.jpg){kind=small}
Characters
Gavril of Nostalgie
Age: 21
Résonateur Ability: Flicker
Faiblesse: Despair
Gavril has spent her life suppressing her emotions for the good of her village, Nostalgie. She even endured being sold in marriage for its future. But inside this repressed young woman beats a heart that yearns for freedom, adventure, and the forbidden. After befriending the Phase Morrow and being accused of heresy, she ends up in the custody of Commandant Serein. She soon finds her heart torn between the place she's known her whole life and the prospect of leaving the past behind for a future with the man who freed her heart. And then there's Vivant . . .
Commandant Serein of Calme
Age: 30
Rank: Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Blades
Also Known As: Le Tranchant
Faiblesse: Anger
Despite being naturally dedicated and kind, Commandant Serein has shut himself off from attachment since the betrayal of his best friend Vivant seven years ago. A mission is a mission. Nothing more. But when the mission leads to a redheaded woman who brings a spark of light back to his shadowed world, he finds his heart isn't as covered in thorns as he thought. Through Gavril's influence, he finds his world and emotions expanded beyond anything he ever expected. Now about Vivant . . .
Fluctuateur Vivant
Age: 32
Rank: Former Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Sand Haze
Also Known As: Le Beau Manteau
Faiblesse: Passion
Talented, handsome, charming, and the son of an old Résonateur bloodline like his childhood friend Serein, Vivant's future was meant to lead only up. A mission in the town of Agacement changed that. Now Vivant lives on the run as the Paramount's most wanted criminal. Murderer. Fluctuateur. Gavril's only hope of restoring her heart. He'll do whatever it takes to prove to Serein he's not the man the Paramount says he is. He'd do anything for Serein, and after getting to know Gavril, his exclusive loyalty list may have expanded.
Hervé of Calme
Age: 59
Rank: Commandant Adjutant/Former Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Lost seven years ago
Also Known As: Nunyabusiness​
Faiblesse: Sadness
Serein's adjutant and best friend of his uncle, the late Commandant Suprême Corentin, Hervé was once a man feared as one of the greatest Résonateurs in the world. But even a man famed for his defense can have his heart broken, and the loses he's endured have taken a toll most dear. All may not be lost . . . It starts with his son.
_edited.jpg)
Deryn of Wolcenshire, Heortefeld
Age: 27
Rank: Chief Aérien Opérateur
Résonateur Ability: Dismissed from the academy​
Faiblesse: Doubt
Deryn doesn't take any shite. Nobody can pilot a soulever as well as this lass, and she knows it. Originally from the grassy isles of Heortefeld, she's been part of Serein's crew on the Fulgurant for six years and is the only one who can shake off Serein's temper. She and Gavril hit it off almost immediately and are frizzing inseparatable.
Morrow
Age: 4000+​
Unlike other heartless Phases who possess broken minds and kill indiscriminately, Morrow retains her sense of self. She's old. Original. And her past holds secrets that could shake the Paramount to its foundation. When Gavril is sold in marriage to the son of the Seigneur de l'Envie, Morrow becomes her only source of hope. Her friend. The one who opens the door to freedom.
Gui of Tickerton, New Heartlandia
Age: 34
Rank: Solenoid Ingénieur
Solenoids, siphons, water heaters. There ain't no engine or mechanical monstrosity Gui can't take apart and rebuild better than ever. He grew up in the Premier Esprit colony town Tickerton in New Heartlandia across the Mer the Rage and is now the town's Solenoid ingénieur. But tinkering ain't the only thing Gui excels at. You'll be hard pressed to find a feller who can pull off a silk gown as well as this desert beauty.
Bibiane of Éthéré Coeur, Crest
Age: 29
Rank: Archiviste, Elite Rank​​
Bibiane isn't one for games. Or laughter. Or joy. She's at the top of the archiviste chain and has all fourteen hundred of the Paramount's regulations and protocols committed to memory. She served on Serein's crew as his archiviste for six years aboard the Fulgurant before returning to her original station as Chancelier Fabrice's archiviste assistant for the Sommet.
Commandant Vaskrid of Fimbulfrost, Himinnhjarta
Age: 30
Rank: Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Frost
Reluctantly Known As: La Dame des Frimas
Faiblesse: Shame
Serein's rival (and former infatuation) at the academy, the princely Vaskrid has forged a life that isn't bound by expectations. She defied her future as a lady to be married off and attended the Résonateur academy with her grandfather's blessing. After getting promoted at twenty-two, she became the youngest commandant in history, besting Vivant by half a year. Her icy nature tends to keep people at a respectful distance, but Vaskrid is as noble and chivalrous as any lady could ask for. She despises her nickname for reasons she won't discuss while sober.
Chancelier Fabrice of Éthéré Coeur, Trough
Age: 70
Rank: Sommet Chancelier
Nobody expects a poor boy from the Trough to become the Suzerain's right hand, yet Fabrice has done exactly that. A young man with a head for tinkering, he rose from being a low-level scientist apprentice to councilman, eventually heading the Sommet. If you ask him how he achieved such success, he'll smile deviously and tell you Éthéré Coeur is full of surprises waiting to be unburied. The plans for his dear marvel, for example.
