The sky is clear, the streets are bare, and the shops hold no one. All the people in the city are gathering at the amphitheater, talk of magic going about them. 'More were found.' 'Again?' 'I heard its one of the demons.' 'From out there?' 'No, no it has to one of those children.' 'The inquisition only found one this year, why would this one be a child?' 'One can hope.'.
They fill the seats of the grand building, their talking growing and growing as more come. As the last of the seats are taken, the theater is filled with more rumors and talk of what this assembly is about. As they mingle, guards, clad in white plate armor trimmed with gold accents, march in and take positions around the theater and the open space in the middle. They stomp their tall tower shields in unison to cancel out the crowd's voices. All quiet down as the guards file in, the guards bringing an air of unease as they put their shields to rest.
It is quiet for a moment, until the echoes of chains can be heard. A woman emerges from the arena's entrance, her armor golden besides the white gauntlets she wore, over it is a simple white robe baring an eye and a large axe upon her back. Her hair was a radiant gold, long and braided behind her, betraying the fierce composure upon her face. She pulls a chain as she walks to the middle of the arena, escorting a line of people in chains and rags. She takes the chain and motions to a guard. The guard tosses his sword to the woman, who stabs the chain into place by planting the sword into the ground. She yells at the guards on the other end, as they fasten the end of the chain like her. The guards in the arena close in around the prisoners, as she steps away from them. She looks to the people out in the seats,
"Citizens of the Golden Empire, I present you, magic users." She looks in disgust at those in chains
"But that is not all I bring before you," Her voice carried out through the amphitheater, "I bring one who has chosen to form a pact. And all know the punishment for dealing with those devils they call patrons. Bring it forward!"
The guards unlock one of the prisoners and pull him forward. The man struggled against it, shouting, "I didn't know! I swear! I have no patron, I am a loyal citizen!" He kept shouting as he was forced to his knees. The man shouted between his sobs, looking around frantically as the woman approached him.
The woman brandished her weapon, "Tell your patron, we deal with no devils." She raises her weapon above her head. The crowd is quiet. The guards are quiet. The only thing that can be heard is the man panicking and begging. She brings the weapon down. "The Inquisition eliminates them." Then all is quiet again.
The woman sheathes her axe, "Burn the remains." She says to the guards, as they haul the body out. She looks out to the crowd once more, "Now let us mark the others, to let the empire know of their sin." She draws a dagger from her belt, igniting itself in flames as she turned to the other prisoners, "Then they shall begin their reformation into our great empire!"
Screams yell out from the arena, only screams. No talk of magic went about the crowd. No other announcements were made. Just screaming as the fiery blade seared their skin. A star etched onto their foreheads. Once the last prisoner was branded, the woman put her dagger away. She motioned to the guards and they came to set the prisoners free. "Now, follow me to the Academy please." She heads out of the arena, the prisoners following suit as they were still surrounded. The guards followed as well, keeping a line around the prisoners.
Once the last of the guards exited the amphitheater, the crowd started to talk again. They filed out of the theater, wanting to go back to their previous tasks. And as quiet filled the theater once more, a crackle of fire could be heard.
Welcome all to the Golden Empire, home of Helm's Inquisition. A faction I made in a homebrew setting. The faction is about managing magic users and glory to the Golden Throne. There are other factions in this setting, but for this campaign shall focus on the Inquisition. To learn why they wish to control all magic users and expand their empire. There will be a application period for this campaign and try to tie your backstory into why you hate magic or why you willing let them brand you.
(Will Start at level 1)
Name:
Age:
Race:
Class:
Religion:
Alignment:
Backstory:
( Will level by milestone, may do point buy and array, and only starting equipment. )
And here's a few rules about applications
If you are a Tiefling, Genasi, Yuan-ti, or Aasimar, you must be branded or suggest that you have not revealed your true nature in your backstory
Any clerics except for Arcana or Death, are free of the inquisition's overlook.
Most characters must be either good or neutral, evil will need to pm to reason why they are evil.
Druids are not allowed. Druids cannot be part of the Inquisition.
Warlocks, if found, will be caught and executed.
