The Dragon’s Hand is an independent guild of fighters and adventurers that operates within the city of Aranthaes and surrounding areas. Their primary mission is to protect Lady Bune‘s church and personnel, keeping them safe from harm. The guild is made up of experienced and skilled fighters who are dedicated to their cause.
The Dragon’s Hand is well funded by the Defenders of the Mother. This support allows members of the Dragon’s Hand to access fully paid for weapons, armor, and training that they need to effectively carry out their duties.
The guild is led by a council of veteran fighters, who are elected by the members of the guild. The council makes decisions about the guild’s operations, including strategy, tactics, and recruitment.
Membership in the Dragon’s Hand is open to all individuals who are dedicated to protecting Lady Bune and her church. Prospective members must undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes tests of strength, combat skills, and loyalty to the cause. Once accepted, members are required to attend regular training sessions to hone their skills and stay sharp.
The guild operates from a secret headquarters in the city, which is only known to its members. They can often be found training in the city’s back alleys and abandoned buildings, preparing for the day when they may be called upon to defend Lady Bune’s church from harm.
Although the Dragon’s Hand is an independent guild, they work closely with the City Guard to ensure that Lady Bune’s church and its followers are protected at all times. They have a reputation for being fearless and effective fighters, and many citizens of Aranthaes feel safer knowing that they are on the job.
Dragon’s Hand Equipment
On passing the Dragon’s Hand trial and being formally accepted into the guild, a new member may choose up to four items from the following list. Equipment is issued without charge and remains the responsibility of the member while they serve the guild.
- Gilded Half Plate – 1,000 gp
Exceptionally well-fitted half plate with polished brass and gold-plated detailing in the style of the Defenders of the Mother. AC 15 + Dex modifier (maximum +2). Despite its ornate appearance, this is serious battlefield armor made by some of Aranthaes’ finest armorers. - Gilded Chain Mail – 350 gp
Fine steel chain with gold-finished edging, reinforced shoulders and the Dragon’s Hand device worked discreetly into the links. AC 16. Designed for long wear and considerably more comfortable than ordinary military issue. - Master-Crafted Breastplate – 650 gp
A beautifully balanced steel breastplate with green enamel and restrained gilding. AC 14 + Dex modifier (maximum +2). Favoured by members who need protection without looking like soldiers on campaign. - Dragon’s Hand Shield – 150 gp
A reinforced steel shield faced in green and gold, bearing the open claw insignia of the guild. Grants the normal +2 bonus to AC. Master craftsmanship makes it lighter and better balanced than common issue. - Master-Crafted Longsword – 400 gp
A superbly balanced longsword forged for the individual member and engraved with a small Dragon’s Hand mark near the guard. Treat as a normal longsword mechanically, though its quality is immediately obvious to any experienced fighter. - Master-Crafted Greatsword – 550 gp
A two-handed battlefield weapon produced by specialist Aranthaen smiths, with gilded furniture and an individually fitted grip. Treat as a normal greatsword mechanically. - Master-Crafted Rapier – 450 gp
A fine duelling blade with an elaborate but practical swept guard. Popular among scouts, escorts and members expected to work in the wealthier districts of the city. - Master-Crafted Battleaxe – 400 gp
A heavy, beautifully finished battleaxe with a polished head and gold-inlaid guild markings. Treat as a normal battleaxe mechanically. - Master-Crafted Warhammer – 400 gp
A compact, exceptionally well-balanced warhammer with gilt detailing around the head and grip. Particularly popular with heavily armoured members. - Gilded Longbow – 500 gp
A powerful longbow made from seasoned hardwood with reinforced horn tips, fine string and gold leaf detailing along the limbs. Includes a fitted case and 40 high-quality arrows. - Hand Crossbow & Case – 425 gp
A precision-made hand crossbow supplied in a fitted leather case with maintenance tools and 30 bolts. Favoured by members serving as bodyguards or operating inside the city. - Dragon’s Hand Cloak – 175 gp
A heavy green travelling cloak lined with weather-resistant fabric and fastened with a gilded claw brooch. Grants advantage on saving throws against severe cold weather at the DM’s discretion and is instantly recognisable to those familiar with the guild. - Reinforced Travelling Leathers – 300 gp
High-quality leather armor designed to resemble ordinary travelling clothing as much as possible. AC 11 + Dex modifier. Includes reinforced gloves, boots and hidden internal pockets. - Field Healer’s Kit – 125 gp
A substantial leather case containing bandages, splints, antiseptic preparations, stitching tools and common medicinal herbs. Contains 20 uses of a healer’s kit rather than the usual 10. - Dragon’s Hand Adventuring Pack – 100 gp
A purpose-built pack containing rope, bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, hooded lantern, oil, waterskin, five days of preserved rations, chalk, whetstone and basic climbing equipment. - Consecrated Weapon Silvering – 250 gp
One suitable melee weapon owned or issued to the member is professionally silvered and blessed in the name of Lady Bune. This provides the normal benefits of a silvered weapon against creatures vulnerable to silver. - Protective Temple Charm – 300 gp
A small gold and enamel symbol of the Mother worn beneath clothing or armor. Once per long rest, the bearer may add +1d4 to a saving throw against being frightened. This is a minor Aranthaen magical item issued only to members in good standing. - Lantern of Steady Flame – 275 gp
A finely made hooded lantern enchanted so that ordinary wind cannot extinguish it. It otherwise functions as a normal hooded lantern and still requires oil. - Guild Healing Draughts – 100 gp
A fitted case containing two Potions of Healing for emergency field use. Replacement potions may be requested after documented guild service at the council’s discretion. - Formal Dragon’s Hand Surcoat – 200 gp
An expensive green, cream and gold surcoat or tabard worn over armor during formal duties, temple ceremonies and public escorts. Each is tailored to the wearer and incorporates the guild insignia in gold thread.