 Dwer is a master hunter who serves the Council of the Six Races by keeping members of all sooner races from going beyond the Slope in an effort to limit the impact they have on the environment of the planet.The other two main characters are the young Hoon adult and keen writer Hph-Wayuo, called by his chosen nickname Alvin, and the traeki High-Sage Asx.While on a mission for the Council and being followed by an annoying noor called Mudfoot, Dwer encounters a teenage girl, Rety, who was raised in a human tribe living in the forbidden lands beyond the Slope.