Chaqery

Yeh! Yer ploughin' 'em! At least spell it right! Ya ruddy gitface!

((Good thing he wasn't there eh? This was creepy to participate in. The rain started right as we marched to the gate... Everything written here happened almost exactly as it was written. That's what makes it scarier.))

At notice of this declaration, the council of the White Rose convenes, and settles upon a decision to up recruitment in order to fulfill the Emperor's wishes. All throughout the Empire, posters and flyers are stamped up, and town criers are handed announcements to read. In general, they appear in variations of this: The Order of the White Rose, both a military and knightly order, seeks out able-bodied men willing to join the ranks of the highly disciplined, organized, and extremely loyal followers of the Emperor. No previous military experience is required, but it could prove as an advantage for you during footman training. Any knights currently not assigned to a chapter of the Red Dragon may seek to join the Rose. They will be evaluated martially, tactically, and ideologically before being given the oaths required to enter the White Rose at the rank of Knight. To join, either send a missive ((PM)) to Captain Baldir Toov ((Myself)), Seneschal Velwyn Ashford ((Viscen)), or Lord Thomas Chivay ((Thomas Chivay)). Alternatively, you may seek out the White Rose as it's home, the fortress of Krak du Rhoswen on the isle of the Holy Lands. The Rose holds sacred it's five tenets. Any recruit seeking to join will be required to comply to all five, as they form the basis of the White Rose's beliefs. =The Order Tenets= 1. An Order Member must show complete loyalty to the Order and its ideals. Any member who shows disloyalty will receive a swift execution. 2. An Order Member may never take the life of another member. To do so will result in immediate execution. 3. An Order Member may never steal from another member. To do so will result in banishment from the Order, with all possessions stripped. 4. An Order Member must believe wholeheartedly in the true God, and his creation of Horen and the world. Lack of faith within an Order Member will result in banishment from the Order, with all possessions stripped. 5. An Order Member must never use God’s name in vain, or talk of God with ill intentions. To do so will result in banishment, with all possessions stripped. Any man seeking to join the White Rose will undergo intense training after being issued the equipment of a footman. This training includes: Swordsmanship (Or other weapon proficiency) Tactical Instruction Discipline and Order Formation and Marching Proper Equipment Maintenance Tactics against evil Magic Users, Monsters, and other common enemies of the Rose. At the bottom of the poster lies a sketched portrait of a knight, bearing the symbol of the White Rose on his chest, and looking towards the direction of the reader. He seems to be beckoning you to join. (( For more information about the White Rose, read our guild thread, HERE))

With a grunt, Toov tears one of the flyers from a post along the road. Glancing over it he can manage nothing but a smile. The note is crumpled as the large man folds his heavy gauntlets around it, which is proceeded by a short flash between his fingers. Opening his hand, the ashes of what had once been that particular flyer flit away as a faint breeze carries them. "Und so zhe lies of politics begin once more. Let us see who vill stand against zhe Vhite Rose vhen zhey learn zhe blatant error of such vords." Sighing, the Captain brushes his gauntlets clean of the ashes. A settled look of what might be labeled determination solidifies upon his face as he trudges onwards. Just more politics it seems.

In what could only been deciphered as a grimace, the Lord Inquisitor scans over the posting. One name in particular stands out to him: The Countess. "It appears zhat zhe issues in Crestfall are vorse zhen I had zhought. Zhe very countess sold into slavery? Und yet zhe still persist in shunning zhe Vhite Rose... zhe very men capable of her rescue. How quaint." With a soft sigh the Lord Inquisitior fumbles around in the small leather satchel slung over his shoulder, and tugs out two thick pieces of stock paper, pre-inscribed with a grandeouse Imperial "I" of the Inquisition. Upon the first he quicly jots down his own personal notes involving the poster, and then folds it up. On the second he is a bit more laborius with his handwriting, taking the time to make it neat and professional... It is hereby requested that those responsible for claiming to hunt down these supposed slavers and any potential customers of theirs to contact the agents of the Inquisition. An agreement of mutual interest might be saught for in the investigation of the actions mentioned here. [[AKA PM me]]

