Trained as a doctor, Yacob readily turns his medical mastery into deadly unarmed strikes that disable foes, crossing impossible distances in an instant to execute surprised targets or patch his allies' wounds.

As a field medic in Taldor's phalanx, Yacob Kress served under a dozen egotistical, short-lived nobles during Taldor's recent succession wars. Time and again, these nobles' arrogance and ambition got soldiers killed, and Yacob was left healing those unlucky enough to survive and burying the rest. He became so bitter that when a Red Mantis assassin killed Yacob's latest patron before his eyes, the medic didn't seek revenge; he sought training. Intrigued, the assassin accepted, taking Yacob to Mediogalti island to learn Achaekek's deadly arts. Several years later, Yacob finds grim catharsis every time he executes an arrogant fool, as if taking revenge against his old Taldan commanders-though he prefers not to harm bystanders whenever he can help it.

Eteleon: This is the very assassin who eviscerated Yacob's commander and introduced the medic to the Red Mantis. The stoic Eteleon has provided Yacob with invaluable mentorship, and this is their first mission together. Yacob is eager to prove what he's learned.

Kangir: Yacob only knows Kangir by reputation, specifically as one of the foul champions responsible for the succession wars' "Temple Canyon Tragedy." Yacob suppresses any grudge for the incident; that was a lifetime ago.

Zeah: Yacob and Zeah trained together as assassins. Surviving that harrowing education has forged an unspoken respect, bond, and light rivalry between the two.