Well, my idea with Iona was going to be a bit of surprise, hopefully, once I hit Ultimate as the reunion would actually come near the end of the journey of doing the entire campaign. But Iona is actually already in game. Two hints, one is probably way to obvious. 1) The name Iona is deliberate because it’s close to the identity she’s ‘assumed’ in the game. 2) Her abduction fractured her mind and she doesn’t remember much about her earlier life. 
So, given that, maybe something along those lines. I think a warlock would be a very appropriate choice (both aether and chaos to represent the two sides fighting over her) and messing with all those other worldly ‘things’ has taken it’s toll.
Yes, and judging by our stories we’ve all felt that. HA! Here’s my stash were I keep my Salt Bags. I currently have 6 characters. 3 of those characters have unlocked the Edge of Reality quest so I’ve actually already used 3 salt bags. If you count how many are here currently and subtract 3 you can see how many characters I’ve lost since starting over in November-ish.
And seriously, don’t get me started about blueprints ARHGGHHH!!! I did a post about this last week.
Regardless of what happens going forward, and despite the slow frequency of our posts here, this has been an extremely enjoyable journey.
RIP to those lost. But the fight for Cairn must go on!