Maskull

Krag

Krag is a mysterious, manipulative figure who guides and tests Maskull on his journey, often with harsh and cryptic motives.

Tydomin

Tydomin becomes intensely obsessed with Maskull, leading to a possessive and ultimately tragic romantic entanglement.

Sullenbode

Maskull and Sullenbode share a deep, passionate love that transcends their harsh surroundings, ending in mutual sacrifice.

Haunte

Haunte is a hostile, deceptive figure who opposes Maskull, representing the darker aspects of the world.

Joiwind

Joiwind is Maskull's first gentle guide on Arcturus, offering kindness and spiritual nourishment in a strange land.

Crystalman

Crystalman is the ultimate antagonist, a seductive and corrupting force that Maskull must resist and ultimately confront.

Polecrab

Polecrab is a loyal and practical companion who aids Maskull in his travels, sharing a bond of mutual respect.

Nightspore

Nightspore is a detached, almost spectral figure who shares a deeper, metaphysical connection with Maskull, representing his higher self.

Panawe

Panawe is a wise and gentle being who teaches Maskull about the spiritual nature of Tormance, acting as a mentor.

Gangnet

Gangnet is a fellow traveler and acquaintance who provides Maskull with information about the strange world they inhabit.

Catice

Catice is a hostile and cruel figure who opposes Maskull, representing the brutal side of nature on Arcturus.

Gleameil

Gleameil is a beautiful but tragic figure who briefly captivates Maskull, leading to a doomed romantic encounter.

I: The Séance

Arrives late with Nightspore; described as a giant with a full beard and sparkling black eyes; watches the séance with glittering anticipation.

II: In the Street

Skeptical yet increasingly fascinated by Krag's proposal; feels a destiny bound to Arcturus.

III: Starkness

Arrives at Starkness with Nightspore, breaks into the observatory, and discovers the mysterious bottles.

IV: The Voice

Hears a mysterious voice warning him of his fate; views Arcturus through the tower lens.

The Night of Departure

Anxious yet eager, Maskull undergoes a wounding ritual that grants him the strength to climb the tower; he drinks a farewell toast and falls asleep shortly after departure.

VI: Joiwind

Drinks gnawl water, experiences sensory awakening, prays at Shaping's Well, receives blood transfusion from Joiwind, and discusses the nature of God and his journey.

VII: Panawe

Arrives at Panawe and Joiwind's cave, listens to Panawe's story, and observes the strange phenomena of Tormance.

Panawe's Story

Listener to Panawe's story; comments on the lack of tools and civilization on Tormance.

VIII: The Lusion Plain

Awakens at Poolingdred, resolves to explore the Marest, journeys across the Lusion Plain, encounters Surtur, and feels a growing sense of destiny.

IX: Oceaxe

Awakens with new organs (sorb and third arm), resists Oceaxe's advances, serves Surtur, feels conflicted about Oceaxe's nature.

IX: Oceaxe

Exchanges garments with Maskull, expresses desire for him, kills a fish with her sorb, explains 'absorbing' and the harsh ways of Ifdawn.

X: Tydomin

Awakens from a vision, declares he is 'awake,' and confronts Tydomin about her crimes. He witnesses Oceaxe's death and struggles with guilt and the desire for sacrifice.

X: Tydomin

Manipulates Oceaxe to her death, reveals her love for Crimtyphon, and proposes to take over Maskull's body to become male, dedicating her own body to Crimtyphon's funeral.

X: Tydomin

Killed by Tydomin's manipulation, walking off a cliff after being directed by Tydomin's finger. Maskull later reveals she was innocent of Crimtyphon's murder.

On Disscourn

Determined to execute Tydomin, but later hesitates when confronted with Spadevil's new law.

On Disscourn

Carries Crimtyphon's body, submits to Maskull's will, and undergoes transformation by Spadevil, expressing remorse for her past.

On Disscourn

Introduces himself as the bearer of a new law, transforms Tydomin's sorb, and offers Maskull a path of duty and renewal.

Spadevil

Acquires new organs that eliminate pleasure and pain; initially follows Spadevil, but after his probe is destroyed, he renounces Spadevil's teaching and sees the world as a charnel house.

Spadevil

Preaches iron obedience to duty and rejection of pleasure; leads Maskull and Tydomin to Sant, where he accepts martyrdom at Catice's hands.

Spadevil

Accompanies Spadevil and Maskull; expresses doubts and a vision of their deaths, but remains loyal; is stoned alongside Spadevil.

XIII: The Wombflash Forest

Awakens with three eyes and a nerveless third arm, horrified by his past actions; follows the drum taps through the forest.

XIV: Polecrab

Awakens from a vision, reflects on Surtur and Nightspore, and decides to pursue audacity. He agrees to go to Swaylone's Island.

Swaylone's Island

Attempts to summon the Muspel-light through his music, causing destruction and the death of Earthrid. He is left stranded on the island.

Leehallfae

Journeys with Leehallfae, experiences physical transformation (new eyes), and witnesses the birth of a plant-animal.

XVII: Corpang

Hears a death prophecy, experiences Muspel-light, and decides to follow the drumming of Surtur.

XVII: Corpang

Guides Maskull through Threal, reveals his twenty-five-year search for Thire, and joins Maskull in following the drumming.

Haunte

Experiences a vision of pain transforming into joy, reflecting on the nature of suffering and love.

Haunte

Travels with Maskull, observes the events with a calm and sullen demeanor.

Haunte

A woman of pure sex, initially asleep under a tree; she kills Haunte with a kiss.

XIX: Sullenbode

Travels with Sullenbode and Corpang, recounts his journey, and experiences a vision of Muspel-light.

XIX: Sullenbode

Guides Maskull and Corpang, speaks of love as sacrifice, and expresses willingness to die for Maskull.

XIX: Sullenbode

Accompanies Maskull and Sullenbode, criticizes Sullenbode's love, and climbs ahead toward Adage.

XX: Barey

Travels through Barey, experiences the rising of Alppain, loses his sense of self, and faces his impending death.

XXI: Muspel

Maskull's corpse is noted as having disappeared from the raft, symbolizing the shedding of earthly identity as Nightspore approaches Muspel.