Vide
Age: Constructed 6 years ago
Rank: Résonateur
Résonateur Ability: Solenoid Energy Manipulation
Also Known As: Gear Lass, Clock, Fabrice's Toy
The final product of the Projet de Marionnettes, Vide is a mechanical innovation unlike any other. With the knowledge to make flesh and blood Résonateurs from ordinary people lost, the savants and scientists of the Paramount sought to create one from gears instead. Vide runs entirely on Solenoid energy and is able to generate barriers capable to entrapping the most powerful of Phases. She is Fabrice's favorite companion. He is completely bent to her will.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Bedell of Éthéré Coeur, Market Ring
Age: 26
Rank: Archiviste, Second Rank
Bedell is man of certain . . . habits. Ones that get you disciplined instead of promoted despite impressive talent. There's no security or data record Bedell can't access, and he's acquired an addiction to the thrill of breaking regulation. His first meeting with Serein occurred after the commandant was sent to scold him by Bibiane for spying on her records. He says he learned his lesson, but the thrill . . .
Suzerain Ambroise
Age: 38
Rank: Suzerain of the Premier Esprit Sovereignty
Résonateur Ability: Manifestation
Also Known As: Divine Heart of the World and Ruler of all Emotions.
Faiblesse: Love
Please, bare your hearts before Suzerain Ambroise. The ruler of Premier Esprit and all the countries under its control, Ambroise is the most powerful man in the world. And what does one do with all that power? Draw, cook, play harpsichord, judge people for trials, and indulge in an orgy or two. So much to do and so little time.
Secondary Characters
_edited.jpg)
Seigneuresse Marcheline du Calme
Age: 50
Serein's mother. Only a fool who wants to lose their head challenges this formidable woman. The descendant of a fierce jarl line, her grandmother came from Himinnhjarta. She met Corentin and Hervé at a party when she was seventeen.
Seigneur Rodrigue du Calme
Age: 57
Serein's father and Corentin's younger brother. While he did not inherit Résonateur abilities, he will do whatever it takes to ensure his ancient bloodline isn't tainted with impoverished filth.
Fleurette of Envie
Age: 40
Born in Envie, she moved to Nostalgie at nineteen when she became pregnant with Gavril after falling in love with Résonateur Goel. She spent seventeen years waiting for Goel's return from paying the service. She has a long history with Gervais. It's complicated.
Seigneur Gervais de l'Envie
Age: 48
The lord of Nostalgie's last remaining neighboring town, Envie. Gervais considers himself to be a man of generosity. He offers to help Nostalgie get a new Solenoid for the small price of Gavril marrying his son and producing children to pay the service for it. And her being Fleurette's daughter? How benevolent can a man be?
Charmant of Envie
Age: 18
Gervais' daughter, who dreams of a life of parties, fancy dresses, and handsome men who wait on her hand and foot. She failed to enthrall Serein, and has a deep hatred for her would-be sister Gavril after the events with her brother. She left Envie with a purse of argent . . .
Cyril of Envie
Age: 20
Gervais' son. Engaged to Gavril as an agreement with Nostalgie, the pair were expected to produce Résonateur children who could pay the service for Nostalgie's new Solenoid. The plan didn't work out and neither did the engagement. For multiple reasons.
Edgard of Nostalgie
Age: 74
Edgard may be Nostalgie's grouchiest citizen, but as mayor, he has kept the village safe and running for the majority of his life. When he agreed to take Fleurette in from Envie, he didn't expect her to come with an extra mouth to feed. He's resented Gavril since. She didn't have the decency to be a Résonateur.
Mathieu of Nostalgie
Age: 23
Gavril's childhood friend and Edgard's apprentice. Mathieu takes his role as future mayor to heart. When Gavril is engaged against her will to Cyril, he's simultaneously horrified and glad she'll be safe in Envie.
Ciseau and Marteau of Éthéré Coeur, Trough
Age: 33
Rank: Commandant Guards
Half flippant and half cutthroat, you may as well pretend to be dead if you cross the path of this pair. As Serein's personal guards, Ciseau and Marteau are responsible for keeping his image and uniform clean from handsy riffraff and corruption. They're serious about some of this duty. Deathly serious.
Estelle of Éthéré Coeur, Market Ring
Age: 47
Tickerton's finest—and only—seamstress. There isn't a piece of fabric, netting, or flimsy material Estelle can't sew into a garment. A young woman with undeniable talent, she was well on her way to the top—tailoring for the Crest. But admirers weren't the only ones with eyes on her work. Some with the glint of envy felt her talents would be better served across the sea.
Commandant Fontaine of Port Espoir
Age: 36
Rank: Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Torrent
Also Known As: Le Chevalier de la Mer
Faiblesse: Serenity
As fluid and enchanting as the water of his émanation, Fontaine is a man of respect admired by most. His tranquil nature means he excels as a Résonateur and is a popular choice for graduates seeking a commandant for novitiate rights. Most would consider hating such a man an impossibility, but not Vivant. His mistake? Everything.