Far away, in Krak du Rhoswen, word of the events makes its way to the mountain fortress of the White Rose. The men, as per usual, are spread out about the keep completing their daily chores. The sentinels casually stroll the battlements, peering out onto the landscape, and up in War Room Seneschal Ashford discusses the minute details of logistics and troop movements to Lord Peter. Below the great fortress, Forgemaster Arkus works steadily at his talent, a stream of expletives and raunchy metaphors streaming under his breath as he curses the footmen foolish enough to damage the blades he provided them, and now must repair. "Mini Mordie" as the group as named him, the resident pyrotechnic and engineer, goes about his work occasionally interrupted by a cackle of mischief at his maniacal contraptions. A busy keep, to say the least. Lord Thomas, on the other hand, sits in his throne, slumped down and with his chin rested upon his fist. His feet lay sprawled before him, and he absently taps the fingers of his left hand against the arm of the throne. Captain Toov leans idly against a pillar in the main chamber, talking quietly with his wife, Tanith. Their conversation is ended abruptly as the Captain glances up upon hearing the rustle of armor near the entrance. The two halberdier guardsmen uncross their weaponry to allow the small, winded herald to enter. The herald fumbles before the sitting Lord Chivay and bows low. He sputters out some anxious explanation and offers forth a scroll. Taking it (not without a small look of disgust at the Herald's unprofessional manner), Lord Chivay glances over it. A smirk forms at the corners of his mouth, and what might be said to be a sparkle shows in his eyes. He looks up, motioning Toov forward with the twitch of his fingers. He holds the scroll up as the giant reads it, trying to contain his glee. Toov reads over it, frowning a bit as he reaches it's conclusion. Rolling it up he tucks it into his cuirass, patting the chestpiece afterwards. The work of the Inquisition never ends, it seems. ... That night, the soldiers of the White Rose feasted together in their large dining hall, as per usual. As the ale is handed out, Lord Thomas stands, holding up a hand to quiet the men. Silence fills the room as they all await the words of the Chivay brother. He announces the news of such heresy in Oren, describing the masks and figures to be sought out and purged. Lord Thomas is barely capable of completing his announcement before the room is filled with cheering and shouting. Just another thing on the Rose's list.

The air around the Lord Inquisitor ripples with heatwaves as he glares between the two Nobles with smoldering amber eyes. He gaze settles upon Elendil. "Norsem is lead to believe zhat zhe Inquisitorial forces who disobeyed my commands vere instead taking orders from you, as zhe former Grand Inquisitor. Be zhat as it may, I do not recall zhe Emperor giving you leave to speak, Lord Elendil. I vould not see zhe attempts of Oren's nobility to correct zheir wrongs furzher clouded by a continuation of zhis petty dispute between your two houses." The hulking figure now turns to the Emperor. "Perhaps it is best zhat ve continue zhe proceedings here vithout furzher interruption. Zhis is a matter zhat can prove to strengthen zhe Empire as a whole, simultaneously giving Norsem un outlet for repentance. I beseech your Divinity to hear him out, ignoring zhe passions of zhose who vould intervene on your court."

The Lord Inquisitor chuckles a bit, nodding as he steps forward to answer the Emperor, "I know mostly of zhe most recent dealings vith Elendil, as I vas present for zhem. I vas patrolling soldiers of zhe Vhite Rose zhrough Ildon during zhat time. To be honest it vas razher confusing for both sides. Lord Norsem vas, for all I could tell, just visiting Ildon. Perhaps he vished ill upon Elendil, but he never acted upon it. He merely commented upon how veak Elendil's guard seemed at zhe time... a matter of fact, really. Zhis comment vas overheard by one of zhe commonfolk who proceeded to post flyers zhroughout zhe Empire claiming zhe two vere at var. Neizher of zhem openly declared it, and zhroughout all zhe time I spent in Ildon as Captain of zhe Rose aftervards I never vitnessed any fighting between zhe two. Zhe whole of zhe Empire believed zhey vere at var... and since enough people believed it, zhey seemed to go along vith zhe tale as vell. A true example of zhe power of propoganda. I have made it very clear to Lord Norsem zhat I believe zhe actions on both his and Lord Elendil's accounts vere childish und arrogant. Zhey allowed zhemselves to be put at odds over zhe actions of an onlooker. A shame, but not purely zhe fault of Lord Norsem. I made zhe errors of his vays very clear to him. It is not often you find a Nobleman as villing to reform und repent as Lord Norsem here. One might say it speaks vell of his intentions.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Lord Inquisitor Toov stands over Norsem's shoulder, his hulking figure casting a shadow on the weakened Nobleman. Noting a lul in Norsem's explanation (and assuming it due to his injured state), he clears his throat a bit. "Your Divinity, I came upon a Lord Norsem in zhe clutches of death. In such a state, und at zhe total mercy of myself und your authority in zhe Inquisition, he denied any truths to zhe charges placed upon him. I believe his denial, largely on account of zhe near-death situation upon vhich it vas obtained. I beg your pardon for adding more to your already busy day, but I advised zhat he repent for his uncouth vays, und seek out your forgiveness, not forgetting to offer his services to your Divinity zhe Emperor. Zhis, as God vould have it, sparked a passionate fire vithin him zhe likes of vhich I've rarely seen in your subjects of Noble birth. I vould plead zhat you hear him out, in zhe hopes zhat your Imperial Authority might prosper, und your elements zhe Inquisition und Order of zhe Red Dragon both grow stronger." At these words, the Lord Inquisitor slowly lumbers towards the thrown, averting his gaze to avoid making eye contact with the Divine Godfrey. Kneeling, he offers a large, leatherbound tome for the Emperor to recieve. One of the stewards takes it from Toov's hands, and transports it the short distance to the Emperor. Nodding solemnly, Toov rises, and steps back to his original spot. "I vould offer zhis book as evidence of Lord Norsem's capabilities in military leadership... furzher proof zhat he is up to carrying out zhe task he is proposing to your Divinity. I fully believe in his motivations, passion, und most of all, abilities for such a task." Silence. He awaits Norsem to proceed, hoping to have given him enough time to muster his strength and thoughts.

