The Characters of the Legend of the Grimoire Series, by author Leah Ross

These are short biographies of the main characters of my Legend of the Grimoire series, in approximate order of appearance. I’ve tried not to give away any plot points.

If you’d like to read more about how I’ve structured my pirate crews and the responsibilities of each position, please see my page on the Anatomy of a Syndrayan Pirate Crew.

Before I get to the characters, I should briefly mention the races encountered in the series.

Annali: Though the Annali Republic is small in comparison to other countries and continents, the Annali people are the most well-traveled of their world, with a higher percentage of sailors, per capita, than any other race. They are a fairly average-looking people, with pale skin and unremarkable coloring and features, which makes those few possessing unique traits stand out. The Annali are quite proficient with magic, relying upon it for many things, but they prefer to limit its use when possible.

Rhiton: Almost as dissimilar to the Annali as possible, Rhitons are their natural enemies. Tall and large in size, they have smooth, hairless, dark grey skin that they adorn with tattoos in blue ink to commemorate their victories and accomplishments. They have small horns on their heads, beady black eyes, thick snouts, and hands with two wide fingers and a thumb on each. Rhitons are a nomadic race with absolutely no gift for magic, depending upon stealing their resources from other races (usually Annali).

Saryd: Excessively nomadic, with settlements all over the world, Saryds are a race of winged beings characterized by their common grey skin, white hair, and pointed ears. They are capable of flying great distances and never stay in one place for very long. They are long-lived, with a lifespan about twice that of Annali, and once they reach physical maturity, their bodies cease to age. They die once they’ve used up their stored life force, whether over time, through extensive injury, or reckless use of magic.

Enuldesh: With tanned skin and dark hair, the Enuldesh are elegant and refined beings who are highly skilled in magic and mental compulsion ability. Their society is rigidly organized in a strict caste system and ruled by a dynastic monarchy. Though Enuldesh do travel extensively when desired, they typically prefer to remain close to their country of Sehaann. As with many caste systems, there are clear delineations and wide gaps between the classes, with little to no movement between them.

Guinn McCabe (Annali, native of Eritaea): Confident, ambitious, determined, Guinn has wanted to be a sailor for most of his life, since his frail mother introduced him to the idea through books of Annali pirate tales. He had a relatively easy childhood, lost both of his parents at a young age, and has a large, wisely-invested inheritance with which to realize his dreams. He does not believe in fate or destiny but in hard work and determination. He is entirely a self-made man with both the means and the will to get exactly what he wants and lives life only on his own terms.

William Hannigan (Annali, native of Holystorm): Described in Book One as nearly a photo negative in appearance to Guinn and vanilla to Guinn’s chocolate, it should not, in any way, be misconstrued as Will being any kind of bland. Will is larger than life in almost every conceivable way. He is opinionated, wholly irreverent, sarcastic, cynical, mischievous, and entirely too enamored of his own wit. He is also loyal, self-sacrificing, wickedly talented, and a worrywart with far too many secrets to keep. Despite his assertions to the contrary, he loves deeply and with his whole heart, even though he’s convinced that none will ever reciprocate in kind.

Laria Brookes (Annali, native of Callinar): Laria is a truly gifted mage, with power and capability not seen in some time among the Annali people. Though she is aware of her ability, she wishes to use it only to help those she loves. Her family legacy is formidable, and, unlike Guinn, she does believe in fate. She has never been sure of her future, and the uncertainty in her heart and the weight of her destiny are demons that she feels incapable of escaping.

Declan Maclairish (Annali, native of Arcana): Raised as a rancher and expected to assume control of the family business when he came of age, Declan instead followed his heart and became a sailor. He’s a dedicated, patient, very capable man who lends his guidance whenever possible and laughs easily. But he harbors a dangerous and destructive secret that he only learned to suppress through years of careful control and adherence to a meticulously healthy lifestyle. His career as a pirate tests every one of his limits, and he fervently hopes that he can maintain control and keep his friends safe.

Ashur (Daeva, entity of Eirlyndd): Ashur is a spiritual being of the Syndrayan spirit realm. It’s an ancient entity created and sustained by mortal greed and vice that claims to be the original evil of its world. Without a soul and body of its own, it must rely upon mortal hosts to carry out its plans, seeking those with great natural power. Ashur is manipulative and conniving and schemes solely for its own gain and no one else’s.

