Chronicles of the Kencyrath/Characters: Difference between revisions

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== Kencyr ==
== Kencyr ==


The Kencyr peoples have been fighting the [[Big Bad]], Perimal Darkling, for 30,000 years of endless war and a [[Hopeless War|very long string of defeats and withdrawals]]. They turned up on their current world, Rathillien, after the loss of two-thirds of their people, much of their knowledge, and their ancient artifacts of power. That was three thousand years ago, and things have been pretty much quiet since, especially away from the magical Barrier that holds the chaotic forces mostly at bay. Such long peace, even for the long-lived Kencyr, has left them divided and forgetting that their ancient enemy still lurks. Their warriors are now used mostly as mercenary soldiers, working in the employ of human rulers and fighting in their wars, the coin they earn a vital part of survival for a small people living in an impoverished land.
The Kencyr peoples have been fighting the [[Big Bad]], Perimal Darkling, for 30,000 years of endless war and a [[Hopeless War|very long string of defeats and withdrawals]]. They turned up on their current world, Rathillien, after the loss of two-thirds of their people, much of their knowledge, and their ancient artifacts of power. That was three thousand years ago, and things have been pretty much quiet since, especially away from the magical Barrier that holds the chaotic forces mostly at bay. Such long peace, even for the long-lived Kencyr, has left them divided and forgetting that their ancient enemy still lurks. Their warriors are now used mostly as mercenary soldiers, working in the employ of human rulers and fighting in their wars, the coin they earn a vital part of survival for a small people living in an impoverished land.


The catlike, telepathic Arrin-ken, the judges of Kencyr society, have withdrawn, their numbers severely depleted, to the mountains and isolation.
The catlike, telepathic Arrin-ken, the judges of Kencyr society, have withdrawn, their numbers severely depleted, to the mountains and isolation.


The Highborn people are greatly diminished in numbers as well, though the nine Major Houses still survive, some better than others; the legacy of ancient breeding programs for Shanir (god-touched, magical) powers has left their fertility poor, their women prone to death in childbirth, and the bloodlines of many Houses filled with nasty genetic traits for illness or madness.
The Highborn people are greatly diminished in numbers as well, though the nine Major Houses still survive, some better than others; the legacy of ancient breeding programs for Shanir (god-touched, magical) powers has left their fertility poor, their women prone to death in childbirth, and the bloodlines of many Houses filled with nasty genetic traits for illness or madness.
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Jame is the twin sister of Torisen, Highlord of the Kencyrath, and is the [[Last of His Kind|only full-blooded Knorth female]]. They're both the children of Ganth, the exiled last Highlord, and Jamethiel Dream-Weaver, consort of the arch-traitor Gerridon. Gerridon's plans involved training Jame to be the replacement for the aging Dream-Weaver, but Jame proved less than tractable. The story starts just after Jame's escape from him, with [[Easy Amnesia|her memory of recent years gone]].
Jame is the twin sister of Torisen, Highlord of the Kencyrath, and is the [[Last of His Kind|only full-blooded Knorth female]]. They're both the children of Ganth, the exiled last Highlord, and Jamethiel Dream-Weaver, consort of the arch-traitor Gerridon. Gerridon's plans involved training Jame to be the replacement for the aging Dream-Weaver, but Jame proved less than tractable. The story starts just after Jame's escape from him, with [[Easy Amnesia|her memory of recent years gone]].


