Inquisition
The Inquisition is a large, inter-provincial organization dedicated to stamping out Necromancy and protecting the faithful servants of the Thirteen, across the land. The organization is sanctioned by the Temple and currently acts in full cooperation with provincial leaders.
Methods
The core pillar of the Inquisition is to eradicate Necromancy. The permanent destruction of Necromancers, their work, and their blasphemous research is the ultimate goal. The disruption of gathering places, disbanding of cults, and reformation of supporters are tools used in weakening the hold of necromancy on society. Local authorities are relied upon to arrest offenders and are charged with turning them over to the Inquisition.
A holy artifact that could be used to destroy a Necromancer's profane aegis (the effect that allows them to escape death, even without favor from the gods), was once in the possession of the Inquisition. It was damaged by Xerasyth, however.
Creation & Controversy
The Inquisition acts for the greater good as directed by the High Temple. The members are under direct orders from the Temple and work in the provinces with the permission of the governing body. Claims of false accusations, imprisonment, torture and death are common. However, the Inquisition, as rule is calculating in its accusations and tend to watch and learn before acting.
There were accusations of flagrant disregard of regional law in Ilithi when Khurek detained Cierzen under suspicion of profane work. It was later discovered that he had, in fact, practiced sorcery. Sothavi stepped in and took over as the overseer of the Inquisition in Ilithi at that time.
The Hounds of Rutilor are often associated with the Inquisition. However, they are a separate order acting under their own guidelines. The Hounds tend to be zealots that act with brute force upon suspicion of necromancy with blunt and violent tactics, not necessarily shedding tears over the deaths of innocents.
In response to the threat posed by the Necrolord Lyras and her undead army, High Priestess Tallis, of the Crossing Temple and head of the Cleric Council, authorized Temple Inquisitor Khurek to begin investigating possible Necromancers and purge them of their Profane Aegis on their journey to the Red Spiral. Khurek is assisted by Temple Inquisitress Sinstra.
In response to the threat posed by the Wild Magic events, the scope of this mission was expanded to also encompass the protection of the faith from all manner of threats.
History
In 397, the Temple, aided by the Inquisition, Empath Guild, formulated a plan to destroy Lyras once and for all. At a bitter cost, she was finally defeated.
In 447, on the 26th day of Nissa the Maiden, the Hounds of Rutilor were officially proclaimed to be a threat to the faith.
In 450 on the 18th day of Uthmor the Giant (September 21, 2024), the directive of the Inqusition was dramatically expanded to also also encompass the protection of the faith from all manner of threats.
Edicts & Decrees:
- 447 AV, 26th day of Nissa the Maiden: Beware the Hounds
- 448 AV, 27th day of Akroeg the Ram: Lessons of Chepiso
- 449 AV, 16th day of Nissa the Maiden: Charges of Heresy
- 450 AV: 3rd day of Lirisa the Archer: Oblivion
- 450 AV, 18th day of Uthmor the Giant: Expanding the Light of Dawn
Branches & Hierarchy
Grand Inquisitor
The Grand Inquisitor holds the highest office within the Holy Inquisition, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of overseeing all operations, ensuring that the Inquisition's mission remains true to the eradication of Necromancy. The Grand Inquisitor embodies a stalwart defense of the faith, orchestrating purges, issuing decrees, and leading campaigns to preserve the sanctity of the Immortals' teachings. Ever vigilant, the Grand Inquisitor is the final arbiter of justice within the Holy Inquisition, ensuring that all who challenge the faith face swift and merciless judgment. This position is kept vacant out of reverence for the service of Liurilias, who is the only person to ever old this position.
High Inquisitor
The High Inquisitor serves directly beneath the Grand Inquisitor, acting as the second-in-command of the Holy Inquisition. Tasked with the day-to-day oversight of the Inquisition's activities, the High Inquisitor ensures that the divine mission is executed across all regions under the faith's dominion. They are responsible for managing the Inquisitors and other ranks beneath them, directing investigations, orchestrating hunts for heretics and enemies of the faith, and coordinating defensive actions against threats.
