THE PLAYERS IN THE MANY-FACED GAME
Qushmarrah-The conquered city where events take place
THE QUSHMARRAHANS-
Called veydeen by the Dartar tribesmen, the literal meaning of the word being
stone-sitters. Applicable to any city dwellers
Aaron Habid-A carpenter and war veteran
Laella-Aaron's wife
Arif-Aaron's older son
Stafa-Aaron's younger son
Raheb Sayed-Aaron's mother-in-law
Tamisa ("Mish")-Aaron's sister-in-law
Taidiki-Aaron's brother-in-law, now dead
Billygoat-Aaron's friend and co-worker, who caulks the seams in ships
Naszif bar bel-Abek-a metalworker and war veteran Reyha-Naszifs wife, Laella'sbest friend Zouki-Naszifs son
Nakar the Abomination-a sorcerer, now dead, who ruled
Qushmarrah in the name of the god Gorloch The Witch-Nakar's wife Torgo-aeunuch serving the Witch
Azel-a professional killer, talented and deadly. A man of many faces
Muma-innkeeper and associate of Azel Ishabel bel-Shaduk-professional criminaland child-taker
The General-Leader of the Living, the Qushmarrahan resistance to the Herodian occupation; khadifa (colonel or chieftain) in the quarter called the Shu
General Hanno bel-Karba-the Qushmarrahan national hero
Colonel Sisu bel-Sidek-the General's adjutant and heir, khadifa of the waterfront
Meryel-woman shipping magnate, supporter of the Living, and bel-Sidek's lover
Colonel Salom Edgit-khadifa of the Tro quarter, caught between greed and honor
Colonel "King" Dabdahd-khadifa of the Astan quarter, a bootlicker
Colonel Ortbal Sagdet-khadifa of the Hahr quarter, more gangster than patriot
Colonel Carza-khadifa of the Minisia quarter, a fanatic
Colonel Zenobel-khadifa of the Shen quarter, a fanatic
Hadribel-second-in-command in the Shu quarter
THE DARTARS
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