The Black Hand

The Black Hand is a notorious guild of extortionists, thieves, con-artists, pick-pockets and ne'er-do-wells. While their membership ebbs and flows, the organization continues to exist from year to year, decade to decade, based on the reputation that name has developed. Even when the entire organization has been captured, and its members executed, there are always unsavory characters that will resurrect and re-use that feared moniker.

In the past, members of The Black Hand tatooed a black hand onto their bodies, as a guild mark. This was greatly appreciated by the authorities, as it made detection and conviction much easier. The Black Hand has since changed its identification system, instead using words and gestures to identify other members of the guild.

Because of The Black Hand's past ruthlessness, a black handmark on someone's door is often encouragement enough to ensure protection money is paid promptly. And some of the more audacious pickpockets will slip a scrap of paper, with a black hand imprint on it, into the pocket of a victim.

Player Characters may begin as a first-level thief, and be a member of The Black Hand.

Those characters begin with leather armor, shortsword, dagger and club, and thieves tools, and start with 1d6 x10 gold.