With a faint smirk, the Lord Inquisitor nods. Tome in hand, he scoops his helmet from the nightstand and makes his way out the door in pursuit of Lord Norsem. Outside the keep proper, the two Inquisitorial soldiers stiffen into a salute at the sight of the emerging giant of a man. He nods, and both fall in behind each of his shoulders as he accompanied the Nobleman. In the courtyard, the soldiers bearing the colours of House Norsem (as few and ragged looking as they seem to be) are busy at work repairing and packing their equipment. Similarly, the Inquisition is tending to the last of the salvageable wounded and beginning to ready their supplies for displacement as well. With a murmur, something of a prayer for good fortune, Toov clambers onto the wagon alongside Norsem. This would be a longshot, at best. Emperor's blessing upon their endeavours. With a whistle and the jingle of harnesses, the wagon jolted to a start (as they are prone to do). The journey soon settled into a bumpy, rocking rhythm matched by the "clack-clack" of horseshoes upon coblestone. Toov peared out onto the road and countryside as they ambled along. It was certainly a rocky road to Arethor.

-And aye. It's also a Finnish knightly order. There are lots of other influences to our Rose as well. The non-violent resistance in Nazi Germany being far from them.

The Lord Inquisitor catches the book, fumbling the pages open. He scans over it's contents, nodding at the long pages of treatises and notes. He continues to flip through it as he responds, "Zhe Emperor is fully avare zhat zhe Nobility of Oren is less loyal zhan he vould like to imagine. Zhat is exactly vhy mein order vas founded. Zhe Inquisition serves him directly, in order to root out zhe corruption vithin zhe Church und Nobility..." Toov closes the book, a soft thud echoing through the room as the leather-bound tome seals once more. Settling his gaze back on the Nobleman he chuckles, tapping his fist against his cuirass, the resulting sound of which is muffled by contact with the thick, purple and black tabard of the Inquisition. "Zhe patterns und designs of standard soliders tend to be zhe symbols of zheir house, und darker aspects to keep zhem from standing out amongst zhe horde. Zhe ideology, of course, is zhat vhat zhe enemy cannot truly see, he cannot kill. Zhe Inquisition, unless operating anonymously for an investigation, adorns itself in Imperial issue armor, und vears zhe heavy purple und black colours of zhe Emperor. Zhe ideology is zhat vhat zhe enemy can see, he vill soon learn to fear. An interesting prospect, nein?" A faint smirk breaks the otherwise neutral face of the veteran soldier, happy to be able to speak of warfare again. It quickly fades as he raises the book a bit in order to gesture with it as he speaks, "Zhis tome vill serve as excellent evidence of your capabilities, Lord Norsem. I vill present it to zhe Emperor. He is not nearly as blind to zhe actions of zhe realm as people vould believe. Only better at masking his knowledge zhen zhey vould hope. I zhink he might listen to zhe notion of a unified army if present zhe correct vay, in private. Ozhervise, Nobles vill undoubtedly speak out to defend vhat zhey imagine to be zheir autonomy. You needs must be careful about zhe Knightly Orders zhough. Zhis army must not hinder zhem, but razher provide zhe masses of common soldiers zhey vill require to combat zhe enemies of zhe Empire. You must make it clear zhey are to be a tool of zhe Empire. I vould, of course, hope to be able to use a detachment of zhem to enforce Inquisitorial verdicts, as zhe agents of zhe Emperor are elite, but few, und largely remain in zhe shadows. Zhe Empire needs centralized forces to protect crown authority. To support zhe Inquisition, und in case any of zhe nobles decide to take up arms against his Divinity zhe Emperor. Zhat is zhe case you must make to Him."

