William is a nobleman from the degenerate city-state of Vice in southwest Radavan. He is the head of house Dónaill, one of the larger gambling and theatre concerns in the city. Because magic is banned within city limits of Vice because of superstition and business interests, William has an interest in using magic for political gain against other nobles. William had a wife named Mae, and they had an unconventional marriage. As far as any can tell, they are still married but none ever see nor speak of his wayward bride.

Robynn is the daughter of Mae and Archibald Cooney, William's former right hand man and mercenary.

There is a theory that William arranged some sort of magic to be infused into Robynn while Mae was carrying her.