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* [[A-Cup Angst]] -- a fact that Jame bemoans frequently. She's so flat that she gets mistaken for a boy all the time, and her master in the Thieves' Guild wasn't convinced otherwise by her '''stripping naked to the waist in front of him'''.
* [[Action Girl]] -- Jame is seriously badass and has a bias towards action, toward doing things rather than holding back, to meeting challenges head-on.
* [[Action Girl]] -- Jame is seriously badass and has a bias towards action, toward doing things rather than holding back, to meeting challenges head-on.
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* [[A-Cup Angst]] -- a fact that Jame bemoans frequently. She's so flat that she gets mistaken for a boy all the time, and her master in the Thieves' Guild wasn't convinced otherwise by her '''stripping naked to the waist in front of him'''.
* [[Anti-Hero]] -- of the type II "Disney Anti Hero" type, mostly. Jame has an intensely strong sense of right and honor. On the other hand, she can be shockingly cold and careless of others at times, and very self-centered; furthermore, she constantly knows how easy it would be to Fall, to give into the temptations of the Darkness that raised her, to do evil things without restraint.
* [[Anti-Hero]] -- of the type II "Disney Anti Hero" type, mostly. Jame has an intensely strong sense of right and honor. On the other hand, she can be shockingly cold and careless of others at times, and very self-centered; furthermore, she constantly knows how easy it would be to Fall, to give into the temptations of the Darkness that raised her, to do evil things without restraint.
* [[Arranged Marriage]] -- to Gerridon, or so he plans, and very creepily. Instead of joining him in the marriage bed, she cuts his hand off, steals the [[Tome of Eldritch Lore|Book Bound in Pale Leather]], sets fire to his house, and flees back to the outside world. He tries again, but she's rescued. While incest is common among the Kencyr Highborn, that Gerridon is Jame's [[Incest Is Relative|uncle]] adds some extra creepiness.
* [[Arranged Marriage]] -- to Gerridon, or so he plans, and very creepily. Instead of joining him in the marriage bed, she cuts his hand off, steals the [[Tome of Eldritch Lore|Book Bound in Pale Leather]], sets fire to his house, and flees back to the outside world. He tries again, but she's rescued. While incest is common among the Kencyr Highborn, that Gerridon is Jame's [[Incest Is Relative|uncle]] adds some extra creepiness.
* [[Asexuality]] -- for the first three books.
* [[Asexuality]] -- for the first three books.
* [[Author Avatar]] -- in a way. Hodgell has described Jame as her 'alter ego' several times, including in the 'About The Author' paragraph in ''God Stalk''. However, Jame is quite different from Hodgell herself; in many ways, she is the dark mirror to her, the Hyde to her Jekyll, the [[Shadow Archetype]]. In fact, at first, Hodgell couldn't write from Jame's point-of-view at all, and had to create other viewpoint characters for the short stories ''Child of Darkness'' and ''Stranger Blood'', observing her from outside. In the hands of a lesser writer, Jame could have been such a [[Canon Sue]], the cool, scary person the author wished she could be herself.
* [[Author Avatar]] -- in a way. Hodgell has described Jame as her 'alter ego' several times, including in the 'About The Author' paragraph in ''God Stalk''. However, Jame is quite different from Hodgell herself; in many ways, she is the dark mirror to her, the Hyde to her Jekyll, the [[Shadow Archetype]]. In fact, at first, Hodgell couldn't write from Jame's point-of-view at all, and had to create other viewpoint characters for the short stories ''Child of Darkness'' and ''Stranger Blood'', observing her from outside. In the hands of a lesser writer, Jame could have been such a [[Canon Sue]], the cool, scary person the author wished she could be herself.
* [[Berserk Button]] -- ''don't'' question Jame's honor or stand in its way, and don't threaten her friends and especially those she feels responsible for.
* [[Berserk Button]] -- ''don't'' question Jame's honor or stand in its way, and don't threaten her friends and especially those she feels responsible for.
* [[Bifauxnen]] -- always being mistaken for a boy, and [[Even the Girls Want Her]].
* [[Bifauxnen]] -- always being mistaken for a boy, and [[Even the Girls Want Her]].
* [[Blessed with Suck]] -- Shanir (magical) abilities got her cast out of her home at age seven, she could accidentally reap others' souls, and she has to stop others from contact with her blood lest they be bound to her mind, body and soul until death and perhaps beyond.
* [[Blessed with Suck]] -- Shanir (magical) abilities got her cast out of her home at age seven, she could accidentally reap others' souls, and she has to stop others from contact with her blood lest they be bound to her mind, body and soul until death and perhaps beyond.
* [[Bond Creature]]: At least two, possibly three, by the end of ''Bound In Blood'':
* [[Bond Creature]]: At least two, possibly three, by the end of ''Bound In Blood'':
** Jorin, the blind ounce; bond established in ''Godstalk''
** Jorin, the blind ounce; bond established in ''Godstalk''
** Death's Head, the rathorn colt; blood bond, established in ''To Ride A Rathorn''
** Death's Head, the rathorn colt; blood bond, established in ''To Ride A Rathorn''
** (possible): the Darkling wyrm. ''If'' (it's a big "if") there is a bond, it's a blood bond and is established in ''Bound In Blood''
** (possible): the Darkling wyrm. ''If'' (it's a big "if") there is a bond, it's a blood bond and is established in ''Bound In Blood''
* [[Catgirl]] -- while she has neither ears nor tail, Jame has retractile claws as well as her race's amazing night-sight. She also has the balance and daring of a cat, making light of running across rooftops, standing on the backs of kitchen chairs, crossing tightropes, and much else.
