recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Maris Patrol

**Maris Patrol** is the Captain of the *Ferase Stras*.

## Appearances

* *A Life Erased*
* *The Gift of Magic*
* *A Conjuring of Light* (first appearance)

## Trivia

* General
* Etymology

* If V. E. Schwab was given the opportunity to give another character a comic series like she could give Maxim Maresh, she would love to tell Maris' backstory in that way.

- "Maris" means "of the sea." The name comes from the Latin title of the Virgin Mary, *Stella Maris*, which translates to "star of the sea."

## References

1. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince* — An Interview with V. E. Schwab
2. ↑ Behind the Name — Maris
Kell's silver dagger

A Life Erased/Restored
**Kell's silver dagger** is a knife in which the initials "K.L." are engraved. It is silver from tip to hilt and finely made.

## Overview

When Kell, then still Kastion Laros, was five years old, his parents brought him to the *Ferase Stras* to sell. Before they parted, his mother took the knife out of her pocket and gave it to him as a farewell gift.
The knife is the only item Kell Maresh owns from the time before his memories were sealed and he was adopted by Maxim and Emira Maresh. Kell also got his current name from the initials engraved into the knife—K.L.

After his adoption, Kell always kept the dagger close to him. He uses it to cut himself and draw blood in order to use blood magic.

## Trivia

* Maris Patrol incorrectly stated that the dagger used to belong to Kell's father.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Conjuring of Light*, Bonus short story: "A Life Erased"
2. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, I
3. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, II: Red Royal, III
4. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, X: Blood and Binding, III
Герхард

* До войны
* После

**Имя:** Герхард

**Происхождение:** Nanatsu no Taizai

**Уровень сил:** 7-А

**Пол:** Женский

**Классификация:** Фея, советница Короля Фей, младшая сестра Глоксинии

**Возраст:** Около 4200 лет

**Умения, силы и способности:** Сверхчеловеческие физические характеристики, магия, бессмертие (тип 2), полёт, телекинез, изменение формы (тип 1), сенсор ауры/энергии, чтение мыслей, иммунитет (к любого рода болезням), манипуляции растениями

**Слабые стороны:** Явных слабостей нет

**Разрушительный потенциал:** Уровень горы

**Диапазон:** Десятки метров

**Прочность/защита:** Уровень горы

**Скорость:** Двухзначные числа Маха

**Сила на подъём:** Неизвестная

**Сила на удар:** Уровень горы

**Выносливость:** Сверхчеловеческая

**Интеллект:** Средний, возможно выше

**Боевые навыки:** Хорошо владеет способностями фей

**Экипировка:** Что-то вроде посоха в виде растения с ягодами

* Полет - основная способность фей, позволяющая им летать при помощью своих крыльев.
* Бессмертие - все феи обладают огромный сроком жизни, они способны прожить 1000 и даже 3000 лет, при этом не постарев.
* Трансформация - магическая способность фей, позволяющая им принять человеческий облик, минусом этой способности является то, что данная способность отнимает довольно большую часть силы пользователя.
* Чтение сердец - особенная способность фей, позволяющая им читать сердца врагов, благодаря тому что феи читают сердца, они способны предугадать движения противника, а также узнать о их планах.
* Сопротивление к болезням - все феи имеют полный иммунитет ко всем различным видам болезней.
* Манипуляции растениями - все феи имеют вражденную способность к контролью корней и ветвий священного древа фей, фей используют корни дерева для различных действий, к примеру: фей при помощи священного древа, могут создовать различные конструкции, теже стены, или использовать ветки для захвата противника.

 Неопределённые бои | -
Aldus Fletcher

**Aldus Fletcher** is a pawnshop owner from Red London.

## Physical description

Fletcher has thin blond hair and sun-tanned skin that bears many scars and marks. Cuff-like limiters circle his wrists, though the marks on the inside of his wrists are broken.

## Personality

Fletcher is a dishonest and determined man who would do anything to stay in control. He is also remarkably petty and vindictive, as exemplified by his dislike for Kell Maresh.

## Biography

### History

At some point, Fletcher used his magic to control another; he was caught and his magic bound with limiters. He then paid his blood, soul, and years of his life to get the limiters broken.

Several years ago, Fletcher wanted to become business partners with Kell Maresh, though Kell declined. One night, they played a game of Sanct with some others. At the end, only Fletcher and Kell remained and fought for a betting pool consisting of, i.a., a vial of hope sand, a water blade, and a coat with multiple sides.

When they were on their last hand, Kell promised to work for Fletcher if he won. Fletcher was certain he would win, but one of his cards changed in the last-minute—from a saint, the highest card, to a servant, the lowest card—because Kell sneaked an enchanted card into the set. Kell won and took his prizes, but let Fletcher have a rook from White London.

### The white rook

While Rhy Maresh's birthday procession tours through Red London's streets, a boy enters Fletcher's shop to inquire about his limiters. He shows them to the boy who pales at their sight and quickly leaves without buying or selling anything. Shortly afterward, another customers enters his shop.

