the sallow hands

Overview

The Sallow Hands are a cunning gang of prisoners who thrive by playing Havenholme ’s system to their advantage, trading loyalty to the guards for small comforts in their bleak existence. Named for the pale, grime-streaked hands of their members—many of whom work the mines or fields—they’re a pragmatic lot who see rebellion as a fool’s errand on an island ringed by cliffs and sea. They’ve carved out a niche as informants and enforcers, despised by the chainbreakers for their willingness to sell out fellow prisoners. Their uneasy alliance with the guards keeps them alive, but it’s a fragile thread that could snap if their usefulness wanes.

Key Members

Kael (Whisper) Torne: A sly human from the Blue Camp, leading with a silver tongue and ears everywhere.
Veyna Blackthorn: A fierce tiefling miner from the Black Camp, enforcing the gang’s will with a cold stare.
Ruk Mudfoot: A goblin from the Green Camp, skilled at fishing and sniffing out secrets.
Jessa Flint: A human from the Yellow Camp, whose sharp memory tracks debts and favors owed.

Operations

The Sallow Hands profit by working the cracks in Havenholme ’s order, balancing survival with betrayal.

They trade secrets about the chainbreakers ’ plans to the Insurrectionists for extra rations or lighter duties.
They steal from weaker prisoners in the Red and Black Camps, fencing goods through Orange Camp crafters.
They run a small black market in the Blue Camp, dealing in smuggled fish and woven scraps.
They mark disloyal prisoners with a sallow handprint, signaling guards to single them out for punishment.

Their proudest moment was exposing the chainbreakers ’ breakout attempt, earning them a week of doubled meals—though it painted a target on their backs.