Shann Lantee

Ragnar Thorvald

Ragnar and Shann are close companions and allies, working together to survive on Warlock.

Throgs

Shann is in constant conflict with the Throgs, hostile alien invaders who threaten his survival.

Taggi

Shann forms a bond with Taggi, a native Warlock creature, as a loyal companion.

Warlock

Shann is deeply influenced and challenged by the mysterious sentient planet Warlock itself.

Wyverns

Shann often clashes with the dangerous Wyverns, predatory creatures of Warlock.

Togi

Shann develops a close bond with Togi, another native creature and companion.

Logally

Logally is a fellow human survivor who allies with Shann for mutual protection.

Trav

Trav is a companion and fellow survivor who works alongside Shann.

Fadakar

Fadakar is a Throg leader who directly opposes and hunts Shann.

Tyr

Shann and Tyr are allies working together against common threats.

Ragnar Thorvald

Ragnar and Shann are close companions and allies, working together to survive on Warlock.

Ragnar Thorvald

Ragnar and Shann are close companions and allies, working together to survive on Warlock.

I: Disaster

The protagonist, a young Survey worker who survives the Throg attack due to being out searching for the wolverines. He is resourceful and begins to adapt to his solitary survival situation.

II: Death of a Ship

Fugitive after the Throg attack, struggling to survive and care for the wolverines; reflects on his past with Garth Thorvald and his lack of education.

III: To Close Ranks

Rescued by Thorvald; feels a mix of relief and defensiveness as Thorvald's questioning reduces him to his lowly status.

IV: Sortie

Shann participates in the sortie, using fire bombs and a spear. He later retreats to the river, waiting for Thorvald and the wolverines, and questions Thorvald's authority.

Pursuit

Observes Thorvald's haggard appearance and feels a growing conviction about his dream of the skull mountain; takes initiative to feed the wolverines and questions Thorvald's mission.

VI: The Hound

Regains consciousness after being blinded by a Throg energy blast, takes charge of the escape, and helps set a trap for the Throg hound.

VII: Unwelcome Guide

Shann is skeptical of Thorvald's obsession with the islands, but becomes disturbed by the medallion's effect on him. He physically intervenes to stop Thorvald's trance-like state.

VIII: Utgard

Feels a veil between himself and the environment; dreams of a skull-mountain; reflects on his difficult past in the Dumps and Survey Service.

One Alone

Awakens alone on the island, swims after Thorvald's canoe, is attacked, and must now fend for himself.

X: A Trap for a Trapper

Marooned and desperate, Shann discovers a living shell creature and resolves to trap the unseen force sabotaging his escape.

XI: The Witch

Sets a snare for the mysterious influence, feigns mental control, escapes drowning in a cave, and attempts communication with the Warlockian woman.

XII: The Veil of Illusion

Awakens in a Warlockian structure, explores the building, and participates in a ritual with the Warlockians.

XIII: He Who Dreams…

Navigates the mist, confronts hallucinations of Logally and Trav, and finds Thorvald.

Escape

Acts impulsively to save a Wyvern from a fork-tailed sea creature, despite having no reason to aid the Warlockians who previously controlled him.

XV: Dragon Slayer

Fights a fork-tail beast, uses a knife instead of a stunner, and later learns about Wyvern mind control.

XVI: Third Prisoner

Healed from his wound and eager to act, Shann is chosen by the Wyverns to confront the trapped Throg, accepting the task as part of his 'true dreaming.'

XVII: Throg Justice

Captured by Throgs, sick and in pain, he tries to mentally contact Thorvald and the Wyverns, and is forced to broadcast a false Mayday.

XVIII: Storm's Ending

Captured and bound by the Throgs, awaiting execution; receives a mental call from Thorvald; witnesses the mist-driven panic of the Throgs; is freed by Thorvald and the wolverines.