Desert nomads, mercenaries acting as auxiliaries to Herod's occupation forces

Yoseh-a young warrior just in from the desert Nogah-Yoseh's older brother,

leader of his band Medjhah-Yoseh's older brother Mahdah-member of Yoseh'sband, a cousin Kosuth-member of Yoseh's band, a cousin Juba-member of Yoseh'sband, an adoptive cousin Faruk-member of Yoseh's band, a cousin MelchesheydekYoseh's father, something of a rogue

Fa'tad al-Akla-called the Eagle, commander of the Dartar mercenaries

Joab-captain of Yoseh's company and an old friend of Fa'tad Mo'atabar-sergeantof Yoseh's company, related to Joab

THE HERODIANS

Called ferrenghi by the Dartar tribesmen, the literal meaning of the wordbeing outsider, stranger, enemy. In contemporary usage specifically someonewhose allegiance lies with the imperial city, Herod.

General Lentello Cado-conqueror of Qushmarrah, now military governor andcommander of occupying forces

Taliga-General Cado's brother-in-law and batman

Colonel Bruda-Herodian intelligence chief in Qushmarrah

Marteo Sullo-civil governor of Qushmarrah

Annalaya-a witch brought to Qushmarrah by Sullo

Cullo-Aaron Habid's supervisor at work

Ala-eh-din Beyh-a wizard, antecedents unknown, whose successful attack uponNakar the Abomination made possible the Herodian conquest of Qushmarrah

OTHERS

Chorhkni, Suldan of Aquira-permanent threat on the eastern boundary of theHerodian empire

THE GODS

Gorloch-an ancient, ferocious deity long abandoned by most

Qushmarrahans Nakar-an angel in Gorloch s pantheon, associated with death, from whom the sorcerer Nakar adopted his name Azel-a messenger demon associated with the angel Nakar

Aram the Flame-a gentle, compassionate deity whose cult supplanted that ofGorloch

God-the Herodian deity, ferocious, jealous, contradictory. Extension of his cult is the excuse for Herodian conquests