At Caer Norvent

A mysterious man that many believe to be a Dominant of Fire. He is rarely seen without his heavy robe, nor his loyal attendant. The two journey together far and wide across the realm to an unknown end.

A Branded soldier for the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, who served alongside Wyvern. None know his true name. He and his band of elite assassins were tasked with taking the head of the Dominant of Shiva, but he was to lose his life to a Crusader’s axe in the course of the mission.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque

Clive’s personal steed. After losing her master at Phoenix Gate, Ambrosia found a new flock, and led them in defending honest merchants from beasts and bandits—earning herself the love of the locals and the 4 name “Whiteheart.” Indeed, it was one local’s insistence that she be defended in turn that led to her happy reunion with Clive.Born in the stables of Rosalith Castle, Ambrosia was chosen by the young Clive Rosfield to be his personal steed and raised by him from a chick. She is a proud bird and deeply loyal to her master—quickly turning her beak upon any but he who should attempt to pet her.

The Night of Flames

Clive’s personal steed. During the attack on Phoenix Gate, she raced to Clive’s rescue, saving him from certain death at the cost of an eye—a price she gladly paid.

As Whiteheart

Clive’s personal steed. After losing her master at Phoenix Gate, Ambrosia found a new flock, and led them in defending honest merchants from beasts and bandits—earning herself the love of the locals and the name “Whiteheart.” Indeed, it was one local’s insistence that she be defended in turn that led to her happy reunion with Clive.

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

Former Duchess of Rosaria, now Empress of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. It was ever her purpose in life to preserve her Phoenix-bearing bloodline, for which reason she betrayed her husband, that she might enter in league with a force she judged the mightier. Now she rules over Rosaria as vicereine of the imperial province, which she rules with a cruelty and contempt for the baseborn that was unknown in Archduke Elwin’s day.

As Holy Empress

Empress of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. Formerly the Duchess of Rosaria, before she betrayed her nation and gifted it to the empire. For a short while after the fall of the duchy, she was taken into the “protection” of the imperial crown—a pretense that ended with her bargained remarriage to Emperor Sylvestre, the birth of Prince Olivier, and her return to rule over Rosaria as vicereine.

Upon Olivier’s Ascension

Empress Emeritus of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, and vicereine of the Imperial Province of Rosaria, which she rules with an iron fist. She also longed labored to see her son, Prince Olivier, seated on his father’s throne—a plan that comes to fruition after she schemes with Hugo Kupka to bring an end to Dhalmekia’s long siege of Twinside, and sees this triumph ascribed to the young prince.

Death

Former Empress of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. After the fall of Rosaria and the death of Archduke Elwin, she remarried Emperor Sylvestre and bore him a son, Olivier. It was her dream that together with Sylvestre, she should found a new bloodline—one blessed by both Bahamut and the Phoenix. Alas, her dreams were to be crushed in the wreckage of the Crystalline Dominion, when a maddened Dion slew Olivier—and she was to end her life before the before the disbelieving eyes of the sons she had betrayed.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque

Duchess of Rosaria, wife of Archduke Elwin, and mother to Clive and Joshua. It was not only her beauty but her connection to a bloodline that produced many previous Dominants of the Phoenix that led to her being proposed as a bride for the young Archduke—indeed, the two are cousins. Having known from a young age that her purpose in life was to preserve her Phoenix-bearing bloodline, she dotes on Joshua, and scorns Clive.

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

First Encounter

Second in command of the dragoons, the foremost fighting force of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. His sword remains ever at the ready should anyone be foolish enough to make an attempt on the life of his liege lord, Prince Dion.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque

Companion and protector of Joshua Rosfield, Dominant of the Phoenix. As loyal as she is dangerous, her blade is ever at the ready for any who might mean her master ill—and her tonics ever at hand to heal the sickly prince’s hurts. Joshua addresses her by the name “Jote,” but it is unclear whether this is her true name or another pseudonym.

Attendant to Margrace Servant of a man who goes by the name Lord Margrace. Together, they travel across the Twins to some unknown end.

A veteran Cursebreaker, who often leads his own team on Bearer-liberating forays. He also shares his wisdom and experience with Cole in assembling new units and training new recruits. One of Blackthorne’s few close friends, who shares the smith’s fondness for a tankard or two—indeed, when August isn’t on a mission, he can most often be found supping an ale and swapping a story in the hideaway’s tavern.

The Cursebreakers

First Encounter

The aloof and unshakeable Barnabas Tharmr, first of his name. Few can meet his steely gaze without flinching.

At the Battle of Belenus Tor

King of Waloed and Dominant of Odin, the Warden of Darkness. At the battle of Belenus Tor, he not only took personal command of the royal army, but rode into the fray himself—galloping through the air atop his six-legged steed and goading Bahamut into a duel that shook the skies.

Waloed’s Ambitions

King of Waloed and Dominant of Odin, the Warden of Darkness. Though his nation’s isolation in Ash allows Barnabas to remain aloof from the affairs of Storm—and he has oft elected to do precisely that— his movements of late would suggest that he has ambitions on the western continent.

Past Uncovered

King of Waloed and Dominant of Odin, the Warden of Darkness. Barnabas is also a feared warrior in his own right. After journeying to Valisthea from the outer continent as a young man, he led his people in overthrowing the ancient Kingdom of Veldermarke that once ruled northern Ash, and established his new Kingdom of Waloed upon its ruins.

