An Introduction
Get to know the members of the Talon and a little more about Thalrassa.
Since I haven’t yet decided to serialize the book, but I’m posting character backstories, I thought it might be helpful to have a little more information about who’s who. This is an introduction to the Talon, the group of main characters in The Empire of the Waves Cycle, and A Dread Tide Rising, in particular.
Title: A Dread Tide Rising
Series: The Empire of the Waves Cycle
World: Thalrassa
A Dread Tide Rising doesn’t have a conventional protag/antag setup. Instead, it’s an ensemble. Our MCs are the members of the Talon, a group of smugglers and mercenaries who also take odd jobs that range from guarding caravans to cargo deliveries. There are currently seven members of The Talon (technically), but they’re rarely all together (Molly is usually absent, because she has a role to play within the empire’s government).
A Note on the World
What’s been mapped of Thalrassa shows largely a water world. The Rakkian Empire (Empire of the Waves) is one of islands and controls a vast archipelago (the entire archipelago is about the size of Australia, with Rakka being roughly comparable to Great Britain). Yes, I have a map. It’s really terrible. I’ll post it once I have a chance to dress it up a little (and by dress it up, I mean make it legible for anyone who’s not me).
The Talon | Cast of Characters
Macland Toth
Macland (Mac) Toth is the founder and leader of The Talon. He’s also the last surviving member of House Toth and would be Lord of Northwarden if his House still existed. His parents and older brother were all killed when Northwarden was attacked and destroyed by Lord Gregory Thynne (of House Thynne) and other Great Houses, with the blessing of Emperor Rorrick. Mac was away, training with Iron John’s forces near Süt at the time (which is where he met Gorm) and so escaped their fate.
Thistlegorm Asahi
Thistlegorm (Gorm) Asahi is Mac’s lifelong friend. Gorm stands just over 6’5” and is proportionately broad-shouldered. He is a member of the Clans of the Path, who live on the island of Shaedō far to the south. As such, he is prohibited from using bladed weapons and instead fights with an unshod staff. Gorm loves Wynne desperately but is hesitant to do or say anything about it.
Haxalanis & Paxalana Roh
Hax and Pax (not-so-affectionately dubbed Hack and Slash by Wynne) are fraternal twins who have traveled the Empire extensively, selling their services as warriors.
Hax is tall and physically fit, but not necessarily the brightest. He has some rebellious tendencies that sometimes lead to tensions with Mac. He primarily fights with a hand-and-a-half sword and no shield.
Pax is both smart and bloodthirsty. Small but agile, she prefers to fight with twin hatchets, although she’s skilled with other weapons. She feels responsible for Hax and spends a good deal of time getting out of jams (mostly of his own making).
Little is known of the twins’ origins or early years. They’re not shy about discussing their past, but usually steer the conversation to jobs pulled, people killed, and the like, staying well clear of personal background.
Get the twins’ backstory here.
Wynne Fullman
Wynne Fullman acts as a scout for The Talon. Younger than Hax and Pax, she has seen her fair share of dangerous situations but has managed to retain her innocence. In many ways, she is the heart of The Talon and is a genuinely good person. Wynne fights with a hand crossbow and a short sword/long dagger/seax. She returns Gorm’s love but is inexperienced and unsure because of his reticence.
Kye
Kye is the newest member of The Talon, a girl thief discovered when raiding a supply depot (we meet her in Chapter 1, so this is technically a spoiler, but not a big one). A former member of Rakka’s Faceless (the city’s thieves guild), now cast out of the guild, she must decide what she wants out of life.
Molly Delmar
Molly Delmar is Mac’s love interest, but she is rarely with The Talon. As an ambassador, she is at the Emperor’s beck and call. While she lives in Rakka itself, she’s rarely there due to the travel her post requires. She is the only member of The Talon with a “proper” job. However, she uses her access to sensitive information to feed tips to Mac and the others when possible.
There are other people who are technically part of The Talon, Padraig for example. However, his first love and primary responsibility is the group’s ship, Sparrowhawk (he’s the captain). Sparrowhawk has two seamen, as well (Callan and Derro, twin brothers out of Batis-Bota). Other people also come and go, too, but the seven above are the primary characters in Book 1.