Postgraduate student studying thaumatology at Redwood University’s Harbourton Technology Institute. Fancies herself a ladykiller. Often caustic, but immediately lights up when the subject turns to science. Secretly an even bigger nerd than her close friend Takako. Fascinated by deeper mysteries of the universe.
Visiting professor of computer science at Redwood University/HTI, which funded the development of her Autonomous Rational Intelligent Agent artificial intelligence programme. Abrasive, judgemental, and snobby, but ultimately well-meaning. Actually enjoys teaching undgrads, even. She had Cassandra as a student in an intro to CS class a decade ago and now they’re like BFFs forever.
Cassandra’s old friend, and ex-college girlfriend. Followed Cassandra to Harbourton because it seemed like a good idea at the time. Feuding with Takako for reasons. Sleeping with Cassandra’s professor Julia Tertia Seneca for other reasons, possibly related. Tends to expect life to be unpleasant, and therefore is not surprised when it is.
Sold into indenture by her own family to pay off debts, was eventually sold to the Queen of Ilthmir, who then gave her as gift to Archmagess Kaonthil Telith. Eloquent, poised, and determined. Desires freedom for herself and others.
A fellow slave in the Kaonthil household, Odainat befriended– and then fell in love with– Akira, and the two escaped slavery together. Affiliated with the Revolution, an organization of ambitious goals and nebulous strength. Currently at large.
A professor of Thaumatology at the University, and Cassandra’s advisor. Apparently one of the rare elves to make it past 1000 without getting themselves killed in some other gross way, going mad, or both. A formidable force in the scientific establishment, her peers find her vaguely frightening for reasons they can’t quite say. SHE IS A VAMPIRE but don’t tell anyone.
Cassandra’s girlfriend, and a writer of popular historical novels. Encyclopedic knowledge of historical trivia gives her an anecdote for every occasion, assuming she is talking to a total geek. Fortunately, Cassandra is one, and the two hit it off immediately.
Professor of Astrophysics at Baisotei University, and frequent collaborator with Seneca. Currently working with the Cosmonautics Agency on a very important project which is totes secret.
Professor of robotics at Harbourton University. Currently collaborating with Takako to create a mobile platform for her ARIA system. Finds Takako kind of weird and unfathomable.
Lydia’s twin sister, and a school friend of Cassandra’s. Left her native Coastland immediately after graduating college, never looked back. Currently working at an important job for a big banking company that does who knows what. Often concerned for her sister’s well-being.
Heiress to the great Vimwiddle Industries fortune after her aunt, Pnakta Vimwiddle, died while abroad. One of the great philanthropists of Harbourton. Particularly interested in astronomy, she funded construction of a new scrying observatory at the University.
A fellow postgrad and comrade-in-arms of Cassandra in the high-stress experience that is being Julia Tertia Seneca’s student. Easily startled, accident-prone, but in his breast beats the heart of a scientist. Currently writing his thesis on the biology of familiars.
The often-underestimated Prime Minister of the Chartannian Republic. Iron-willed in her determination to use diplomacy to create a better world, assuming that by “a better world” you mean one where Chartannian interests are favored.
Queen of Ilthmir. Once one of Ilthmir’s greatest heroes, she has since presided over centuries of precipitous decline, civil war, enivornmental degradation, famine, and political collapse. Brutal, repressive, and decadent, often seen by the Core Economic Zone as a tinpot dictator- but genuinely does not want to be the last queen of her dying nation.
Takako’s extremely estranged mother. Abandoned Takako and her father to avoid a scandal in the cloistered world of Ilthmiri magery. Later on rose through the ranks to become the Archmagess of Ilthmir and the most trusted minister of the Queen’s cabinet. Takako’s stopped picking up the phone when she calls.
Grimly efficient supervisor of the slaves and servants of the Kaonthil household. Runs a tight ship. Does what he can to keep the household running while Telith is off mucking around with the noble muckity-mucks.
A close friend of Takako’s in Baisotei since their teenage years in a stuffy all-girl’s boarding school. A former colleague of Takako’s at Baisotei University, she went into the private sector and made like a squillion pounds doing important genetics stuff. Recently discovered she was pregnant, necessitating rapid acceleration of her and her fiancé’s wedding plans to appease his proper Chartannian family.
Takako’s hunky cop ex-boyfriend. Takako has not had a boyfriend since they broke up seven years ago, but this likely indicates that the fact that Takako getting a boyfriend at all was a total fluke rather than any inability on her part to get over him. Currently having lots of babies with his new wife, apparently.