* [[Catgirl]] -- while she has neither ears nor tail, Jame has retractile claws as well as her race's amazing night-sight. She also has the balance and daring of a cat, making light of running across rooftops, standing on the backs of kitchen chairs, crossing tightropes, and much else.
* [[Compelling Voice]] -- Jame develops the ability to command even the powerful, if sufficiently angered.
* [[Compelling Voice]] -- Jame develops the ability to command even the powerful, if sufficiently angered.
* [[Dark and Troubled Past]] -- [[Ax Crazy]] father, exile at age seven, being raised by the [[Big Bad]].
* [[Dark and Troubled Past]] -- [[Ax Crazy]] father, exile at age seven, being raised by the [[Big Bad]].
* [[Dark Is Not Evil]]
* [[Dark Is Not Evil]]
* [[Ensign Newbie]] -- in ''To Ride a Rathorn''. As the randon (officer) cadet with probably the least military knowledge in the whole school, she's appointed Master Ten of her house's cadets (approx 90 cadets) due to her status, and has absolutely no idea what to do.
* [[Ensign Newbie]] -- in ''To Ride a Rathorn''. As the randon (officer) cadet with probably the least military knowledge in the whole school, she's appointed Master Ten of her house's cadets (approx 90 cadets) due to her status, and has absolutely no idea what to do.
* [[Extraordinarily Empowered Girl]]
* [[Extraordinarily Empowered Girl]]
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* [[Forgets to Eat]] -- Jame rarely remembers to eat or pack food. Growing up in the Haunted Lands with only haunted vegetables to eat did the damage. Rue tries her best to keep Jame eating.
* [[Forceful Kiss]] -- receives them from both Dally and Bane in ''God Stalk'', and more disturbingly there's a flashback in ''To Ride a Rathorn'' of {{spoiler|her father}} kissing her like that when she was seven years old.
* [[Forceful Kiss]] -- receives them from both Dally and Bane in ''God Stalk'', and more disturbingly there's a flashback in ''To Ride a Rathorn'' of {{spoiler|her father}} kissing her like that when she was seven years old.
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* [[Forgets to Eat]] -- Jame rarely remembers to eat or pack food. Growing up in the Haunted Lands with only haunted vegetables to eat did the damage. Rue tries her best to keep Jame eating.
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* [[Freudian Trio]] -- the Id portion, basically; Destruction
* [[Hard Head]]
* [[Hard Head]]
* [[The Hero|The Heroine]] -- of course.
* [[The Hero|The Heroine]] -- of course.
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* [[No Periods, Period]]
* [[No Periods, Period]]
* [[Person of Mass Destruction]]
* [[Person of Mass Destruction]]
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* [[Power Trio]] -- the Id portion, basically; Destruction
* [[Rags to Royalty]] -- Jame has no real idea, at first, of how highly born she is. She thinks she's the ragtag, outcast daughter of some minor Lord. She realizes it in pieces during the first two books. The role [[Rebellious Princess|doesn't fit well.]]
* [[Rags to Royalty]] -- Jame has no real idea, at first, of how highly born she is. She thinks she's the ragtag, outcast daughter of some minor Lord. She realizes it in pieces during the first two books. The role [[Rebellious Princess|doesn't fit well.]]
* [[Rapunzel Hair]] -- she normally keeps it under a cap, but without that it's "well below her waist", heavy, and "like a rain of blue-shot silk". A bit of [[Compressed Hair]], too, unless those caps are ''big''. The hair partially justifies the fact that a [[Tap on the Head]] rarely results in more than temporary unconsciousness.
* [[Rapunzel Hair]] -- she normally keeps it under a cap, but without that it's "well below her waist", heavy, and "like a rain of blue-shot silk". A bit of [[Compressed Hair]], too, unless those caps are ''big''. The hair partially justifies the fact that a [[Tap on the Head]] rarely results in more than temporary unconsciousness.
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* [[True Love's Kiss]] -- with her brother Torisen in the latter third of ''To Ride a Rathorn'', before his issues make him freak out and run away. Damn, but that was intense.
* [[True Love's Kiss]] -- with her brother Torisen in the latter third of ''To Ride a Rathorn'', before his issues make him freak out and run away. Damn, but that was intense.
* [[The Vamp]] -- what Jame is capable of becoming if she gave in to her dark side; a seductress who can arouse the lusts of men (and women) to feed from, prior to sucking their souls out of their bodies.
* [[The Vamp]] -- what Jame is capable of becoming if she gave in to her dark side; a seductress who can arouse the lusts of men (and women) to feed from, prior to sucking their souls out of their bodies.
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* [[Willfully Weak]] -- in ''God Stalk'', she deliberately shifts her knife to her left hand when Scramp challenges her, wanting to give him a chance.
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* [[Will Not Tell a Lie]]
* [[Walking Disaster Area]]
* [[Walking Disaster Area]]
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* [[Will Not Tell a Lie]]
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* [[Willfully Weak]] -- in ''God Stalk'', she deliberately shifts her knife to her left hand when Scramp challenges her, wanting to give him a chance.


