Order of the Radiant Blade

Mandates

1. Purge Internal Heresy
   • Any corruption or deviation from sanctioned Lykanism practices is considered spiritual rot. The order seeks cults, false prophets and schisms of Lykania's will, particularly those that romanticize the old pantheon or claim hidden truths.
   • Notably, they do not persecute unrelated religions, unless those faiths attempt to mimic or appropriate Lykanian worship.
2. Hunt Rogue Mages
   • Mages who studied at Imperial academies and then fled or broke their vows, are seen as betrayers of both the Empire and the trust that the church put into the academies to keep order.
   • Illegal use of magic, such as necromancy, soul-binding, destructive use of magic or anything else that would be illegal and is done by magic, falls under their purview regardless of origin.
3. Exterminate the Undead
   • Undeath is a crime against the natural cycle and a mockery of Lykania's light. Whether self-inflicted, cursed or accidental, the undead are hunted without mercy.
   • Where undeath exists, the inquisition will bring in force if they find true evidence of it, in the belief that it is a corrupting presence.
   • Sympathetic civilians hiding undead kin are often treated as misled, and given a singular chance at repentance.

Structure

• High Inquisitor: The leader of the inquisition, second only to the Divine Prophet in authority. They are chosen from within the order among the highest ranking inquisitors, after surviving Lykania's Judgement, a secretive trial which reveals who is destined to lead the order.
• Judicators: Senior inquisitors who lead regional hunts. They act with nearly autonomous authority, with their orders being considered above the law but at the same time it puts them outside of society, as only the highest of nobility can oppose their will. They are required to know how to hunt any of the three enemies of the inquisition.
• Bladesworn: The main body of the inquisition. Armed warriors, trained with blade, investigation and protective magic that allow them to hunt a singular enemy of the inquisition, though they are often at significant disadvantages if they come across others.
• Votaries of the Dawn: Initiates and scribes. They serve as aides, researchers and at times even as infiltrators for the higher ranking members. Though they are part of the inquisition, they are not permitted to call themselves for inquisitors. Most of these come from acolytes recruited by inquisitors, sometimes willingly and sometimes less so.

Symbols & Equipment

• The badge of an inquisitor is a sunburst bladed sword over a fractured shield, symbolizing them cutting through corruption and that they exist as hunters, not guardians.
• Inquisitors are afforded personal preferences in their chosen armor and weapons. Some opt for heavier equipment if they expect to enter battles, while others prefer lighter approaches and reinforced coats and jackets that allow them to blend in if necessary. For their weapons, the most common choices are a blade, typically a sword, and a crossbow.
• Every inquisitor is required to carry a blessed silver weapon with them, which are enchanted to dispel magic. This goes along with a supply of consecrated oils that aid them against their foes.
• Every inquisitor has access to cases of warrants and condemnations, from which their officiate their judgments upon an individual.

Public Perception

• Though the faithful may respect them for their work, their power and methods often leave them feared by people.
• Nobles are particularly wary of inquisitors, as the inquisition rarely has to account to local nobility, though some inquisitors do, so that they are more willing to work together.
• Mages often loathe them, as their presence near mages are almost one of suspicion.
• The priesthood have mixed opinions of the inquisition. Though they work together, the inquisition's role in investigating for heresies strain the relations at times, but once it is determined that there is no heresy, the inquisition are often very warm towards the local clergy and are very likely to help them out.