Evidence
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.