For generations, a secretive cult called The Just Hand has dwelt deep underground, cut off from the world. They believe that the atheistic nation of Rahadoum is a cancer in the world that needs to be expunged, no matter the cost. They train from early childhood to become elite assassins, aiming to eliminate its leadership so the surrounding nations will see it as ripe for annexation and conversion to a faith. “Any faith is better than none: godlessness is rampant ruin.”
Several generations ago, a cave-in buried nearly all of The Just Hand’s leadership and most of their texts. The loss of knowledge was grievous, and though they’ve worked hard to re-learn what they lost, they have no idea that they remain a paltry shadow of what they once were.
Ann was the strongest, sneakiest, most adept trainee in decades. The deep glow of pride and honor warmed her heart during the ceremony anointing her as their Chosen Assassin at the age of 22. The next day, she left to begin her mission: Assassinate Rahadoum’s Council of Elders. The day after that, she found herself thoroughly trounced by a couple of lowly bandits who were barely more than children.
Shame bloomed through her. How could she fulfill her mission, if all her training was worthless? After much soul searching, she vowed to herself that she would do whatever it took to learn the skills necessary to complete her mission. It didn’t take her long to learn of the Red Mantis Assassins. Who better to teach her those precious skills? They didn’t need to know what her ultimate goal was.
That’s how she felt in the beginning, but as the years have passed and she gained more knowledge and experience in the world, she has begun to question her allegiance to The Just Hand. She still believes Rahadoum’s godless ways are a pox on the world, though Achaekek’s command that no rightful ruler be assassinated stands in the way of her original mission to kill the Council of Elders. She misses the conviction of her youth; middle age has brought self doubt, second guessing, and a very tough choice that she’ll have to make eventually.