The group shall be of 4-6 players, a new Inquisition unit. You operate under the guidance of an Inquisitor who shall send you near and far. To seek out magic users and to expand the empire's reaches. Glory to the Empire.
Class: Barbarian then multi-class rest in Fighter.
Religion:
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Backstory:
Kerrec spent his early years apprenticed to a smith. Capable, but uninspired in that line of work, he was wise enough to realize he could make a life for himself, but it wouldn't be notable or lead him to riches.
Instead, he signed up for active military duty. As a recruit, he proved himself strong, hearty and dexterous, showing promise. He was assigned the role of a shield bearer, to be paired with other exceptional soldiers bearing reach weapons as elite strike forces within an army's structure.
In his first actual battle, the cool demeanor he showed during training was overcome with a sudden temper that saw him wade into the thick of the enemy without care for his own life. His battle buddy was hard pressed to protect Kerrec in an unexpected role reversal. After that battle, his battle buddy requested reassignment and it was granted.
There was another soldier that was also hotheaded and reckless. Kerrec's immediate superiors thought it fitting to put the two together as they could tolerate each others actions and probably go off and die together, the most preferable solution. Surprisingly, the two had several successful and impressive battles, earning accolades from fellow soldiers and their immediate superiors.
Eventually Kerrec's battle buddy suffered a mortal wound as they once again waded into the thick of the enemy without heed for life or limb. This time, their superiors who were quick to accept praise for their previous successes, were not impressed by their failure and the negative attention it brought onto them, so they put in for disciplinary action.
The general tasked to review his case could see that Kerrec had been set up for failure. The general took him on as a personal shield bearer, bringing his total to four. It was a great honor for Kerrec.
The very next battle was a surprise ambush while traveling that saw two of the four shield bearers die under magical onslaught. Seeing the situation unfold, Kerrec called out for the General and the remaining shield bearer to make their escape. Calling on his rage and drawing the attention of the attackers, he intended to make them pay dearly before he went down. Unfortunately, the General would not accept the sacrifice and jumped into the thick of the fighting to pull Kerrec out alive. The battle was impressive but the cost was disastrous. Kerrec's great honor turned into great shame. The two remaining shield bearers survived, the General did not. The other shield bearer would no longer fight again, and would instead live the life of a cripple. Yet Kerrec survived, none the worse for wear.
The General's brother was a bureaucrat and also branded with the star. He arranged a court martial to place the blame for the death of the General squarely on Kerrec's shoulders. Regardless of the testimony of the crippled shield bearer vowing that Kerrec attempted to sacrifice his own life to allow the escape of the General, the outcome of the court martial was predetermined and found Kerrec unfit for military duty and discharged him from service. The blame for the General's death was placed squarely on his shoulders. Kerrec was enraged by the machinations and unrealistic expectations of a paper pusher that never saw a lick of combat in his whole life, and being branded should have known better about how chaotic magic renders a battlefield. Unwilling to return to a life of a mediocre smith and shamed by the sentence from the court martial, Kerrec left the military in search of ways to end the threat of magic on the battlefield.
Jardance Oakheart is a man of many talents. Having a rough start in life, Jardance was a boy who had little family and few morals. As a child he stole and lied his way through the tough spots. Eventually he was caught and faced a choice....either join the ranks of the Clerics of Tymora and help those who were down on their luck. Now having spent so many years training he now feels the need to wander the lands helping those who need the golden light of Tymora to shine upon them...and hopefully she won't mind him making some of his own luck while he is at it.
Backstory Stron always saw the good in the empire and the king, but has a strong connection to his family and his god. He will protect the poor at any cost, his family trained him for 3 hole months his mum and dad are proud and happy in there cottage in a small town
Magic. It was a blight on the world, a power that no mortal, however good their intentions, should ever have access to. This was the lesson that Alfred was taught every day of his young life by the Von Edinburgh tutors, until it was etched into his heart like a mantra. This lesson was supplemented, of course, with descriptions of the great conquests of the Golden Throne, and his family's glorious place within the Empire. The Von Edinburghs had a long history of loyalists in their family tree, dating back for many proud decades of service. Each generation, the oldest son was selected and trained to become a member of Helm's Inquisition - a position of pride for any young soldier - and Alfred was no exception.