Commandant Erzulie of Vil Flanm, Kè Limyè
Age: 35
Rank: Résonateur Commandant
Résonateur Ability: Flame
Also Known As: La Charmeuse de Feu
Faiblesse: Lonliness
Commandant Erzulie doesn't lack for two things: prestige and staying warm. One of the most highly regarded commandants, she's frequently the target of admirers . . . who keep ending up with heatstroke. She's gone through three husbands, but she hasn't given up on finding a partner who enjoys being toasty.
Commandant Suprême Corentin of Calme
Age: 48 (When Assigned to Pay the Service)
Rank: Résonateur Commandant Suprême
Résonateur Ability: Gale
Also Known As: Le Roi des Vents
Faiblesse: Pride
Serein's uncle and Rodrigue's older brother. Corentin's abilities as a Résonateur were considered legendary. When Serein volunteered to pay the service for the new town Agacement's Solenoid, Corentin stepped in to take his place. He was reportedly killed by dampened while performing his duty.
​
.png)
Résonateur Goel of Nabd al-Sahra, Fu'aad
Age: 27 (When Assigned to Pay the Service)
Rank: Résonateur
Résonateur Ability: Spark
Also Known As: Le Miroitement
Faiblesse: Guilt
Gavril's father. Goel left his home country of Fu'aad to attend the Résonateur academy. He hoped to return one day, but life took a turn during a mission to slay a Phase in the Tristesse region. He left Nostalgie to pay the service for a Solenoid seventeen years prior to Gavril being taken to Envie.
​
​
​
​​​​​​​
Calme's Phase
​
​
​
​
A Phase that's been seen around Calme for several months. Despite multiple Résonateurs being sent to slay the Phase, it continues to prove elusive, much to the frustration of Seigneur Rodrigue. No matter. Serein can't refuse an official mission.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​
​​
​
​
Nostalgie's Phase
The Phase that attacked Nostalgie immediately after the barrier fell.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Minor Characters
.png)
Celine of Nostalgie
The daughter of the storehouse keeper in Nostalgie. She was widowed shortly after marrying but keeps her spirits up.
Margaux of Envie
Gervais' devoted maid. He took her in off the streets and she's been smitten since.
Simone of Remords
Owner of the dress shop Simone's Finery in Remords. She sold Gavril her ivy dress.
Henri of Anxiété
The medic aboard the Scarabée who saved Serein from dying after he and Gavril were attacked by dampened.
Noam of Calme
One of Rodrigue's wealthy associates. Hervé wants to set his house on fire.
Cecil of Extase
One of Deryn's Paramount guard friends. Never one to pass up ale. Or pass out while guarding the Crest's golden gate.
Louisa of Éthéré Coeur, Market Ring
Serein's crew medic aboard the Fulgurant. She's used to handling bumps and bruises caused by crew scuffles.
Robert of Plaisir
The Fulgurant's head chef. He's got a weakness for a lady's praise and a sharp knife for critiques.
Alain of Port Espoir
Gui's lover. They were partners during their Solenoid ingénieur apprenticeships. Gui hasn't heard from him in seven years.
Félicité of Remords
Hervé's late wife and Vivant's mother. Despite not being a Résonateur, her bright émanation of happiness left Hervé besotted.
The Suzerains
The descendants of Eidolon have ruled Premier Esprit for four thousand years, transforming it from a single country into a sovereignty like the world has never seen before. While every Suzerain holds an important role in history, some have made notable contributions.
Suzerain Maël
Eidolon's son and the second Suzerain. Maël founded Éthéré Coeur, which has remained the capital city of the world for four thousand years. Much of what happened in Athánatos Kardiá is known from Maël's written accounts. He had a vested interest in preserving his father's legacy.
Suzerain Amarante
Amarante negotiated the treaty with Himinnhjarta, bringing the northern country under Premier Esprit's rule. In exchange for their fealty, the jarls were given Résonateur women to take for wives, so their heirs would possess priceless Résonateur blood.
Suzerain Gaubert
Known for his fondness of women, Gaubert's crowning achievement is the conquering of Fu'aad. After a lengthy conflict with the country's Amir, the two managed to come to an accord. Approximately a year later, several children with Résonateur blood were born to Fu'aadi women.
Suzerain Solange
Famous for what is known as The Gray Culling, which resulted in the execution of a thousand people accused of being dampened or plotting against the sovereignty. Dozens of towns, now without sufficient population to continue, fell into ruin. At the counsel of her chancelier, Solange founded the Enquête to properly investigate such claims before resorting to mass beheadings.
Suzerain Gwenaël
Ambroise's father. Gwenaël was famed for his merciful and benevolent leniency during trials. He strongly believed forgiveness to be the path toward finding light in the darkness and converted many former criminals to the Great Heart's teachings. His untimely death shook the country and brought a period of dim sunlight to the world.
The Dampened
Few souls are as unfortunate as the dampened. These are the survivors of Phase attacks—the ones touched by the heartless and left with their emotions muted and veins grayed. Dampened cannot spread dampening to others, but superstition and fear of their motives lead people to report or kill dampened on sight. The majority of dampened only wish to survive and be left alone, however, they will kill if threatened.
.png)
.png)