Later that day, Fletcher leaves his shop for a while. When he returns, he finds Kell and an unknown woman inside. The woman tries to attack Fletcher, but he stops and brings her to her knees by controlling her bones. Kell tells Fletcher that he needs the white rook he gave him years before; Fletcher replies that he will not sell it to him—he will sell it to the woman if she sleeps with him.

Then, Fletcher reveals that he alerted the royal guard via the scrying boards, and five guards storm into the shop. Four guards escort Kell outside while the fifth remains in the pawnshop. However, instead of giving Fletcher his reward for finding Kell, he slits his throat and leaves.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Fletcher can both wield fire and bone magic.

## Possessions

* **White London rook:** A white rook Kell Maresh gave him after Fletcher lost a game of Sanct. Lila Bard later takes it from Fletcher.

## Appearances

* *A Darker Shade of Magic*
* *A Conjuring of Light* (mentioned only)

## Trivia

* He smokes pipes.
* Fletcher does not speak English, only Arnesian.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, V
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IX: Festival & Fire, II
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, IV
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, IV-V
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, V
Shades of Magic Wiki

The **Shades of Magic Wiki** is a collaborative community website about the best-selling *Shades of Magic* series by V. E. Schwab that anyone, including you, can edit!
We aim to become a definitive source for all things related to the *Shades of Magic* series and its upcoming movie adaptation.

**WARNING:** This wiki contains spoilers about the series! Read at your own risk.

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**Shades of Magic**

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Innocent girl

**innocent girl** is a song by Hymns for Him, from their album Hymns for Him.

## Lyrics

It's wacky Wednesday

Put on your fancy mittens

We're going for a walk

To an innocent girl's house

I brought her a bracelet and some tambourines

* indecipherable\*

I say "I know you're an innocent girl

But I must tell you about the greatest thing you ever heard

It's called the bible

Let me explain in great detail

Why you need to read this book

It's got all the rules you need

* indecipherable\*

Come with me
Jasta Felis

**Jasta Felis** is the captain of the *Ghost*, and one of the few female captains in Arnes.

## Physical description

Jasta has fox-like pointed facial features and wild auburn hair that is partly twisted, making her look like "half lion and half snake." Because she comes from Sonal, a place close to Vesk, Jasta is exceptionally tall and towers, i.a., over Alucard Emery.

She also has an "animal-like" gait and a raspy, rusty voice.

## Personality

She is a very confident woman. According to Alucard, Jasta should not be challenged in anything, from drinking contests to sword fights, as she wins every contest.

## Biography

### *Essen Tasch*

In February 1820, Jasta arrives in Red London and meets Alucard Emery and Lila Bard at the docks. After talking briefly about the *Essen Tasch*, they part ways.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
Copper Thief

The ***Copper Thief*** (*Is Ranes Gast*) is Baliz Kasnov's ship.

## Description

The *Copper Thief* is a ship with a black hull and black sails; its coloring allows it to blend in with the dark. The ship's Arnesian name, *Is Ranes Gast*, is painted in shimmering ink along the hull. Many small, colorless lanterns illuminate the ship at night.

## History

In early 1820, the *Copper Thief* is sailing to the coastal city Sol when they spot a sinking rescue boat floating around the Arnesian Sea. The ship's crew brings the rescue boat's sole passenger, Lila Bard, aboard the *Copper Thief*. She tells Baliz Kasnov and his men that her ship, the *Golden Fish*, was taken by pirates. They killed her husband, and bound and abandoned her on the rescue boat with nothing but ale and some flares.

Interested in Lila and her apparent hijacked ship full of riches, Kasnov allows her to stay and brings her to his cabin. He leaves her there and joins his crew on deck; meanwhile, his men have been partaking of Lila's ale.

Unknown to the crew, Lila is actually a crew member of the *Night Spire* who made a bet that she could seize the *Copper Thief* on her own. In the cabin, Lila waits a while before she frees herself and uses tapers to fill the air belowdeck with drugged smoke. She also drugged the ale beforehand. The smoke and the ale knocks out all crew members of the *Copper Thief* apart from Kasnov who was on deck and did not have any alcohol. Lila swiftly kills him and one of his men who was particularly unpleasant to her before she re-joins her own crew.

The crew of the *Night Spire* then takes the *Copper Thief'*s valuables but spares its remaining members.

## Known crew

* Baliz Kasnov (captain)
* 14 unnamed men

## Trivia

* All members of the *Copper Thief* have a knife tattoo on their throat.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, I
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, I-II
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, V
Beloc

**Beloc** is a resident of White London.

## Physical description

Beloc is a wiry boy with dark eyes. After Athos Dane binds his body to him, his eyes become empty and feverish, though they never lose their defiant fire.

## Personality

He is a brave and rebellious person, even when facing the fearsome Dane twins.