Atop Reverie

King of Waloed and Dominant of Odin, the Warden of Darkness. Scion of a tribe that crossed the seas to Valisthea from the southern continent many centuries before, Barnabas remains a zealous adherent of their ancient religion, the Circle of Malius. Tasked by his god, Ultima, to assist with the perfection of his vessel, Barnabas put Mythos to the test—at last judging Clive worthy, and surrendering his strength to him with his dying breath.

The Kingdom of Waloed

First Encounter

The mother of King Barnabas of Waloed—or at least, an Ultima-summoned illusion of her as His Majesty remembers her in life.

Hidden Truths

One of the few surviving descendants of the Children of Dzemekys, who fled from Valisthea and took refuge in the outer continent, only returning generations later. She and her clan were devout believers in the Circle of Malius, whose teachings she instilled in her son— teachings, and memories, that he treasures to this day. Alas, her beliefs were also to prove her downfall, as she was killed in a raid by the followers of a rival religion.

First Encounter

Commander of the Kingdom of Waloed’s elite intelligencers, who sits by her liege’s side at the highest tables of state—most recently in their negotiations with the Dhalmeks at the Zirnitra Stronghold. But Barnabas is not the only one with whom she shares a special bond—Benedikta also has eyes, and ambitions, for Hugo Kupka

With the Royal Intelligencers

Commander of the Kingdom of Waloed’s elite intelligencers and a true scholar of the blade, who leads her loyal minions from the front. After attending the negotiations with the Dhalmeks at the Zirnitra Stronghold, where she crushed the hopes of the Republican Army while encouraging those of Hugo Kupka, she parted company with her liege lord in order to lead a secret incursion into imperial territory.

At Caer Norvent

Commander of the Kingdom of Waloed’s elite intelligencers and Dominant of Garuda, the Warden of Wind. While her dalliances with Hugo Kupka would appear to be naught but a ruse guided by the hand of King Barnabas, her love for her former Lord Commander Cid was deep and true—and left an equally abyssal hole in her heart when he fled Waloed.

Following Garuda’s Defeat

Commander of the Kingdom of Waloed’s elite intelligencers and Dominant of Garuda. After Clive took her power at Caer Norvent and the keep was set to fire, she and her comrades were forced into making a hurried retreat, only to be set upon by bandits. What was left of Benedikta’s power ran amok, summoning forth the raging whirlwind within which she was at last to lose her life at the hands of Clive Rosfield and his Eikon Ifrit.

The Kingdom of Waloed

A carpenter who resides at Martha’s Rest, whose speed and skill, together with the surrounding marsh water’s deleterious effects on the planks and piles of the village’s many bridges, keep his services in high demand.

A Man in Demand

A carpenter who resides at Martha’s Rest, whose speed and skill, together with the surrounding marsh water’s deleterious effects on the planks and piles of the village’s many bridges, keep his services in high demand. He was born and raised in Cressida, where his parents lie buried, and has recently engaged to be wed.

• Found at Martha’s Rest.

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

Second longest serving of the Bastards, an elite band of slave assassins in service of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. He and his sergeant Tiamat fought alongside each other for many a year, and Biast trusted him with his life. Alas, there was little Tiamat could do to save him from the boulder that was to fall from the skies during their ill-fated mission to infiltrate the Dhalmekian Republic and take the head of Shiva’s Dominant.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque

Resident blacksmith of Cid’s hideaway. A sullen and secretive sort, who prefers to drown his woes in drink than to share them.

At the New Hideaway

Resident blacksmith of Clive’s hideaway, where he keeps the new “Cid the Outlaw” and his allies well outfitted with arms and armor. Though he is usually a sullen and secretive sort, his knowledge he is happy to share with Goetz, who has long been eager to learn the art of smithing.

A Hidden Past

Resident blacksmith of Clive’s hideaway. He originally hails from Dravozd, in the far-flung desert wastes of Dhalmekia, where he and Zoltan both prenticed, though he has not returned for many a year—not least because his former friend still bears him a deep-seated grudge.

Reconciled

Resident blacksmith of Clive’s hideaway. He originally hails from Dravozd, in the far-flung desert wastes of Dhalmekia, where he and Zoltan both prenticed. After an aetherflood filled the nearby mines and the town was set upon by Akashic beasts, he rode to Dravozd’s defense, settling the bad blood between them once and for all. Together, he and Zoltan forged the Ragnarok—the legendary blade whose designs were bequeathed them by the master, Vulcan.

The Cursebreakers

Basic Information

Younger brother of the late Archduke Elwin and warden of Port Isolde, a thriving trading port in the south of Rosaria. Byron inherited a small fortune from his noble family, which he built into a large one by virtue of his mercantile wiles and adventurous spirit. There is not a trading house—nor a taphouse—in Valisthea and beyond that does not have a tale to tell of Lord Byron Rosfield.

In Port Isolde

Younger brother of the late Archduke Elwin and warden of Port Isolde. After the duchy was incorporated into the empire and Byron stripped of his titles, he shut himself away in his manor and gladly volunteered every gil of the onerous taxes and tariffs with which he was newly burdened, all to avoid drawing the empire’s ire—and to keep their attentions from his support for the Guardians of the Flame.

Joining Clive’s Cause

Younger brother of the late Archduke Elwin and warden of Port Isolde. Though he kept his head low during the dark days of imperial rule of Rosaria, now that the Empress Anabella is dead and his nephews returned from the grave, he strikes out once more, enlisting his old friend Eugen Havel, Dhalmekian Field Marshal, to Clive and Joshua’s cause.