Leaning forward in his seat the Lord Inquisitor nods, matching Norsem's gaze. His amber eyes seem to study the Nobleman to his very core. "I vill accompany you to zhe Emperor's court, as you desire. As far as money is concerned, I'm not sure zhe Rose has as much to spare as you might zhink. Before you decided to ask for money, remember zhat men can just as easily be bought vith titles. Perhaps you vould be villing to recognize zhose who stand forvard to build your fortress as zhe initial members of your army? I might not go as far as to suggest officer perks, but vorking partly for zheir own benefit is sure to influence a few to accompany you." At the suggestion Toov leans back in his seat. He scratches his chin pensively, turning the predicament over in his mind. "You are a military man, are you not? I don't notice zhe typical stench of a politician on you. You're not nearly as much of a snake as zhe upper circles of society tend to require. Perhaps you'd best be served to offer your military leadership services to his Divinity zhe Emperor. Oren's military is fractured into zhe Knight Orders... who are generally too elite to be regular soldiers... und zhe private armies of Nobles like yourself. It is hardly my place to advise zhe Emperor in matters of zhe state, but he is a vastly intelligent und noble man, und perhaps he vould see a need for a unified Oren army to better support zhe Order of zhe Red Dragon und it's chapters. If you apologize for your previous incompetencies, he might entertain zhe idea of zhis army, as you are going to suggest, und your leadership of it. Who knows. It vould at least serve to show zhat you are truly trying to better yourself und zhe Empire." With a shrug, the Lord Inquisitor falls silent again in contemplation. He gazes upon Norsem in bed, studying him behind softly lit amber eyes. Alight with the notion of bettering the Empire.

With a frown, the Lord Inquisitor folds his arms across his chest. He tilts his head to the side, sighing softly. "Zhen I believe it is time you speak to Duke Tarus about turning Stoneguard into your base of operations. Ozhervise, I vould suggest you return to your islands off zhe coast of the Holy Lands and undergo zhe proper constructions to operate from. Oren is full of vould-be soldiers ripe for zhe recruitment... perhaps a bit of campaigning for more soldiers vould do you quite a bit of good. Emissaries ought to be sent to zhe nobility whom you might improve relations vith. If you end up reforming your realm on your islands, zhen I vould start vith zhe Vhite Rose un House Chivay, because zheir fortress Krak du Rhosven is zhe old fortress of Cerue. -On second zhought, go in person to zhe Rose if you vish to improve relations zhere. Seek out zhe Lords Chivay und Seneschal Velwyn Ashford. Be civil, but clear... zhey do not appreciate zhe shady tactics of most, und in your position you've no room to strain relations. I vould also suggest seeking out Elendil to at least seek civility vith one anozher. I can accompany you for zhat visit if you vish. Finally, it vould do you no harm to go before zhe Emperor und admit your previous failures. His anger is a much kinder gift zhan his hatred. Vitnessing a newfound sense of character und humility in Lord Jon Norsem might soften his heart to you a bit. He von't offer you favors, of course... but zhe Emperor is zhe key to improved relations in Oren. If you vant more for your House, zhen vork for it.Zhese ozher nobles von't accept you until you are a decently strong force, und you've sought to help at least a few of zhem. Zhese zhings I offer in advice because vitnessing anozher House fall prey to incompetency is a stain on Oren. You must be strong, but refined in your more militant leanings. Zhese are zhe first steps to your proper establishment as a noble. Do not let me... und especially do not let zhe Emperor down." With a chuckle, Toov makes his way back to the bedside chair, and lowers into it slowly. The wood creaks a bit under his weight, and he rests his hand on his fist, waiting to continue the conversation.

The response produced merely a nod from the silhouette of the Lord Inquisitor. He remained silent for a few minutes, contemplating the news placed in his hands. Glancing back over his shoulder, he took note of Norsem weakly sprawled upon the bed. "Duly noted. It is not zhe place of zhe Inquisition to take part in zhe Nobility's petty squabbles, however. Zhe Emperor is so far above zheir politics zhat ve are only to interfere in matters zhat zhreaten zhe Empire as a whole. Ve can speak more of zhese names you have mentioned anozher time. Vith zhat said, I ceased zhe extermination of your forces because, mostly, zhe attackers vent against mein orders. On zhe uder side zhough, zhe elimination of House Norsem for purely politically purposes risks ruining zhe balance of power in zhe Nobility. Lord Norsem, it seems to me zhat your power has faded severely. It remains to be seen zhus far vhether or not zhat is due to your own actions, but I strongly advise zhat you seek to improve zhis situation. Vhat lands are you in possession of? Vhat numbers have you in your forces? Vhat sort of political standings have you vith ozher prominent nobles? I vill not have risked mein own neck in your protection to furzher vitness your house crumble due to incompetency. Zhe Vhite Rose vas a bit offended by your request for aid in zhat little spat vith Elendil. If you ask me you vere both being foolish und arrogant in your nonchalant breach of zhe Emperor's peace. Asking such reinforcement from lords who vere at zhe time vassals of Elendil placed zhem in a very bad situation. Perhaps it is time you bury zhe hatchet vith Elendil? His lands are plagued by Rhodir raiders, und surely zhe addition of your forces vould help relations zhere. Additionally, zhe Lords Chivay vere not pleased to have you place zhem in such a position, as I said. A bit of good can go a long vay politically. It's high time ve fix your standings vithin zhe realm. Zhen, perhaps, zhey vould not seek to place charges of heresy against you to be rid of you." The words had fully revolved Toov, and he now stood with his back to the window, gaze fixed upon Norsem. Despite the bluntness of his words, his face displayed no signs of anger, offense, or ever frustation. It was neutral, suggesting a calm observation of fact.