==== Torisen ====
==== Torisen ====
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* [[Asexuality]] -- although Torisen has an official consort, sex has apparently been not a pleasant experience for him and he shows very little interest, {{spoiler|until he starts thinking about his sister in book four}}.
* [[Asexuality]] -- although Torisen has an official consort, sex has apparently been not a pleasant experience for him and he shows very little interest, {{spoiler|until he starts thinking about his sister in book four}}.
* [[Blessed with Suck]] -- Torisen has the blood-binding ability, which although it saves his life is overall a pretty awful thing to have.
* [[Blessed with Suck]] -- Torisen has the blood-binding ability, which although it saves his life is overall a pretty awful thing to have.
⚫
* [[Freudian Trio]] -- the Ego, Creation
* [[I Just Want to Be Normal]] -- Torisen's absolute denial that he might have the hated Shanir abilities, a fear of which was placed in him by his father
* [[I Just Want to Be Normal]] -- Torisen's absolute denial that he might have the hated Shanir abilities, a fear of which was placed in him by his father
* [[In the Blood]] -- Torisen is terrified of inheriting the Knorth madness, to which both his father and grandfather succumbed.
* [[In the Blood]] -- Torisen is terrified of inheriting the Knorth madness, to which both his father and grandfather succumbed.
* [[Modest Royalty]] -- Torisen eschews pomp and circumstance most of the time, and prefers to wear plain black clothes just like his sister does; the black, in fact, becomes something of a trademark to the degree that he's not recognized at one point when he wears a red shirt. Burr, his manservant, tries to get Torisen to dress the part more often and occasionally succeeds.
* [[Modest Royalty]] -- Torisen eschews pomp and circumstance most of the time, and prefers to wear plain black clothes just like his sister does; the black, in fact, becomes something of a trademark to the degree that he's not recognized at one point when he wears a red shirt. Burr, his manservant, tries to get Torisen to dress the part more often and occasionally succeeds.
* [[Only the Worthy May Pass]] -- the Kenthiar is a silver collar which, legend has it, only the true Highlord can wear. If it doesn't like you, it decapitates you. Torisen's willingness to put it on is a good part of why he's accepted as Highlord despite having little proof otherwise of his claim.
* [[Only the Worthy May Pass]] -- the Kenthiar is a silver collar which, legend has it, only the true Highlord can wear. If it doesn't like you, it decapitates you. Torisen's willingness to put it on is a good part of why he's accepted as Highlord despite having little proof otherwise of his claim.
⚫
* [[Power Trio]] -- the Ego, Creation
* [[Rightful King Returns]] -- in Torisen's backstory; he's definitely a bit of an Aragorn figure. Twenty or so years after his father renounced his titles and went into exile, Torisen arrived among his people, but passed as a relative of Lord Ardeth until he reached his majority at age twenty-seven, when he declared himself and took up his hereditary position. He's been Highlord for about three years or so when we first meet him.
* [[Rightful King Returns]] -- in Torisen's backstory; he's definitely a bit of an Aragorn figure. Twenty or so years after his father renounced his titles and went into exile, Torisen arrived among his people, but passed as a relative of Lord Ardeth until he reached his majority at age twenty-seven, when he declared himself and took up his hereditary position. He's been Highlord for about three years or so when we first meet him.
* [[Ring of Power]] -- Ganth's ring, required to make the Knorth heirloom sword, Kin-Slayer, do its magic (always striking true in battle and cutting effortlessly through opponents)
* [[Ring of Power]] -- Ganth's ring, required to make the Knorth heirloom sword, Kin-Slayer, do its magic (always striking true in battle and cutting effortlessly through opponents)
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* [[Asexuality]] -- Kindrie is so far completely asexual and [[Word of God]] says this continues.
* [[Asexuality]] -- Kindrie is so far completely asexual and [[Word of God]] says this continues.
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* [[Freudian Trio]] -- the Superego, Preservation
* [[Healing Hands]] -- Shanir healing is done by repairing damage in the person's soul image, which magically corresponds with their physical body and mind. This generally requires physical as well as psychic touch. Kindrie is ''phenomenally'' good at it; it's mentioned that at one point he nearly brought a sheepskin coat back to life.
* [[Healing Hands]] -- Shanir healing is done by repairing damage in the person's soul image, which magically corresponds with their physical body and mind. This generally requires physical as well as psychic touch. Kindrie is ''phenomenally'' good at it; it's mentioned that at one point he nearly brought a sheepskin coat back to life.
* [[Heroic Bastard]] -- well, everyone ''thinks'' he's an illegitimate child, which is a big deal in Highborn Kencyr society.
* [[Heroic Bastard]] -- well, everyone ''thinks'' he's an illegitimate child, which is a big deal in Highborn Kencyr society.
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* [[Parental Abandonment]] -- although since Kindrie's father is {{spoiler|Gerridon, the [[Big Bad]]}}, this is probably preferable. Kindrie's mother [[Death by Childbirth|died bearing him]].
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* [[Power Trio]] -- the Superego, Preservation
* [[The Medic]] -- as a healing Shanir, this is generally the reason Kindrie is brought along.
* [[The Medic]] -- as a healing Shanir, this is generally the reason Kindrie is brought along.
* [[Mysterious Parent]] -- nobody knows who Kindrie's father was, although the astute reader can work it out way before Jame finds the proof in ''Bound In Blood''. He takes the news remarkably well, considering.
* [[Mysterious Parent]] -- nobody knows who Kindrie's father was, although the astute reader can work it out way before Jame finds the proof in ''Bound In Blood''. He takes the news remarkably well, considering.
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* [[Parental Abandonment]] -- although since Kindrie's father is {{spoiler|Gerridon, the [[Big Bad]]}}, this is probably preferable. Kindrie's mother [[Death by Childbirth|died bearing him]].
* [[White-Haired Pretty Boy]] -- Kindrie has the white hair of many powerful Shanir.
* [[White-Haired Pretty Boy]] -- Kindrie has the white hair of many powerful Shanir.