Jonathan Morgan (Annali, native of Ordennon): In order to escape a harsh life of abuse and obscurity, Jonathan ran away from home at the age of seven, never looking back. Rather than allow his oppressive past to drag him into corruption, he instead used it to fuel his intense desire to prove to the world just how good a man he can be. Filled to the brim with integrity, loyalty, intelligence, and a fiercely protective nature, there is absolutely nothing he won’t do for those he cares about. Jonathan is equal parts tender lover and ruthless pirate, that inner conflict wreaking havoc on his conscience more often than not. He is a strategist, a pragmatist, an outright control freak, terrified by unknowns. He keeps his emotions under tight rein because of his consummate professionalism and because the constant war between his heart, his desire, and his sense of propriety is one he is helpless to fight.

Ambrose (Annali, native of Terracova): Every epic adventure needs its resident wise man, and Ambrose is the ultimate know-it-all for this one. He is the elderly proprietor of a bookshop so venerable and ancient that it was likely one of the very first businesses established in Terracova. Proclaiming to have books on every subject, Ambrose is the one to whom everyone turns for information. He is trustworthy and discreet, as well as a caring and devoted friend.

Teagan McCabe/Maclairish (Annali, native of the Aeon Grimoire): Teagan was born aboard the Aeon Grimoire and has never known any other home, raised a pirate from the beginning as no other Annali ever has. Skilled with a sword almost before she could walk, she also has a natural aptitude for advanced magic and the power to be truly formidable. She’s learned all about piracy from the best mentors she could possibly hope for, and it’s always been expected that someday she’ll lead her own crew to glory. Teagan struggles to find balance between her desire to be loved and her deep-seated need to hide every trace of her own weakness. She has honor and pride in spades, but uncertainty over her abilities undermines her confidence.

Tarrik Bha’met (Rhiton, unknown origin): Like all members of his nomadic race, Tarrik doesn’t really have a country of origin. He commands his Rhiton crew aboard a stolen Annali ship and they roam the world in search of treasure. Tarrik requires no grand schemes; he prefers to take what he wants and lets his greed motivate him. He has no need for magic, which is fortunate, since Rhitons have little of it, preferring to rely upon his brute strength and large size to achieve his goals.

Jesse Aldridge (Annali, native of Terracova): Well-spoken, loyal, and multi-talented, Jesse has been a member of the Grimoire’s crew since he was a cabin boy. He was apprenticed as a carpenter, but his skills extend far beyond that field. Jesse loves a good story and he tells the very best ones, always gathering a crowd whenever he spins a tall tale. He is always watching out for his friends and can be counted upon to offer his advice on any situation, no matter how brutal his honesty.

Esmeralda Reese/McCabe (Annali, native of Terracova): Esmeralda is the ambitious, determined mastermind that anyone would want on their team–unless, of course, she’s really scheming for the other side. Her magic potential is nearly as formidable as Teagan’s and she’s well-trained to use it. Orphaned at a young age, she didn’t let the circumstances of her meager childhood hold her back. Instead, it made her street-smart, resourceful, and infinitely adaptable to any situation. Esmeralda works only for Esmeralda, and heavens help those unlucky enough to face her wrath.

Callan Maclairish (Annali, native of Arcana): Callan is Declan’s nephew, but he looks so much like Declan as to be routinely mistaken for Declan’s son. Callan took the position as trainer at Maclairish Farm that Declan left behind. There’s no denying that Callan has a wealth of talent and capability with his family’s business, but the work doesn’t fulfill him completely. He’s always dreamed of going in search of adventure like his uncle, but he’s weighed down by his sense of duty and obligation to his family.

Alrien Rasaiah (Enuldesh, native of Arcini): As captain of the Sehaannian royal guard and one of the top naval commanders of the royal fleet, Alrien has the privilege of getting to travel the world on behalf of his prince. He is cool, calculating, and always looking for opportunity–traits that have earned him great respect with the Enuldesh nobility and the royal family. It’s a position that Alrien uses to its fullest advantage. There is very little that Alrien is denied, and he intends to exploit that for all it’s worth.

Elysaar Navarathna (Enuldesh, native of Arcini): Elysaar is the sovereign prince of Sehaann and he rules over his country with a fair hand and just heart. He has never been allowed to leave the capital city, so he relies upon his subordinates to do his traveling for him. He has a great interest in everything beyond the Sehaannian borders and his collection of rare and exotic foreign ‘acquisitions’ is a source of fierce pride. An accomplished fighter and a generous friend, Elysaar strives to do what’s right, even when he makes mistakes and misplaces his trust.

