Synopsis:
The Crimson Hands was founded by rogue assassin and general madman, Lye Ulroke. Originally started as a gathering of skilled assassins, killers, thugs, mercenaries, and bandits, The Hands became a unified body with the sole purpose to collect coin in exchange for dirty work. Whispers of their existence echo in the back alleys of all the major Althanian cities. Those who call upon their services are forever marked by The Hands, watched for the rest of their waking days. Should a former employer put The Hands at risk in any way, their lives have but hours remaining.
Purpose:
We are the eyes that are always watching, the waiting reaper, and the executioner's axe. The Hands' primary goals are to establish a network of secrets and power in all corners of the land. Members must not only be able to take a life, but be able to collect information on targets of great importance. Kings, Queens, Dukes, and figureheads of power all have secrets capable of crippling their positions. There is even information within The Order that remains to be uncovered. Our group has taken out entire nations, killed heroes, and changed governments. Now, we have become much more dormant. We talk mercenary work for coin while the intricacies of larger designs tick mechanically beneath the surface.
When we are not occupied with our cloak and dagger work, a generous donation of coin is more than enough to earn a favor or two...
History:
In the wide expanses of the Skavian Wilderness on the continent of Salvar wandered a single man hell-bent on revenge through the bloodiest path possible. His solo endeavors stole the lives of many who dared risk the Skavian Wilds. With just the sole purpose of seeking out and killing one man, he used whoever and whatever he could to practice the art of murder. Many names circulated around in rumors, some of which being “The Viper of Salver”, “The Bone Eater”, and “The Crimson Assassin”. Through years of the same gory routine, he understood that no matter how high the headcount climbed, he was no closer to finding his target. He needed a way of combing the lands and gather information. Impartial to civilization, he sought alternative methods to spread his grasp.
In an effort to further his own cause, he collected people of similar ilk that admired his work or sought a higher purpose for their deadly addiction of bloodshed. These people worked in tandem to claim the wilds as their own, seating their operations in a mountainous alcove of the Terrillian Ridge, located where the crest of the Scavian Deepwoods meet the Great White Expanse. There they built a great hall from the resources of the land, accessible by only those who knew the path. With a headquarters for all the vagabonds to call home, they began a grand operation to make their existence known. Under the guidance of the master assassin, they snuck their way into the aqueducts of Archen. They listened to the whispers of the oppressed and spoke to them through messages given on the wings of ravens. Those that answered back with names saw to it that their oppressors met an untimely demise.
News of these unfortunate events spread quickly throughout the streets. In the corrupt governments of Salvar, saviors from the shadows were welcomed by the people, and hated by the law. Word of mouth spread like fire in the wind. Within the year, all major cities including Knife’s Edge were keen to the call of the ravens. The fearful within the royal guard made it a priority to kill the birds on sight. This didn’t stop The Hands from listening, not only to the whispers of the people, but to their requests to see lives snuffed out.
Since then, their reach has expanded throughout the lands. The island nation of Eiskalt remains in ruins due to efforts of The Crimson Hands. The great Ixian Knights also remain crippled by corruption and loss. Operations stemming from secrets gathered by The House of Sin continue. Yet during these events, their leader was coined “The Phantom Tyrant” for his ruthless approach and disregard for life. A mutiny overthrew him and placed the figures of Madison Freebird and Aurelianus Drak’Shal in charge. These two have altered the hell-bent path of The Crimson Hands and silenced their robust actions. They now operate in silence, taking mercenary work and maintaining the House of Sin. Yet somehow, more continue to flock to their cause. Something dark ticks away beneath the surface, waiting.
The Crimson Hands have begun to leave its scars upon Althanas and more is yet to come.
Join us. Help us bring about the change Althanas deserves.
Structure:
- The Crimson Hands:
The Crimson Hands can be found at the top of the pile of corpses. Currently, this consists of Madison Freebird and Aurelianus Drak’Shal. These main hands are the masters of their trade and provide direction for the other hands. They are responsible for keeping watch, listening to the reports of the people, and passing final judgment. Strong leaders when together, they are forces to be reckoned with as individuals. If your contract is carried out by one of these members, the target is sure to disappear.
- The Hands of Shadows:
Made of primarily assassins, archers, and marksman, these are the daggers in the night and the masters of the unseen. Members of The Shadow are given jobs requiring tact and silence. Their skills are used to claim figures of power, and they are particularly skilled at their trade. They are meant for specific targets and quick kills. They are often the most feared, for one cannot defend against what they do not know.
- The Hands of Blades:
Consisting of skilled warriors and mercenaries, these men are the muscle of The Crimson Hands. If a job needs done at all costs, they are sent to complete it. With brutal savagery or absolute precision, they can handle groups of foes. They are often used as support to the other members and have been used as deadly distractions for more precise jobs. If The Hands were to have a public face, these men would represent it. Tact is not required.
- The Hands of Secrets:
The Word is the backbone of The Crimson Hands. They are charged with espionage, deception, and treachery. Their primary roles are to gather dirty little secrets on even the purest of heart. They are the unseen fingers in all reaches of Althanas. Their job is to hear the faintest whisper and contribute to The Hands’s vault of secrets and information. They also share the responsibility of brokering collective information, capable of bringing in coin without the need for blood. Although not typically sent to snuff out lives, they have a knack for convincing others to do their dirty work. Many of which operate under a tiefling’s watchful eye and can be found frequenting The House of Sin.
- The Hands of Knowledge:
The Crimson Hands charge these members with matters of science, magic, and complexity. The Mind is an elite band of mages, mage hunters, and scholars. Their talents offer The Crimson Hands all manners of destruction and chaos. Trusted with leveling cities, developing contraptions, and enchanting, these masters of mind are capable of anything. They are known as consults to the Crimson Hands. Burn it, trap it, blow it up, or watch it melt. These hands are the creativity of The Crimson Hands.
- The Hands of The Company:
These members may not bring the same level of death, destruction, or corruption as their counterparts, but are equally important. These members provide our ranks with the tools of the trade. They craft our blades, arrows, and poisons. They are charged with providing the finest armor, mage robes, and trinkets. These members not only provide, but are able to use our vast knowledge and brute force to help them secure some of the finest ingredients Althanas can offer. If you've heard of the Black Market, these members are indeed among their merchants.
Stipulations:
The Hands are charged with many great secrets. They are never to reveal the exact location of their headquarters. Their involvement with The Hands must be kept as quiet as possible. Those that expose their identity to others must take extra caution not to become a liability. Once you join The Hands, you are branded for life. Those that leave or put The Hands at risk will be hunted. Registration in other groups is allowed and is encouraged. Any and all alignments are allowed. Your primary loyalties are left for you to decide, however, we are a people not to cross.
Initiation:
Manners of initiation vary. Initiates are typically given an opportunity to prove themselves through a contract delivered by ravens. Fulfill this contract and you will be welcomed through a pact of blood.
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