As a child, Alfred was taught the illustrious history of his family by the best tutors for miles around, and in the evenings, he would spar with skilled blademasters who taught him the most efficient ways to hunt and fight magic users, how to subvert and avoid their tricks and track them from the shadows. Even so, despite excelling at all of this training, Alfred never truly understood his family's hatred of magic. Not until he met DeMarco Von Strauss.
DeMarco was a tall wisp of a boy, Alfred remembered. Thin, even for someone at the age of 15. He was one of Alfred's peers, the eldest son of the Von Strauss family, who presided over the nearby township of Strauss, and like Alfred, he was to be reared as a soldier of the Golden Throne, tasked with hunting down hedge mages and warlocks. As the teens trained together, they developed a strong rivalry, as was their father's intent, and soon every sparring match, every test, every formal event, became a competition between the two. Alfred made sure to win them all, and as he did, he could see DeMarco's jealousy grow. It gave him some small measure of satisfaction to see his rival so defeated, but Alfred could never know how deeply DeMarco's hate for Alfred ran, coursing through his veins like black poison.
In secret, DeMarco's jealousy had turned black with hate, and he became desperate to destroy Alfred and the Von Edinburgh family to restore his own honor, no matter the cost. In his father's library, he found an unmarked tome, chained shut with a thick metal padlock secured across the front. Something within DeMarco smiled, as he easily picked the lock, a skill that he at least felt equal to Alfred in, and flipped open the pages.
The book was written in a language he could not understand, but every word seemed to make sense to him as he read. It was a ritual, a method of contacting something from Below. And for DeMarco, it was a way to even the score.
Everything that happened next was a blur to Alfred, something that he could only recall in flashes, even years later. He remembered waking up to screams. Some part of him realized that it was his mother's. He jumped from bed. The screams were more plentiful now, he could recognize the voices of several servants. Hallways, blood, the walls were dripping. Something stalked the estate. It was DeMarco, but he was hanging from the ceiling now, back bent and head twisted in the wrong direction. He was smiling. His hands glowed with unnatural power. Alfred could see his mother. She was splayed out on the stones. His father was shouting something at Alfred, but he couldn't hear him. Why was his mother laying so quietly on the stones? Didn't she hear the screeching sound, from behind DeMarco's smile? He looked up dumbly at DeMarco, who was staring at him now, his smile was all teeth. Too many. He raised his hand and pointed at Alfred, and an explosions ripped through the room. Then, nothing.
Alfred awoke several days later in the infirmary of his estate, his father was sitting stoically beside him. He explained what had happened. DeMarco, he said, had found a powerful spellbook that belonged to a dangerous warlock that his father had recently brought to justice. DeMarco had found the tome, and used it to contact a Demon from the Abyss. Although the Inquisition didn't know the name of the Demon in question, it was clearly too powerful for DeMarco to control or deal with, and it overwhelmed him with its power instead. DeMarco was dead, by Alfred's father's hand, but Alfred's mother, and several other servants of the house, were dead.
Alfred took all of the news with an empty acceptance. Now he understood the evils of magic. The evils of those who used it, toyed with it. He understood now his role in all of what had transpired, and as soon as we was well enough, he resumed training with a vengeance. He would join the Inquisition. He would bring glory to the Golden Throne. And most of all, he would find the name of the Demon from that night, and one day, he would kill it.
A’amakualenalena Mana’olanakeiki grew up in a small town, if any Goliath town can be called small, with few real passions. He worked with his family doing construction; building walls and repairing stonework. He was just like any other youth in that regard. One day, while A’amakualenalena was working on an outer wall, the town was attacked by a group of malevolent sorcerers. The townfolk fought boldly and bravely, but were being overrun. A’amakualenalena took hold of his hammer that he used for stone and charged into the fray, beating back sorcerer after sorcerer. When the fight was over, the surviving townfolk stared at him in awe.
He, however, felt ashamed of the violence he had committed. He had been raised to be kind and gentle. The people there told him that Destiny had a plan for him and that he was a champion of justice. After a few months, the talk never died down. People still called him a champion of justice and he was convinced he had a great destiny. He began to crave more opportunities to prove himself and began to look for wrongdoings in those around him, acting as if he were a Paladin of Tyr. He wasn’t truly a Paladin and didn’t know much about Tyr, but he acted the part. He was convinced he was of the Order of the Knights of Holy Judgment.