Oron Navarathna (Enuldesh, native of Arcini): Oron is Elysaar’s only son and second of Elysaar’s two children. As the second-born, Oron is not destined to rule Sehaann, so he enjoys a fairly carefree life. He has little involvement with any of his family members, though, so he is often lonely and isolated. He is a great fan of Annali pirate adventure tales and is well-acquainted with Teagan’s exploits. Oron’s future is predetermined, and he is intended to train for a life as an elite knight of Sehaann. But that’s not what he wants. Unfortunately for him, he has very little choice in the matter.

Jairaj (Jai) Qamar (Enuldesh, native of Arcini): Jai knows every corner and crevice of the Sehaannian palace. As a pleasure slave and personal favorite of the prince, Jai has traversed those opulent halls time and time again. He has never known any other kind of life than his pampered, protected existence within the palace walls, and he’s never wanted more than that either. He’s happy where he is, and even though he has almost no control over his life and is prone to loneliness, he is always quick to remind himself that he’s much better off than the poverty-stricken peasants on the streets. Perpetually optimistic, helpful, selfless, and generous, Jai is the best palace resource in residence.

Isala Navarathna (Enuldesh, native of Arcini): First-born daughter of Elysaar, Isala was always meant to rule Sehaann after her father. She is distant and aloof, spending her days in exhaustive training to prepare her for the throne. She is resigned to her prescribed role and does everything she can to fulfill her obligation with dignity and impeccable poise. But she barely knows her own brother, and her father is little more than a shared name to her. She is betrothed to a noble son she’s never met, and her future holds very little promise for a young girl who knows nothing but royal etiquette and political manipulation. She is trapped in a gilded, jeweled cage, not even daring to hope for freedom.

Dheeran Sailendra (Enuldesh, native of Lyrceris): Dheeran is the entitled, self-important, arrogant Duke of the Sehaannian province of Lyrceris. He is a respected member of the Sehaannian aristocracy, but he maintains that respect through calculated control and careful deception. He thinks nothing of those he sees as beneath him, manipulating everything and everyone in pursuit of his own agenda. Dheeran is no favorite of the prince. In fact, Elysaar regards the duke with open hostility, thwarting Dheeran’s plans whenever possible. Unfortunately, even the prince’s authority has its limits.

Loren Garrett (Annali, native of Terracova): Charismatic but crafty, Loren is always looking for the best way to benefit himself in every situation. He’s a gambler, both figuratively and literally, and losing is what he hates most in life. Loren is a deckhand who wants to be a gunner, a subordinate who wants to be top dog, an opportunist just waiting to pounce.

Natalie Sloane (Annali, native of Terracova): Natalie is an Admiral of the Annali military fleet, which is distinct from the pirate fleet. She is also Director of the Board of the Annali Naval Authority. She oversees operations of the entire Annali naval force, which gives her a lot of power and influence over all Annali ships. Natalie is no friend of the pirate fleet. She sees the pirates as lawless brigands, good for nothing more than a source of plundered income. That doesn’t mean, though, that she won’t use them to get what she wants.

Michael Wade (Annali, native of Terracova): Michael has a very tough job. He has to please everyone, despite their resentment, and walk the fine line between the dubious victory of success and the devastation of failure. He is confident, cocky, and self-assured, but also loyal, protective, and strong of heart. Michael is like enough to William Hannigan as to dub himself William’s surrogate big brother. He’s ruled just as often by his appetite as by his sense of honor. He’s the kind of friend who’s eternally dedicated and self-sacrificing–if only he could convince his crewmates to see it.

Leon Forster (Annali, native of Terracova): Captain of the Annali pirate ship Golden Dagger, Leon is a battle-hardened cynic who doesn’t take crap from anyone. He’s seen it all, done it all, and can captain his ship and crew through anything. He may have to work within the confines of the government bureaucracy to which he’s shackled, but he certainly doesn’t have to like it. Leon is a formidable enemy to have. But he’s an even more powerful ally.

Ahnrah Byraud/Saarna’tha (Annali, native of Aana’Tirion): An Annali of great natural magical talent, Ahnrah is the princess of legend, the one who married the last Or’Acanthan prince. It is hers and Mezriel’s story that began it all, and it is with them that it will end.

Mezriel Saarna’tha (Or’Acantha, native of Baltara): Mezriel is the last of the Or’Acanthan people, prince of a dead race and a ruined land. His treasure hoard–the entire wealth of his people–is the ultimate prize of the world. He doesn’t want any treasure, though. All he wants is peace, and he’s lost all hope of ever having it.