The Order of the Open Hand is a widespread organization dedicated to selflessness and helping others. The Open Hand provides its services to anyone and everyone, free of charge and generally without question or condition. The Order focuses on providing healing to the sick and injured, and protection to those in distress or danger through no fault of their own. The Open Hand will not aid or abet known criminals, but the Oath of the Open Hand strongly discourages members of the Order from inquiring too deeply into the business of those in need, refered to as Requestors. The exception to this is in the event of a war; the Order will only provide defensive services to either side of a large conflict if the Requestor can convince them that they are being unjustly, aggressively attacked. However, Open Hand encampments providing first aid are a universal sight the world over. The Order provides this service to both sides, unless, unless one side is obviously or provably grossly unjust.
The Order of the Open Hand was founded by a White Road Wizard, and such individuals still hold most of the highest positions in the Order. However, the Open Hand has a diverse membership including non-magic-wielders who simply feel a drive to help others, as well as Mages of other Roads (primarily Green and Blue, since these Roads involve powers of healing.) The Open Hand places few requirements on it’s members. They may give as much or as little of their time as they desire, except for those who have chosen to enter leadership positions. Even these, however, usually consist primarily of organizing relief efforts during natural disasters and the like.
The Order includes large complexes in major cities, tiny centers in small communities and individual members who wander the world helping those in need. All members wear a brooch or pendant in the shape of an open hand, usually made of mother of pearl or white-painted rowan-wood when conducting Order business. Some wear the symbol at all times.
This is the basics on the Order for now. I will be expanding the profile as I come up with stuff/have time.
