The Tribunal

Adjudicators

Adjudicators exist as the foremost legal authority within the Empire. Each presiding over a swathe of territory under the thumb of imperial rule where they enjoy almost limitless power. They reign as extensions of the Emperor’s will and are revered as priests of the Father.

The court of an Adjudicator is known as a Tribunal. Within these courts the Adjudicator is the ultimate authority and their decisions are law. Once an Adjudicator has made a ruling, no one but the Emperor or themselves have the authority to change it.

To aid them in the maintenance of imperial rule the Adjudicators select from the best and most promising members of the Empire to take into their court and fashion them into the Fatebinders.

Rumors: Adjudicators

To the common masses, the Adjudicators are a rare sight to behold. So much so that when they do appear they are often treated with great reverence and it would be an easy mistake to make to assume the Emperor themself had just arrived. Some people actually claim that there is no Emperor to begin with, but that He is just an Adjudicator, though of course these claims are quickly silenced, often violently so.
It is widely believed that the Adjudicators are blessed with aspects of the divine so much so they are able to cast a great range of magic. From the ability to devastate entire cities, to being able to bring the truth out of the lips of anyone they speak to.

FAQ: Adjudicators

Can I play one?

No.

What authority do they have?

An Adjudicator is one of the highest authorities in the Empire. With the Gods and Emperor being above them. They are in charge of entire regions and act as some kind of supreme judges. They never move without an entire battalion worth of legionaries.

Fatebinders

Selected for their loyalty to the Empire, their devoutness in the faith of The Three as well as their prowess of mind and body. Fatebinders are personally selected from the population by the Adjudicators to serve in their courts. Each undergoes rigorous education before being granted the title of Fatebinder. Each wielding a fraction of the Adjudicator’s power from which they derive their authority. And each in turn is expected to uphold the laws of The Empire

Fatebinders are an uncommon sight within The Empire. Serving as judges or magistrates in the courts of the Adjudicators means few are able to pass the selection process. Leaving some of the more petty crimes to be undertaken by the local garrisons. When it is warranted a Fatebinder will be summoned to investigate a more serious offense.

The decrees and proclamations of Fatebinders carry the familiar weight of their patron. Unless the judgment is delicate enough to be needing the direct attention of an Adjudicator, a Fatebinders word would be considered law.

See: Laws of the Empire

These wandering Fatebinders are officially recognised as Circuit Fatebinders or Magistrates. They travel The Empire following specific routes determined by their Adjudicator to build a larger depth of knowledge and understanding of the imperial peoples. Each Fatebinder will often wear distinctive clothes which would associate them with a specific Adjudicator’s court and because of a general principle to be a visible symbol of imperial law.

Usually these are darker colours contrasted with a deep but brighter colours of purples, blues, yellows and oranges.

Often when a Fatebinder has a decade or more experience they will be offered a seat within the territory which is controlled by their Adjudicator. These are officially recognized as Seated Fatebinders or Judges and are often found in large towns and cities with their own judicial annexes.

In both circumstances it is expected of the Fatebinders to arbitrate in matters of both civil and criminal related issues. They take as their most paramount objective to ensure the stability of The Empire through law and order.

Fatebinders being empowered with a fraction of an Adjudicator’s authority have the power to take command over the local legions and garrisons if they deem the situation should warrant it. However to do so is a drastic measure and more often they will request the forces from the relevant commanders.

Each Fatebinder holds a strong affinity for The Three, and some of them possess powers that a Priest of The Three would. Most often those associated with The Father or The First Born

How to Play: Fatebinders

A Fatebinder is a highly loyal and highly trained member of the tribunal, acting as some kind of ‘field judge’. Chosen and trained personally by an Adjudicator from the most promising citizens of the Empire.
As a Fatebinder it is your duty to oversee matters of the law. When applicable, you are the law. (Not including the matters of the Inquisition, when Inquisitors are present)
As a Fatebinder your most sacred and paramount duty is to ensure the stability of The Empire. The bigger picture should always be the main concern. In this direction, people that are of higher importance to the Empire (e.g. Nobles, Sages, etc) will be allowed some impunity respect to a common citizen, while non-humans, not being part of the society envisioned by the Empire, will be at best be treated like second class persons, if not lacking any right.
As a Fatebinder you are nearly impossible to corrupt or tempt into the heretical.

Only in absence of any authority of the Imperial Army, Fatebinders and even less Inquisitors should deal with more 'direct' threats such Beastkins, rebellions, or aggressive tribes of greenskins.
Fatebinders can and should request the assistance of the Army when in need of a strong hand. In these cases, the Army is required to assist them in their duties.

Rumors: Fatebinders

It's generally understood that the Fatebinders are impossible to corrupt. But among some of the more powerful nobles it is known they will turn a blind eye to some non-inquisitorial matters to the benefit of Imperial Stability, over some minor concerns.
Among the general population, it is believed that one must be of noble blood to be a Fatebinder. However there is no requirement of title nor bloodline to become one

FAQ: Fatebinders

How much authority does a Fatebinder have?

