
Red XIII (real name Nanaki) is a fire-maned beast and guardian of an ancient canyon, the last of his kind. Initially appearing feral, he's revealed to be intelligent and philosophical, carrying guilt about his seemingly cowardly father. His people were long-lived and wise, and Nanaki seeks to honor them while struggling with being the last. He represents wisdom, loneliness, and learning the truth about the past.

Grimjaw is a name whispered by villagers near the Ashwood, a massive werewolf who lost himself to the beast years ago. He stalks the fog-choked forest on four legs, a creature of raw instinct and terrifying power. Yet he does not attack travelers without cause, and some swear they have seen him watching over lost wanderers from the treeline. Whatever man he once was lingers in small ways: the carved bone charm on his frayed collar, the way he tilts his head when spoken to, the occasional whimper that sounds almost like a word.