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

One of Cid’s most trusted allies. A merchant who calls the hideaway her home. With a little help from her hardworking yet long-suffering apprentice Goetz, she can source whatever supplies the residents of the hideaway need—provided they are willing to pay. She wears a glass eye in her right socket.

At the New Hideaway

One of Cid’s most trusted allies. After Cid’s hideaway was laid waste to by Hugo Kupka and his minions, she and her hardworking yet long-suffering apprentice Goetz followed Clive to the new hideaway in Bennumere, where they serve him in the same capacity they served his predecessor, sourcing whatever supplies her fellow residents are in need of.

A Hidden Past

One of Cid’s most trusted allies. A merchant by trade, Charon was born in lands beyond Valisthea. She came to the Twins as a weapons dealer, selling to anyone willing to pay—an attitude that earned her not only a fortune, but a price on her head. It was while fleeing from her many enemies that she met Cid, who gave her refuge in exchange for her exclusive services. Her hardworking assistant Goetz, who she calls her “right eye,” she bought from his neglectful parents.

• Can be found at Cid’s Hideaway as the main shop vendor.

The Cursebreakers

First Encounter

Cornered by a battalion of Iron Kingdom Crusaders in the depths of the Nysa Defile, Clive thought his end was nigh—until Cid appeared and spirited him and Jill away to his secret hideaway in the deadlands.

Dominant of Ramuh

Founder and leader of the hideaway, where he and his comrades labor to liberate Bearers and Dominants from servitude—a life that Cid knows all too well, as he bears the burden of being the Dominant of Ramuh, Warden of Thunder. No longer does he fight for any one nation, but for all the peoples of Valisthea.

History with Benedikta

Leader of the hideaway and Dominant of Ramuh, Warden of Thunder. Born in a land beyond the Twins, Cid journeyed to Valisthea as a sword for hire. It was here that he entered the service of Waloed, awakened as a Dominant and was finally elevated to Lord Commander of the royal army. However, he was soon to abandon his post, and Benedikta, that he might instead create a world where Bearers and Dominant can die on their own terms.

A Shocking Truth

Leader of the hideaway and Dominant of Ramuh, Warden of Thunder. In his quest to create a world where Bearers and Dominants can die on their own terms, he unearthed a shocking truth—that the Mothercrystals were the cause of the all-consuming Blight. He makes plans to see the Mothers fall, that Valisthea and her people might be saved.

Cid the Outlaw

Leader of the hideaway and Dominant of Ramuh, Warden of Thunder. His plan to create a world where Bearers and Dominants could die on their own terms meant destroying the Mothercrystals—an act of blasphemy that would see him forever denounced as an outlaw. It was during their mission to fell Drake’s Head in 873 that Cidolfus Telamon lost his life to a beast from the beyond, passing the title “Cid the Outlaw” on to his protege Clive.

After the Fall of Phoenix Gate

Firstborn son of Archduke Elwin, ruler of Rosaria. Though all expected him to inherit the Phoenix’s flames and awaken as its Dominant, destiny instead chose his younger brother Joshua to bear that burden. In search of a role of his own, Clive dedicated himself to mastering the blade—and his practice paid off when he was appointed First Shield of Rosaria, tasked to guard the Phoenix and blessed with the ability to wield a part of his fire.

At the Battle of Nysa

A slave soldier for the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, now in his thirteenth year of servitude. Though drafted as a frontline infantryman, the magical might granted him by the Blessing of the Phoenix quickly saw him promoted to an elite squadron of assassins, where he was assigned the moniker by which he is now known. Their latest mission: to descend into the Nysa Defile, where bloody battle rages between the Iron Kingdom and the Republic of Dhalmekia, and take the head of Shiva’s Dominant

As Imperial Deserter

An imperial Bearer turned deserter after refusing to slay the Dominant of Shiva, choosing instead to turn his blade on his own sergeant. As a force of Crusaders closed around him, his freedom seemed as if it would be short-lived—until the timely intervention of Cid, a man who shared Clive’s desire to see the Dominant freed from their clutches. Together, they escape to 411 Cid’s secret hideaway.

After Ifrit’s Awakening

An imperial Bearer turned deserter, who joined forces with Cid to hunt down the second Dominant of Fire. However, after being drawn into a fierce battle with Benedikta, Dominant of Garuda, the power of the mysterious Eikon Ifrit awakes within him and he discovers that the Dominant of Fire he has long been searching for—the one who killed his brother—was none other but himself.

After Eastpool

An imperial Bearer turned deserter. He and his childhood friend Jill journey to their homeland of Rosaria to learn the truth of the events that shaped their histories. Their path takes them through the village of Eastpool, where they meet with Hanna Murdoch, wife of the late Lord Commander. She presents Clive with a set of clothes that once belonged to his father.

After Joining Cid

An imperial Bearer turned deserter. He returns to the ruins of Phoenix Gate, where his father and brother died thirteen years before, and learns that he is indeed the Dominant of Ifrit—the one who took his brother’s life. Anxious to atone for his crimes and filled with righteous anger after witnessing the massacre at Eastpool, he pledges himself to Cid’s cause to free all of Valisthea from its bonds—not only those between Bearer and master, but those between man and Mothercrystal.

