The largest nation in western continent of the Etciv, consisting of almost all human-occupied lands west of the Urbesi mountains. Founded around 1500 (Earth Calendar) by Marcus I "The Conqueror" having led the Apprentice's Revolt and taking over the City and Duchy of Feldaren.

Located in the relatively lower-mana central plains of the continent, Feldaren has lead the world in technical development since even before the Newcomers arrived.

Founded immediately after the Wizards War, the Union of the Etciv is a semi-sovereign, federated group of nations comprising the Empire of Feldaren, as well as several smaller nations, mostly along the Eastern and Southeastern coasts (notably Celanon, Allowyr, Behele and Pandac) as well as the island nation of Wu and Chu.

Notable Western nations not part of the union are the Kingdom of Fenrik, and the Eastern and Western Urbesi mountains, all three of which enjoy observer status in the Union Senate.

The western continent, somewhat analogous in geographic position to North America although shorelines and climate differ substantially.

Home to the Union of the Etciv, as well the mountains inhabited by the Urbesi, as well as off the coast the unaffiliated island Kingdom of Fenrik.

Obdrest is a large island nation off the southwest coast of Toyeri.

A nominal absolute monarchy, Its present king is Philip V. In practice, the major noble families have significant power.

This can refer to either:

The Gate itself - a magical portal which cycles between an apparently-infinite number of alternative Earths; it can be manipulated (somewhat) and can reconnect with worlds when a magical anchor has been detected.

Where the Gate is located - operated by the Brotherhood of the Gate, a small fortified town is built around the Gate to conduct research on its phenomenon and to keep it safe. The land around it was ceded to the Brotherhood by the Empire of Feldaren, and the town is nominally an independent territory.

Cory Nement
Grade: 2nd year (pt. II)
Class: 2-A
Hair style: Dark brown
Eye Color: Dark brown
Height: 5'7"/172cm
Notable features: wears glasses
Electives: Physics, Advance Honors Chemistry

Anne Adler
11th grade student at William Jennings Bryan High School, honor student, and member of the girls softball team. Attends sports camp over the summer.

Childhood friend of Mark's, and knew Joel in elementary school before his family moved. Now a year ahead of Mark.

In Pt. I, Diane was a third-year student at Queen Sara, and the outgoing student council president.

In Pt. II, Diane is a first-year college student.

Jack Allard

Martin Greenbaum
10th grade (in Pt. 1) student at William Jennings Bryan High School. Possibly an even bigger nerd than Mark, but more comfortable about it.

President of the "Action Movie Appreciation Society."

Richard Hull
Richard Hull is a foreign service officer in the US Department of State who was tasked with increasing trade relations with the Empire of Feldaren/Union of the Etciv when the opportunity presented itself because of the mission to retrieve Joel.

He was the second American through the Gate in 1992, setting up the trade mission in Feldaren. He is effectively a charge d'affaires rather than an ambassador, as the US government as a whole does not officially recognize the Gate, or the world on the other side of it, as physically existing.

Tika Allard

Jack Allard's younger sister, a new 1st year student as of Part II.

A coeducational, selective independent school (partially-state-funded) in the suburbs of the City of Feldaren, roughly 10km south of Riverside Station. Serves grades 7-9 in the Lower School and 10-12 in the upper school.

Admission is by competitive examination, or sponsorship by certain affiliated entities including the Imperial Ministry of Education.

Named for Queen Sara of Penrose, who led the Great Kingdom during the second Slave War, and who donated the initial endowment in thanks for the young men from Feldaren who died in the war. Moved to its present location, started receiving some state funding (primarily for scholarships) and became co-educational, after the Wizards' War.

Total enrollment of about 1600 (650 in the lower school, 950 in the upper.)

Head of School: Dr. James Mittari
Dean of the Upper School: Henry Jerdew

A (fictitious) highly-selective, co-educational 7th-12th grade high school located in Manhattan, NY, with students commuting in from all 5 boroughs.

Named after William Jennings Bryan, a progressive 19th and early 20th Century US politician from the US great plains.

Inspired by real highly-selective public schools in NYC.