"Velcome back to zhe vorld of zhe living." With a chuckle, the towering figure of Toov stood from his nearby seat. His Inquisition tabard settled with the motion, smoothing out the wrinkles, and the giant man took the opportunity to stretch out his limbs a bit in order to loosen his armor again. Through the bedroom's window, smoke curled lazily towards the sky, a swirling, dark reminder of the siege that had taken place recently. Soldiers bearing House Norsem colours stood in clusters chatting, the occasional notice of a figure in purple and black among them. Towards the charred gate a single Inquisitorial tent had been pitched, which was now being used as a field hospital. Heavy, Imperial issue boots thudded across the floorboards, ceasing as Toov halted before the window. Clasping his hands behind his back, he focused his gaze out into the courtyard. "I have sent a request to zhe Lords Chivay. Zhey, und zhe Vhite Rose are your only hope for protection vhile zhis investigation is followed zhrough. Just because I called off zhe forces laying siege to your fortress doesn't mean you are free from investigation. Zhe claims of heresy placed upon your house vere razher severe, and even if zhey might be lies, it is my duty as an Inquisitor to follow up on zhem. So too must I seek to discover who vent against mein orders und assaulted you. I vill ask you once, Lord Norsem. Is zhere truth behind zhese claims of heresy? You know I have spared you zhus far, und zhat I respect zhe zhings you have done for Oren und zhe Emperor. So, do not make me a fool for mein kind gesture und lie to me. It vould truly be a shame to see such a family as House Norsem to be tarnished, but I do intend to take zhis seriously. So please, tell me zhe whole truth of zhe matter so zhat I might at least ease my conscience for mein actions in protecting you." With these words, the large frame of the Lord Inquisitor continued to gaze out the window. With silent patience he awaited a further explanation from Jon Norsem.

The sounds of horns broke the smoldering silence over the battlefield. Upon the horizon a banner crested, on it bearing the Heraldry of the Inquisition. A small column of soldiers, dawned in the Imperial purple and black, sauntered in formation about the banner, making their way to the gates of the battle-scarred fortress. Lord Inquisitor Toov's amber eyes seemed to glow through the slits in his helmet like red hot coals in a furnace. The very air about him rippled with soft heat waves, and the other Inquisitor's stood visibly separate from the embodiment of his anger. "Zhis vill NOT do. I order zhe assault to be belayed. Zhose forces vere to dissolve immediately, until zhe charges brought against Lord Norsem could be fully, und zhoroughly investigated." "Relax Baldir. The situation will be sorted out.", came the response of the second Lord Inquisitor, Blood, as he gingerly patted the tower of a man on the pauldron. "Nein. Zhat vill not do. I vant zhe men responsible for carrying out zhis attack found und dealt vith. A total breach of protocol by zhese.. remnants of zhe former Inquisition. I vant to know who gave zhem zhe final assault order. I vill not abide such... slaughter, vithout verified evidence broguht to court. ESPECIALLY in zhe case of nobility like Norsem!" With his anger having flared out a bit, Toov pounded upon the closed gates of the Norsem fotress.After a rattle of chains and the large thuds of barricades being displaced, the gate creaked open. Behind it, the soldiers of House Norsem stood in formation, weapons drawn in preparation to defend against these new agents of the Inquisition. The gesture brought a smirk to Toov's face, as he dismissed their concerns with the wave of a hand. "Sheath zhem. Ve are not here to finish zhe job. I vould've enlisted zhe aid of a Knightly Order if zhat vas mein purpose. Vhere is Jon Norsem? I owe him an apology for zhis... inexcusable mistake." "He's... gravely wounded, m'lord Inquisitor. I don't think he'll make it through the night..." Oxlade managed to murmur, gesturing to the Lord's Hall. Growling a bit in anger, Toov gave a nod, and quickly lumbered off in the direction of the injured lord. Before he even made it through the main door (past the dumbfounded guards, mind you) he began tugging off his heavy gauntlets. Under them his hands were faintly gathering a glow, which increased by the time he tugged open the door to the wounded Jon Norsem's bedchamber. The nobleman managed a faint smile, noting the large, unmistakable feature he had met only once or twice before. "Die Willingly or With Sword in Hand..."sputtered the nobleman, with what sounded like one of his last few breaths. Lord Inquisitor Toov chuckled, shaking his head as he removed his large helmet. "I von't let you go zhat easily, Norsem. Zhere's still zhe matter of your investigation... und now zhe investigation of zhose who ordered zhis attack upon you vithout my approval. Come. Let us bring you from zhe edge of death." At these words, the Lord Inquisitor drew close, gently wrapping his large hands around the poorly bandaged and blood soaked hole in the side of his neck where the arrow had once been. The room was filled with the low sound of what seemed reminiscent of a holy chant. It lay heavy on the air, dripping with the holy magic being called upon for such an occasion. The light shone... and faded. A cycle that continued for what must have seemed like years, was over in about half an hour. As the process stopped, and with it the chanting, the towering figure of the Lord Inquisitor stumbled backwards into the bedside chair. With a heavy thud he sat, in waiting. The injury was healed, but there was still an important role for rest and natural healing to take place. He was content though. The disaster had been at least somewhat averted. His anger and retribution would have to be sought out another time... he was much to tired for petty thoughts wasted upon petty people.. There was a place for truth in Oren. For an end to the political corruption that seeped into every corner. This was the first step. Emperor Protect.