Fatebinders are one of the highest Imperial Authorities that players can come across. They share a similar level of authority with their peers in the Inquisition, but both operate within different realms of duties. Fatebinders is a sort of ‘field judge’, it can pass judgment on most matters that would not require the direct attention of an Adjudicator, which includes the vast majority of cases, except when other Authorities or ranking nobility are involved. Fatebinders will mostly give Inquisitors free reign on matters of their duties.

There are certain laws not listed, but I feel like they would be enforced. What should I do?

Generally speaking, a Fatebinder is the one who determines the law. If it is not specifically listed, and if the situation could threaten the stability of the Empire, through either direct action or indirect loss of faith in the laws. The Fatebinder can make a judgement on it.

Who has more power, Fatebinders or Inquisitors?

They generally have the same, and are expected to work together, although their duties and often goals do not perfectly overlap. A Fatebinder is concerned purely with the Law and the stability of the Empire, while an Inquisitor is mostly concerned with Heresy and other religions/supernatural issues.

Inquisitors

Faith (The Father Jehvoss, The Mother Minerva, The First Born Valthos) has a central role in the Empire. It works as a social glue, as a common idea, it gives hope, common goals and rituals, it gives people a common identity, a sense of unity. This is one of the reasons why anything that deviates from the "standard", from law, or from the one Truth, is considered to be a deviant, an issue, a disease to be eradicated. The Inquisition fills in perfectly this role: its purpose being to eradicate any deviancy in the worship of The Faith, to destroy what is left of the worship of the Old Gods, the old customs, the stories and legends, anything related to them or their memory.

Inquisitors are a unique group of specialized Fatebinders. After passing through the entry judgement to become a Fatebinder, and during their education before they would take up that mantle, it is possible for the candidate to opt into the Inquisition.

Inquisitors are usually distinguished through their uses of dark colours and the distinctive Imperial Red. Some wear these openly and proudly, another school of thought prefers to operate in secrecy.

Even if each inquisitor still reports to the Adjudicator of the region, The Inquisition as a whole is supervised by another who holds the title of Grand Inquisitor who resides in the capital of Annora. Rarely do they ever leave the Grand Temple of The Father. The Grand Inquisitor possesses an enlarged court in comparison with their peers which is filled entirely with Inquisitors.

Inquisitors only see the Grand Inquisitor, other Adjudicators and the Emperor having authority over them. Each one having equal authority to each other and other Fatebinders. When one or more Inquisitors undertake the same investigation, it has become the standard that the most senior member takes the lead role.

Each Inquisitor is seen as a peer to other Fatebinders even though they do not perform the same function. Inquisitors are more specific in the roles in which they play. To remove the heretical, the heathen and the monstrous that plagues The Empire. When a situation has even a hint of one of these present it becomes standard practice for an Inquisitor to take over the investigation from a Fatebinder or the Legion unless it is determined by the Inquisitor to be outside their remit.

Inquisitors possess almost free reign to judge and sentence any non-citizen they would find guilty. Officially, they require the approval of an Adjudicator or Fatebinder should the individual or group be citizens of The Empire. Such is typically given as just a formality, as those condemned by the Inquisition are often viewed as indefensible.

Like Fatebinders, each Inquisitor has a strong connection to the faith of The Three. Unlike Fatebinders they are much more overt in their worship. Each Inquisitor is a priest and some are able to wield the powers of The Three.

Traditional vs. Modern Schools of Inquisitors

The Traditional School of thought for inquisitors follows from the tradition of Fatebinders to always be visible symbols of imperial justice. However a more modern thought has come into being within the Inquisition that advocates for secrecy to hunt for the root causes of the heretical within imperial society. While some traditionalists originally decried the secrecy, their criticism held no water when compared to the success of this new tactic.

Both schools now usually work together to great effect, while many believe Inquisitors still present themselves publicly for all to see, little do they know they could be hiding within their own social circles.

Inquisition and Demons

In the eyes of the Inquisition, Demons are the greatest threat to the Empire: an embodiments of the old gods, of sin, and heresy.

The very existence of Demons otherwise is a thing of the legends, with no real correct information about them available as the Tribunal keeps this jealously from the greater public, making it hard for anyone but the Inquisitors or some Fatebinders to learn this forbidden lore.

