Brannis Solaran is a young knight who comes from a bloodline of sorcerers. He is the only member of his family with no talent for magic. Intelligent and resourceful, he is rising in the ranks of the knighthood, driven by the desire to prove his worth after failing out of the Imperial Academy of Magic as a boy.

Iridan Korian is a talented sorcerer from a peasant family. He was a classmate of Brannis' when they were both attending the Imperial Academy, and their friendship endured even after Brannis' expulsion and his graduation. Small of frame and timid by nature, he often turned to Brannis for protection before his own magical powers matured.

A sorceress of the Fifth Circle. She is cunning and resourceful, braving the fates' whims as larger events buffet her about. She tends to latch on to those in power to shield her against her foes.

A strong sorceress in her own rights, Juliana Archon was once betrothed to Brannis Solaran, before it was discovered that he had no talent for magic. Tall, willowy and full of fire, she prefers to shun her responsibilities as part of the Imperial Circle and prefers to carve her own path.

Jimony Bahren is was a thief and cutthroat before getting caught and sent to Rellis Island. As a cell-mate of the infamous pirate, Denrik Zayne, he enjoys a certain protected status among the inmates. Slick with a blade and gutter-smart, he isn't a thinking man's thinker.

A conscript in the Kadrin Army, Jodoul Brect doesn't mind pulling sentry duty now and again. It gives him a chance to gamble. Being that he is the lucky sort, he manages to survive and escape a goblin ambush that wipes out his battalion.

Tod Hellet is a conscript in the Kadrin Army. Conscription was better than the alternative for Tod, so he is happy just passing the time until his term is up. Gambling with his friend Jodoul on sentry duty is as good a way as any to stave off boredom - and earn a few gold lions on the side.

Leader of a tribe in the southwestern corner of the Ogrelands. Ten-Wolf crosses paths with Brannis Solaran in the short story War-Bringer, a few seasons before the events of Firehurler.