(It is in Oren. It's part of the Holy Lands, under a Duke of Oren.)

Application: OOC MC Name: Chaqery How active can you be?: I can be on most days. Weekends are definitely better, but I tend to be on whenever I have free time. IC Wot's yeh name?: Ungrim Edgehand How're ye related tae us? (Required to have blood relations, even if it's something as distant as cousin's son or what have ya.): I'm yer bloody brother, ya dumb bastah'd. We are tae Edgehand's, an' I don't plan on lettin' them folks in Karik forget 'et either. Wot's yer specialteh?: I am a warrior, a drinker... but most of all I'm a leader. Of soldiers, of course. I don't want no dealin' wif tae politics unless ya need meh to. The sor' of oathbreakin' dat goes on 'round de clan meetings is ah stain on our ancestors. How can ye aid us?: I can do wahtever ya need meh to, Raglin. I'm not about tae leave mine own brother down in tae mine without a light, as da sayin' goes. Do ye swear loyalteh to tae clan?: O' course I swear loyalteh to tae clan! Waht sort of Oathbreaker to ya think meh to be?! 'tid be a plight upon us if I betrayed mine own kin. You've got me word on it, brother.

Excellent read. A dark little glimpse into the past.

The Inquisition Agents of the Emperor The newly reformed Inquisition of Oren seeks to rise from the ashes of it's past. With a radical priority shift, and the authority vested in it by the Inquisitorial Edict, the Inquisition's role is to serve as the elite agents of the Emperor himself. Their specialty lies in their ability to seek out, investigate, and pass judgement upon all other Imperial persons and Organizations in order to cleanse Heresy, Incompetence, and Treason. They are handpicked by the current members of the Inquisition, and each is said to be devoutly loyal to the Emperor above all. Part I: The Inquisitorial Edict As the Empire would be nonexistent without the Emperor himself, and as the Inquisition must seek to uphold the Empire, the Inquisition must be the executors of the Emperor’s will. It must safeguard the Empire from Treason, Incompetence, and Heresy. The Inquisition is to be completely autonomous; it should not be beholden to, under the authority of, or held responsible to any Imperial organization or person except his Divinity the Emperor himself. Because the Inquisition are the watchdogs of the Empire, answerable only to themselves (And the Emperor), given almost absolute power, along with such broad jurisdiction, corruption is an ever present danger. Its integrity should therefore be upheld by constant self-policing and scrutiny. Such a task falls to the inner circle of the Inquisition, to be named. As a completely autonomous Imperial organisation beyond the power of the Nobility or Church, the Inquisition is the power of the Emperor. As the Inquisition's duties involve the scrutiny and policing of the other organisations of the Empire, the Inquisition itself is answerable to no higher power except the Emperor. No one, except the Emperor himself, is beyond the scrutiny of the Inquisition. This power is officially known as the Inquisitorial Edict. Because of such, it shall no longer be required that an Inquisitor first be made a Knight of Oren. To retain this requirement is to suggest that the Inquisition relies on the Holy Order of the Red Dragon, which is false. Even the aforementioned Holy Order is not spared the potential scrutiny or investigation of the Inquisition, as treason, incompetence, and heresy are most heinous crimes, especially when committed by men of such high stature and trust. None but the Emperor are immune to the effects of corruption. The same applies to the officials of the Church. The Pope, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, and any other recognized officials and agents of the Church are not spared scrutiny or investigation by the Inquisition if it is believed they have been affect by corruption. It is, however, understood that to investigate a suspicion of treason, incompetence, or heresy within the Church is a very serious matter and must be handled with the utmost respect and gravity. Section II: The Inquisitorial Code The Inquisitorial Code is the foundation of all Inquisitor's beliefs.As an acolyte, they are taught the deeper meanings behind the code, as well as the tools they are equiped with in order to accomplish their rather daunting task of keeping Oren safe, efficient, and just. The Code is as follows: Suffer not the Traitor, the Incompetent, the Heretic. So long as the enemies of the Emperor still draw breath, there can be no peace. Seek always the truth. Protect the innocent at all cost. Be ever vigilant. Corruption can touch even the most noble. The Emperor is the ultimate authority. Section III: Recruitment into the Inquisition Potential Inquisitors come from all walks of life, from humble farmers' sons to highborn nobles’ daughters. It is a matter of who shows the most promise as opposed to who is the most well-born. Let it be noted though, that while there is not a prejudice against women joining the Inquisition, it is much more difficult for a non-human to