Walter Avery is an unlikely and unqualified hero, though he pretends to be a rather natural one. While Walter considers himself a courageous and mature young man, when push comes to shove, this softhearted lad has much to learn. Raised in a secluded cabin in the woods, venturing into the world opens new doors full of wonder.

Dr. Cornelius Oswald is a wealthy surgeon, landowner, and magistrate in the town of Amity. When Walter is in need, Dr. Oswald generously offers his help and treats the boy with much-needed kindness. Often over-faithful, when an opportunity for adventure and some personal gain arise at the word of the Seer, the doctor jumps to action.

Rootwig is an elderly Aquian Seer whom Walter is wary of. She appears out of nowhere, doesn't speak his language, and carries a buoy around everywhere she goes. Shrouded in an air of mystery and misunderstanding, the Seer insists on pursuing "The Way", whether the protagonists like it or not. But why?

Thenshie, companion and translator to Rootwig, has a crude grasp on the Praedoran language. While she makes more of an effort than Rootwig to be courteous to the Praedorans, she can be just as firm in enforcing "The Way" as her elder.

Professor Simon Woods is a young epidemiologist and part-time assistant to Dr. Oswald. He takes up residence at Dr. Oswald's estate, most often found in the private library with his long nose locked in non-fiction tomes and research. Professor Woods prefers to be left alone.

Mrs. Lydia Marks is a nurse who specializes in managing the roughest, toughest patients around. Her background in wrangling with many stubborn seamen and cranky captains makes her overqualified for the voyage.

Captain Henry "Hank" Avery was a notorious pirate captain in league with The Witch, until the Riven Isles stole his heart and he broke away from her cruel ideals. After eloping with Walter's mother quite by accident, then escaping from her, Hank wound up in the gallows--which he then escaped, too, under the false name of Clarke. He is more than a capable sailor and swordsman and is relentlessly driven by sheer force of will to achieve his goals. Hank has only rudimentary skills with pistols, claiming them to be cowardly.

The Faith Hires

Mike is a smooth-talking knife expert, and leader of his small covert party among the larger crew. He can throw, juggle, stab, chop, and otherwise use any knives masterfully. He has a particular talent for back-stabbing.

Pete appears laid-back most of the time, which makes him mostly unpredictable to those who don't know him. A skilled swordsman, when push comes to shove, Pete could slash an adversary to flotsam in seconds.

Stevey is a master in the firearms department. Though banned from carrying his precious pistols during the sail to the Riven Isles, it should not be forgotten that he knows how to use them. With one look at a bullet, Stevey can tell exactly what type of gun fired it.

Rabbit is an albino that mostly minds his own business and keeps to himself. Because of the sensitivity of his skin, he spends most of his time below-decks or completely covered. His expertise is in explosives and demolition.

The Officers

Increas Langley is a talented mapmaker, painter, and navigator. Formerly the right hand man of the Witch, Langley's allegiance changed in the great schism. Langley, one of Hank's closest friends, became Hank's right hand man and sailing master once made a fugitive to both his former brethren--the pirates--and the law. He has a strong accent that he has learned to hide and loathes having to raise his voice.

Leslie Keller in a single word: hugger. Despite his threatening size, Leslie is the cheeriest and most loving man aboard at all times. Leslie has been a part of Hank's crew since the very beginning of the man's pirating career, and would undoubtedly follow him to his end. Aboard, Leslie's great talent for loud bellowing makes him an ideal quartermaster. Minding Harvey Cobbe is his side job.

Harvey Cobbe abuses substances in the most revolting manner, prone to rubbing every person he comes across the wrong way. His short temper and hasty aggression makes him a threat, though half the size of most humans. Cobbe is a master gunner and knows the ins and outs of firearms as well as he knows the ins and outs of black markets.

Dorian, ship's carpenter, is a prodigal inventor and a speedy craftsmen. Due to the judgement he gets for his size and appearance, Dorian tends to lash out at any odd looks. He lost his blood kin, the only one of them that Hank was able to save in his grand escape from the Riven Isles post-schism. The pirate raised him on banjo music and poor parenting.

Elian Arrow gave up law school for the sea. While intelligent and educated, he is humble and more likely to playfully boast about his high alcohol tolerance or cooking skills than his academic smarts. Elian is compassionate and a good listener, though a terrible (and loud) singer.

The Witch, also known as Darling, controls the sea. She is leader of pirates and pirate captains and values material gain over human life. Conniving, Darling is known for using her feminine charms as a lure to foolish men. She wears poison on her lips and coats her blade as well. Captain Avery is her equal in a sword fight, and in many other areas of their sailing and pirating careers, making him a competitor and threat in her eyes ever since they broke alliance.

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In this chapter, the prospective cover image at the very top was created by @ferret-bird here on Wattpad. Though I did not end up using it, I still wanted to share. All other art was created by me. 
Thanks for checking out Riven Isles! <3