Inquisitors of Holy Judgment

The Shieldmaster oversees a pair of unique Shields, the Inquisitor and Inquisitor Potentia. The latter of these two roles serves as an apprentice to the Inquisitor proper until the time of their death. It is the responsibility of each Inquisitor Potentia, upon their superior's passing, to identify and train their eventual successor as well. Typically, these roles have been filled by those with elven blood given their longer lifespan.

The Inquisitors keep strong ties to the Order's early oral tradition of passing down training and information over campfires and in sermons. The lack of written records also allows the Inquisitors an additional layer of anonymity which can serve their interests when investigating or observing other knights. To prove their authority and unique rank among the Knights of Holy Judgement, Inquisitors are ceremonially branded with the ever-watching eye of Helm on their left palm. Through their training, the Inquisitors are able to hide and present this brand at will and when presented, the branding glows in a faint blue hue.

It is generally known within the greater Knights of Holy Judgement that Inquisitors of Helm exist and operate within the ranks of the Shields. Those established within the organization understand the Inquisitors exist to help the Knights serve as agents of accountability to the oaths sworn and ideals held by the Order's members. Over the centuries, however, the practices, responsibilities, and nature of the Inquisitors has become exaggerated through hearsay and legend to the point of serving as a mysterious warning and talltale among squires and lower-rank knights.

The legacy of Inquisitors is mostly left to legend and rumor among the Knights, but it is customary for each Inquisitor Potentia to learn the identities and accomplishments of all former Inquisitors to serve as examples of both excellence and failure.  

The Inquisitors of Holy Judgement

    Wynrel (927-1045)
Half-Elf Male. A close ally of the Knight's founder, Gen. Elizra Battlebraid, Wynrel served as the first lieutenant of the Wandering Knights. Much like his general, Wynrel was known to be particularly devout and zealous as a Triadic disciple. The concept and role of the Inquisitors began with this ferocious fighter before such infrastructure truly existed. While Elzira followed her visions in search of the Order's future, it was her lieutenant who ensured the fledgling organization stayed the course to the ideals of their deities.   Balsalor (1045-1138)
Half-Elf Male. Wynrel's newphew, Balsalor grew up in the shadow of his aunt similar to how a modern Inquisitor Potentia serves alongside his superior. In fact, it was Balsalor who formalized the role with the General of the Order and created the training protocol and ceremonies which accompany becoming an Inquisitor Potentia.   Vanelis (1138-1289)
Elf Female. The first chosen Inquisitor Potentia to serve among the Shields, Vanelis started the tradition of elves serving as Inquisitors given their naturally longer lifespan. Having been trained since childhood, Vanelis went on to have the longest tenure of any Inquisitor to date, serving faithfully in the role for more than a century and a half before her death on mission at the hands of Bhaal worshipers.   Sylren (1289-1295)
Elf Male. The shortest tenured Inquisitor,  Sylren fell in combat while on a diplomatic mission to Implitur during the sacking of Sachel following the assassination of the royal family.   Magwynn (1289-1391)
Elf Female. Serving as Inquisitor for the unprecedentedly tumultuous fourteenth century, Inquisitor Magwynn inherited her position only a few years into beginning her training due to the untimely death of her predecessor. Particularly secretive, even for an Inquisitor, little is known of her life or accomplishments, though many speak to the stability brought about by the Shields during this century and this is likely a testament to her work behind the scenes, among other developments in the Order.   Ellisar (1391 to Present [1494])
Elf Male. Serving through the final years of the Spellplague and ensuing chaos, Ellisar saw his role expand to not only serving as an internal guardian of the Order's oaths, but also carrying out missions and contracts alongside his colleagues to a greater extent than previous Inquisitors. It is said he is particularly close to his contemporary Shieldmaster and serves as a conduit for their will throughout the region as needed.