enter the ranks. This is due to the nature of the Inquisition itself. They are, as stated before, the elite agents of the Emperor of Oren, an officially human empire, ran by a human (though thought to be divine) Emperor. As is the case with all the aspects of the Inquisition, the matter of recruitment is not a centralized process but the power to invest it within others is left in the hands of the individual Inquisitors. Some are known to not recruit at all and instead spend their years of service in pursuit of their enemies as well as dedicating their hours to duty for the rest of their lives. Others, however, feel that it is one of their many burdens to bring about the next generation of Inquisitors who are destined to carry forth the battle that the Inquisition must wage. Ultimately, the matter is left to the judgment of the individual Inquisitors who are subject only to the scrutiny of their peers. A majority of Inquisitors typically leave such matters to chance or perhaps to fate in regards to picking a suitable candidate from amongst the groups of individuals whose paths cross that of the Inquisition. There are a number of Inquisitors who are more rigorous in regard to the pursuit of apprentices and will spent a proportion of their time seeking suitable candidates - sometimes from the ranks of other Imperial organizations. There exists no set criteria in regards to physical condition for a possible candidate when being selected to join the ranks of the Inquisition. All that is required is proof of intelligence and loyalty which are key requisites for such a choice though there is no proper method of judging these attributes until later in life. However, there may exist an extraordinary circumstance which are uncommon practices which leads to an Inquisitor choosing a boy or girl whilst they are still within their teens though this is only the case if the subject shows exceptional ability. Generally, an Inquisitor will take note of an individual if they are a free-thinking person with willpower and determination as well as unflinching principles. If a suitable candidate is found, they will become part of the Inquisitor's retinue where they may serve in a minor capacity whilst the Inquisitor continues their evaluation. Those that later prove their worth whilst working with the Inquisitor can be taken into the greater confidence of their lord or lady. Over the years that pass by, the apprentice will begin to learn what they can of the Inquisitor's knowledge and their many duties. Certain Inquisitors often refer to these semi-skilled individuals as Interrogators though they are more commonly known as Novitiates, Neophytes and as Approbators. At this stage, the individuals can undertake missions of their own or control operations in concert with their master or mistress though ultimately they are still subordinate to them until the Inquisitor fully invests in them. In normal conditions, it is required that the consent of three Inquisitors or an Inquisitor Lord is needed to bestow the full powers of an Inquisitor on an apprentice as well as grant them the Inquisitorial Seal. Whilst this is typically done, there have been occasions which warrant an apprentice taking full Inquisitorial powers immediately. This is likely the case where the Inquisitor in charge has been killed which means the apprentice inherits their master or mistresses' position. Apprentices may pass from one Inquisitor to another as fate dictates and through this way, the ideals of the Inquisitor are passed and spread during the generational growth. This in turn allows the factions and institutions of the Inquisition to propagate across the centuries. In addition to philosophy, the student also learns what their teacher knows of the internal workings of the Inquisition. An important tradition amongst Inquisitors to earn the knowledge that is theirs as well as the respect of their peers. However, such knowledge cannot be freely given and it cannot be taken without effort as that would devalue the knowledge itself. This goes in line with the saying "Knowledge is Power; Guard it Well." All Inquisitors begin as Acolytes, apprentice-Inquisitors given over to the tutelage of a more experienced member of the Inquisition. Acolytes accompany a fully experienced Inquisitor in his Inquisitorial duties. He may perform a number of tasks such as warrior, scribe, and interrogator. After a set amount of time, his master will give him a recommendation to the Inner Circle of the Inquisition to advance his pupil to full Inquisitorial rank. After this, the Acolyte is a full Inquisitor and begins his own agenda and operations. Although the Acolyte/Inquisitor is no longer bound to his old master, they will have formed a bond and may work together and help one another in the future. Section IV: Ranks of the Inquisition The Emperor - The officially recognized head of the Inquisition is the Emperor himself. While the level of involvement he devotes to the Inquisition is entirely of his own choosing (It’s more than capable of running itself without him, if he so desires), the entire