Inquisitorial Factions and their Ideologies

[Ferrus Manus]

[center; background-image:url(http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/hq2.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 8px 2px; padding: 12px 8px 12px 8px; border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-left: 0 auto; text-align: left; color: #fff; text-indent:50px; font-size:130%; width:50%;">Factions of the Inquisition and their Ideologies[/center]

The Inquisition or the Holy Orders of the Emperors Inquisition to give it its full name, is both feared and respected throughout the Imperium. They are His saints who seek out the traitor, the psyker and xenos and slay them in the Emperors name. Each Inquisitor has the ultimate authority, second only to the Emperor himself. It is their duty to protect the Imperium from threats both internally and externally. Everyone is within their jurisdiction, from the lowliest clerk to the High Lords of Terra themselves.

Each Inquisitor is highly individual, operating in their own way. They have their own appearance and uniform; some choose to declare their office openly whilst others stick to the shadows, unseen by those that they protect.

However, despite this common goal the Inquisition is fraught with internal conflict, coming from disputes on ideals and methods. These factions can be split into two groups; the Puritans and the Radicals, and from there they can be sub-divided. Some, such as the Thorians believe that the Emperor has ascended to Godhood and works his will through Divine Avatars. While others such as the more radical Horusians seek to create a new Horus, someone who could unite the Imperium instead of splitting it in a new Heresy.

Radical Factions

The Radicals follow the spirit of the Inquisitorial doctrine. They believe that the end justifies the means. Often, a radical Inquisitor will use chaos' weaponry against itself; the most common method is the use of Daemonhosts, and methods that are considered heretical by their Puritan brethren. This is due to the most common method for an Inquisitor to become Radical is by exposure to the forces of Chaos that they battle, and for this reason the Ordo Malleus is charged specifically with policing the Inquisition as a formal duty.

Xanthites

Xanthism is one of the oldest philosophies of the Inquisition. It is named after Inquisitor Xanthus, who was executed as heretic during the 32nd Millennium. While Xanthus claimed he was innocent he was hunted down as a heretic by a cell of Inquisitors, and eventually burnt at the stake for his supposed crimes. While he believed he had remained pure Xanthus admitted that on several occasions he had utilised the powers of Chaos to achieve his goals. He believed that such powers could be used against the Gods of the Warp and their minions. It is the ultimate goal of the Xanthites to harness the power of Chaos for Mankind. They believe that Chaos cannot be defeated, for it is a reflection of humanity. While they would never advocate giving in to Chaos the Xanthites believe that the powers of Chaos can be turned for the benefit of Humanity.

Xanthites are known to investigate every aspect of Chaos and its power, even investing some of that power into themselves where possible. They will use Chaos-tainted artifacts, daemon weapons, books of Chaos lore and other heretical items, destroying them only when necessary.

Xanthites are commonly seen by the rest of the Inquisition as arrogant and dangerous, meddling in powers that they do not fully understand. Often, it will be an entire cell of Inquisitors that will track down a Xanthite in an effort to expose his perceived heresies and bring him to justice.

Due to their involvement with Chaos and Daemons many of the Xanthites are members of the Ordo Malleus. They frequently build relationships with Chaos Cults and some will go as far as to create their own sect which is concerned with unraveling the mysteries behind artifacts and arcane lore.

Horusians

The Horusians are a branch of the Xanthites. The Horusians see the Primarch Horus, imbued with the power of Chaos, and see a waste. They believe that a new Horus could be created, invested with power from the warp. The Horusians believe that such an individual would be powerful enough to unite Humanity for the better, instead of enslaving it to Chaos. Most other members of the Inquisition consider the Xanthites and particularly the Horusians to walking a fine line between duty and damnation.

Puritans have a particular loathing for Horusians, who they see are the most dire and most arrogant heretics with their belief that they can create a new Emperor.