After Joining Cid

An imperial Bearer turned deserter. He returns to the ruins of Phoenix Gate, where his father and brother died thirteen years before, and learns that he is indeed the Dominant of Ifrit—the one who took his brother’s life. Anxious to atone for his crimes and filled with righteous anger after witnessing the massacre at Eastpool, he pledges himself to Cid’s cause to free all of Valisthea from its bonds—not only those between Bearer and master, but those between man and Mothercrystal.

Five Years On

An imperial Bearer turned ally of Cid the Outlaw. In truth, however, he is something much more—not only the firstborn of the Archduke of Rosaria, but also the Dominant of Ifrit, with the ability to absorb the powers of other Eikons. In the five years since the fall of Drake’s Head and the death of his mentor, he and Jill have strived to continue Cid’s legacy, the light of Ramuh forever in his heart.

At the New Hideaway

After Cid fell and his hideaway was reduced to rubble at the hands of Hugo Kupka, Clive took on both his predecessor’s name and role, becoming the second “Cid the Outlaw” and leader of the reestablished resistance. Together with the other survivors and their new recruits, he continues Cid’s mission to emancipate Bearers and rid the realm of Mothercrystals.

As Mythos

Dominant of the second Eikon of Fire, Ifrit. Unlike the other Dominants, Clive has the curious power to absorb Eikons from their hosts and wield their strength as his own. The being known as Ultima appears to crave this same power—identifying Clive as “Mythos,” a vessel for power unlimited. However, Clive refuses to surrender himself to Ultima’s will, making of this godlike being another enemy in his fight to build a world where people can live on their own terms.

• The main character of Final Fantasy XVI and who the player controls. Available from the start of the game.

The Cursebreakers
, The Holy Empire of Sanbreque
, The Imperial Province of Rosaria

Second in command of the Cursebreakers, who assists with the coordination of their troops’ Bearer-liberating activities under the supervision of his captain, Dorys. Formerly a slave soldier for the Fist of the Republic before being freed and taken in by those he now calls his brothers- and sisters-in-arms.

The Cursebreakers

One of a pair of young twins who assist Harpocrates in the hideaway library—or at least, are tasked to. In practice, she spends most of her time reading books and teasing Tomes with her brother Tett. Born a Bearer like her parents, but spared the prejudice and persecution that they were forced to suffer—alas, she was not spared the tragedy of losing both her mother and father when Cid’s hideaway was laid low.

The Cursebreakers

A senior member of the Undying known as the Bearer of the Burning Quill, who coordinates his order’s research into Ultima from their headquarters in the Dhalmekian village of Tabor. At his liege lord Joshua’s command, he lends his and his order’s strength to Clive.

The Guardians of the Flame

Scribe and secretary for the hideaway, Desiree is also entrusted with the keeping of all donations to the cause from Clive’s allies and patrons. Though she could neither read nor write when first she came to the hideaway, Desiree labored night and day to learn her letters, and now the quill is never far from her hand. Her ever-cheerful demeanor is a bright light to those who make their homes atop the blackened mere.

The Cursebreakers

Dhalmekian Chief Strategist Chief strategist and former field marshal of the Dhalmekian Republic. While there was a time he took personal command of his troops, Hugo Kupka’s rise to prominence led to his being recalled from the battlefield by reason of his advancing age—for which he bears the vainglorious Dominant a deep-seated grudge.

The Dhalmekian Republic

Leader of the dragoons, the most elite warriors of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, who are the first to leap into the fray when the empire finds herself under threat—often literally. Dion is also the Dominant of Bahamut, Warden of Light.

After the Battle of Belenus Tor

Firstborn son and loyal subject of Emperor Sylvestre, ruler of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, as well as leader of the empire’s most elite fighting force—the dragoons. Dion is also the Dominant of Bahamut, Warden of Light, and has oft been called upon to summon his Eikon in defense of his countrymen—most recently in the Year of the Realm 873, when Odin took to the field against them in the Battle of Belenus Tor.

Following Olivier’s Ascension

Prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque and Dominant of Bahamut. He is deeply loyal to his father, Emperor Emeritus Sylvestre, and is much pained by His Radiance’s recent coldheartedness towards both I his people, and himself—a change that Dion learns was largely the result of Anabella’s scheming.

Revolt

Prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque and Dominant of Bahamut. Dion led his dragoons in revolt against the perceived treason of Empress Anabella and her son Olivier, but was instead goaded into slaying his own father and driven to madness, transforming into Bahamut and laying waste to much of the Dominion.

Rescued in Twinside

Dominant of Bahamut, Warden of Light. After laying waste to much of the Crystalline Dominion in an Ultima-inspired frenzy, Clive evacuated him to the hideaway, where Tarja labored to mend his wounds. Finally awake, he escaped to the Dominion to survey the damage he had done, and collapsed from shock— awaking again to find himself in the care of a young medicine girl named Kihel.

At the Sack of Ran’dellah

Dominant of Bahamut, Warden of Light. Making good on his promise to Joshua Rosfield to join him in his fight against Ultima, Dion rallies his dragoons to the defense of the Dhalmekian capital of Ran’dellah, saving the city from Akashic assault. He entrusts his troops to Eugen Havel before setting out to pledge his personal loyalty to the Rosfields’ cause.