The people in town started to find excuses to be away from him, however, as his zeal was too great. The people began to fear that he might find some flaw and smite them for their wickedness. He sensed their animosity and took it as a sign that he should move on to where he was needed. He said goodbye to his family and left town, traveling the lands in search of wrongs that needed righting. He quickly found that his name was too difficult for others to pronounce, so he took on a new name – a name to strike fear into his enemies. He called himself The Bear. After seeing his particularly hairy exterior, the people tended to agree with the name and it stuck. The quips and catch phrases he often spouted off while dealing with wrongdoers was mostly met with confusion, but he was labeled as an outcast by most other adventurers because of them.
A’amakualenalena wanders the land, looking for any wrong that needs righting, any evil plot that needs foiling, and any villain that needs subduing. He is The Bear. The mighty force of Holy Judgment, setting a path of destruction for all those with evil in mind.
At least that’s what he thinks.
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Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10) League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
In the Past, she had a name. A REAL name. In the Past she was happy. She lived, she played, she loved. She had a family to go to, a husband to depend on, and children to care for. Those were such wonderful times, where she could use magic to bring happiness to those she loved...Then those days ended.
In the Past, she had to take the children while her husband distracted them. She did not even have the time to worry about him as they fled and hid. She cried as they moved, and choked as they hid. In the Past, she had to use her magic to make sure they were hidden from those who would take them away. She had to watch as others were captured or killed, and she had to leave behind others in order to ensure the safety of her children...Then those days ended.
In the Past, she was captured. She watched as some of her children were captured as they fled, while others were killed. She yelled at them to let them go, to stop what they were doing, to spare those who were innocent. She was punished for speaking up. She screamed in pain as the brand was placed on her, and screamed in grief as her children were subjected to it as well. She begged her children to simply listen and do what they were told, and prayed for their lives and safety, in the hopes that they would at least live on to find some sort of happiness again...Then those days ended.
In the Present, she barely feels anything anymore. Her children are dead, killed for various reasons. Her husband was likely dead also. The rest of her family...she does not know. In the Present, she is used every day for various things. She cleans, she cooks, she is used abused and insulted...and she is used for the pleasures of others. She sorts through the memories of the Past every night, and cries herself to sleep. She is no longer allowed to show emotion to others until told to do so. She is no longer allowed to use magic unless told to do so. She is no longer allowed to go by her true name.
In the Present, she is given the name "*****", and is not allowed to be called anything else...
In the Present, she is ordered to assist in the Inquisition’s efforts to “stop her horrific kin from spreading their evil.” She is not allowed to talk back. She is not allowed to refuse. Evil or not, she is to help doom the lives of those like her.
In the Future, she will be happy. She will be happy, because she will be able to leave the Present. She will be happy because she will be able to see her family, husband, and children again. She will be happy because all of those horrible things will be a memory. She will be happy because she will die...but not now. She is not allowed to die yet, and she has no will to force them to kill her, or even take her own life. She was not allowed to move onto the bright future.
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
Religion: None, but occasionally prayers to Tyr and whatever gods are listening when in a tight spot
Alignment: Neutral
Backstory :
“To the Abyss with all those magic flinging f-“ Jakton was cut off by a look from the stern woman across the table from him.
Her eyes drew together, “ Members of the Inquisition of the Golden Empire are expected to guard their tongues as well as the Empire” She said cooly. The giant of man sitting next to her harrumphed and leaned forward into the lamplight of the tavern, the brand on his forehead, while old, was still quite visible.
“Hurm, yes, well as I was saying, to the Abyss with all magic users,” he looked the giant up and down, “No offense.”
Jak leaned back in his chair and took a swig of ale, “They cared nothin’ for us common troopers. They threw their magic around like they didn’t have a care in the world. And you know who paid for it?” He pounded himself in the chest with a meaty fist. “We did. We were just the blood price paid so that the spell flingers got to look like heroes.” Jak turns his face and points to the scarring that ran down one side of his face and his neck, before disappearing into the stained shirt he was wearing.
