Hands On

History

Hands On has been a charity organisation for many years. It was not officially founded on a certain date, and has grown into what it is known as today from a small group of nomadic people who were just kind.

Some centuries ago, the nomads were wandering the land of Askvìniké. They had no particular goal in mind other than living their lives in a way that made them happy. It just so happened that helping others was something that made them happy. Hands On became known in the areas they travelled for being kind. They stopped to help those who looked in trouble, and were always happy to have a chat, and break bread with those they met.

This group never disbanded; they grew slowly in size over the years, separated into more travelling bands, and evolved into what is known as Hands On today.

Modern Times

Today, it is an honest organisation trusted by all, and a lifeline to those in need. There are an unknown number of groups who travel the vast land of Askvìniké, but they coordinate to ensure they cover all settlements they know of, and to check in frequently. These groups walk or ride with pack animals through to various settlements and offer their services for free. They have camping gear and set up for respite either on the road, at a member's house, or even sometimes at the houses of those they're helping if they offer (though there is no obligation to do so).

They offer whatever they can to help those in need that they meet along the way. They might help with repairs around the house, clean the hard-to-reach cobwebs, weed a garden, or even just sit and have a chat and cuppa with someone who is lonely. No job is too big or small, they will help if they can, and if they can't immediately help, they will start organising something to help soon by contacting a group nearby. They offer help to anyone who asks, whether it is someone young or old, gender diverse, ex convict, poor or rich. Everyone is welcome to use their services if they need.

Joining

Anyone is able to join Hands On. All one needs to do is to ask, and say they are willing. There is no commitment either, people are able to join for a day, or for life. Many people join up for a short period of time as a way of giving back to their community. While joined, you will have on your person an accessory bearing the Hands On emblem. This is to be returned when your stay with them is complete.

This shows some examples of the identifiable accessories worn and/or carried by members of the Hands On organisation. Pictured is a bronze necklace charm, with visible authentication stamp, and a silver signet ring.

Controversy

Unfortunately, the good-will way of the Hands On people leaves a lot of room for ne'er-do-wells to take advantage of them. People often abuse the system. It's not unheard of for civilians to ask for things they do not need, mislead aid groups, or wasting their time and resources. There have even been instances where groups have been lured to secluded areas, ambushed, and robbed.

Thieves also pretend to be Hands On members to steal, mislead or just take advantage of people as well. This is why the members have introduced the emblems as a means to identify legitimate members and groups. They are given an accessory with the emblem, and it's stamped by a senior member with a Hands On Authmark. Groups of criminals also have been known to have fake or stolen Hands On emblem pieces, and use them to gain access to unsuspecting persons' homes and rob them. It is a nation-wide crime to bear these pieces in a fraudulent way and those caught breaking this law are imprisoned.