## Biography

### Bound

Because Beloc did not bow before Athos and Astrid Dane when they rode through White London, Athos takes him to the White Castle to torture him. Beloc is pinned against a metal frame, and Athos whips him before he carves a binding rune into his flesh. The specific rune Athos uses only binds Beloc's body, not his mind, so that Beloc will be fully aware of the atrocities Athos will demand of him. After Athos finishes the binding spell, Holland Vosijk informs him of Kell Maresh's arrival. Leaving Beloc strapped to the frame, Athos heads to the throne room.

The next night, Athos orders Beloc to guard the door to the throne room. When Lila Bard arrives to kill Astrid, who is inside the throne room, Beloc cuts a translation rune into his body and urges her to leave. She persists to stay though, and Beloc begs her to kill him; because of Athos' command, he cannot abandon his post and has to fight Lila.

Lila asks him how he wants to die, and Beloc asks for a quick death. While Beloc recites a prayer, Lila stabs him through the ribs, killing him instantaneously. She then lays Beloc's body on the floor and enters the throne room.

## Possessions

* **Sword:** Beloc receives this weapon to guard the throne room.

## Appearances

* *A Darker Shade of Magic*
* *A Gathering of Shadows* (alluded to)

## Trivia

* In the original draft of *A Darker Shade of Magic*, Beloc survived because V. E. Schwab wanted him to live. However, her editor, Miriam Weinberg, convinced her to kill him.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, III
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIII: The Waiting King, II
3. ↑ "Believe it or not (I know I have a reputation for character brutality) I wanted Beloc to live. So much that he DID survive the original draft. And then my editor made me kill him. She could tell I was pulling the punch (or rather, the blade). Sorry, guys."
(*A Darker Shade of Magic* — Kindle notes and highlights)
Satash

**Satash** is an inhabitant of Verose and a participant in Arisa Rasora's tournament.

## Physical description

Satash is a tall man with dark skin and dark eyes.

## Biography

### *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*

Around 1790, the Pirate Queen Arisa Rasora returns to Verose after a lengthy absence and holds a tournament to find a new member for her crew. Satash enters it alongside eight others and has to watch how Arisa forces one of them to remove himself with her bone magic to make the number of participants even. Afterward, the tournament begins. Satash's match is the third one and he is paired with Kolitar who quickly defeats him, and Satash collapses in a pile of his own blood.

## References

1. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 1
2. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 2
3. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 3
Nasi

**Nasi** is a resident of White London who works at the White Castle.

## Physical description

Nasi is small for her age and has long blonde hair. Her face is scarred due to being attacked in the *Kosik*, and she uses her hair to hide this until Ojka encourages her not to be ashamed and to wear her scars with pride. After that, Nasi starts braiding her hair.

## Personality

Nasi puts on a brave face for the world so as not to seem weak, even when she is scared or upset. She can be kind and rather childlike as she puts flowers on Ojka's grave and then wonders if the dead can be lonely, but she is aware of what it takes to survive in White London and seems to know how to look after herself. When she is very frightened, she curls into a ball, closes her eyes, and covers her ears.

## Biography

### Early life

Nasi has been working in the palace since the Dane twins' reign as she remembers people being tortured by Athos Dane.

At some unknown point in time, Nasi has been attacked in the *Kosik*, White London's slums, and the attack left her with a scarred face.

## Appearances

* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power*
Kobis

**Kobis** is member of the *Night Spire* and a spy for Berras Emery.

## Biography

In February 1820, when Lila Bard manages to seize the *Copper Thief* on her own, Kobis watches the scene silently with his arms crossed while the others are either applauding or in disbelief.

The *Night Spire* then heads to Sasenroche. There, the crew splits up, agreeing to meet up at the Inroads in the evening. At the Inroads, Alucard Emery announces to everyone that they will return to Red London because he has entered the upcoming *Essen Tasch*. While the others are ecstastic, Kobis is quiet and looks concerned.

When the *Night Spire* crew eventually arrives in London, it checks into the Wandering Road.

## References

1. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
Baliz Kasnov

**Captain Baliz Kasnov** is a legendary pirate and the captain of the *Copper Thief*.

## Physical description

Kasnov is a very thin, almost skeletal looking, man with deep-set dark eyes and receding black hair. Like every member of the *Copper Thief*, he has a tattoo of a knife on his throat.

## Personality

He is known for his gluttony which encompasses both treasures and especially food and drink.

## Biography

### Raid at night

In early 1820, the *Copper Thief* is sailing to Sol, a coastal city, to steal a large shipment of liquor. On the way, Kasnov and his men spot a small rescue boat which carries a woman, Lila Bard, and a cask of ale. They bring both onboard, and Lila tells them that her ship full of riches, the *Golden Fish*, was hijacked by pirates. They then killed her husband, and bound her and put her on the small boat with the alcohol.

Interested in Lila, the ransom she could bring, and the valuables on her ship, Kasnov allows her to stay and brings her to his cabin. He leaves her there and returns to his crew on deck. While his crew drinks from Lila's ale, Kasnov does not. Thus, he is the only one not knocked out by the drugs Lila mixed into the alcohol.

