The Order of the Black Hand
A unified army of Locusts and Rat Creatures serving the singular Lord of the Locusts to consume all life and plunge the Valley into eternal darkness.
The primary antagonistic force in the Bone universe is the collective army serving the Lord of the Locusts. This force consists of the militaristic, insectoid Locusts and their minions, the Rat Creatures, who operate from the shadows and tunnels beneath the Valley to consume all life. Unlike fragmented cults with differing goals, these forces act under a single command led by the Lord of the Locusts, working in concert to resurrect their master and plunge the world into eternal darkness.
Quick Facts
- Leader
- The Lord of the Locusts
- Base of operations
- The Valley (various hidden shrines, the Tunnels, and Locust strongholds)
- Key members
- The Lord of the Locusts
- Rat Creatures
- The Great Swarm
- Status
- Active; Defeated in parts but ideology persists
Lore & Background
The antagonistic forces in Bone are rooted in the deep, dark history of the Valley. These forces are not a fractured alliance or an organization called the 'Order of the Black Hand,' but rather a singular entity composed of the Locusts and their Rat Creature minions. They serve the Lord of the Locusts—a singular, ancient entity who commands the Great Swarm and seeks to consume the world. There is no distinct 'Locust Queen' leading a parallel faction; all forces answer to the Lord. These minions perform grotesque rituals involving bloodshed to summon the Great Swarm from the Tunnels beneath the earth. Their influence is pervasive, with spies embedded in communities waiting for the signal to unleash chaos, but they are not led by a character named Thistle nor do they include Phoney Bone among their ranks.
Reader's Guide
The Order of the Black Hand is a fanatical religious cult dedicated to summoning the Rat-Catcher, an ancient entity of destruction. Their goal is to end the current world order by unleashing this cosmic horror upon the Valley and beyond. Led by Thistle, a charismatic manipulator who sees himself as a prophet, the Order recruits disillusioned individuals and those seeking power through dark means. They operate from hidden bases in the Tunnels and often use fear and intimidation to control local populations. The faction plays a central role in the conflict against the Bone cousins, serving as the primary obstacle to their survival and happiness. Their actions drive much of the plot forward, forcing the protagonists into desperate situations where they must unite disparate groups to stand against the coming darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Order of the Black Hand's powers or role?
Their primary role is to operate from hidden tunnels and shrines beneath the Valley to consume living things and spread eternal darkness. As the main antagonistic force, they combine the brute strength of the Great Swarm with the stealthy sabotage tactics of the Rat Creatures.
Where does The Order of the Black Hand operate from?
The group bases its operations within the Valley, utilizing a network of secret shrines, deep underground tunnels, and fortified Locust strongholds. These hidden locations allow them to launch surprise attacks while remaining largely unseen until it is too late.
More in Factions & Groups
Elsewhere in Bone
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