“It was my final campaign with the Company. We was taking on a group of upstart rebellions. Wasn’t much of a rebellion, but the general they had with them was damn good. Captured on of the Empire’s forts, and the company I was with was hired out to clear em out. Guess it didn’t warrant a big enough stink to send the actual Imperial Army in.”
Jak pounded on his chest and let out a deep belch, “ ‘Scuse me. As I was saying, we was marching in this fort. It coulda been drawn out into a deep siege but our Company contact specified that if we was to take the fort in a half a fortnight, “he chuckled at his own pun. The Inquisitors across from him shared no such sense of humor. Figures Jak thought. “if we was to take the fort in a week, we would get a bonus. Well, it took us damn near three days to assembly and march our stinking as—rear ends out there. So that left us with two days to take the Gods-forsaken hut.”
“So off we go. My squad was to provide cover for a particularly powerful mage. We was sappers.” He paused to look at the Inquistiors, “We blow sh—stuff up.”
Ice Queen gave a barest nod of the head, “I know what Sappers are Sargent.”
“Right. As I was saying we were to cover for this mage and give him enough of a head start on the wall to where all he needed to do was give the wall a good kick o magic and it’d crack like an egg.”
“It was all going well, and we were just about ready to crack the egg, when they caught wind of us. Sent a sortie out to take care of us. We managed to push them back. But our damned mage ran like a coward and decided to go ahead and blow the wall. Without giving us warning. Tried to blow us, the other poor bastards and the wall to the Abyss.”Jak’s knuckles turned white on the mug as he took a deep swig. He wiped the foam off his mustache with his sleeve before continuing, “Killed the sortie and my whole squad. I survived because Krinnic landed on me. He was bigger than even me. Only this side of my face was exposed and pointed away from the blast. We won the battle and I turned in my stripes. Told 'em I wasn’t working in any unit where they don’t control those damned mages like a dog on a leash. Heard your one such unit so here I am. “
“Here you are,” the giant drawled out before standing to his full height.
Ice Queen pushed a parchment across the table, “We checked out your history with your former company. I liked what I heard even if you are a bit uncouth. Report to this address to begin the recruitment process. Glory to the Empire.”
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Tryvan - Half-Elf Rouge. Survival at Sea
Jakton Terrace - Human Fighter - Helm's Inquistion
Geoffrey Longhorse - Human Paladin - Eon: Scorched Skies
Born to relatively poor parents in [Enter City Name], Gylbard and his brother had a hard upbringing. Their mother died giving birth to their sister and after that their father became more and more distant, until one day he vanished. Now responsible for both his siblings he found anyway possible to bring food back home everyday. Before long he found himself entangled with a local gang and both he and his brother were dragged into their ranks. This was the next 8 years of their lives, working as pawns on the streets for measly scraps and the protection of their sister. Slowly they worked their way up into positions of some responsibility and power.
Then when Gylbard was 29, the gang was taken over from the inside by tiefling sorceress. Krislana was brutal, the result of a life spent scared and hidden. She changed the gangs operations from small-time protection rackets and theft to full on raiding. Anyone who questioned or disagreed with her was eradicated. Gylbard managed to get his sister away, sending her out of the city. To where, he doesn't know. But he knew he would never make it out. And his brother was flourishing under Krislanas new leadership; he revelled in the constant violence and terror they inflicted. After a few months of this the gang was forced out of the city, their actions bringing the full force of the army against them. They then wandered the country side, putting whole villaged under the torch.
It was around this time that Gylbard left the gang, during one of their raids. The sudden reason why, he keeps that secret. Wandering the lands aimlessly, Gylbard was captured by the Inquisition. Aware of Krislana's powers they wanted to capture and control her and they knew they could use Gylbard to get to her. After interrogation and months of solitary confinement Gylbard finally agreed to help them in return for pardons for himself and his brother.
He helped them track the group down, using his knowledge of their workings and camps, and the Inqisition lead an attack on the gang. In the insuing fight Gylabrd found himself face to face with his brother. His brother was completely loyal to Krislana and nothing he said could pacify him. They fought, resulting in the loss of Gylabards left hand and his brothers life. Somehow Krislana managed to escape but the rest of the gang were all killed or captured.
