Who tells the book, and the chapters in their voice.
High Dark Wizard of Nethrask
Four hundred and eleven years old, and tired of almost all of it. He has served Lord Sarrson for two hundred years. He writes the orders the Lord will not write, and he does not touch warm paper if he can help it.
Archmage of Haldmark
Seventy-nine, with knees like dry sticks. He fought nightspawn at Tereb Bluff. He kneels in the dirt because the answer is in the dirt, and there is one old memory he will not sell.
King of the Trolls
King Brogrim of Lumbertusk, called Brog because the long name is too long. He is learning numbers. He likes logs, shiny armor, and visitors who laugh.
High Shaman of the Gutlands
He has served Chief Gragzul for eleven years by being exactly as clever as he needs to be, and not one bit more. At least, not out loud. He can taste a spell the way other orcs taste meat.
Queen of Aerithil
She has watched the towers of Sel Aerith turn white, silver, and blue for nearly two hundred years, and she no longer sees them. She sees numbers. Around her neck, on a thin chain, hangs a little stick of crooked wood.