![[The Hands.png|300]] > [!quote] Motto > All that glitters, all that's gold — the flames will tell the story bold. ### Overview The Hands are a notorious thieves' guild known for their bold and calculated heists. They specialize in high-profile thefts, often targeting the wealthy and powerful. The Hands take pride in their ability to leave a lasting impact with their work, sometimes leaving behind a signature mark of destruction to enhance their reputation. ### Philosophy and Code The Hands follow a single guiding principle: **"Never steal from those who cannot afford the loss."** This rule maintains a twisted sense of honor within the guild, ensuring their efforts are focused on targets deemed powerful or corrupt. ### Emblem The guild's emblem features an outstretched hand engulfed in flames, symbolizing their relentless pursuit of wealth and their infamous tendency to leave fiery destruction in their wake. While not every theft involves arson, the most significant jobs often do — a calling card that speaks to their love for chaotic, memorable results. ### Structure While the Hands have no formal rank structure like other guilds, influence is determined by reputation and success. Members who complete ambitious or high-stakes jobs earn greater respect and are entrusted with riskier, more lucrative heists. They do however have 5 founding members, often referred to as **The Fingers**. ### **Thieves' Cant Phrases (Specific to The Hands)** The Hands have developed unique slang and gestures within their Thieves' Cant to communicate discreetly. Some notable terms include: - **"Ash job"** – A high-profile theft that will leave a fiery aftermath. - **"Snuff the wick"** – A quiet, no-trace job with no signs of the guild's involvement. - **"Lighting the fingers"** – Preparing for a theft, particularly when fire is involved. - **"Smoke signal"** – An urgent call for help from a fellow Hand during a job. - **"Cinder's kiss"** – Marking a target for a future heist by leaving a charred emblem nearby. - **"Lantern work"** – Distracting guards or creating a diversion, often involving flames. - **"Cold hands"** – A warning that a place is too risky or too heavily guarded to strike. - **"Warm hands"** – Confirmation that a target is viable and ready to be taken. - **"The Ember"** – A term used to describe high-value targets, particularly hoarded wealth. ### **Secrecy and Conduct** The Hands employ several unique tactics to maintain secrecy and identify one another: - **Hand Taps** – Members use a series of quick taps on walls, tables, or even their own knuckles to communicate covertly. The number and rhythm convey coded messages. - **The Ember Seal** – A small, burnt handprint is sometimes left near a theft location, especially if fire was involved. This isn't always placed directly at the scene — often it's hidden nearby to avoid obvious blame. - **Flame Marks** – Some senior members carry custom rings that leave a scorched impression of a handprint when pressed into a candle's flame, marking secure meeting points or safehouses. - **Ember Tokens** – Trusted members may carry copper coins etched with a flame-wreathed hand, identifying themselves to other members when outside their usual territories. - **The Smoke Step** – To cover their escape, members often employ smoke bombs or incendiary distractions to vanish into the chaos.