Hand of Ash

Doomsday cults have been in existence far before recorded history. Since man became aware of the existence of the world and the cosmos beyond there have been a few who have become fixated upon the beginning of it all, and by extension, the eventual end. Some are driven by the mythologies, those that tell of an eternal nirvana that awaits the closing of this chapter of reality. Some thirst for the vengeance and judgement promised by armageddon. Some are simply disgusted with what the world had become, and want to wash it all away.

Most such organizations are built of mythological or religious zealots, hoping to do their god's bidding and be rewarded. However, one notable anomaly appeared during the Renaissance. Europe was awash in the light of science and discovery, peeling back the deep shadows of the Dark Ages. It was a dizzying time for those of higher learning...and the crushing weight of knowledge was too much for some. The loss of mysticism, the loss of faith in the face of cold Reason; these and more led these tortured few to come to the conclusion that the greatest puzzle of all had been solved. No other scientific discovery would hold a candle to what their twisted minds had seen, and there was nothing left but to wash this experiment away completely. These scientific doomsayers found fewer followers than the average cult, but those who were shown the stark light were invariably men and women of great knowledge and/or resource.

The Hand of Ash, as it came to be known, was always ambitious, reaching to the limit of the scientific knowledge of the day. As biologists learned how disease was carried and spread, the Hand worked to vector plagues as far and wide as possible. Toxic and lethal chemicals and agents were concocted and tested. Electricity was harnessed to power great destructive engines. Fission and fusion, plasma energy, all sought after, bent toward doomsday devices. Every major scientific breakthrough from that time on has had a dark mirror somewhere, an attempt to apply that new knowledge to the destruction of mankind.

The study of metahumanity was yet another avenue through which the Hand of Ash attempted to see their plans through. Not content with petty villainous things such as conquering or theft, they sought (and still seek) metas whose powers could be perverted to their apocalyptic purpose.

Equipment
The Hand of Ash has no uniforms proper, and no standardized equipment. Since their ranks are usually filled with scientific geniuses and their minions, what gear is carried tends to be highly advanced. The only unifying mark is the occasionally used symbol of the cult: A hand that looks to be made out of pale grey ash against a red background, the tips of the outstretched fingers dissolving and blowing away as if in a strong wind.

Activities
The Hand's activities tend to be infrequent: considering their high level patronage, they have little need for monetary gains. Instead, their illicit activities tend to theft of experimental or restricted equipment to further their latest grandiose plan, or the kidnapping of groundbreaking scientists and researchers to assist them. In rare cases, they have attempted to kidnap metas, to what end is unknown.

The actual efforts to enact their plans of destruction have been thwarted several times over history. However, each time the blame was laid on a single mad scientist or small group, never connecting to an overreaching organization in spite of obvious resources far beyond the abilities of those captured. The Hand of Ash is, to those few who have even heard the name, a myth, a wild claim by the guilty parties hoping to divert the guilt from themselves.

In recent years, the Hand has tried to destroy the Earth through subtler means. Climate change, pollution, political tensions, military weapons research: all these are things the Hand of Ash have put resources to developing as one path to their ultimate goal. But some cells of the organization have begun to look towards metas and elementals and mystical means to help push things ever closer to the Apocalypse. And if need be, wiping away those who would impede their progress.