Meeting with Clive

Dominant of Bahamut, Warden of Light. Knowing all too keenly how Ultima’s machinations are ushering the world to its doom after the events in Twinside, Dion pledges his allegiance to Clive and Joshua Rosfield, arriving on the Enterprise just in time to ride to the brothers’ rescue in Stonhyrr.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque
, The Holy Knights Dragoon

Born and branded in Rosaria, Dorys now captains the Cursebreakers, directing their Bearer-liberating operations in concert with Cole, her second in command. While she is fiercely committed to the cause, she abhors violence and will only bloody her blade if circumstances demand it.

In the Shadow of the Slave Trade

Captain of the Cursebreakers, who directs their Bearer- liberating operations. Dorys was raised by a Rosarian slavemaster who treated her branded charges as if they were her own children—teaching them how to read, write, and wield a blade, before hiring out their services to the highest bidder. Though Dorys resents her former master for the terrible deeds she made her do, she thanks her for making her the strong, scrupulous woman she is today.

At Balmung Dark

Captain of the Cursebreakers, who directs their Bearer- liberating operations. She learns that Chadwick, fellow Bearer and brother-in-arms who helped her escape her former master, met his untimely end in the cursed depths of the Balmung Dark. He died the same hero he was in life, having fought until the bitter end to save the life of a young Bearer girl. Dorys swears to keep fighting herself, that his legacy might live on.

The Cursebreakers

An orphan who lost her parents to the Ironblood’s most recent crusade. She fled towards Dalimil, finding a new family in Rens, a fellow orphan, along the way. The two were starving by the wayside when L’ubor found them and took them in, adding a new elder brother to the patchwork family. She is a kind and caring soul who enjoys nothing more than listening in on the conversations of the townspeople—whether they know it or not.

The Dhalmekian Republic

First Encounter

A young woman with child who made her home in the Waloeder village of Eistla—and is now the only surviving member.

At the Hideaways

A young woman with child who made her home in the Waloeder village of Eistla. After the Arche sky spread across the land, her fellow villagers turned Akashic and departed for Reverie, leaving her alone, afraid, and in hiding. By fortune, she was found by Clive and Gav, who took her back to the safety of the hideaway. It is speculated that the reason she survived is because the child growing inside her is a Bearer, and thus more able to resist the effects of aether.

The Cursebreakers
, The Kingdom of Waloed

Basic Information

Owner of the Crimson Caravans, a highly esteemed porterage firm in Boklad. Eloise has a knack for business and a head for figures, which she used to build her business from the ground up into the success it is today.

Her Brother’s Savior

Owner of the Crimson Caravans, a highly esteemed porterage firm in Boklad. After her younger brother Theodore awakened as a Bearer, she helped him to flee from their family home and build a new life far from those who would see him consigned to slavery.

In Mourning

Owner of the Crimson Caravans, a highly esteemed porterage firm in Boklad. Eldest child and heir apparent of a successful Kanverian trading house, Eloise abandoned her birthright in order to save her younger brother Theodore, who her parents would have seen branded after his powers awakened. After Theodore lost his life before her eyes, she swore to continue their work to free Bearers, that his death might not be in vain.

The Dhalmekian Republic

Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and father of Clive and Joshua. Loved by his people for his steadfast leadership both at home and on the battlefield—which he put to good effect in quelling the rebellious Northern Territories.

Warming the Throne

Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and father of Clive and Joshua. Elwin was born before his father, the previous Dominant of the Phoenix, passed away, so he did not inherit the Eikon’s powers. Instead, he devoted himself to the study of swordcraft and statesmanship, that he might lead his country from the front—which he did to wide acclaim in leading his armies in quelling the rebellious Northern Territories.

After the Fall of Phoenix Gate

Late Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and father of Clive and Joshua. Elwin’s reign ended when he was beheaded by servants of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque in their ignoble attack on Phoenix Gate. Known not only for his inspiring leadership and skill with a blade, but his disapproval of the mistreatment of Bearers, his legacy lives on in all those who oppose imperial rule in what remains of Rosaria.

A Hidden Past

Late Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and father of Clive and Joshua. During his reign, he strove to bring an end to the mistreatment of Bearers and his people’s reliance on magic—a mission that he knew would meet with fierce opposition from the court nobility, and would not be achievable within his lifetime. That his sons might follow in his footsteps, he fashioned for them a pair of matching armbands, to give them strength when all stood against them.

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

A Cursebreaker in training who wishes to make of himself a scout, that he might follow in the footsteps of his idol, Gay. Though his test did not proceed entirely smoothly, he showed enough promise to warrant being accepted into the ranks…for now.

The Cursebreakers

At the Sack of Ran’dellah

Former field marshal of the Dhalmekian Republic. While there was a time he took personal command of his troops, Hugo Kupka’s rise to prominence led to his being recalled from the battlefield by reason of his advancing age. However, it was the battlefield that was to return to him when a horde of Akashic attacked Ran’dellah, and with the ministers either stupefied or slain, he was left with no option but to coordinate its defense.

The Dhalmekian Republic

L’ubor’s accomplice, who directs the espionage efforts of the Desert Hare’s loyal minions from his home in Dalimil. Born poor and turning to banditry at a young age, Ferda was saved from his life of crime by the original Ruzena Dalimil, who gave him a new purpose serving her own, somewhat less felonious endeavors. After Ruzena passed away, he continued to serve L’ubor in the same capacity.

