• Evidence

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    June 5, 2012 /  Inquisitorial Methods

    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.

    Posted by Jenifyr @ 5:38 pm