==== Bane ====
==== Bane ====


Bane is Jame and Tori's half-brother by Ganth's Kendar mistress, who escaped the Keep with Ishtier and became Abbotir's wife in Tai-tastigon. Abbotir is the Lord of the Jewel Court, one of the four top officials of the Thieves' Guild under the Sirdan.
Bane is Jame and Tori's half-brother by Ganth's Kendar mistress, who escaped the Keep with Ishtier and became Abbotir's wife in Tai-tastigon. Abbotir is the Lord of the Jewel Court, one of the four top officials of the Thieves' Guild under the Sirdan.


* [[And I Must Scream]] / [[Fate Worse Than Death]] -- as a combination of being blood-bound to Jame and giving his soul to Ishtier, being flayed alive on the Mercy Seat wasn't enough to kill him. For most of ''Seeker's Mask'', his spirit was ''still'' following Jame around.
* [[And I Must Scream]] / [[Fate Worse Than Death]] -- as a combination of being blood-bound to Jame and giving his soul to Ishtier, being flayed alive on the Mercy Seat wasn't enough to kill him. For most of ''Seeker's Mask'', his spirit was ''still'' following Jame around.
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==== Marc (Jame's companion in books 1 and 2) ====
==== Marc (Jame's companion in books 1 and 2) ====


Marc (Marcarn) is a [[The Big Guy|giant Kendar]] in late middle age, still strong enough to fight but definitely getting on a bit in years to continue with that as a career. He's the [[Sole Survivor|only survivor]] of Kithorn, which was wiped out by Merikit tribesmen while he was out hunting. [[Roaring Rampage of Revenge|His revenge was long and bloody]], killing one tribesman for every Kencyr they slaughtered.
Marc (Marcarn) is a [[The Big Guy|giant Kendar]] in late middle age, still strong enough to fight but definitely getting on a bit in years to continue with that as a career. He's the [[Sole Survivor|only survivor]] of Kithorn, which was wiped out by Merikit tribesmen while he was out hunting. [[Roaring Rampage of Revenge|His revenge was long and bloody]], killing one tribesman for every Kencyr they slaughtered.


After that, as a homeless Kendar, he took service with several different Kencyr lords, none of whom took him permanently into their House, but all of whom hired him out as a [[Hired Guns|mercenary]] to earn them money with his [[An Axe to Grind|giant war-axe]]. His last Lord cast him and several other elderly Kendar out for speaking out; only Marc survived to make it to Tai-tastigon, where Jame ran into him (literally).
After that, as a homeless Kendar, he took service with several different Kencyr lords, none of whom took him permanently into their House, but all of whom hired him out as a [[Hired Guns|mercenary]] to earn them money with his [[An Axe to Grind|giant war-axe]]. His last Lord cast him and several other elderly Kendar out for speaking out; only Marc survived to make it to Tai-tastigon, where Jame ran into him (literally).
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==== Brier Iron-thorn (Jame's Five-commander at Tentir, her second-in-command) ====
==== Brier Iron-thorn (Jame's Five-commander at Tentir, her second-in-command) ====


Brier Iron-thorn is a Knorth randon (officer) cadet who is an experienced soldier. She becomes Jame's [[The Lancer|second-in-command]] in her [[The Squad|ten-command]] at [[Military School|Tentir]]. She becomes a harder, tougher [[The Conscience|Conscience]] for Jame, taking over that role from Marc. She gives the splash of cold water to take the edge off Jame's rashness, and is unsympathetic enough to Jame's moments of [[Wangst]] to make her snap out of them.
Brier Iron-thorn is a Knorth randon (officer) cadet who is an experienced soldier. She becomes Jame's [[The Lancer|second-in-command]] in her [[The Squad|ten-command]] at [[Military School|Tentir]]. She becomes a harder, tougher [[The Conscience|Conscience]] for Jame, taking over that role from Marc. She gives the splash of cold water to take the edge off Jame's rashness, and is unsympathetic enough to Jame's moments of [[Wangst]] to make her snap out of them.


She's [[The Big Guy|The Big Girl]], as well -- as big as many male Kendar, and an excellent, real-world fighter. As much as a Kencyr can be, she's a [[Combat Pragmatist]]; results are what matters, and while the rules of honor must be obeyed, she won't feel bound by the merely traditional. She bests Jame in single combat in ''To Ride a Rathorn'', but is disqualified for using Kothifir street-fighting techniques to do so. The encounter scares both of them a bit -- Jame because she's not used to fighting someone so simultaneously strong, fast and skilled, and Brier because, used to sparring with stout Kendar, she thinks she could have killed the smaller, gracile Highborn girl.
She's [[The Big Guy|The Big Girl]], as well -- as big as many male Kendar, and an excellent, real-world fighter. As much as a Kencyr can be, she's a [[Combat Pragmatist]]; results are what matters, and while the rules of honor must be obeyed, she won't feel bound by the merely traditional. She bests Jame in single combat in ''To Ride a Rathorn'', but is disqualified for using Kothifir street-fighting techniques to do so. The encounter scares both of them a bit -- Jame because she's not used to fighting someone so simultaneously strong, fast and skilled, and Brier because, used to sparring with stout Kendar, she thinks she could have killed the smaller, gracile Highborn girl.
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* [[The Caligula]] -- in oh so many ways. Not quite, in his prime, quite that crazy, but he's getting there.
* [[The Caligula]] -- in oh so many ways. Not quite, in his prime, quite that crazy, but he's getting there.
* [[Villainous Glutton]] -- physically and metaphorically; Caldane lives for excess.
* [[Villainous Glutton]] -- physically and metaphorically; Caldane lives for excess.
* [[Smug Snake]] -- he thinks he's an evil mastermind. Jame thinks he's an idiot, albeit a very dangerous one.
* [[Smug Snake]] -- he thinks he's an evil mastermind. Jame thinks he's an idiot, albeit a very dangerous one.