As per the agreement, Gylbard was pardoned and given his freedom so after a long and arduous recovery he found himself with his life ahead of him. Haunted by the pain magic had caused him and his family, Gylbard has decided to enlist with the Inquisition to seek out and destroy those who use it.
(This is a quick write up of an adapted character, still not sure about all the exact details but will fill out if picked)
Xanni was born into a noble family, as the fourth and last child. They lived in the country in a secluded mansion, and she spent her childhood running around and playing with her two brothers and big sister, when their studies allowed it. They were raised to believe in the glory of the Empire, and Xanni often dreamed about bringing honor to her family. She always payed attention to her teachers, and obeyed their every word. Otherwise she was a goodhearted girl, no stranger to mischief, and liked to sneak into the kitchens for sweets. Her siblings were similar in temperament, but one of her brothers started to question their teachers and parents in his teenage years, and in the end he ran away. The family disowned him, his siblings were shocked and disappointed, but neither of them questioned the decision.
Xanni started wondering why her brother would betray her, turned to religion, and what first started as praying for understanding turned into a serious commitment. When she unassumingly let a magic user walk away without recognizing the forbidden kind of magic, her superiors realized that her inexperience and naivety prevented her from reaching her true potential. They sent her to the Inquisition, so that she could experience firsthand the evil magic users bought, and back up her education with experience.
She's eager to learn, and similarly eager to bring light into the lives of the good people around her.
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Xanni Leafhelm - Halfling Cleric (Life domain) in Helm's Inquisition
Chaenath Miahana - Elf Warlock (Archfey pact) in Order of Dawn
Rojan was only a child when the young girl came to his parents doorstep. She couldn't have been more than fourteen from the looks of her, and Rojan's parents didn't hesitate to give her shelter from the blizzard outside. It would be a mistake they would never have a chance to repeat. In the night, after they had all gone to bed, she struck. Rojan can still remember the screams. He can still remember the terrifying eldritch tentacles that served as her weapons, sacrificing his parents to the abomination she called master. When this girl, finally unveiling her grotesque tiefling form, turned her attention to her final victim, there was a brilliant light, and her flesh burned away as a cleric of Helm arrived just in the nick time to save Rojan.
The cleric brought Rojan back to Helms Inquisition, and raised Rojan as one of his own. Rojan didn't have the clerics patience, however, and instead of following his path in Helms service, Rojan joined the rank and file of Helms Inquisition, serving as first a squire and then a guard, moving his way up, hoping to one day prove himself worthy enough to go out and fight the evil that he saw so many years ago.
Rojan is blinded by vengeance, and the blessing of Helm is upon him. He seeks to fight the evil of these magic users, and most especially warlocks, in order to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
It is a clear sky with the mid day sun shining bright above the barracks. Banners of white and gold fly from its walls as it towers over the citizens. Soldiers mill in and out of it, paying no heed to any of you as you make your way in. Inside is a simple building, wooden floor, wooden walls, adorned with shields and swords. From across the entrance you see a branded one, an old wood elf who sits at a table. He writes upon a book, keeping track of what comes and goes from the barracks. He notices your group comes in and regards you all with a bow of his head.
"Welcome sers and madams, may I ask what brings you here today." He says with a small smile upon his face.
Jakton walks over to the old wood elf and leans down a bit, "Name's Jakton Terrace. I got this letter," he waves the parchment in front of the elf's nose. "Says I'm supposed to report to a bloke named Surn. You want to point him out to me?"
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Tryvan - Half-Elf Rouge. Survival at Sea
Jakton Terrace - Human Fighter - Helm's Inquistion
Geoffrey Longhorse - Human Paladin - Eon: Scorched Skies
Alfred watches from the doorway, bemused, before swaggering over, his rapier swinging lightly at his belt. He reaches into the breast pocket of his vest, and produces a similar letter, which he places gently on the counter between himself and the old branded one.
"Well, well, my goodman. It seems as though we both have business with the Inquisitor. I suppose that means we may be working with each other." He smirks, and offers his hand out to the older man. "My name is Alfred Von Edinburgh. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The wood elf nods as he inspects both letters, "Yes, here to see the Inquisitor, yes? Unfortunately he is in a meeting right now. Please wait here and he should be done in a moment or so." He gestures to the loungers by the entrance, holstered with leather. Not as comfy as a noble's seat but comfy still. "And might I ask for any weapons on your person? It is merely for security measures, good sers." He points to the rack besides his desk, already with spears and shortswords stored upon it.
