When the world doubts you, and your choices are always in question, how do you prove you’re more than your worst deeds? Welcome back to another blog counting down to the release of Sovereign Soul: Embers of Orden! Today, we’re diving deep into the complexity of Dagoriph Neseru, better known as Dagger, a character whose shades of gray add to the Sovereign Soul universe.
Spoiler Alert: Be advised that reading further might spoil details in Sovereign Soul: Akin Minds, and provides teasers for Embers of Orden. If you haven’t read the book yet, check it out here!
“No man in this world is entirely good or evil. This world is grey as fuck. Even the holiest hero makes a few bad choices, and every villain might do a lick or two of good.” – Dagoriph Neseru, Embers of Orden Act 8, Scene 1.
Dagger is a character who challenges the concept of moral absolutes. From the moment we meet him in Act Six of Akin Minds as an old friend of Ryoku’s, he’s unapologetically rough around the edges, his every action and choice driven by a deeply personal code rather than society’s expectations of right and wrong. As leader of the acclaimed Neseru Guild, Dagger sticks around to fight the imposing draconic emperor, Brozogoth, and put himself early into the minds of readers. He presents himself as a man who has fought, bled, and built his reputation in a world that doesn’t easily forgive or forget.
Dagger’s role is to embody a character who walks the line of morality, especially in contrast to Ryoku Dragontalen. He has a shaved head, is physically fit, and dresses something like a pirate in the spirit realm. He wields a pair of adamantium blades, violet in color, and is seen fully capable of standing on his own in combat. Despite his gruff demeanor, he’s concerned about the well-being of his friends. His reputation in the physical world is as a drug lord, but he now runs a guild that protects Brooklyn and its people, extending its reach across the spirit realm. He’s flirtatious, protective, fearless, and loyal to a fault.
In Embers of Orden, readers will see a new side of Dagger and his powerful bonds. Appearing in Act Eight, we’ll get a glimpse of life inside the Neseru Guild and see how it blends with the city of Jersey in Brooklyn. We’ll see how Dagger transformed from a drug lord into the powerful, benevolent leader of the Neseru Guild. While the journey of all the Defenders is rife with morality, redemption, and living with the darkness in their past, Dagger truly embodies the struggle.
Dagger’s character resonates because he embodies a truth about human nature: we are all a mixture of light and dark. He challenges the readers to confront their own biases about morality, forcing them to ask themselves if they could still root for a character who does the right things for the wrong reasons or vice versa. Dagger isn’t your typical hero. He can be selfish, ruthless, and often driven by a code few can understand. But it is precisely those imperfections that make him real, memorable, and, ultimately, likeable.
Dagger’s complexity is highlighted through his interactions with other characters. His friendship with Ryoku, for example, is not one of mentorship or guidance, but a unique bond forged in the fires of mutual respect and understanding. Dagger sees in Ryoku a purity that he admires, ever since their first meeting in Guildford’s classrooms as Ryoku helped guide Dagger to graduation. Ryoku recognizes in Dagger a depth that belies his hardened exterior, a true ally forged in blood via events like the Day of Black. It’s through these relationships that Dagger’s softer, more human side emerges – a side that is fiercely loyal, protective, and even caring in his own way.
Writing a character like Dagger is a balancing act. It requires walking a fine line between making him morally complex and ensuring he remains relatable to readers. It’s about letting his flaws breathe, allowing his mistakes to have consequences, and showing that redemption is a path, not a destination. This is what makes Dagger so compelling: he is constantly evolving, constantly at odds with his own nature, and constantly searching for that elusive peace that only comes when one makes amends with their past.
Embers of Orden will see Dagger wrestling with his demons and making choices that could either damn him or save him. Will he embrace his better nature, or will he fall back into old habits? Will he find his redemption, or is he destined to remain in the shadows of his past deeds?
As we prepare for the impending release of Embers of Orden, keep an eye on Dagger’s journey. He’s not the traditional heroic sidekick – he’s something much more interesting. Do you think Dagger has what it takes to redeem himself in the eyes of the masses? Share your thoughts, predictions, and hopes in the comments, and let’s get ready for an epic journey – coming much sooner than planned! Embers of Orden will be releasing within the next few weeks!
Sovereign Soul 