How to Play: Inquisitors

Respect the laws of the Empire and of The Father literally.
As an Inquisitor, your paramount concern is the purity of the Empire and its Fate. (This may lead you into disagreements over what has the priority with other authorities such as the Army, or Fatebinders)
The Inquisition has these main goals:

1. Remove demons, vampires, lycantropes or other races that 'plague' humanity with the corruption of the Old Gods.

2. Remove humans/elves/dwarves who help demons, vampires, lycantropes, etc.

3. Remove heresy in any way, by any means you find most suitable

As an Inquisitor you are charged with hunting down and eradicating the presence of Demons and other monstrosities that plague the humans race with their corruptive influence (Vampires, Lycantropes, or other monsters that hide between the Human population)
Find and attempt to correct the heretics, the freaks and the twisted, ridding the world of their sickening lives where correction methods would fail.
As an Inquisitor you are to punish sinners as you deem appropriate before they fall into heresy.
As an Inquisitor you are nearly impossible to corrupt or tempt into the heretical.
Inquisitors may ‘make use’ of others, even of non-humans, to hunt down their real targets (heretics, demons, etc..)
Cooperate with the Army or other loyal citizens when it is time to actually seize a dangerous heretic
Be extra careful and 'extra sensible' when dealing with Nobility. Mounting a case with clear proof and presenting it in a clear process, perhaps in front of an Adjudicator, instead of acting rushedly.
As devout follower of The Three, Elves and Dwarves are seen also as descendants of the betrayers of The Son. Their kin is not as worthy as humans.

Rumors: Inquisitors

It is rumored that an Inquisitor is able to read minds.
It is rumored that Inquisitors enjoy torturing heretics and in every Inquisition dungeon there are cells filled with non-citizens which they use to practice on.

FAQ: Inquisitors

What can I do to sinners?

Distinct from those who break Imperial Laws, sinners are people who need their behaviour ‘corrected’. If an Inquisitor, Priests or other highly pious individuals come across a sinner it would be their first task to correct their ways before they became heretical.

Can I commit sin, to keep my cover?

Ultimately, Inquisitors are highly pious and zealous individuals. Those who go undercover will avoid situations which could result in their faith or loyalty being questioned.

Can I pray to the Father?

Yes.

If X person, a non-human, has been useful. How should I treat them?

Non-humans will forever be lesser beings. Some more than others. If experience allows you to somewhat trust them, then you can. Though the Empire and the New Gods are fundamentally, human-suprematists. In general, an Inquisitor will not refuse to make use of non-humans against what is for them the actual threat to humanity: demons, heretics, and other corrupted beings..

Executors

The official designation of Executor is one given to the retinue of Fatebinders and Inquisitors. These individuals are selected for their unique talents, skills, loyalty and their faith in The Three.

Executors are humans hired onto a retinue based on the needs of the members of the Tribunal. They are assassins, criminals, doctors, fighters, scholars, spies and more. Although their specific skills are often unique to them, due to whom they work for they are considerably loyal and faithful to their master’s mission.

Each Executor is chosen by and empowered as the hand of a Fatebinder (or an Inquisitor). This allows them to engage in some activities that would otherwise be considered illegal so long as its purpose is sanctioned by their master and the Law of the Empire, often acting as strongmen, hired blades, or infiltrates.

In case of witnessing a crime in the absence of a Fatebinder (or Inquisitor), they are also allowed to detain and arrest both citizen and non-citizen alike to bring them to a member of the Tribunal for judgment. They are however not allowed to give any judgment by themselves.

How to Play: Executors

Aid your Fatebinder or Inquisitor in their mission to the best of your ability.
Inform your Fatebinder or Inquisitor of suspected criminal activities.
Protect your Fatebinder or Inquisitor from harm.

Rumors: Executors

It is rumored that the most dangerous criminals are offered the chance to fight for a Fatebinder or Inquisitor instead of facing a sentence.

FAQ: Executors

Can a Non-Human be an Executor?

No. Non-humans can never be officially part of any institution of the Empire. They can at best be Foederati of the Army, or mercenaries.

If you are a criminal, how can you be an Executor?

It would depend on the severity of the crime and if they are a heretic. Executors can come from a variety of backgrounds, and so long as they’re loyal and hold strong belief in their Master and their mission whatever misgivings they have can be forgiven. It also will depend on the Fatebinder or Inquisitor)’s judgment.

As an Executor, do I need to be as strict in the faith as Inquisitors/Priests or other authorities?

Short answer is no. Long answer is it would depend on why you were taken on into a retinue and what your master’s stance is on the subject. While they may turn a blind-eye to some petty acts if it aids in the Master’s goals, or allow their retinue to partake in some ‘privileges’, this all depends on who their master is and is working with. An Executor should take into account how it may impact upon their master.

Character Registration Sheet: https://bit.ly/3GxmSQI

Characters of this Faction (Fatebinder and Inquisitor) available only in limited number, check in ⁠#faq-races for availability, and in any case open a Narrator ticket to ask Staff before submitting this character, as the ⁠#faq-races is updated only once per week.

Note: due to the nature of the RP of Fatebinders and Inquisitors, especially their need of having a very in-depth knowledge of the Lore, these characters are not available as your first on the server.

Inquisitors are High Risk characters. They may be killed more easily given their inherent antagonistic RP by certain other characters and races. Opening a ticket before a possible death however is still mandatory.

Authors: Rashan, Hokan

Lands of Tyranny

Day 1 of The Philosopher, Year 414