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The sky is clear, the streets are bare, and the shops hold no one. All the people in the city are gathering at the amphitheater, talk of magic going about them. 'More were found.' 'Again?' 'I heard its one of the demons.' 'From out there?' 'No, no it has to one of those children.' 'The inquisition only found one this year, why would this one be a child?' 'One can hope.'.
They fill the seats of the grand building, their talking growing and growing as more come. As the last of the seats are taken, the theater is filled with more rumors and talk of what this assembly is about. As they mingle, guards, clad in white plate armor trimmed with gold accents, march in and take positions around the theater and the open space in the middle. They stomp their tall tower shields in unison to cancel out the crowd's voices. All quiet down as the guards file in, the guards bringing an air of unease as they put their shields to rest.
It is quiet for a moment, until the echoes of chains can be heard. A woman emerges from the arena's entrance, her armor golden besides the white gauntlets she wore, over it is a simple white robe baring an eye and a large axe upon her back. Her hair was a radiant gold, long and braided behind her, betraying the fierce composure upon her face. She pulls a chain as she walks to the middle of the arena, escorting a line of people in chains and rags. She takes the chain and motions to a guard. The guard tosses his sword to the woman, who stabs the chain into place by planting the sword into the ground. She yells at the guards on the other end, as they fasten the end of the chain like her. The guards in the arena close in around the prisoners, as she steps away from them. She looks to the people out in the seats,
"Citizens of the Golden Empire, I present you, magic users." She looks in disgust at those in chains
"But that is not all I bring before you," Her voice carried out through the amphitheater, "I bring one who has chosen to form a pact. And all know the punishment for dealing with those devils they call patrons. Bring it forward!"
The guards unlock one of the prisoners and pull him forward. The man struggled against it, shouting, "I didn't know! I swear! I have no patron, I am a loyal citizen!" He kept shouting as he was forced to his knees. The man shouted between his sobs, looking around frantically as the woman approached him.
The woman brandished her weapon, "Tell your patron, we deal with no devils." She raises her weapon above her head. The crowd is quiet. The guards are quiet. The only thing that can be heard is the man panicking and begging. She brings the weapon down. "The Inquisition eliminates them." Then all is quiet again.
The woman sheathes her axe, "Burn the remains." She says to the guards, as they haul the body out. She looks out to the crowd once more, "Now let us mark the others, to let the empire know of their sin." She draws a dagger from her belt, igniting itself in flames as she turned to the other prisoners, "Then they shall begin their reformation into our great empire!"
Screams yell out from the arena, only screams. No talk of magic went about the crowd. No other announcements were made. Just screaming as the fiery blade seared their skin. A star etched onto their foreheads. Once the last prisoner was branded, the woman put her dagger away. She motioned to the guards and they came to set the prisoners free. "Now, follow me to the Academy please." She heads out of the arena, the prisoners following suit as they were still surrounded. The guards followed as well, keeping a line around the prisoners.
Once the last of the guards exited the amphitheater, the crowd started to talk again. They filed out of the theater, wanting to go back to their previous tasks. And as quiet filled the theater once more, a crackle of fire could be heard.
Welcome all to the Golden Empire, home of Helm's Inquisition. A faction I made in a homebrew setting. The faction is about managing magic users and glory to the Golden Throne. There are other factions in this setting, but for this campaign shall focus on the Inquisition. To learn why they wish to control all magic users and expand their empire. There will be a application period for this campaign and try to tie your backstory into why you hate magic or why you willing let them brand you.
(Will Start at level 1)
( Will level by milestone, may do point buy and array, and only starting equipment. )
And here's a few rules about applications
The group shall be of 4-6 players, a new Inquisition unit. You operate under the guidance of an Inquisitor who shall send you near and far. To seek out magic users and to expand the empire's reaches. Glory to the Empire.