When Lila comes on deck, Kasnov fights her but quickly loses. She kills him by cutting his neck.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, I-II
Kosika

**Queen Kosika** is an *Antari* and the current queen of Makt. She is an acolyte of Holland Vosijk and wants to follow in his footsteps by all means possible.

## Physical description

Kosika has long brown hair and two-colored eyes: Her left eye is black, whereas her right one is an indiscernable mix of green, blue, and grey.

## Biography

### History

Seven years earlier, Kosika found Holland Vosijk's corpse in the Silver Wood after she fled from home because her mother tried to sell her to a human collector.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** As an *Antari*, Kosika has control over all elements and can use blood commands.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CuZiXAUoJkA/
2. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CwqJG9bpYhF/
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 File:Shades of Magic Readalong- Bonus Episode!
Anisa Emery

**Anisa Emery** is the only daughter of Reson Emery and his late wife. She is also the younger sister Berras and Alucard.

At the time of her death, she was twelfth in line to the Arnesian throne.

## Physical description

Anisa has wavy brown hair and dark eyes. When she was younger, her hair was gold-blonde.

## Biography

### History

In 1817, Anisa was practicing magic when Alucard returned home after, unknown to her, visiting Rhy Maresh. Berras figured it out though and sent her away to speak to Alucard alone.

The night of the Summer Feast, Anisa tried to stop Berras from hurting Alucard, in vain. Berras hit her, and Alucard pushed her out of the room and shut the door. Berras and their father then sent Alucard away. A month later, Alucard returned home—their father had died in the meantime—after having been caught and imprisoned for piracy. The king and queen pardoned him and made him a privateer and captain of the *Night Spire*. Right before Alucard boarded the ship and left Red London again, Anisa gifted him a cat as a parting good, as she had heard cats bring luck for ships.

### The *Essen Tasch*

Anisa is overjoyed when Alucard returns to Red London for the *Essen Tasch* of 1820. However, when Alucard comes to see her one night, the visit is cut short by Berras' antagonism toward his brother.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Anisa can manipulate air. According to Alucard, her magical threads are vivid blue.

## Appearances

* *A Royal Affair*
* *A Gathering of Shadows* (first appearance)
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power* (flashback only)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
2. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, IV: Weapons at Hand, VIII
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", II
4. ↑ *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", IV-VI
Felix Ortiz

**Felix Ortiz** is a freelance graphic designer and digital artist from America.

For Wraithmarked Creative, Ortiz illustrates the upcoming deluxe editions of *Shades of Magic*.

## *Shades of Magic* work

### Illustrations

Kell Maresh walks through the Night Market.Lila Bard captured Kell.Lila marvels at her new clothes.Kell fights Holland Vosijk.
## External links

* Felix Ortiz on Artstation
* Felix Ortiz (@FelixOrtizArts) on Twitter
* Felix Ortiz (@ortizfreelance) on Instagram
Mathieu

**Mathieu** is a resident of Red London.

## Physical description

Mathieu is a small boy with light brown eyes.

## Biography

### *A Darker Shade of Magic*

In October 1819, Mathieu watches a fire mage doing tricks at the Night Market with his mother and various others. When the street mage conjures a dragon of fire, Mathieu stumbles back in surprise and nearly falls down, but Kell Maresh catches him on time. Recognizing the *Antari* prince, Mathieu stares at him and then goes to hide behind his mother when she comes to apologize for her son. Afterward, Kell wishes them a good night and leaves.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, II: Red Royal, II
Ellis

**Ellis** is the former head of the royal guard.

## Physical description

As a royal guard, Ellis wears a red cloak with gold fanning over armor, and a helmet.

## Biography

### Missing prince

When in October 1819, Kell Maresh does not return from his errand to White London, all scrying boards in Red London report him as missing. Aldus Fletcher discovers Kell in his pawnshop and alerts the royal guard, and Ellis and four of his men arrive.

Ellis is surprised to see Kell well and unharmed and asks him what happened and why he is in Fletcher's pawnshop as it is such an unsavory place. Kell tells him that he only just arrived in Red London after being delayed on his errand and came to the shop to look for Rhy's birthday gift. Ellis then escorts Kell outside and to a carriage; three of his men follow them, whereas the last stays behind with Fletcher, presumably to give him his reward.

In the carriage, Ellis closes the doors and draws the curtains shut before he apologizes to Kell and another guard sedates him.

## Possessions

* **Short sword:** His primary weapon as a member of the royal guard.

## References

1. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, IV-V
Maktahn

**Maktahn** is a language spoken in Makt.

* *Övos norevjk*
* *Tovach ös mostevna*
* *Ös vosa nochten*
* *Ös reijkav vösk*

## Trivia

* Maktahn was partly inspired by "the more guttural influences of Scandinavia."