Recongregators

According to the Recongregator philosophy the Imperium has become corrupt and is decaying. They believe that it no longer serves the purpose it was created for, and works in spite of the many organisations rather than because of them. The Recongregators preach that over time the mess of politics, factions, bureaucracy and the immense edifices of the Imperium must be broken down and rebuilt in a new way that works better for Mankind. Inquisitors of this faction seek to destabilise the Imperium from the inside, replacing the corrupt individuals with people more accepting of change.

Most are wary of too great a change. As such they seek to change things subtlety and to shape things to their will, as too much direct action could bring about the premature fall of the Imperium. As might be expected many of the faction of the Recongregators may be found in the ranks of the Ordo Hereticus, where they can learn of individuals who may fit into their plans. Recongregators have been known to help anti-Imperial sects, often altering the covens beliefs to match their own. However, they are not above extreme action, such as an Exterminatus, if this will promote a change that they desire.

Unsurprisingly, members of this faction frequently come to blows with members of the Amalathian faction, as the beliefs of the two parties are different sides of a coin; with one faction seeking to destabilise the Imperium, while the other strives to maintain it.

Istvaanians

The greatest conflict to ever engulf the Imperium was the Horus Heresy, which began with Horus Bio-bombing of Istvaan III. The Heresy saw worlds burn on an unprecedented and unmatched scale. There are some Inquisitors who see this as the moment that Mankinds destiny was forged. From the Heresy came great military changes, for example the splitting of the Legionnes Astartes. As well as the Emperors Ascension and the beginnings of the Ministorum.

It is the goal of the Istvaanians to strengthen Humanity through hardship and conflict, as it is at these times that Mankinds true strength shines through. They fan the fires of conflict and hate so that Humanity will stay vigilant, and its warriors be ready, and so none will believe that they have done everything they could. They are a pretentious and obvious creed; they flaunt their warmongering ways, inciting zeal and hatred in all those that surround them. They pit world against world and faction against faction, so that the survivors will be all the stronger for it.

Trouble follows them like a shadow. Where ever they go they work on the phobias and prejudices of Imperial Commanders, military officers and the general population to instill fear and hatred in their hearts. They work well with destabilisation and terrorist cults and often forge relationships with violent pro-Imperial cults. They have been known to create sects of their own, only to reveal the threat they possess to Imperial Officials. They encourage the populace to purge the corrupt with sword and fire. Istvaanians are found within all of the Ordos of the Inquisition, where they may use their violent methods to purge the enemies of the Imperium.

Other factions of the Inquisition do not trust the Istvaanians, always questioning their agendas and their motives. They argue that instead of strengthening Humanity, the Istvaanians destructive ways weaken and destabilise the Imperium. Too many times has an Inquisitor discovered a heretical cult that threatens to destroy the Imperium, only to find that they are sponsored by an Istvaanian, who has fostered the rebellion for his own ends. Many such encounters end in physical conflict, as Istvaanians are nothing if not coldhearted and bloodthirsty.

Sources

Inquisitor Rulebook (Part 2)

Edited January 5, 2009 by Ferrus Manus

[Grand Master Tyrak]

I did a thread on this some time ago, with some info dug up to introduce people here. Use the info as you wish.

[Ferrus Manus]

That's great thanks, a nice quick summary. :huh:

[Ferrus Manus]

Sorry for the double post, but the article is up. Opinions? Just remember I haven't checked it through for punctuation and grammar yet. Edited January 4, 2009 by Ferrus Manus

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Couple of points, with changes in bold.

 

Puritans are the conservatives within the Inquisition.

 

The rotting husk that sits upon the Golden Throne isn’t the Emperor, for he travels throughout his Imperium,

 

The Thorians’ opponents claim that the creation of such an entity would cause a schism so great that it would split the Imperium in two indefinitely. The Believers in the resurrection would clash with the unbelievers and the Imperium would be destroyed in a war of faith. Not only that, they worry that the Emperor’s powers may have changed when he ascended to his throne. Would he lose them if he were once again confined to a mortal shell, but most importantly would the light of the Astronomican fade once the Emperor was no longer confided to the Golden Throne?