Kerrec spent his early years apprenticed to a smith. Capable, but uninspired in that line of work, he was wise enough to realize he could make a life for himself, but it wouldn't be notable or lead him to riches.
Instead, he signed up for active military duty. As a recruit, he proved himself strong, hearty and dexterous, showing promise. He was assigned the role of a shield bearer, to be paired with other exceptional soldiers bearing reach weapons as elite strike forces within an army's structure.
In his first actual battle, the cool demeanor he showed during training was overcome with a sudden temper that saw him wade into the thick of the enemy without care for his own life. His battle buddy was hard pressed to protect Kerrec in an unexpected role reversal. After that battle, his battle buddy requested reassignment and it was granted.
There was another soldier that was also hotheaded and reckless. Kerrec's immediate superiors thought it fitting to put the two together as they could tolerate each others actions and probably go off and die together, the most preferable solution. Surprisingly, the two had several successful and impressive battles, earning accolades from fellow soldiers and their immediate superiors.
Eventually Kerrec's battle buddy suffered a mortal wound as they once again waded into the thick of the enemy without heed for life or limb. This time, their superiors who were quick to accept praise for their previous successes, were not impressed by their failure and the negative attention it brought onto them, so they put in for disciplinary action.
The general tasked to review his case could see that Kerrec had been set up for failure. The general took him on as a personal shield bearer, bringing his total to four. It was a great honor for Kerrec.
The very next battle was a surprise ambush while traveling that saw two of the four shield bearers die under magical onslaught. Seeing the situation unfold, Kerrec called out for the General and the remaining shield bearer to make their escape. Calling on his rage and drawing the attention of the attackers, he intended to make them pay dearly before he went down. Unfortunately, the General would not accept the sacrifice and jumped into the thick of the fighting to pull Kerrec out alive. The battle was impressive but the cost was disastrous. Kerrec's great honor turned into great shame. The two remaining shield bearers survived, the General did not. The other shield bearer would no longer fight again, and would instead live the life of a cripple. Yet Kerrec survived, none the worse for wear.
The General's brother was a bureaucrat and also branded with the star. He arranged a court martial to place the blame for the death of the General squarely on Kerrec's shoulders. Regardless of the testimony of the crippled shield bearer vowing that Kerrec attempted to sacrifice his own life to allow the escape of the General, the outcome of the court martial was predetermined and found Kerrec unfit for military duty and discharged him from service. The blame for the General's death was placed squarely on his shoulders. Kerrec was enraged by the machinations and unrealistic expectations of a paper pusher that never saw a lick of combat in his whole life, and being branded should have known better about how chaotic magic renders a battlefield. Unwilling to return to a life of a mediocre smith and shamed by the sentence from the court martial, Kerrec left the military in search of ways to end the threat of magic on the battlefield.
Question, are feats allowed?
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
Yes, they're allowed, but all characters will start at level 1.
Jardance Oakheart is a man of many talents. Having a rough start in life, Jardance was a boy who had little family and few morals. As a child he stole and lied his way through the tough spots. Eventually he was caught and faced a choice....either join the ranks of the Clerics of Tymora and help those who were down on their luck. Now having spent so many years training he now feels the need to wander the lands helping those who need the golden light of Tymora to shine upon them...and hopefully she won't mind him making some of his own luck while he is at it.
Name: Alfred von Edinburgh
Age: 24
Race: Human
Class: Rogue
Religion: Glory to the Golden Throne
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Backstory:
Magic. It was a blight on the world, a power that no mortal, however good their intentions, should ever have access to. This was the lesson that Alfred was taught every day of his young life by the Von Edinburgh tutors, until it was etched into his heart like a mantra. This lesson was supplemented, of course, with descriptions of the great conquests of the Golden Throne, and his family's glorious place within the Empire. The Von Edinburghs had a long history of loyalists in their family tree, dating back for many proud decades of service. Each generation, the oldest son was selected and trained to become a member of Helm's Inquisition - a position of pride for any young soldier - and Alfred was no exception.
As a child, Alfred was taught the illustrious history of his family by the best tutors for miles around, and in the evenings, he would spar with skilled blademasters who taught him the most efficient ways to hunt and fight magic users, how to subvert and avoid their tricks and track them from the shadows. Even so, despite excelling at all of this training, