Herein is the procedure to execute an arrest warrant with the approval of the Holy Office: I. Gather Information Warrants are not to be issued without reasonable chance of a successful conclusion of the case. This means that the evidence available must be sufficient that the Inquisitor writing the warrant is content to take responsibility for the arrest. If it is likely that the accused will be released for lack of evidence, please do not even write the warrant in the first place. The accused is under suspicion at this time, and information such as the names of their associates, their behaviors and haunts should be being recorded. Note that any case may be audited by the Holy Office, and if so, an Inquisitor will be expected to have one or more of the following types of evidence to support a warrant: Physical Evidence - they've been seen casting magic Accusations - from a respected member of the community Testimonials - supporting evidence provided by non- accusers, best when unaware of an accusation Patterns - known associations, behaviours strongly associated magery or heresy, and the like II. Writing the Warrant For a warrant to be official, it must be copied, at minimum, to the following: The Grand Inquisitor, The Cardinal, the Earl Marshall, and the Grand Master. It is encouraged to include other, trusted members of the Holy Order as well as the Knights Lithmorran. Additionally, it must be written by the hand of an Inquisitor in good standing with the Holy Office. Warrants for nobles require the signature of the Grand Inquisitor or a High Inquisitor as do warrants for any guildleader. A warrant should contain: A. the nature of the charges B. any information regarding the accused's appearance, C. the accused's known haunts D. the perceived threat level and safety recommendations E. any pertinent comments the Knights may require It is not required to detail the evidence for the arrest request in the warrant document. However, if the Knights Lithmorran wish this information, it is appropriate to tell them unless it would endanger the investigation. III. Serving a Warrant Please ensure that the Knights Lithmorran and the Holy Office is reasonably aware of the status of any case at all times by sending mail updates when information is gleaned from a prisoner or when a decision has been made. In the case of noble prisoners, guildleaders, and other high ranking personages, the signature of the Grand Inquisitor is required to initiate a cleansing, branding, maiming, etc. The use of torture is pre-authorized, provided Inquisitorial Methods are followed as opposed to self- indulgent behaviors.
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Warrant Procedures
Comments Off on Warrant ProceduresNovember 25, 2012 / Inquisitorial Methods -
Evidence
Comments Off on EvidenceJune 5, 2012 / Inquisitorial MethodsEvidence
It is rare that a mage will come to the Holy Order and confess their
taint, though it does happen upon occasion. Rather, the Inquisitor must
expertly investigate, sorting through often inconclusive evidence to
determine the truth. This is why the training to Inquisitor is long and
comprehensive, to prevent the mob thought and fear of mages to take over.
Remember, even a mage is a member of our congregation, and our duty is to
save their souls, not punish them for their crimes. Punishment is for
mortal law, the Holy Order offers redemption.Accusations
The foremost type of evidence that the Inquisitor will manage on a day to
day business is the accusation. In truth, an accusation usually should
simply begin a file on the subject and open an investigation. Not all, or
even most, accusations warrant deep investigation. However, depending on
the nature of the claims and the likelihood that digging deeper will bear
fruit, it may be appropriate to begin to question third parties to gain
testimonials.Beware the accuser. Often enough, accusations are made for the benefit of
the accuser more than out of piety. Accusations should be tested for
veracity before being used as the basis of a Review of Faith.Accusations where the accuser is known and will put their own reputation on
the line to state something is true to the Holy Order have more weight than
those from anonymous sources. Those caught lying to the Holy Order,
especially about sins such as magery, have committed a grave sin indeed.Testimonials
The difference between an accusation and a testimonial is whom initiates
the exchange of information. Only when an Inquisitor has requested a
statement themselves from a witness, and the Inquisitor is reasonably
certain that the statement has not been compromised, can information
regarding a party rightly be considered a testimonial.Testimonials can easily be damaged by impure motives or predisposed
knowledge of an accusation. Simply knowing that an investigation exists
may taint a witness’ testimonial beyond holy truth.It is the Inquisitors duty to treat every conversation, no matter how great
or small, as a subtle interview to seek out the true value of spirit behind
the flesh’s obfuscating mask. In this, beware of false paths and protect
the witness from knowledge that may pervert the their testimonial.Also, remember, even when priestly cohorts do not, that the confessional is
sealed by the Lord of the Springs, and no evidence gained from within those
sacred walls may be used in an investigation.Physical Evidence
Occasionally, the Inquisitor will come across physical evidence, such as a
mage caught casting in the act, having unusual corporeal attributes such as
pink eyes, or carrying enchanted objects. These instances are both a
blessing, for it simplifies cases dramatically, and a curse, as the taint
most virulently touches those around it.Objects collected when this sort of evidence is in play must be either
summarily destroyed or placed within the Holy Orders vault if deemed too
powerful or dangerous to burn.Writings and books, depending on the nature of their content, may be
preserved in the vaults or burned, depending on how tainted they be.Patterns
The most important, and often the true basis upon which a case is built are
patterns. Like dropping a pebble in a pond and watching the ripples in
their uniform motion, one can see the patterns in the behavior and actions
of individuals.Some of the more obvious patterns that indicate taint are “known
associations” we all know that birds of a feather flock together, so the
friend of a heretic or mage is likely a mage themselves. Likewise, those
commonly showing their faces near trouble are likely candidates. The
Inquisitor must investigate these individuals and search for patterns that
reveal the truth.Before arresting a suspected mage or heretic to put them to the Review, the
wise Inquisitor orders them to be watched and followed so that known
associations and patterns may be observed. -
Forward
Comments Off on ForwardJune 5, 2012 / Inquisitorial MethodsThis manual, the Inquisitor’s Method, aims to educate select members of the Holy Order who seek to become avatars of The Inquisition.
It acts as a reference guide for the both ceremonies and practices of Inquisitors from the far reaches of the Realm in ensuring the safety of the populace and cleansing the taint of magery wherever it be found.
Here is a brief outline of the topics explained within this book:
- Evidence
- Handling Informants
- Sharing Information & Reporting
- Inquisitorial Files & Administration
- Issuing Warrants
- The Review of Faith
- Personal Safety
- Interrogation Techniques
- The Use of Torture
- Repentence & Cleansing Rituals
- References
May this manual serve the purpose of the Lord of the Springs in its entirety.
In faith,
Jenifyr von Vakhrova
Inquisitor of the Holy Order