 

Not only is there the problem of schism, but also the threat that with the Emperor permanently resurrected in a new body, He could be killed just as permanently.

 

They try to keep quarrels between different Imperial Organisations to a minimum, keeping to the Inquisitorial Creed; Strength through Unity. To them change is a problem as it can herald disaster. While other Inquisitorial Factions may seek to improve the Imperium through some great upheaval, the Amalathians seek to change slowly if at all.

 

Not progress, such a thing is almost unknown to the Imperium, at least as we understand it. Also the Amalathians have greater links to the Adeptus Arbites than any other faction.

 

The Radicals follow the spirit of the Inquisitorial doctrine. They believe that the end justifies the means. Often, a radical Inquisitor will use chaos' weaponry against itself; the most common method is the use of Daemonhosts, and methods that are considered heretical by their Puritan brethren.

 

Add "This is due to the most common method for an Inquisitor to become Radical is by exposure to the forces of Chaos that they battel, and for this reason the Ordo Malleus is charged specifically wth policing the Inquisition as a formal duty."

 

Xanthites are commonly seen by the rest of the Inquisition as arrogant and dangerous, meddling in powers that they do not fully understand. However, due to Xanthism being one of the oldest philosophies it takes a rare and powerful individual to stand up to the Xanthites.

 

Not really. The Puritans make up the vast majority of the Inquisition, it is more the (rumoured) presence of Xanthites within the highest ranks of the Inquisition that gives such a philosophy the leeway required to exist. However, should a Xanthite be uncovered whilst at work, it will almost always lead to a charge of diabolus being levelled at the Xanthite, the charge of dabbling in warpcraft and other prohibited practices of a similar nature. These charges are almost always successful, but since most Xanthites are secretive and isolationist in their work it is not often enough or any evidence will be found to level such a charge. After all, it is no small thing to accuse another Inquisitor.

[Ferrus Manus]

The Puritans make up the vast majority of the Inquisition, it is more the (rumoured) presence of Xanthites within the highest ranks of the Inquisition that gives such a philosophy the leeway required to exist. However, should a Xanthite be uncovered whilst at work, it will almost always lead to a charge of diabolus being levelled at the Xanthite, the charge of dabbling in warpcraft and other prohibited practices of a similar nature. These charges are almost always successful, but since most Xanthites are secretive and isolationist in their work it is not often enough or any evidence will be found to level such a charge. After all, it is no small thing to accuse another Inquisitor.

 

An interesting view point. However, I must say that the line in question was taken from the Inquisitor rulebook. BUT I don't want to say its in a GW book therefore it's right and you are wrong. So, I can see where you are coming from, personally until I read the line I would have agreed with you. But if you think about it, it seems logical. Xanthism is one of the oldest, and most established factions, therefore it seems to me that they would be one of the largest. Whilst on the other side the Monodominants would be their opponents.

 

The easiest way I can describe it is to give you the example of the early Christians. They were hunted and killed for their beliefs. While I don't see the Inquisitors killing each other for their beliefs, they would kill another for their methods. So if an Inquisitor of a smaller puritan faction stood up against the Xanthites, to me he would be forced to silence (by members of the said Xanthites.) After all whose going believe a single Inquisitor over an entire faction?

 

I'm interested to see what you think, so for now I'm going to leave that part unchanged. But I've changed everything else.

Edited January 5, 2009 by Ferrus Manus

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Quote from C:DH, p 11, referring to those who use Chaos items

 

"These individuals are generally termed Radicals (among other less savoury terms such as heretic and traitor) and are largely denounced by the Puritan factions of the Inquisition, who outnumber them many times over. Nonetheless, a number of the most respected members of the Inquisition either belong to one of the Radical factions or allow them to proceed in their exhaustive investigations . . ."

[Ferrus Manus]

And once again GW has conflicting fluff. I'll go with it then, like I said I was more inclined to agree with that idea. Changed.

 

EDIT: I've checked it through for spelling and grammar, I don't think I've missed anything. if you see something do say.

Edited January 5, 2009 by Ferrus Manus