The Dhalmekian Republic

Otto’s loyal lackey, tasked not only with keeping the ledgers, but with reading and sorting the myriad reports that enter the hideaway and arranging assistance for those in need. Born a Bearer, Gaute was kept as a slave to an Oriflamme tavern, whose keeper would beat him bloody. After being thrown out onto the city streets as punishment for a minor mistake, it was his fortune to be found by Otto, who took him back to the hideaway.

The Cursebreakers

First Encounter

Cid’s faithful scout, who puts his legendary nose to work in tracking the movements of slavers, soldiers, and any other object of interest to the hideaway—the ever-agreeable fellow only too gladly delving behind enemy lines if he can get a good story or two out of it.

At the Kingsfall

Cid’s faithful scout. The ever-agreeable fellow volunteered to follow after the Dominant that Clive had long been hunting—only to find himself being hunted in turn by the imperials. As luck would have it, Clive arrived in the nick of time to save his life, forging an unbreakable bond between them.

At the New Hideaway

Cid’s faithful scout, now one of Clive’s closest and most trusted allies. He continues to put his legendary nose to work in service of the hideaway—the information he brings back from his expeditions proving invaluable for the Cursebreakers in their efforts to save Bearers from servitude. Though he lost an eye during Hugo Kupka’s attack on the old hideaway, his scouting senses remain undimmed.

• Can often be found at Cid’s Hideaway.

The Cursebreakers

First Encounter

Second in command of Waloed’s Royal Intelligencers serving under Benedikta Harman, with whom he shares a deep bond of trust.

Death

Second in command of Waloed’s Royal Intelligencers serving under Benedikta Harman. Killed by footpads while attempting to evacuate the stricken Benedikta from the collapsing Caer Norvent.

The Kingdom of Waloed

First Encounter

One of Cid’s trusted allies. A gentle giant who has a warm word for everyone.

In Charon’s Service

Apprentice to Charon and ally of the hideaway. A gentle giant who has a warm word for everyone, but is not afraid to put his foot down in the face of injustice. Goetz’s every waking moment is spent in service to his “Nan,” and he can do little of his own accord without her express permission.

As Prentice Smith

Apprentice to Charon and ally of the hideaway. After Cid’s hideaway was reduced to rubble at the hands of Hugo Kupka, he followed his Nan in joining Clive at their new home on the lake. He has a keen interest in smithing, and spends what little spare time he is granted heating and hammering metal just as Blackthorne showed him.

On the Road to the Dominion

Apprentice to Charon and ally of the hideaway. He is the proud bearer of a trader’s pass that allows him to travel freely across the realm—something that is indispensable in completing the errands that Charon sets him. His latest task—to journey to the Crystalline Dominion in the company of Clive and Jill, using the pass to cross the heavily guarded and fortified border.

Following the Destruction of Twinside

Apprentice to Charon and ally of the hideaway. He aided Clive and Jill in gaining entry to the besieged Crystalline Dominion by having them pose as sellswords hired to protect an honest merchant visiting Twinside to trade in smithing paraphernalia. Somehow surviving the chaos that was to follow, he was scooped up from the ruined city by Joshua, who transformed into the Phoenix to effect his allies’ escape.

A Hidden Past

Apprentice to Charon and ally of the hideaway. Charon purchased Goetz from his neglectful parents after witnessing how they abused and undervalued their child, and it has been his pleasure to serve her ever since. His Nan feels much the same way about him, going so far as to call him her “right eye”—on the rare occasions she lets her true feelings slip.

• Usually found in Cid’s Hideaway.

The Cursebreakers

Wife of Rodney Murdoch, Lord Commander of the Rosarian army. Since her marriage, she has resided in the Murdoch manor in Eastpool.

After the Purge of Eastpool

Wife of Rodney Murdoch, Lord Commander of the Rosarian army. Since her marriage, she resided in the Murdoch manor in Eastpool—remaining there even after her husband’s death at Phoenix Gate. Alas, her time was also to be cut short—at the hands of the villainous servants of Empress Anabella.

• Murdoch Manor, Eastpool, The Imperial Province of Rosaria

The Imperial Province of Rosaria

The hideaway’s resident historian, whose love for books has earned him the nickname “Tomes.” Harpocrates traveled to Valisthea as a youth, seeking to unearth the secrets of this land of legend, and over the years has developed a deep knowledge of Valisthean geography, history, religion, and folklore.

At the New Hideaway

The hideaway’s resident historian. After Cid’s death and the destruction of his home, he joined Clive at the new hideaway, establishing a grand library within the walls of the Fallen ruin from whence he continues to share his knowledge with any who will listen. He has taken the orphaned twins Tett and Crow as his apprentices, though they have yet to prove the most attentive audience.

The Cursebreakers

First Encounter

Patriarch of the Crystalline Orthodox, who conducts his sinister ceremonies in the Comraich—the holy sanctuary built around the heart of Drake’s Breath. A zealous believer in the Orthodox’s teachings that Bearers and Dominants are unclean creatures born of sin.

Death

*Patriarch of the Crystalline Orthodox. A zealous believer in the Orthodox’s teachings that Bearers and Dominants are unclean creatures born of sin, he conducted the sacrificial slaughter of Bearers, claiming that he was “merely cleansing them of their corruption.” Slain by Jill Warrick on her return to the Iron Kingdom, in answer not only for the crimes he committed, but those he forced her to commit in the name of his crusade. *

The Iron Kingdom

An orphan boy of Boklad, strong-armed into pickpocketing travelers by the nefarious Cast Stones. After being released from their clutches, Eloise elected to employ him at the Crimson Caravans to keep him from returning to a life of crime. He pledges to become the first customer of Goetz’s forge when the trader becomes a fully-fledged blacksmith.