==== Kallystine (Caldane's older daughter) ====
==== Kallystine (Caldane's older daughter) ====
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==== Lyra (Caldane's youngest daughter) ====
==== Lyra (Caldane's youngest daughter) ====


Lyra "Lack-wit" is the youngest daughter of Lord Caineron and the attendant of the Caineron Matriarch. She's [[The Ditz]] and the [[The Klutz]], harmless but useless -- or is it [[Obfuscating Stupidity]]? Caldane fobs her off to Prince Odalian of Karkinor, a non-Kencyr ally, in [[Arranged Marriage]]. She's lonely and unhappy in a foreign land (taking out that unhappiness on her personal [[Butt Monkey]], Graykin), but seems to have some affection for the Prince.
Lyra "Lack-wit" is the youngest daughter of Lord Caineron and the attendant of the Caineron Matriarch. She's [[The Ditz]] and the [[The Klutz]], harmless but useless -- or is it [[Obfuscating Stupidity]]? Caldane fobs her off to Prince Odalian of Karkinor, a non-Kencyr ally, in [[Arranged Marriage]]. She's lonely and unhappy in a foreign land (taking out that unhappiness on her personal [[Butt Monkey]], Graykin), but seems to have some affection for the Prince.


And then Jame shows up and changes Lyra's life forever. She's never known anyone like this, a Highborn lady yet free as a boy, an [[Action Girl]] adventurer. Odalian dies, leaving Lyra a [[Widow Woman|widow]], and she escapes the collapsing palace with Jame, Marc and Jorin. She becomes Jame's [[Hero Worshipper]], in awe, and begins to [[Character Development|develop]] and [[Coming of Age Story|grow up]] out of her [[Royal Brat|Royal Bratness]] through her desire to follow in Jame's footsteps. She adopts Jame as her [[Onee-Sama|awesome big sister]], the "sister of her choice".
And then Jame shows up and changes Lyra's life forever. She's never known anyone like this, a Highborn lady yet free as a boy, an [[Action Girl]] adventurer. Odalian dies, leaving Lyra a [[Widow Woman|widow]], and she escapes the collapsing palace with Jame, Marc and Jorin. She becomes Jame's [[Hero Worshipper]], in awe, and begins to [[Character Development|develop]] and [[Coming of Age Story|grow up]] out of her [[Royal Brat|Royal Bratness]] through her desire to follow in Jame's footsteps. She adopts Jame as her [[Onee-Sama|awesome big sister]], the "sister of her choice".
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==== Rawneth, Randir Matriarch ====
==== Rawneth, Randir Matriarch ====


* [[Mind Control]] -- Rawneth takes over the bodies of her followers on a regular basis to look through their eyes or speak with their mouths; too much of this, though, and it kills the follower. That part doesn't bother her, though.
* [[Mind Control]] -- Rawneth takes over the bodies of her followers on a regular basis to look through their eyes or speak with their mouths; too much of this, though, and it kills the follower. That part doesn't bother her, though.
* [[Evil Sorcerer|Evil Sorceress]] -- complete with [[Deal with the Devil]], [[Evil Tower of Ominousness]] and everything.
* [[Evil Sorcerer|Evil Sorceress]] -- complete with [[Deal with the Devil]], [[Evil Tower of Ominousness]] and everything.
* [[Human Mom, Nonhuman Dad]] -- Played straight with the son of Rawneth and Shifter Keral, Kenan.
* [[Human Mom, Nonhuman Dad]] -- Played straight with the son of Rawneth and Shifter Keral, Kenan.
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=== Jaran ===
=== Jaran ===


The Jaran house sponsors the Scrollsmen's and Singers' College at Mount Alban, and consists in large part of a bunch of crazy academics. Alone of the major Houses, the Jaran do not force their Highborn women to enter the Womens' Halls at Gothregor; instead, they can pursue academic careers.
The Jaran house sponsors the Scrollsmen's and Singers' College at Mount Alban, and consists in large part of a bunch of crazy academics. Alone of the major Houses, the Jaran do not force their Highborn women to enter the Womens' Halls at Gothregor; instead, they can pursue academic careers.


