The High Hand
The High Hand
Arguably the oldest faction in Alethemia, The High Hand Faction has changed names and forms throughout the millennia, but its purpose has remained the same: Political power in tandem with religious authority. This faction believes that the way in which the people will best follow the will of The Valar, and thus Veritamos, is through political means. The High Hand has largely remained a consistently hierarchical faction that has historically brought structure to religion across Alethemia. Not all members of the High Hand are power-hungry. Some are often concerned with hierarchy and liturgical order in religion and in the world, and thus the entire world's religious practice owes a large degree of thankfulness to the High Hand's structure. The High Hand venerates Manwë Sulimo above all the others, with some significance also given to Ulmo and Varda Elementári.History
It is believed that the High Hand began long ago in the Age of Dichotomy when the Faithless began to rise up and lead people away from the will of Veritamos. Their goal was to ensure that the laws of the land reflected what was morally good and upright, and thus political influence became a core tenant of the faction, leading to great support of the major cities, such as Dianmallo.
Later on, the High Hand saw a need for the construction of liturgy in worship of the Valar, and formed a hierarchy within the religious systems. This was proposed and propagated by Vertian Malores IV in the year 2480, Age of Dichotomy. It grew popular, and thus the rule and liturgy became used all over.
In the Age of Mysterium, the High Hand became conflicted about what to do with regards to the place of Arcane magic. Many split over this conflict and formed the Orthomancers, but those who stayed attempted many different means of interacting with arcane magic users for political influence. Some attempted to combine the two together, others tried to manipulate arcanists to their own means. Regardless of their methods, the High Hand was given a level of influence into the Arcanum Council towards the end of the Age that was not given to any other religious organization (The Devoted had a lesser influence, but the oaths conflicted both for and against so much that they could not get as much influence).
In the 4th Age, the High Hand continues to vie for political influence and power. Their primary base is located in Dianmallo, but they have members in nearly every city, with varying levels of influence.
