
Rhode
The Shadow-less magician
Rhode is a 13-year-old girl at the start of the story. Born in the Earth Lands, she has developed her own Nekros magic to avenge her brother’s death
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ISTP – Crafter/ Virtuoso
Rhode is an introverted character with an observant and practical mindset. Very private, she doesn’t share much about herself. If it weren’t for her perceptive and intrusive Shadow friend, her decisions would often appear unpredictable.
She taught herself Nekros magic through exploring the world, using her eyes and hands to make sense of her surroundings. This makes her an anomaly in a world where only those who attend the Shadow ceremony can become magicians.
Rhode is not afraid to take risks if the situation calls for it. She doesn’t back off from a magical battle despite not having a Shadow to protect her. In fact, she’d rather roll her sleeves up and fight magicians just to prove she’s not afraid of them. Unfortunately, this behaviour got her locked into Agrinion prison on suspicion of being an enemy magician.
She follows stubbornly her desire to find her brother’s murderer, with no regard for the consequences it could have on others. She didn’t hesitate to leave her family and home to seek revenge in a foreign land. Thankfully, she isn’t alone in her quest for answers. With a little help from Philos magic, Rhode soon warmed up to other characters and learned to build deep bonds with her companions.

Pamphilos
The shaman who heals Shadows
When Helena failed to become a magician, Pamphilos was a novice helping with the ceremony. He rescued her and made it his mission to fix magical troubles
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ENFJ – Giver/ Protagonist
When Pamphilos joined the Astronomers, he wished to make a positive difference in the world by helping magicians receive their Shadows. After Helena’s accident, Pamphilos felt compelled to serve a greater purpose in the world. He quit the Astronomers and embarked on a journey to understand magic and the Shadows.
Even though he was born in the Earth lands, Pamphilos is passionate about magic. The knowledge and experience he’s accumulated over the years grant him the nickname of shaman, the one who can heal the Shadows. He often gathers magical artefacts from all around the world, such as crystals and herbs, in his satchel to help in his mission. The staff he still carries with him was the first artefact he collected.
Pamphilos holds a surprising role as an Earthling leader in a world of magicians. He gathered a trusted magician from each of the eight clans and created a secret society, the Meeting of the Eight, to monitor magical troubles. After the disappearance of one of the Eight, Pamphilos sought guidance from the clairvoyant.
He is often the only one who can help magicians overcome magical problems and obstacles. Therefore, even the most powerful figures in the magical world look up to him with respect, and sometimes even fear. Thankfully, he knows how to put himself in other people’s shoes and speak up in a way that doesn’t offend others.
Pamphilos doesn’t hesitate to help those in trouble. However, he’s learned with Alexis to tame his altruistic behaviour. The shaman often chooses to help the innocents, those who share his values, or can help him help others.
His quest to solve magical problems in the world would be an unrealistic challenge for a single man. But thankfully, Pamphilos’s determination inspired many to support him. It is fair to say if Pamphilos had not saved Helena 20 years ago, the Shadow of Phaedrus would have remained a mystery forever.

The Master
The figure ruling over the Astronomers
The Master is the enigmatic figure ahead of the Astronomers. He is wildly respected and feared by Earthlings and magicians. He is never seen without a veil
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ENTJ – Visionary/ Commander
Nobody knows much about the Master, except that he’s the one who ensures the Shadow ceremony happens every year. When Pamphilos was a novice with the Astronomers, the Master was already an established figure of authority. It is impossible to tell exactly how old he is, or whether he has changed over the years. The Master is always at the centre of attention, yet he is never seen. He prefers to attend ceremonies hidden by a veil.
A strategic and inspiring commander, the Master influences Astronomers and magicians to support his plans. He has a network of loyal servants scattered in the Earth lands and all around the world, people he can reach at any time. He is regarded as a leader by many who are willing to follow his orders.
Under his calm appearance, the Master is intolerant of mistakes. He is known to be unforgiving to those who go against his will. He rapidly identified Rhode and Helena as problems in his plan. He did not hesitate to task Astronomers and magicians with removing the perceived obstacles, even when said obstacles are people.
However, he’s the one assigning Shadows to magicians. His ruthless decisions when it comes to non-magicians tend to be ignored by his followers, as long as the Master can provide order in the magical world.