Astaphon's Beloved

A group of would be assassins, once members of the leading council to the Dust of the Earth, they now serve Astaphon after he bound their souls to him.

Background
They were the citizens of the town of Servitude, well loved and esteemed representatives of the common people. Reports of their efforts when the strife began contradict each other; some report that their aim was to speak to Astaphon as a representative body, and extort him to listen to the plight of the commoners. others report that their aim was always that of assassination and regicide. When they met the king, his retribution was swift and certain. He left them dying and then worked his own magics to bind their spirits to his service. Since that time they have worked to serve him unceasingly, all except one.

Sund
An assassin widely known for the murder of one of Astaphon's prized lieutenants in her bath chambers. When Astaphon turned him, he saw Sund's utility. Astaphon has set Sund hunting through the catacombs and caverns below the castle, working his terrors to peel apart Astaphon's rivals: the god-obsessed Devotees of Azi Dahaka. Sund is a deadly foe who exploits his potency with first strikes by retreating into shadows only to reappear again later.

Melqart
A Warlock of exquisite power, whom Astaphon respects greatly as a general of his palace forces. Her familiar, Blood of the Lamb, scouts the skies above the palace for any threats, while Melquart herself parades the battlements. There are rumors, however, that her connection to this crimson raven is tennuous. His soul is twinned, which affords Melquart only partial control of the creature. Nevertheless he serves her and Astaphon reliably as a scout, and her Eldritch Blasts strike from unbelievable distance

Ursa
A druid who fell from the balance. Astaphon set her to search for the Motes of Power, which he hoped to deny his rivals and secure for his own hidden agenda. When the Dome fell upon Yre, Ursa turned to the power of Death and began raising horrific monstrosities in the Kingswood, using Motes of Power to unnaturally extend her life. She is a master of Necromantic energies as well as nature magics of both fire and lightning, and surrounds herself with undead minions. When encountered she was in a Wild Shape of a Bear that bore the signs of her necromantic magic.

Ashur
A noble warrior, bold of heart and compassionate towards his friends, brusque and kind in equal turns, with a keen with and heart full of laughter. When the Doe fell on Yre, Ihraman's magics interfered with Astaphon's mental domination, freeing Ashur's mind from control. He embarked on a quest to recover his lost companions, but in their addled states they were unable to see him as anything other than foe. Though he is lost from this world, nevertheless his late lives on in the impact he had on the world and his companions.

Constantious
A companion of the Beloved who pursued them after they journeyed to the Palace little is known of this holy warrior but Astaphon keeps him closest of all. Leander was unable to discover records of his existance prior to his appearance in the Palace.