The Dhalmekian Republic

Kupka’s awakening as the Dominant of the Eikon Titan thrust him to the forefront of Dhalmekian politics, winning him influence over both the republic’s armies and its policy making—as well as a personal fortune. He has little love for his country, taking advantage of his position to benefit himself and himself alone. His love for Benedikta Harman, however, is absolute, and he would gladly betray his every ally just to be with her.

Revenge Exacted

Kupka’s awakening as the Dominant of the Eikon Titan thrust him to the forefront of Dhalmekian politics, winning him influence over both the republic’s armies and its policy making—as well as a personal fortune. His greatest treasure, however, was always Benedikta Harman—so when a servant of Waloed informed him that his love had been slain by Cid, his fury toward the outlaw and his allies knew no bounds.

In Pursuit of Cid

Permanent Economic Advisor to the Dhalmekian parliament and Dominant of Titan. He has little love for his country, taking advantage of his position to benefit himself and himself alone. After learning that Cid the Outlaw—the man who slew the love of his life Benedikta Harman—still lives, he tasks his personal guard with capturing and torturing Bearers in order to draw out his nemesis and take his revenge.

At Rosalith Castle

Dominant of the Eikon Titan, Warden of Earth. On learning the identity of the one who slew his beloved Benedikta, he sends his forces to ransack Rosalith—capital city of Rosaria and Clive’s former home—in the hope of drawing him out. Clive takes up the offer, and is able to best Kupka in battle, cutting off his hands in the process. But before Clive can deal the finishing blow, the helpless Hugo is spirited away by a mysterious man from Waloed.

Final Breaths

Dominant of the Eikon Titan. After losing his hands to Clive’s blade in the crypt of Rosalith Castle, he was spirited back to Dhalmekia by his enigmatic Waloeder ally, Lord Harbard. Clive followed after, storming Kupka’s stronghold in the heart of Drake’s Fang to finish him once and for all. The duel that ensued—first with Titan, then with something even more terrible, led not only to Kupka’s long-awaited demise, but to that of his nation’s Mothercrystal.

• Castle Dazbog, The Dhalmekian Republic

The Dhalmekian Republic

First Encounter

Proprietress of the Veil, Northreach’s foremost house of ill repute, and one of Cid’s trusted collaborators. Isabelle is much admired by the populace for her elegance and refinement—qualities that have earned her the title “the Dame”.

A Hidden Past

Proprietress of the Veil, Northreach’s foremost house of ill repute. Before coming to Northreach, she was “Carla,” courtesan to the nobility in the Crystalline Dominion. However, she was forced to flee when she fell in love with a Bearer. The Veil took them in, and though her love was not to survive, her gratitude to the people of Northreach lives on to this day.

The Holy Empire of Sanbreque

After the Fall of Phoenix Gate

Born a princess of the Northern Territories, Jill was made a ward of Rosaria after her homeland’s incessant raids were quelled by the duchy. She was raised in Rosalith Castle alongside Clive and Joshua, who came to love her as a sister. When she waved the brothers farewell on the day they departed for Phoenix Gate, little did she know of the misfortune that awaited both them—and her.

At the Battle of Nysa

Dominant of Shiva and Clive’s childhood friend. In the depths of the Nysa Defile, the two came to blows at the orders of the armies that enslaved them—Jill fighting to defend the priests of the Iron Kingdom, Clive obeying the empire’s orders to take the head of Shiva’s Dominant. Exhausted from her tilt with Titan, Jill came close to falling to her assassins’ blades, but was spared at the last moment when Clive’s memories of their time together came flooding back.

Unconscious

Dominant of Shiva and Clive’s childhood friend. In the wake of the tragedy at Phoenix Gate, Jill was taken prisoner by the Ironblood army that marched on Rosalith and held captive on heir islands. It was there that she awakened as the Dominant of Shiva and was forced to serve as the Crusaders’ weapon in their holy wars.

Awoken

Dominant of Shiva and Clive’s childhood friend. After Clive and Cid spirited her away from the battlefield where she was being forced to fight for the Ironblood, Jill was placed in the care of the hideaway’s talented physicker, Tarja, who nursed her back to health. Finally awake after her long period of convalescence, she sets out with Clive to discover the truth of their past.

Five Years On

Dominant of Shiva and Clive’s childhood friend. After Clive and Cid spirited her away from the battlefield where she was being forced to fight for the Ironblood, Jill was placed in the care of the hideaway’s talented physicker, Tarja, who nursed her back to health. Five years have now passed since the fall of Drake’s Head, and she and Clive continue Cid’s mission to emancipate Bearers and rid the realm of Mothercrystals.

At the New Hideaway

Dominant of Shiva and trusted confidant of Clive, leader of the new hideaway. Together, they continue Cid’s mission to emancipate Bearers and rid the realm of Mothercrystals.

On the Shadow Coast

Dominant of Shiva and trusted confidant of Clive, leader of the new hideaway. After Clive was bested by Barnabas in the bed of the Naldia Narrow, the two fled to the Shadow Coast. It was there that she entrusted her Eikon to him, that he might have the strength to fight their fate to the last.