## References

1. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, I
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, V
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIII: The Waiting King, II
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, II
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IX: Festival & Fire, IV
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, III
9. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, VI
10. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, VIII: Uncharted Waters, II
11. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, VI: Execution, II
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, IV
13. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIII: The Waiting King, I
14. ↑ "The languages in ADSOM are entirely fictional, but each draws from a different linguistic set and pattern, [...] the Mahktan [*sic*] of White London drawn from the more guttural influences of Scandinavia"
(V. E. Schwab on Tumblr)
A Royal Affair

***A Royal Affair*** is a short story included in the *A Universe of Wishes* anthology. It tells the story of Alucard Emery and Rhy Maresh's initial courtship as well as Alucard's return to Red London for the *Essen Tasch* of 1820.

## Synopsis

*Anything is possible.*

From We Need Diverse Books fifteen award-winning and celebrated diverse authors deliver stories about a princess without need of a prince, a monster long misunderstood, memories that vanish with a spell, and voices that refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice.

Alucard and Prince Rhy's relationship in V. E. Schwab's *Shades of Magic* series is finally revealed, Anna-Marie McLemore gives "Cinderella" a trans retelling, while letters supernaturally cross borders between Gaza and California in Tochi Onyebuchi's "Habibi."

*Close your eyes. Make a wish. The universe is yours for the taking.*

"I wrote a story called "A Royal Affair" for this anthology [*A Universe of Wishes*]. It's Alucard's story, from his courtship with Rhy, to the events that led to him becoming captain of the Night Spire."

## Characters

* Alucard Emery
* Lila Bard

**Past:**
* Alucard Emery
* Rhy Maresh
* Berras Emery
* Anisa Emery
* Reson Emery
* Maxim Maresh
* Emira Maresh
* Esa
Stasion Elsor

**Stasion Elsor** is a magician who was supposed to participate in the *Essen Tasch* of 1820 before Lila Bard usurped his position and identity.

## Physical description

Stasion is a fair-skinned man with dark, almost black hair. He has sharp bones, a narrow waist, and long legs. He wears a simple charcoal grey coat with an iridescent "S"-shaped pin at his throat. Furthermore, Stasion is slightly taller and a little more broad-shouldered than Lila Bard.

## Personality

He is a shy man who is uncomfortable in crowded places and likes to draw.

## Biography

### The *Essen Tasch*

In February 1820, Stasion travels alone to Red London as he was chosen to compete in this year's *Essen Tasch*.

Two days before the tournament, Stasion attends a party with the other Arnesian competitors and their entourage at the Setting Sun. There, he talks briefly with Jinnar, but remains mostly in the background—this and his physique catches the attention of Lila Bard who follows him after Stasion leaves early.

Lila attacks Stasion with a metal bar in a narrow street, and though he fights back, she manages to knock him out by hitting him in the head. Alucard Emery then takes Stasion's belongings from his coat pockets—among them is a key to the Coach and Castle Inn, his invitation to the *Essen Tasch*, and some notes on the other competitors—and removes his pin, handing everything to Lila. Lila also steals Stasion's coat, wraps him in a wool blanket, and cuts off a lock of his hair before she and Alucard send him away on a criminal transport ship to Delonar.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *Unfinished Business*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power* (mentioned only)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, V
Night Market

The **Night Market** is a marketplace along the Isle in Red London.

## Overview

The lantern-lit Night Market consists of many colorful tents that sell a wide variety of goods: clothing, flowers, nourishment (fresh and candied fruit, mulled wine, etc.), magic amplifiers (often jewelry), scrying boards, water from the Isle in vials, etc. Many tents are warded against thieves. Performers, e.g. musicians and street mages, also do shows at the market.

Despite the name, the Night Market is open at all times. The market got its name from the fact that its activity peaks at night.

## Known tents

* ***Essenir* ("essential items"):** A stall that sells polished stones in various colors. Lila Bard tries to steal a blue-green stone from the tent and is promptly caught.
* ***Is Postran* ("The Wardrobe"):** A green tent at the end of the market and close to Soner Rast. It sells clothes and accessories, and is run by Calla.

## Trivia

* In *A Royal Affair*, Alucard Emery states that the market opens when it turns dark.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XI: Masquerade, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, II: Red Royal, II
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IX: Festival & Fire, I
4. ↑ "Week 3- Shades of Magic Readalong" — V. E. Schwab on YouTube
5. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, V: Ash and Atonement, II
6. ↑ *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", VI
Enthusiast

An **Enthusiast** is a person from Grey London who considers themselves a magician.

Like Collectors, Enthusiasts collect magical, or seemingly magical, objects. Unlike them, they purchase them to try to use them because they believe that possessing an object from another London will allow them to access and use the magic from that other world.

## Trivia

* Kell Maresh generally does not like Enthusiasts.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, III
Olo

**Olo** is the cook of the *Night Spire*.

## Biography

In February 1820, when Lila Bard manages to seize the *Copper Thief* on her own, Olo, like Stross, is in complete disbelief.

