Bound characters

Appears from the start

A returning dimensional mage serving under restrictions as a caravan protector on the journey to Makinaven. Tala relies on extensive bodily inscriptions and has been directed to begin training gravity manipulation, but the caustic bodies of the Leshkin can penetrate defenses that usually keep her safe.

Also known as Tala

First appears in chapter 15

The title by which Constructionist Guild members identify Tala after their alarm mistakes her for a concealed threat. Jevin's intervention prevents the restraint from causing serious harm, and the refined Archons acknowledge her recent elevation.

Appears from the start

Tala's formidable creature companion, capable of obeying her directions and summoning help. His usual physical methods are poorly matched against Leshkin because striking them releases dangerous corrosive sap, placing an unusual limit on how directly he can protect the caravan.

First appears in chapter 9

Tala's dimensional storage item. It carries her possessions and material recovered from her severed original arm.

Also known as Tala's bound weapon

Appears from the start

Tala's existing soul-bound weapon, carried forward from her earlier travels. Its bond to her distinguishes it from ordinary equipment and allows it to serve as her personal blade.

Appears from the start

The trusted authority who approves work on Tala's complex bodily inscriptions.

Also known as Caravan mage

Appears from the start

The caravan's senior protector, route adviser, and principal defensive mage. She teaches Tala how the forest redirects travelers, explains the escalating forms and dangers of the Leshkin, and directs Tala to use the journey to train her new gravity manipulation.

First appears in chapter 2

A second mage protector traveling with Tala's caravan and serving as its direct combat specialist. When a predator attacks from the canopy, Tala's first battlefield use of gravity disrupts it long enough for him to deliver the decisive blow.

First appears in chapter 11

A Makinaven practitioner approved by Holly to handle a limited part of Tala's intricate bodily inscriptions. He agrees to restore the offensive activation rings lost with her original arm.

First appears in chapter 15

A paragon and immaterial guide at the Constructionist Guild. Jevin interrupts a Guild restraint that could have harmed Tala, then becomes a measured adviser on magical construction and the hazards of forming a premature bond with Terry.

First appears in chapter 17

The leader of the Culinary Guild's public work for a harvest-focused order. She is prepared to arrange the unusually large supply of expedition food Tala needs, although rules governing contact with mages make their wider discussion sensitive.

Also known as Force-weapon user

First appears in chapter 19

A newly raised Archon who arranges extended access to a training arena. He can withstand Terry's rapid attacks and offers Tala a skilled sparring partner at a point when both are developing their abilities.

First appears in chapter 28

A Constructionist Guild representative who evaluates and buys the magical remains from Tala's hunt. Grant combines the purchase with useful equipment and practical information, while showing an interest in the kinds of ventures her unusual abilities might support.

First appears in chapter 24

A mage with abilities suited to examining possible interference with memory. The investigator compares Tala's recollection with another witness and finds reason to believe her first encounter with a hostile arcane occurred within a human city rather than beyond its protection.

First appears in chapter 32

An immaterial creator who leads a transport division based on controlled columns of reversed gravity. Her discussion with Tala shows that two practitioners can work with gravity through incompatible magical foundations, limiting which insights they can directly share.