Golden State Inquisition
The Golden State Inquisition is the chief investigatory body of the Republic and whose whole function is to safeguard it from existential threats. In spite of its name, the Golden Inquisition is not a religious authority: it directly answers to the Azure Conventus. The tower known as the Lion's Circlet in the western Central Arrondissement is their headquarters.
Structure
A relatively small organisation, the Golden Inquisition of Frankonia numbers around 200 employees, mostly consisting of sworn knights and experienced criminal investigators. Its hierarchy is quite rigid:
- Leonine Pontiff: the leader of the organisation. Currently Angelique Delecour, who played a central role in defeating the attempted Templar coup fifty years ago.
- Augur of the Dawn: three Inquisitors who, alongside the Pontiff, comprise the leadership of the State Inquisition. They are normally elected from distinguished Exemplars.
- Exemplar: senior members who have proven their dedication to the virtues of justice and unflinching commitment to the Republic. They are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Exactors. Every Exemplar directs an 'octuria,' an octury, of eight Exactors.
- Exactor: regular rank Inquisitors and the most numerous in the organisation.
- Aspirant: prospective Exactors are titled Aspirants; they act under the guidance of veteran Exactors. Eventually, an Exemplar evaluates their service, and either accepts or rejects them.
History
The Golden State Inquisition was founded as the Dawn revolutionaries' answer to the former Ducal Office of Security of the forgotten monarchy of Frankonia. It is speculated that many of the early members originated from this Office. At this time, the Golden Inquisition was responsible for removing all traces of the former government in Ponvarus, and in ensuring that the newly-established civil institutions adhered to the Constitution of Liberty and Equality. When the Republic stabilised, the duties of the Inquisition were clarified to be essentially the same as they are now.
The Silent Morning likewise resulted in a quiet Inquisition for five years. It was rendered temporarily defunct after all its members were implicated as complicit in "grievous neglect of duty." The Lion's Circlet was raided by incursators (assault groups commanded by the Vicariate) of the First Cohort of the Fourth Legion whilst the remaining Inquisitors were methodically hunted down by the venator squads (consisting of Republican Guards led by Vicariate agents). Those who survived suffered the unknown fate that befell all who were targeted by the purge. This was the rocky start of the standard of cooperation between the Inquisition, Guard, and Consular Vicariate; fortunately, mutual attitudes have only improved since.
Large elements of the Inquisition's leadership were exposed as Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth during the Grand Betrayal, and Solavin, the former Leonine Pontiff, led a coup in the confusion that followed; the Templars carried it out with all the correct appearances of order and legitimacy. However, loyalist Inquisitors led by Exactor Angelique Delecour supported by Hellknights of the Godclaw, Nail, Scourge, and Vice, successfully foiled it. It was this demonstration of excellence that earned the current Pontiff her position.
Angelique instituted draconian admission standards for the Inquisition following the Grand Betrayal. For example, Aspirants who are failed by an Exemplar are exiled along with their immediate family.
Truth and Vigilance.
Founding Date
1396 AM
Type
Government, Law Enforcement
Leader
Judicial Body
Revolutionary Tribunals
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