The *Night Spire* then heads to Sasenroche. There, the crew splits up, agreeing to meet up at the Inroads in the evening. At the Inroads, Alucard Emery announces to everyone that they will return to Red London because he has entered the upcoming *Essen Tasch*.

When the *Night Spire* crew eventually arrives in London, it checks into the Wandering Road.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## Trivia

* When Olo has too much alcohol, he often spills his drinks.

## References

1. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
Shades of Magic: The Rebel Army

***Shades of Magic: The Rebel Army*** is an adult fantasy comic written by V. E. Schwab and illustrated by Andrea Olimpieri and Enrica Eren Angiolini. It is the third installment of the *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince* series.

It was released in four issues before being published as a bind-up copy on July 7, 2020. The individual issues came out from November 2019 to March 2020.

## Synopsis

Once just a single ship, now the pirate fleet of the Rebel Army numbers in its thousands. Made up of traitors from each of the three empires, the fleet, who once made the open waters of the Blood Coast their home, have set their sights on establishing their own land-based empire with London as their capital.

The Rebel Army is a battalion made up of traitors to each of the three empires, who've claimed the open waters of the Blood Coast as their territory. Led by a Faroan, a Veskan, and an Arnesian (Rowan, the *Antari* from the Night of Knives), the Rebel Army started as a rag-tag gang, a single ship, but in the last few months, they've gained momentum. Once content to claim the open water as their empire, they've grown in ambition and scope, and now they're claiming ports, creeping toward a full-on land assault. Their goal? London. But first, they'll have to cross Verose, where Maxim, Isra, and the royal guard are waiting.

## Characters

### Red London

* **Maxim Maresh** — The Crown Prince of Arnes, also known as the Steel Prince. He is sent to the Blood Coast by his father.
* **Nokil Maresh** — The King of Arnes.
* **Tieren Serense** — Head Priest of the London Sanctuary.
* **Isra** — A soldier stationed at the Blood Coast who becomes Maxim's primary ally.

## Gallery

### Covers

US cover.B&N Exclusive edition.Forbidden Planet Exclusive edition.
#### Issue 1

Cover A (primary cover). Art by Claudia Caranfa.Cover B (first variant cover). Art by Andrea Olimpieri.Cover C (second variant cover). Art by Andrew Leung.
#### Issue 2

Cover A (primary cover). Art by Claudia Caranfa.
#### Issue 3

Cover A (primary cover). Art by Claudia Caranfa.
#### Issue 4

Cover A (primary cover). Art by Jesús Hervás.

## Trivia

* The Barnes & Noble exclusive edition includes 16 bonus pages of art design and a variant jacket. The Forbidden Planet edition contains the same bonus pages, has a different variant cover, and comes with a signed bookplate.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3.1: The Rebel Army" — Comixology
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The 3rd and final volume of my comic series, STEEL PRINCE, comes out on my birthday (7/7)!"
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
3. ↑ "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince Vol. 3: The Rebel Army" — Amazon
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3.2: The Rebel Army" — Comixology
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3.3: The Rebel Army" — Comixology
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3.4: The Rebel Army" — Comixology
7. ↑ "Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince, Volume 3: The Rebel Army (B&N Exclusive Edition)" — Barnes & Noble
8. ↑ "Shades Of Magic: The Steel Prince: Rebel Army (Forbidden Planet Exclusive Signed Bookplate Edition)" — Forbidden Planet
Bels

**Bels** is the former thief of the *Night Spire*.

## Physical description

According to Lila Bard, Bels is a very ugly and tall man with an overabundance of facial hair.

## Personality

He is rather unlikeable as well as greedy and traitorous; most of his fellow crew members hate him, and Bels is stealing money from his captain, Alucard Emery.

## Biography

### Theft

Bels and some other members of the *Night Spire* head to a tavern in Red London. Unknown to them, Lila Bard follows them inside. While they play a round of Sanct, Lila trips a waiter so that he drops the drinks he is carrying. In the commotion, Lila swiftly cuts free Bels' purse and leaves the tavern.

Bels quickly notices the theft and hurries after her. He confronts her in front of the tavern. They fight, and Lila manages to ram her knife into his ribs, killing Bels.

## Possessions

* **Curved blade:** His weapon of choice. It looks like a small scythe.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows* (flashback only)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, III
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, IV
Vasry

**Vasry**, also known as **Handsome Vasry**, is a member of the *Grey Barron*.

## Physical description

Vasry is a very handsome man with tawny gold hair and thick eyelashes. Instead of diminishing, his beauty increased with age.

## Personality

He is very flirty and often only thinks of partying and beautiful women.

## Biography

In February 1820, when Lila Bard manages to seize the *Copper Thief* on her own, Vasry, along with Tav, applauds her for this accomplishment.

The *Night Spire* then heads to Sasenroche. There, the crew splits up, agreeing to meet up at the Inroads in the evening. At the Inroads, Alucard Emery announces to everyone that they will return to Red London because he has entered the upcoming *Essen Tasch*. Because Lila has never heard of the games, Vasry, together with Tav and Stross, explains them to her.