focus of the Inquisition is to carry out his will more directly and ensure that the people or Oren are safe from internal threats, in addition to ensuring that everyone and every Imperial organization is in accordance to his Divinity the Emperor. The Emperor is the ultimate authority. Inquisitor Lord - Also known as Lord Inquisitors or High Inquisitors, Inquisitor Lords exist to help maintain the integrity of the organisation, and to watch over and guide its members. The title is a recognition of an Inquisitor's power and influence rather than an absolute rank, and is more a formalisation of a position enjoyed by the Inquisitor rather than an actual promotion. Promotion to the ranks of Inquisitor Lord is by invitation only; an Inquisitor must be nominated by an existing Lord and have his nomination approved by two others. It is an honour that is only extended to those that have proven their courage, ability, loyalty and integrity numerous times. The rank of Inquisitor Lord brings with it the highest tier of Inquisitorial authority short of the Emperor himself. The Inquisitor Lords make up the members of the Inner Circle of the Inquisition, and are responsible not only for the regular duties of an Inquisitor, but also policing and scrutinizing the rest of the Inquisition to ensure no corruption seeps into its ranks. Inquisitor - The standard rank of the Inquisition. The vast majority of the Inquisition is comprised of these individuals, and their responsibilities are all-encompassing. While I can't go on about them for an entire paragraph like the Inquisitor Lord, their role is just as (if not more) important. They seek out and investigate reports or suspicions of heresy, treason, or incompetence, as well as take it upon themselves to pass judgement for these crimes if given suitable evidence. Passing the induction and training of an Acolyte is a task that very few accomplish, and to be named a full Inquisitor not only signifies having earned the respect of the Inquisition (because you're induction has to be approved by three Inquisitors or an Inquisitor Lord). Acolyte- Servants and aids of Inquisitors. Though not of the rank of Inquisitor's, they are nonetheless considered agents of the Inquisition. Section V: Justice of the Inquisition In accordance with the Inquisitorial Edict, the Inquisition has the right to judge all that falls beneath it’s gaze. Nobody is safe from the investigation of the Inquisition except the Emperor himself. It’s this authority that inspires an aura of fear about the Inquisition. The people are never sure whether or not the Inquisition is investigating them, and as a result treason, incompetence, and heresy are often deterred merely by their presence. In many cases, the Inquisitor is entrusted with being Judge, Jury, and Accuser all at once. They are specially selected from only the most loyal and intelligent of the Emperor’s subjects, and trained (through their time as an Acolyte) to appropriately investigate suspicions of corruption (being treason, incompetence, or heresy) and determine a fitting punishment. It is this authority that permeates fear of the Inquisition. The very presence of an Inquisitor is said to even cause rowdy nobles to step in line and mind their actions and tongue. This authority is also important to bringing about swift justice to critical areas without slowing down the process in a flood of bureaucracy. The manner in which many Inquisitorial duties are carried out is via the dispatch of an Inquisitor or team of Inquisitors to an area in order to investigate reports of suspected treason, incompetence, or heresy. Using whatever means necessary (usually a sharp wit, clever tongue, and subtle application of authority), the Inquisitor investigates the reports and discover the truth. Alternatively, Inquisitors are expected to travel often, and make routine visitations to the lands within the Oren Empire. This way the true intentions of the Inquisition may be kept secret. A local noble or official will have no way of knowing whether the Inquisitor is there because he happened to be in the area, or if he is tasked with rooting out suspected corruption. In special cases, the Inner Council of Inquisitor Lords may convene to hold a more formal trial. This is more often seen in the case of accusing a high ranking Church official or head of a Noble family of charges punishable by Inquisitorial authority. This official trial is held to respect the gravity of such accusations, and so that the presence of all the Inquisitor Lords will ensure that the case is very fully and thoroughly reviewed. In any formal case, the Emperor is welcome to join. If his presence is blessed upon the Inquisitor Lords, then the decision he makes is the final and official one. The Emperor is, after all, the ultimate authority. Inquisitors have the authority to condemn an entire settlement to Dies Irae if it is deemed to be irredeemably corrupt. Dies Irae is only resorted to when the level of corruption present in the region or settlement is so monumental or irredeemable that it cannot be cleansed by any other means.