The Black Hand

The retinue of Dain XIII made a startling discovery while traveling alongside Soveliss CCLXXXVII (287) in the frigid wastes north of The Ironfist Mountains. There they discovered an outpost once used by a cabal that possessed far more information about the nature of Semita than they should have rightfully had. From a cursory investigation of the cabal's notes it seemed obvious that they'd had a hand in manipulating the worlds affairs to drive the world towards a state of war similar to what was starting to unfold in rapid sucession.
Soon after this the party was attacked by Emperor Von Mussen firing a blast from The Master Bolt at them. Soon they retreated and decided it would be best to further investigate this organization they would come to know as The Black Hand.
Soon after this over the course of the investigation an underwater facility was discovered that gave further insight into the origins of The Black Hand, a parallel material realm that was invading alternate worlds to steal their resources to bolster their dying world. Also while at this base it was discovered that members of The Black Hand are capable of adopting the apperance of other humanoid beings like shapeshifters but in no way magical. This was later discovered to be a pseudo alchemic procedure done using water from a fountain of youth being mixed with the blood of the humanoid creature they sought to mimic. The Black Hand's members had been using this procedure to infiltrate Semita's population for centuries.
There are three confirmed infiltrators one of which is held in custody:
1. The Crown Prince of the Halfling Empire( still at large) 2. The Formen of the Ironfist Royal Mining Company( held in custody in The Tower, true name: Sven) 3. Dr. Raksha Salarian( Shalara's father, now ally of The Defenders)