When the *Night Spire* crew arrives in London, it checks into the Wandering Road. Vasry has to share a room with Lenos, Tav, and Lila. Because there are only two beds in the room, Vasry is initially thrilled, believing Lila might stay with him; he drops the idea as soon as she says she stabs people in her sleep.

Two nights before the tournament, Vasry—alongside Stross, Tav, and Lila—accompanies Alucard to the Setting Sun for a customary gathering of the local competitors and their entourages.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Vasry is a windworker, albeit a very poor one.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *The Fragile Threads of Power*, II: The Captain and the Ghost, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
6. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV
7. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, II: The Captain and the Ghost, III
Tav

**Tav** is a member of the *Grey Barron*.

## Personality

Tav is a level-headed, optimistic man. According to Lila Bard, he is the most resilent out of the *Night Spire* crew. He also likes to laugh loudly.

## Biography

In February 1820, when Lila Bard manages to seize the *Copper Thief* on her own, Tav, along with Vasry, applauds her for this accomplishment.

The *Night Spire* then heads to Sasenroche. There, the crew splits up, agreeing to meet up at the Inroads in the evening. At the Inroads, Alucard Emery announces to everyone that they will return to Red London because he has entered the upcoming *Essen Tasch*. Because Lila has never heard of the games, Tav, together with Vasry and Stross, explains them to her.

When the *Night Spire* crew arrives in London, it checks into the Wandering Road. Tav has to share a room with Lenos, Vasry, and Lila. Two nights before the tournament, Tav—alongside Stross, Vasry, and Lila—accompanies Alucard to the Setting Sun for a customary gathering of the local competitors and their entourages.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power*

## Trivia

* Tav comes from somewhere at the edge of the Maresh Empire. Because of that, the more he drinks, the less intelligible his accents becomes.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV
6. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
Isra

**Isra** is the current head of Rhy Maresh's royal guard.

## Appearances

* *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*
* *Shades of Magic: Night of Knives*
* *Shades of Magic: The Rebel Army*
* *A Conjuring of Light* (first appearance)
* *The Fragile Threads of Power*

## Trivia

* General
* Etymology

* Isra is gay.

- The name "Isra" is derived from the Arabic سرى (*sara*) "to travel at night" and means "nocturnal journey."

## References

1. ↑ "Isra is [gay]."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
2. ↑ Behind the Name — Isra
Lenos

**Lenos** is the former second mate of the *Night Spire*.

## Physical description

Lenos is a tall, thin man with dark hair.

## Biography

### Raid at night

After Lila Bard manages to seize the *Copper Thief* on her own, she returns to the *Night Spire* and immediately tells Lenos to give her her reward. He and Stross made a bet with Lila beforehand that she could not do it; they did not think she would plan the raid so thoroughly. Lenos seeks out Alucard Emery for help, but he only reminds him and Stross of the bet and that they were foolish enough to gamble with Lila. Begrudgingly, Lenos hands his twin blades over to Lila, and Stross gives her his money.

### Return to Red London

The *Night Spire* then heads to Sasenroche. There, the crew splits up, agreeing to meet up at the Inroads in the evening. At the Inroads, Alucard announces to everyone that they will return to Red London because he has entered the upcoming *Essen Tasch*.

One night, while they are on the way to Red London, Lenos finds Lila on deck. She invites him to talk, and he tells her about his homeplace Casta: There, people believe that *aven* people appear for a reason. And because Lenos thinks that Lila is *aven*, he is wary of her, fearing the reason why she appeared. They then part ways. Not long afterward, the *Night Spire* crew arrives in London and checks into the Wandering Road. To Lenos' discomfort, he does not only have to share a room with Vasry and Tav but Lila as well.

## Possessions

* **Palm fire:** To his surprise and bewilderment, Lila Bard gifts him a fading palm fire.
* **Twin knives:** A knife which separates in two if a hidden notch is pressed. Lenos gives it to Lila after losing a bet.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, II
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, III
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
6. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
7. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, V
Staff

**Staff** is a former guard of Kell Maresh.

## Physical description

Staff is a broad man with a beard and greying temples. He looks rather "stiff."

As a royal guard, Staff wears a red cloak with gold fanning over armor, and a helmet.

## Biography

After the events of the Black Night, Maxim Maresh chose Staff and Hastra as Kell's new guards.

### Troublesome princes

In February 1820, Staff, along with Hastra, Vis, and Tolners, waits for Kell and Rhy Maresh to return from their trip into the city. When Kell asks Staff and Hastra to help him with a drunk and injured Rhy, they do nothing and remain quiet. The next day, Staff escorts Kell to the sunroom where Maxim, Rhy, and Emira Maresh have lunch. Maxim then orders Kell to deliver a letter to Grey London, and Staff and Hastra wait in the Naresh Kas for Kell's return and lead him to the king.

