The Assassins

The Hollow Man

Over a century ago, in Turkey, a fatally ill man traded his soul to conquer his illness, and his diseased organs were replaced with a swarm of scorpions. He now has great power, but can no longer live in human society. Astarte has promised to remove his curse, and give him a long, normal life, if he can kill the Hearthstone children.

The Psionicist

Sylvester Melville is a well-known scientist and doctor in London. One night he fell into a coma, waking up days later feeling fine, but with remarkable telepathic powers. His lack of control of these powers has brought him great emotional suffering. Astarte has promised to explain what has happened to him, and give him control over his powers, if he can kill the Hearthstone children. Taking up "The Psionicist" as his nom de guerre, Sylvester has moved to Wales to do just that.

Albert

A young vampire living (so to speak) in a small town near Neath, Albert seeks only one thing: power. Astarte has promised him this, if he can kill the Hearthstone children.

Sparrow

Sparrow has been Astarte's indentured servant for over fifty years. Born in Japan, she sold her life to Astarte in return for the martial skill needed to kill a powerful money-lender who had destroyed her family. Astarte's will is Sparrow's command.

The Hangman

The Hangman has haunted the gallows of England since the mass executions of the War of the Roses. He is a creature of death, used by the gods to pass final judgement on the living. He is no stronger than a powerful man, but is a master of stealth and disguise.

Clockwork Assassin

The Clockwork Assassin is a magical automaton created in Germany in the late 19th century. Its creation was commissioned by Astarte. It is extremely powerful, but incredibly stupid.

Invisible Man

Seven years ago a man invented a chemical solution which, when he ingested it, cause light to pass through his body rather than being reflected by it. Ever since he has been completely inable to live a normal life. Astarte promises to undue his science, if he can kill the Hearthstone children.