==== Kirien ====
==== Kirien ====
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Sentient, magical big cats, they were appointed by the Three Faced God to be the judges of the Kencyrath. After Gerridon's fall they withdrew into the wilderness to debate, and have been at it for several milennia now. Jame is one of the few people to have seen one since. It's unknown how many still exist; only two named ones have played roles in the story so far, but there may be more. They appear to have 'territories' where each one pretty much has the final say -- Immalai's is the mountains above Tai-Talstigon, and the Dark Judge's is the Riverland.
Sentient, magical big cats, they were appointed by the Three Faced God to be the judges of the Kencyrath. After Gerridon's fall they withdrew into the wilderness to debate, and have been at it for several milennia now. Jame is one of the few people to have seen one since. It's unknown how many still exist; only two named ones have played roles in the story so far, but there may be more. They appear to have 'territories' where each one pretty much has the final say -- Immalai's is the mountains above Tai-Talstigon, and the Dark Judge's is the Riverland.


* [[Be Careful What You Wish For]]: Kencyr can formally call on the Arin-ken for "a Judgment" in disputes. It's extremely dangerous to do so, though, because the Arrin-ken will decide strictly the facts and honor, not taking anything else into account. And then they'll carry out their sentence, immediately.
* [[Be Careful What You Wish For]]: Kencyr can formally call on the Arin-ken for "a Judgment" in disputes. It's extremely dangerous to do so, though, because the Arrin-ken will decide strictly the facts and honor, not taking anything else into account. And then they'll carry out their sentence, immediately.


==== Immalai the Silent ====
==== Immalai the Silent ====


Arrin-ken who dwells in the mountains above Tai-Tastigon. Jame met him early on in ''Dark of the Moon'', and he proved to be a great help to her.
Arrin-ken who dwells in the mountains above Tai-Tastigon. Jame met him early on in ''Dark of the Moon'', and he proved to be a great help to her.


* [[Badass]]-- defeating a changer by himself with minimal effort pretty much automatically solidifies you here.
* [[Badass]]-- defeating a changer by himself with minimal effort pretty much automatically solidifies you here.
* [[Reasonable Authority Figure]] -- though he does not approve of all of Jame's actions, he proves willing to give her the chance to redeem herself completely and is willing to help her while she is in his territory.
* [[Reasonable Authority Figure]] -- though he does not approve of all of Jame's actions, he proves willing to give her the chance to redeem herself completely and is willing to help her while she is in his territory.
* [[Lawful Good]]
* [[Lawful Good]]
* [[The Obi-Wan]] -- to Jorin, actually, having taught him to hunt and otherwise provide for himself when Jame isn't around to do it for him.
* [[The Obi-Wan]] -- to Jorin, actually, having taught him to hunt and otherwise provide for himself when Jame isn't around to do it for him.


==== The Dark Judge ====
==== The Dark Judge ====
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* [[Being Tortured Makes You Evil]]
* [[Being Tortured Makes You Evil]]
* [[Revenge by Proxy]] -- wants to kill Jame largely because she reminds him of Gerridon and the changers.
* [[Revenge by Proxy]] -- wants to kill Jame largely because she reminds him of Gerridon and the changers.
* [[The Faceless]] -- literally, as [[Ax Crazy|Keral]]'s handiwork left him with something that isn't really a ''face'' by any but the most technical definition of the term.
* [[The Faceless]] -- literally, as [[Ax Crazy|Keral]]'s handiwork left him with something that isn't really a ''face'' by any but the most technical definition of the term.
* [[Knight Templar]] -- seems to favor the "kill them and let the Three-Faced God sort them out'' brand of justice.
* [[Knight Templar]] -- seems to favor the "kill them and let the Three-Faced God sort them out'' brand of justice.


=== Perimal Darkling ===
=== Perimal Darkling ===


The Kencyr that followed Gerridon in The Fall technically come from one of the above houses, but are easier considered separately. Perimal Darkling itself, while the [[Big Bad]], is less a character than a combination of [[The Corruption]], [[The Dark Side]], and [[Eldritch Abomination]] on a cosmic scale, though it seems intelligent enough to have made a fairly involved [[Deal with the Devil]] with Gerridon.
The Kencyr that followed Gerridon in The Fall technically come from one of the above houses, but are easier considered separately. Perimal Darkling itself, while the [[Big Bad]], is less a character than a combination of [[The Corruption]], [[The Dark Side]], and [[Eldritch Abomination]] on a cosmic scale, though it seems intelligent enough to have made a fairly involved [[Deal with the Devil]] with Gerridon.


