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FORMATION OF THE INQUISITION The foundation of the Inquisition is shrouded in mystery, although it is believed that the organisation came into being either during or directly after the Horus Heresy . The Inquisition was believed to have been created by the Emperor Of Mankind shortly before his internment within the Golden Throne. There were originally only two Orders within the Inquisition, but a third (the Ordo Hereticus) was added after the events of the Age of Apostasy. ORDOS OF THE INQUISITION The Inquisition is divided into a series of organisations knows as ''Ordos''. Each Ordo is responsible for assessing and combating a threat to humanity. As of the 41st millennium, the three Major Ordos are:
Ordos Minoris Subordinate to the Major Ordos are several smaller organisations, known as the ''Ordos Minoris''. These 'minor Ordos' are significantly smaller than the main three, and are often formed to combat specific, rather than broad, threats
ROLE OF THE INQUISITION The Inquisition is immensely powerful, and the only individual that is exempt from their scrutiny is the Emperor himself. If he has good cause, an Inquisitor may demand any service from any Imperial citizen, up to and including the High Lords of Terra (The Adeptus Custodes who guard the Emperor's palace and person are exempt, as their duty to the Emperor is clear and unchanging. When it comes to the Adeptus Astartes , Inquisitors often show some discretion and ask). Inquisitors also have absolute power to judge supposed heretics, mutants, untrained or rogue Psykers and the like, with no appeal. Practically all possible verdicts are ultimately death sentences, although the means by which they are achieved differ. Traitors, the worst grades of offenders, are considered irredeemable and will be quickly executed. Heretics may be redeemed, often after considerable amounts of Torture , and may receive Absolution through death in service to the Imperium. This service may consist of Arco-flagellation , conscription into Imperial armies, becoming the operator of one of the Ministorum's Penitent Engines or, in the case of penitent psykers, joining the retinue of an Inquisitor. Young psykers who have not worked against the Imperium or used their powers much will usually be repeatedly tested, and if they are young, strong and pious enough, may be taken in by the Black Ships of the Inquisition and become a Sanctioned Psyker or even an Inquisitor. The requirements are strict however, and many will be found wanting and promptly executed. Another possible fate for those who fail the tests is to be used to power the vast psychic beacon of the Astronomican (an ultimately fatal experience) or even sacrificed to sustain the lifeforce of the Emperor Himself. If a world is the subject of extreme heresy or corruption, an Inquisitor may call down the verdict of Exterminatus . Many question the necessity of such acts, but the Inquisition feels it is fully justified in performing them, and in fact would be in error if it did not. Some may question your right to destroy ten billion people. Those who understand realise that you have no right to let them live! MORALITY The Inquisition is broadly broken down into two schools of thought; that of the Radical and that of the Puritan. To the Radical 'the ends justifies the means' in every instance, whether through the employ of Exterminatus, daemonhosts, or alien weaponry. By contrast, the Puritans adhere strictly to Imperial doctrine and typically persecute their more unorthodox brethren. The main tenets of the Inquisition, beyond the Radical/Puritan divide, can be defined below: Puritans
Radicals
HISTORY Inquisitors were not well known in the Warhammer 40,000 universe until the release of the 54mm miniatures game ''Inquisitor'' , which is a narrative game, based around warbands which often comprise of an Inquisitor and his henchmen. The creation of ''Inquisitor'' was followed by a great deal of information about the Inquisition, and the organization attracted the interest of fans. This led to the creation of ''Codex: Demonhunters'' and ''Codex: Witch Hunters'', both based around armies led by Inquisitors (of the ''Ordo Malleus'' and the ''Ordo Hereticus'', respectively). FAMOUS INQUISITORS
QUOTES I carry with me an Inquisitorial Seal. It is a small, unassuming object contained in a neat box of Pluvian obsidian. It is a modest thing. Relatively plain, adorned with a single motif and a simple motto. Yet with this little object I can sign the death warrant of an entire world and consign a billion souls to Oblivion. There is no such thing as a plea of innocence in my court. A plea of innocence is guilty of wasting my time. We are at war with forces too terrible to comprehend. We cannot afford mercy for any of its victims too weak to take the correct course. Mercy destroys us; it weakens us and saps our resolve. Put aside all such thoughts. They are not worthy of Inquisitors in the service of Our Emperor. Praise his name for in our resolve we only reflect his purpose of will. The more I learn about these aliens, the more I come to understand what drives them, the more I hate them. I hate them for what they are and for what they may one day become. I hate them not because they hate us but because they are incapable of good, honest, human hatred. The nature of Chaos is deceit - unless one looks past surface impressions, one can never hope to divine the purpose of the enemy. REFERENCES |
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