Can only use her ability when she is in combat herself.

Black Hand is not a title, it is a trait unrelated to any sect. The trait is not lost if the vampire changes sect.

The equipment or retainer must be announced by name, and in hand, when the card or effect is declared (before the card, if any, is replaced), but need not to be shown until the effect resolves.

Cannot select cards that are "playable as if in hand" (e.g. from The Erciyes Fragments)

Requirements apply but do not count as requirements for the action (eg. you cannot use CrimethInc. if the card requires an Anarch).

This does not count as performing the action to employ/recruit/equip this retainer/ally/equipment in respect to section 3 of the rules. The same vampire can play the respective card in a normal fashion during their turn, if unlocked.

This is not an action, so cost reductions referring to an action do not apply. (e.g. Charisma, Erichtho)

The card is not "played" by the minion (e.g. Louhi's ability cannot cancel it).

Cost reductions that are not referring to an action apply .