The House of Open Hands

The House of Open Hands operates with a compassionate yet efficient hierarchy, built around mutual support and clear roles. It follows a circle model of governance, where leadership is decentralized but still accountable. The organization is structured to serve both the practical and emotional needs of those it aids, while upholding transparency and humility.

Warden of Hands (Director of Compassion)

The Warden of Hands serves as the spiritual and operational head of the organization. Elected by the Council of Ten Wardens every seven years, they embody the values of the House and ensure that all services remain aligned with the motto: “No one leaves empty-handed.” They oversee major initiatives, secure partnerships, and resolve interregional conflicts.

Council of Ten Wardens

This rotating council is composed of 9 senior members from various branches across different regions. They meet quarterly to review policies, respond to crises, and make executive decisions. While they do not manage daily tasks, their word carries great weight. Most were once Stewards or Wardhands.

Stewards of the Hearth

Each town or city served by the House has a Steward of the Hearth who oversees the local branch. Stewards coordinate community kitchens, temporary shelters, resource intake, and volunteer outreach. They also maintain relationships with city officials, donors, and spiritual advisors. They report directly to the Council of Ten Wardens.

Wardhands

Wardhands are the frontline leaders who run day-to-day programs: food distribution, medical aid, winter warmth drives, disaster response, and more. They each specialize in a domain and lead teams of volunteers or staff. Their role is hands-on, and they often live in or near the shelters they help manage.

Breadbearers

Breadbearers serve directly in kitchens, shelters, and aid caravans. They are trained in hospitality, basic first aid, conflict resolution, and empathy-based service. They wear the organization’s sigil on sashes or aprons and are recognized throughout the land as bringers of mercy and sustenance.

Open Palms

These are the everyday volunteers — locals, travelers, and tradespeople who give what they can, when they can. Some offer time, others donate goods, skills, or coin. While not bound by oath, their support is indispensable. Many later become Breadbearers or Wardhands.

Members live by the creed “No hand is ever empty if it feeds another.”

The internal culture emphasizes:

• Nurturing humility: Leaders volunteer alongside those they serve.
• Radical inclusion: Aid is unconditional—no questions asked.
• Shared decision-making: Leadership roles are earned by service and integrity.

To feed the hungry and shelter the lost—offering unconditional support to all in need. Over time, this agenda has expanded to include mentorship, job training, and disaster relief.

Community Kitchens: Serve three meals per day, free to anyone.

Travel Shelters: Basic lodging located along major routes.

Warmth Charms: Distributed during cold seasons to help the vulnerable.

Facilities: Donation halls, pantry warehouses, respite rooms, training workshops.

Founded in 7 Halcyon 1620 AR by a group of compassionate travelers, the House originated as a meager bread-sharing circle by the roadside. Over centuries, it formalized into a widespread network across North Chrysalis, maintaining a tradition of humility—no collection boxes, only open doors.

Donated supplies, agricultural surplus, and local crops are moved via a fleet of charity caravans—wagons pulled by draft animals. In winter, caravans switch to sleds. Routes connect farms, towns, and refugee encampments. All caregivers and recipients may travel and access services freely.

Community-led classes: cooking, bookkeeping, parenting, literacy.

Mentorship: pairing skilled artisans and farmers with adults rebuilding after hardship.

Certificates: life-skills acknowledgment upon completion—useful when seeking work.

Education is managed by wardens and volunteer teachers; anyone with expertise may apply to teach.