. Large man notable for his intricately braided beard. Worships Ati, one of Urash’s closest friends.
7. Kirashi: Maintains a monopoly tax on wine and ale, works closely with taverns. Worships An. Close friends with Urash and Kyosti.
8. Namshi: Sells paint, former artist, and was responsible for painting the murals on the walls of the Manor. Worships Okkan. The survivor of a stroke/mental breakdown and unable to participate in political gatherings. He is represented by his granddaughter, Nami.
1. Grandfather of Nami.
9. Digram Gizzal: Sells gemstones, descended from a family known for mining. Gizzals have lived off the influence of a single gemstone mine for nearly a century. Very miserly as a result, and many suspect him to be on losing his status as a Head. Short-statured and overweight, adorned in many jeweled rings. Worships Ati, though is not seen as a particularly close with them.
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Guard Corps
-Penzer: Head of the Guard Corps, works for Mendalla.
-Adok: Guard, works for Mendalla. Young, inexperienced. Assigned with guarding Jere.
-Duncic: Guard, works for Boah. Friend of Jere.
-Heikk: Guard, works for Mendalla. Friend of Adok.
-Ipa: Guard, works for Boah.
Others
-Anna “Malefica” Olavintar: Shaman, Witch accused of cursing Ash. Worships the Godlin, Vijar
-Eanna: Caregiver, works for Boah. Knowledgeable in caring for the plague victims
-Bjorn: FIrst plague victim encountered by Appo
-Mena: A desertfolk woman who cared for her husband after he became afflicted with the plague
-Mikal: Companion of Isbibarra