==== Gerridon (The Master) ====
==== Gerridon (The Master) ====
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* [[The Dragon]] -- he's not the ultimate evil, but Perimal Darkling itself is more of a primal force of chaos than a character. Gerridon's the human-scale bad guy, with many aspects of the [[Big Bad]].
* [[The Dragon]] -- he's not the ultimate evil, but Perimal Darkling itself is more of a primal force of chaos than a character. Gerridon's the human-scale bad guy, with many aspects of the [[Big Bad]].
** [[Dragon with an Agenda]] -- He serves Perimal Darkling's goals, but rather than having any real ''desire'' to turn the universe into a chaotic, shadow-infested wasteland, he does so only because of the [[Deal with the Devil]] he made to secure his immortality. Arguably, this makes him ''worse'' than Perimal Darkling, as it's to all appearances an [[Eldritch Abomination]] that's just following its nature, while he ''chose'' to be evil.
** [[Dragon with an Agenda]] -- He serves Perimal Darkling's goals, but rather than having any real ''desire'' to turn the universe into a chaotic, shadow-infested wasteland, he does so only because of the [[Deal with the Devil]] he made to secure his immortality. Arguably, this makes him ''worse'' than Perimal Darkling, as it's to all appearances an [[Eldritch Abomination]] that's just following its nature, while he ''chose'' to be evil.
* [[Moral Event Horizon]] -- How he became immortal in the Backstory. Jamethiel Dream-Weaver may have committed the actual soul-reaping, but it was Gerridon's idea and he was the one who benefitted, so it counts as his crossing moreso than hers.
* [[Moral Event Horizon]] -- How he became immortal in the Backstory. Jamethiel Dream-Weaver may have committed the actual soul-reaping, but it was Gerridon's idea and he was the one who benefitted, so it counts as his crossing moreso than hers.
* [[Deal with the Devil]]
* [[Deal with the Devil]]
* [[Authority Equals Asskicking]] -- hasn't been seen in action yet, but in ''Dark of the Moon'' Jame ''really'' didn't want to have to fight him, which says a lot about his abilities.
* [[Authority Equals Asskicking]] -- hasn't been seen in action yet, but in ''Dark of the Moon'' Jame ''really'' didn't want to have to fight him, which says a lot about his abilities.
* [[The Faceless]]: he conceals his face behind a mask of shadows during his rare on-page appearances
* [[The Faceless]]: he conceals his face behind a mask of shadows during his rare on-page appearances


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* [[I Have Many Names]] -- some of which she passes on to Jame
* [[I Have Many Names]] -- some of which she passes on to Jame
* {{spoiler|[[Luke, I Am Your Father]] -- or 'Jame, I am your Mother', as the case may be}}
* {{spoiler|[[Luke, I Am Your Father]] -- or 'Jame, I am your Mother', as the case may be}}
* {{spoiler|[[Alas, Poor Villain]] / [[Redemption Equals Death]]: When she faces Jame in the mountains, she is faced with a choice: Keep dancing the Senetha and maintain her balance over the chasm, but also reap Jame's soul; or stop dancing and fall to her death, but let Jame go safely. She chooses to end the dance rather than destroy her daughter.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Alas, Poor Villain]] / [[Redemption Equals Death]]: When she faces Jame in the mountains, she is faced with a choice: Keep dancing the Senetha and maintain her balance over the chasm, but also reap Jame's soul; or stop dancing and fall to her death, but let Jame go safely. She chooses to end the dance rather than destroy her daughter.}}


==== Tirandys ====
==== Tirandys ====
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* [[Ax Crazy]]
* [[Ax Crazy]]
* [[The Brute]]
* [[The Brute]]
* [[Biological Mashup]] -- as a result of too much exposure to Perimal Darkling's power, he can't hold a single shape for long and generally looks like this.
* [[Biological Mashup]] -- as a result of too much exposure to Perimal Darkling's power, he can't hold a single shape for long and generally looks like this.
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]] -- apparently a hobby of his- the Dark Judge is an example of his handiwork, and Jame would have been if Tirandys hadn't protected her.
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]] -- apparently a hobby of his- the Dark Judge is an example of his handiwork, and Jame would have been if Tirandys hadn't protected her.


== Tai-tastigon ==
== Tai-tastigon ==
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Owner and innkeeper of the Res aB'tyrr.
Owner and innkeeper of the Res aB'tyrr.


* [[Split Personality]]
* [[Split Personality]]
* [[Wholesome Crossdresser]]
* [[Wholesome Crossdresser]]


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==== Ghillie ====
==== Ghillie ====


Young hostler at the inn.
Young hostler at the inn.


==== Rothan ====
==== Rothan ====
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* [[Fiery Redhead]] -- she has both the hair color and the temperament.
* [[Fiery Redhead]] -- she has both the hair color and the temperament.
* [[The High Queen]] -- although a down-to-earth example, Gran Cyd is very impressive and regal indeed.
* [[The High Queen]] -- although a down-to-earth example, Gran Cyd is very impressive and regal indeed.
* [[Lady of War]] -- Gran Cyd is a "war-wyf" who leads her people in battle. The men do ''raiding'', but the women are in charge of ''war''.
* [[Lady of War]] -- Gran Cyd is a "war-wyf" who leads her people in battle. The men do ''raiding'', but the women are in charge of ''war''.
* [[Rapunzel Hair]] -- her hair is long enough that the left-hand braided braids rest in a coil on the floor when she is sitting on her throne.
* [[Rapunzel Hair]] -- her hair is long enough that the left-hand braided braids rest in a coil on the floor when she is sitting on her throne.
* [[Requisite Royal Regalia]] -- tunic and mantle of royal purple with silver decoration, lots of gold chains, and gilded sandals.
* [[Requisite Royal Regalia]] -- tunic and mantle of royal purple with silver decoration, lots of gold chains, and gilded sandals.
* [[Seat of Power]] -- She sits on a nice golden throne.
* [[Seat of Power]] -- She sits on a nice golden throne.
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