I would prefer NPCs, given the tight relationships we've formed for various characters.

Astraea as a healer is an important character to keep for her skills, if nothing else.  Hassan's skills are interesting and he also brings some fun tension to the group, emotionally.  Rodion is important to Ziotea's arc and emotional state, and I would prefer he be around.  I am not adverse to helping play him.  I don't know Hassan or Astraea well enough to do more than general stuff for them.