The Triumvirate
These ranks are historical in nature and are no longer actively recruited for or fullfilled as duties. This is primarily due to rebuilding efforts but also out of respect for those who previously served in the early stages under organization's original, singular focus. Serving as second in command beneath the Grand Inquisitor himself, the Triumvirate comprises three individuals who act as leaders of each of the three branches of the Inquisition. They are expected to work together, meet regularly to exchange information, and make reports to the Grand Inquisitor. They are also responsible for guiding Initiates.
High Magister
The High Magister oversees all record keeping and reporting for the Inquisition. They compile Inquisitors' reports for the High Priestess and serve as a liaison between the Temple and the secular world. Additionally, they presides as chief justice in any judicial proceedings that the Inquisition may undertake. This rank is currently empty, but was previously held by Isharon.
High Justiciar
From rapid response to a sudden glass construct to direct attacks against its enemies, the High Justiciar sees to the majority of martial actions undertaken by the Inquisition. Every member of the Inquisition, Justiciar or no, should inform the High Justiciar of any engagements against necromancers. To ensure the combative prowess of the Inquisition as a group, any member should feel free to approach the High Justiciar regarding their readiness for combat. This rank is currently empty, but was previously fufilled by Rileos.
High Quaestor
The High Quaestor oversees all investigative work in the Inquisition. All Quaestors must report their findings and suspicions to the High Quaestor, and they are ultimately responsible for determining which individuals should be watched or brought in for questioning. Additionally, the High Quaestor takes charge of interrogations as well as administering the punishment of the damned to the condemned. This appointment is currently vacant, but was previously held by Whiteburn.
Inqusitiors
Inquisitors are the frontline agents of the Holy Inquisition, tasked with rooting out heresy, corruption, and any threats to the faith. They investigate claims of heresy, dissent, or treachery, often operating in secret to gather intelligence. Inquisitors enforce the law of the Immortals, ensuring the faithful remain steadfast and eliminating any enemies that would undermine the Temple's mission. Reporting directly to the High Inquisitor, they execute orders with precision, serving as both investigators and enforcers of divine justice.
Inititates
Initiates are newly inducted members of the Holy Inquisition, serving directly under the supervision of an Inquisitor. Their role is one of learning and assistance, supporting investigations and helping enforce the laws of the faith. They observe, gather information, and participate in tasks deemed suitable for their training level. While not yet granted full authority, Initiates are tested and tempered in the crucible of the Inquisition's work, preparing them for the responsibilities and power of an Inquisitor. Their primary goal is to prove their loyalty and capability to the sacred order.
Getting Involved
Inquisitors sanctioned by the Temple are spread through the provinces of Elanthia. In some provinces they have gathered followers who help rid the lands of the corruption. It is important to note that true Inquisitors must be sanctioned by the Temple, and while some may carry the title of Inquisitor, only a select few act under the Temple's guidance.
There are three categories for people involved in the Inquisition:
- Inquisitors: have been sanctioned by the Temple to carry out the work of the Inquisition.
- Initiates: newly inducted members, follow unde the lead of an Inquisitor and aid in their work.
- Supporters: not under the command of an Inquisitor but support their work.
Currently Active Player Inquisitors
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| High Inquisitor | Rileos |
| Inquisitor | Briaen |
| Initiate | Nawain |
Former Player Inquisitors
| Rank | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Inquisitor | Liurilias | Retired |
| High Magister | Isharon | Retired |
| High Quaestor | Whiteburn | Retired |
| Deputy Justiciar | Ograth | Unknown |
| Inquisitor | Rifkinn | Retired |
| Inquisitor | Dianelle | Unknown |
| Initiate | Praxiuz | Unknown |
| Initiate | Rhykin | Unknown |
NPC Inquisitors
| Rank | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Inquisitor | Vorasus | Jailed |
| Inquisitor | Khurek | Demoted |
| Inquisitor | Sinstra | Unknown |
| Inquisitorial Assassin | Leifus | Unknown |