A Hidden Past

Dominant of Shiva and trusted confidant of Clive, leader of the new hideaway. Born a princess of the Northern Territories, Jill was made a ward of Rosaria after her father the Silvermane’s incessant raids were quelled by the duchy. She entrusted her Eikon to Clive after he was bested by King Barnabas, that he might have the strength to fight their fate to the last.

The Cursebreakers
, The Imperial Province of Rosaria
, The Iron Kingdom

Second son of the Archduke of Rosaria, Joshua was appointed heir to the ducal throne by virtue of his awakening as the Dominant of the Phoenix. His love and admiration for his elder brother Clive is absolute, and he is only too proud to have him serve as his First Shield. His love for carrots—less so.

After the Fall of Phoenix Gate

Second son of the Archduke of Rosaria and heir to the ducal throne. Upon the night of the imperial invasion of Phoenix Gate, the shock of seeing his father slain before his disbelieving eyes led to him losing control of his Eikon and setting the castle alight. From the flames rose a second Eikon of Fire, whose murderous rampage laid both the castle, and the Phoenix, low.

Unmasked

Dominant of the Phoenix and former heir to the ducal throne, Joshua was thought to have died at the hands of the second Eikon of Fire during the disaster at Phoenix Gate. However, he is very much alive, traveling the realm even now, his true identity hidden by a heavy cowl and an assumed name—that of Lord Margrace.

After Drake’s Head

Dominant of the Phoenix and former heir to the ducal throne, Joshua was thought to have died at the hands of the second Eikon of Fire during the disaster at Phoenix Gate. However, he somehow survived—appearing before his brother once more some thirteen years later in the inner sanctum of Drake’s Head, and saving Clive from Ultima’s advances by calling upon the power of the Phoenix to seal the being within himself.

Following the Destruction of Twinside

Dominant of the Phoenix and former heir to the ducal throne. Though he and Clive trod their separate paths for many years, the brothers were finally reunited amid the ruins of the Crystalline Dominion.

Idol of the Undying

Dominant of the Phoenix and younger brother of Clive. After surviving the disaster at Phoenix Gate, he devoted himself to uncovering the truth behind the emergence of the second Eikon of Fire. With the help of the Undying, he obtained a copy of the Journal of Moss the Chronicler, from whose pages he learned of the existence of Ultima—the creature he was later to meet with and seal away inside himself in the sanctuary of Drake’s Head. Now reunited with his brother, he and Clive fight as one to defeat Ultima and forge a new fate for mankind.

United Against Ultima

Dominant of the Phoenix and younger brother of Clive. His researches into Ultima culminate in the revelation that the creature’s true form is one and the same with Ifrit Risen, the creature he and his brother transformed into in the skies above the Crystalline Dominion. His grip upon the creature he sealed away inside himself by the altar of Drake’s Head ever fading, he swears to stand with Clive and fight their fate until the end.

The Cursebreakers
, The Imperial Province of Rosaria

Undying

A member of the Undying, a secret society sworn to protect and serve the Rosfields of Rosaria and the Dominant of the Phoenix who is always born in their line. After her order rescued Joshua Rosfield from the ruins of Phoenix Gate and nursed him back to health, Jote was tasked by her order to accompany and protect him on his journey to uncover the truth of Ultima.

A Greater Duty

A member of the Undying, a secret society sworn to protect and serve the Rosfields of Rosaria and the Dominant of the Phoenix who is always born in their line. While it is her sworn duty to serve and protect Joshua Rosfield, her true feelings for him run far deeper. Even after Joshua relived her of her obligation to protect him and tasked her to protect Clive’s hideaway instead, still she worries for the sickly prince’s health.

The Guardians of the Flame

Chief cook at Cid’s hideaway. Though the range and quantity of ingredients on offer in their hidden deadland home is limited at best, Kenneth finds opportunity in adversity, concocting toothsome fare from whatever happens to be at hand.

The Taste of Home

Chief cook at Cid’s hideaway, who lost his life on the night of Hugo Kupka’s attack. He was well-loved both for his ever genial nature and the toothsome fare he concocted from the limited ingredients available in their deadland home. Indeed, many of Kenneth’s dishes remain on the menu in Clive’s new hideaway.

• Cid’s Hideaway

After Finding Dion

An orphan girl who pays for her bread by making and selling medicines. Her travels took her from Dhalmekia to the Crystalline Dominion, where she nearly lost her life when the city was all but destroyed by Bahamut. After the flames died down, she labored to mend the wounds of the injured townspeople— eventually coming across a collapsed Prince Dion, who she nursed back to health.

Master of the Dalimil kitchens, where he serves filling yet inexpensive fare to the people of the town and the miners of Drake’s Fang. After his town was set upon by bandits, Konrad led the faction pushing for the recruitment of mercenaries to take bloody revenge. However, he was convinced to look instead at forming a town guard drawn from the citizens of Dalimil—of whom he became the inaugural leader.

The Dhalmekian Republic

First Encounter

Forgemaster of the Briar’s Kiss, the finest smithy in Dalimil. L’ubor is also the Desert Hare—an ally of Cid’s who once went by the name of Ruzena Dalimil.

Unmasked

Forgemaster of the Briar’s Kiss, the finest smithy in Dalimil. Known to those in the know as the “Desert Hare,” from whose long ears no secret is safe. The leadership he displayed in dealing with the bandits’ attacks led to his being proposed as a prime candidate to become the new mayor—but when the townspeople discovered that he was a Bearer, they elected to drive him out of town instead.

The Dhalmekian Republic