Though they do not lead Kell back to his room, they take up their position in front of it until Rhy beckons them inside. He informs them that Kell was assigned an undercover mission: He will enter the *Essen Tasch* as Kamerov Loste to investigate a threat to the tournament. For that reason, one of his guards will have to pose as his second, his attendant. Hastra happily volunteers.

## Relationships

### Kell Maresh

Staff fears and hates Kell because his sister died during the Black Night.

## Possessions

* **Short sword:** His primary weapon as a member of the royal guard.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, IV
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, III
Splendor

**Splendor** (*Rachenast*) is a leisure palace in Red London.

## Overview

Splendor is a luxurious place reserved for the *ostra*, the city's elite. They frequent the leisure palace particularly during the winter months to forget the coldness outside, and are provided with a first-class banquet consisting of summery items and numerous servants tend to their needs.

## Structure

Large silver-plated doors lead to Splendor. To ensure that its clientele can forget the wintry cold, the leisure palace's interior mimicks an arbor on a bright summer day: A carpet of grass covers the ground from which enchanted trees rise. Wind chimes fill the air with its sounds, a blue stone platform stands in for a pond, and fire lanterns illuminate the entire area.

Beyond the main chamber, an artificial dark forest fills the hallways. Because the trees are denser there and only dim star-lights in the branches lit everything, many couples retreat to the hallways to be alone.

## History

In early 1820, Rhy Maresh takes a reluctant Kell to Splendor, fully knowing that his brother would dislike the place. Rhy actually intended to bring him to a different place, but knew Kell would protest going there; by heading to Splendor first, Kell would see the other place as the "lesser evil" and agree to go there.

After Kell realizes this, he tells Rhy that he will not cave, even though he is indeed miserable and uncomfortable. Rhy then mingles with the crowd, and Kell loses sight of him when he overhears a few people discussing the upcoming *Essen Tasch* and one of its apparent competitors, Alucard Emery. When Kell feels an echo of Rhy's pain, he searches for his brother and finds him with a waitress in the forest area of the leisure palace. Kell angrily drags him out, and they head to the Blessed Waters.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, II
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, II-III
Emery Estate

The **Emery Estate** is the residence of the House of Emery. It is located in Red London, on the southbank of the River Isle.

## Structure

The Emery Estate is framed by a metal fence; the gate's intricate, curling metalwork forms an ornate *E*. The courtyard is lined with trees and shrubbery, and its floor is a mosaic of blue and silver stones.

The house possesses many great glass windows and is surrounded by a decorative wall. A pair of glass doors on the far wall opens to a large garden.

## Residents

* Alucard Emery (former)
* Anisa Emery †
* Berras Emery
* Lady Emery †
* Reson Emery †

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
Fallori

**Fallori** is Kisimyr Vasrin's lover.

## Physical description

Fallori is an attractive woman with high cheeks.

## History

In 1819, Fallori watched Kisimyr Vasrin train from the patio and asked her why she trained so much. After all, she was already the best. Then, Fallori proceeded to seduce Kisimyr, but when Kisimyr responded to her advances, Fallori made her take a bath first as she was sweaty and dirty from her extensive training.

Fallori guided Kisimyr to the bathing pool and went inside first. Kisimyr followed her and when she was cleaned up, they kissed and had sex.

Afterward, they went to their bedroom where Fallori laid down on their bed and disapprovingly watched Kisimyr getting dressed for a party hosted by the House of Rosec. Fallori tried to convince her to stay, but Kisimyr did not let herself be persuaded. Instead, she offered to take Fallori with her, and Fallori refused. After her all her attempts to persuade Kismyr failed, Fallori gave up and told her that she would not wait for her. Then, Kisimyr left.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows (Collector's Edition)* — "The Consequence of Triumph"
Vares

**Vares** is the dead pet owl of Tes Ranek. She often talks to him.

## Physical description

Vares is an articulate owl skeleton, held together by silver wire. He has two stone eyes—one is black, the other blue. Although Vares is a skeleton, he can still move, albeit only limitedly, because of a spell Tes wove around him.

## Biography

### History

When Tes Ranek was twelve, she purchased the dead owl from Elrick, along with a gift for her father's birthday. Tes re-created the spellwork of a slightly animate stuffed bird that stood in her father's shop, On Ir Ales, and applied it to Vares. while she worked on Vares, her older sister Serival entered her room. She snatched the bird when she noticed it could move, and accused Tes of having stolen it. Tes blurted out that she made it during their quarrel. Before Serival could inquire further, Forten called her away. She returned the owl and left.

Immediately, Tes grabbed the owl and informed her mother about what had transpired. Her mother gave her money and told her to leave. Tes sought out Elrick who brought her and Vares to Red London.

## Trivia

* Tes named Vares after Kell Maresh because both have two-colored eyes.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *The Fragile Threads of Power*, I: Clocks, Locks, and Clearly Stolen Things, I
2. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, VIII: The Girl, the Bird, and the Good Luck Ship, III
3. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, VIII: The Girl, the Bird, and the Good Luck Ship, III-IV