"The Black Hand? No, i'm sure the rumors are just fairy tales to frighten the common man into obedience. Those old wives tales are simply too far fetched to hold any truth." the old man says and leaves the tavern, but as he goes he looks back toward you and something in his eyes tells you that he knows much more than he's letting on. You dismiss the thought and turn back to your ale. A few drinks later and you realize something isn't right; a few moments later and the world is fading into darkness.
...
You awaken in a small room, bound and facing dark figures, mere silhouettes against a bright light that illuminates them from behind. A grim voice whispers from behind you, "So, you've found us. Do you still wish to know more about The Black Hand?
I'm sure you have questions. I remember the ones that echoed in my own mind. Who are they? Why do they exist? and later, soon after those were answered...Would it be better if I could return to who I was before I discovered The Black Hand?
I will try to answer the first two, but that last is a question only you can possibly answer.
To the tyrant in power we are criminals, a thorn in his side that he wishes would disappear. Their answer to us is to pretend we do not exist; to silently hunt us down while telling their subjects that we are but a myth. In truth this suits us well, and so we remain silent, allowing them to perpetuate their lies so that our persecution is much less severe.
To the violent who oppress the helpless we are a nightmare that appears in the midst of their cruelty, rescues the helpless from their clutches and escorts the vile offender into the arms of oblivion. They fear us because they know that they only hold power over those too weak to protect themsleves, and they hold no sway over us.
To the hopeless we are hope. In a violent world we are a sanctuary. Salvation that sometimes appears when all seems lost.
Are we courageous vigilantes? crafty assassins? cruel butchers? raving lunatics? Perhaps we are all of these things, but the one thing neither friend nor foe will deny is that we are The Black Hand that carries judgement.
Now you have a choice to make. Do you return to the life before you knew about us, or
take your first steps into a life among shadows."