Stillborns
Aden Stillborn is eleven years old and is the youngest of the three Stillborn brothers. Far mature than his age might suggest, Aden is curious by nature, braver than he realizes, and possesses a talent for unearthing various truths.
While smaller and weaker than average in stature and physical strength, Aden deploys cleverness and determination to overcome larger foes and challenges, and is willing to throw what little he has on the line for his beliefs.
Artemis Stillborn is a deceased great-uncle of the three Stillborn brothers. While his cause of death is unknown to most Steeple Creek residents, the town remembers Artemis as an expert carpenter who was playful, loyal, and sympathetic to those in need.
While he neared the end of his days nonetheless, many recall that Artemis and Mayor Garrett were often at odds during and outside town meetings.
Ethan Stillborn is sixteen years old and is the second-eldest of the three Stillborn brothers. While unapologetic of his fiery attitude and blatant disregard for authority figures, Ethan is the most protective and sincere brother who loves both of his siblings more than they recognize.
Malachi Stillborn is a sixteen year old adopted son of Artemis Stillborn which makes him a cousin of the three Stillborn brothers. When he was a boy, Malachi’s biological father was burned alive inside his cliff-side log cabin deep in the North Woods.
A great friend of his actual father, Artemis then adopted and reared Malachi into his teenage years. But soon after Artemis’ death, Mayor Garrett banished Malachi from Steeple Creek for propaganda, and then Malachi wondered back to the old, burnt cabin where he resides alone in its cellar.
Nathan Stillborn is a twenty-one year old law student and is the eldest of the three Stillborn brothers. Nathan is intelligent, peaceful, and—similar to Artemis— sympathetic when it comes to the wellbeing of others.
Town Mayors
Malcus is the ultra-conservative mayor of Snake Creek, the southernmost of the five river towns. With zero-tolerance for compromise, Malcus believes humankind exists for the sole purpose of being farmed and eaten and any threat to his (and the other mayor’s) way-of-life should be met with fierce and immediate termination without question.
Mayor Bergsberg is the mayor of Millstream, the northernmost of the five river towns. Composed, considerate, and calculating, Bergsberg is the least animalistic of the five mayors.
Despite his even-temperament and poise, he nonetheless observes values similar to his four peers.
Mayor Garrett is the mayor of Steeple Creek, the first established and geographical center of the five river towns. Given that it existed before the other four towns, Steeple Creek is viewed as the flagship.
Given also that his lineage has headed this town from its establishment, Garrett is accepted as the de facto leader amid the five mayors despite his poor management skills.
Mayor Horrolich is the mayor of Meadowbrook, the second northernmost river town (between Steeple Creek and Millstream). Unable to vocalize much other than short snarls and growls, Horrolich is the most animalistic of the five mayors.
When he lurches hunched-over he resembles a wounded bear, and given his reduced sense of reason and place, he is said to have informed servants assist with town meetings and administrative affairs.
Mayor Zorlewski is the mayor of Satchel Springs, the second southernmost river town (between Steeple Creek and Snake River). Masked by intellectual and graceful flair, Zorlewski is every bit a man-eating creature who, if given the opportunity, won’t hesitate to remind individuals who may be forgetful.
Townsfolk
Arlisa is Aden’s classmate and best friend. She is supportive without fail of his inquisitive undertakings and adventures even if that means her own safety is placed in danger.
Despite her undeniable beauty and splendor, Arlisa is a down-to-earth gal who doesn’t give a second thought to getting her palms dirty when needed.
Mr. Kreiser is a Steeple Creek resident with a reputation for being among the most vocal and outright stubborn during town meetings.
RK (Rudy K. Shworts) is Aden’s classmate and bully. Although she despises him, RK adores Arlisa and is jealous of how much she has gravitated to Aden given the young Stillborn’s short time in town. Even though Aden and Arlisa or only friends, RK believes the two are dating.
While he and Arlisa have never dated, RK nonetheless believes Aden has stolen her from him and tries to make Aden’s life in Steeple Creek a tough one.
Roy Carlson is a respected hunter and retired lumberjack. Husband of Shirley Carlson, Roy often spends his time maintaining his colossal rifle collection he stores in his cellar and backyard shed.
Shirley Loretta Carlson is the wife of Roy Carlson. Because she was a close friend of Artemis’ deceased wife, Elizabeth Stillborn, Mrs. Carlson views the three Stillborn brothers as her nephews and, upon their arrival, takes them under her wing.
Moreover, even though she’s submissive and ladylike beside her headstrong husband, she’s no stranger to the way of the rifle and would pull a trigger if needed.
Veronica is a modern twenty year old who returned to Steeple Creek some months ago to aid her grandmother. Both considerate and pleasant, Veronica humors Nathan, who often expresses interest in her, and is on the fence about one day leaving town for good.
While she was a child, Veronica lived in Steeple Creek with both her parents. One late evening nevertheless, her father stepped outside into the backyard to retrieve an item from the shed except he never returned inside the house and went missing thereafter.
Other Characters
Georgette Sumbry is a middle-aged Steeple Creek visitor who arrives in town with friends to soak up the great-outdoors. While on a whitewater rafting excursion, Georgette and her friends become Aden’s raft mates and befriend him at once.
Officer Jeb Henson is an irresponsible and carefree state patrolman with an open disregard for established protocol. One can often find Jeb wolfing burgers and slurping colas while parked at a truck-stop or on the shoulder of a state route.
Soulstorm is a forest-dwelling phenomenon made of slain souls and spawned centuries ago by local Natives to feast on the area cannibals. While not known to hurt humankind, a Soulstorm, like any wild animal, does grow curious about humans and, if not careful, could hurt them without meaning to do so.
Spiden is a cannibal minion with questionable loyalties who earns his name from the manner by which he crawls upon four deformed limbs.