Ember Inquisition
Created by ordinary people affected by the tragedies that dark magic and monsters have wrought upon them, the Ember Inquisition has grown to be a recognizable force in the Isles. Originating in the Sun-Koku region this group of witch hunters and monster slayers have taken upon themselves the duty of clearing out the darkness and the forces that live within with a sharp blade and a cleansing flame.
Their staunch beliefs and direct methods have put them at odds with a number of people who claim to be practicing arts and magics that have been around for generations. The inquisition has an almost draconian culture and is usually seen as intolerable and often misguided. In addition to seeking out the monsters of the wild, some troupes within the faction have been known for conducting violent witch hunts and enacting haunting trials that may have taken many innocent lives. Some inquisitors have even gone as far as adapting a form of lycanthropy as an additional method of fighting, but this practice is not condoned by the faction’s leadership.
Inquisitors usually travel solo or in pairs of two, seeking out jobs, bounties, and dark forces. New members study monster lore and anatomy, authorized magic, and alchemy before being sent out. The faction favors fighters, rangers, clerics, rogues, and paladins in their ranks.
While the faction does generate income from taking on tasks from the populous, its main source of funding comes from a mysterious benefactor with deep pockets. With the money granted by the sponsor the Ember Inquisition was able to restore an old fortress created before Dragonfall.
Headquarters
The headquarters of the Ember Inquisition is located in a heavily fortified fortress deep in the heart of the Sun-Koku region. It's name is "The Fortress of the Purified Flame." The fortress is surrounded by steep cliffs and guarded by a number of powerful golems and other magical defenses. Inside, the headquarters is a maze of twisting corridors and hidden chambers, filled with the latest in magical technology and weaponry. The inner sanctum of the headquarters is a grand hall, where the leaders of the Inquisition gather to plan their campaigns and discuss strategy. The hall is decorated with the banners and badges of the faction's most accomplished members, and is guarded by a number of powerful samurai and warriors. Within the walls of the compound, there are several buildings, including a training ground where new recruits are taught the skills and knowledge they need to become inquisitors, a library where the faction's vast collection of monster lore and magical knowledge is stored, and a large chapel where the inquisitors gather to meditate and receive guidance from their peers. The compound also includes barracks for the inquisitors and soldiers who serve the faction, as well as a forge where the inquisitors' weapons and armor are crafted and maintained. The headquarters is a hub of activity, with inquisitors coming and going at all hours of the day and night as they undertake their various missions and duties. Despite its impressive defenses and wealth, the headquarters of the Ember Inquisition is not without its weaknesses. Some members of the faction believe that the leadership has become corrupt and self-serving, and that the Inquisition has strayed from its original mission of protecting the people from dark magic and monsters. These dissenting voices have grown louder in recent years, and some fear that the faction may be on the brink of splintering and falling into chaos.Structure
The Ember Inquisition is organized into a hierarchical structure, with an aasimar woman named Kaida the Unyielding at the top as the leader of the faction. She is technically advised by a council of senior inquisitors, who are responsible for carrying out her orders and overseeing the various operations of the Inquisition, but in practice Kaida is often out on assignment taking stock of the evils of the land and purging what she deems as darkness. Below the council are the rank-and-file inquisitors, who are responsible for carrying out the faction's missions and enforcing its laws. These inquisitors are organized into teams, each led by a captain who is responsible for the team's operations and training. The lower ranks of the Inquisition are made up of initiates and recruits, who are in training to become full-fledged inquisitors.
In addition to its military and administrative structure, the Ember Inquisition also has a number of specialized divisions, such as the Alchemists' Guild and the Lorekeepers' Guild. These divisions are responsible for the development and maintenance of the Inquisition's magical technology and knowledge, and are highly respected within the organization. The Inquisition also has a number of satellite offices and outposts scattered throughout the isles, which are responsible for carrying out the faction's operations in remote locations.
Culture
The culture of the Ember Inquisition is one of strict adherence to their beliefs and strict obedience to their leader. Inquisitors are expected to be devout in their faith and to follow the orders of their superiors without question. The faction has a hierarchical structure, with Kaida, the Unyielding at the top as the leader and various ranks of inquisitors beneath her. New recruits are trained in the ways of the Inquisition and are expected to prove their worth in battle before being granted the title of inquisitor.
The culture of the Inquisition is also one of fierce loyalty to their cause and a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Inquisitors are expected to put the needs of the faction above their own, and are often called upon to undertake dangerous missions and confront powerful enemies. This has led to a strong sense of camaraderie among the members of the faction, who often form close bonds with their fellow inquisitors.
Despite their loyalty and dedication to their cause, the culture of the Inquisition is not without its flaws. Some members of the faction have become increasingly dogmatic and zealous in their beliefs, leading to accusations of persecution and witch-hunting. This has caused tensions within the faction, with some members questioning the methods and goals of the Inquisition.
The faction has a restrictive view on what types of magic and practices it deems as dark and worthy of being destroyed. Magics like necromancy obviously make the list, but even things like simple transmutation, conjuration, and enchantment often find themselves the target of an inquisitors fire.
Overall, the culture of the Ember Inquisition is one of strict adherence to their beliefs, fierce loyalty to their cause, and a willingness to make any sacrifice for the good of the organization, even if it means sacrificing ones own morals.
Public Agenda
The Ember Inquisition's public agenda is to protect the people of the isles from the dangers of dark magic and monsters. They are known for their uncompromising stance against anything they perceive as a threat to the people, and are willing to take drastic action to eliminate these threats. This has earned them both admiration and fear from the general public. Some view the Inquisition as heroes, bravely standing up to the forces of darkness, while others see them as ruthless zealots, willing to trample on the rights of others in their pursuit of their goals.
Despite the controversy surrounding their methods, the Ember Inquisition is a recognized and respected force in the isles. They are known for their skill in combat and their knowledge of monster lore, and are often called upon to deal with particularly dangerous threats. However, their strict adherence to their beliefs and their willingness to take extreme measures have also led to accusations of persecution and witch-hunting, damaging their reputation in the eyes of some.
The faction offers up its services all over the isles and raises funds by completing tasks, hunts, and small education services to isolated areas of the isles.
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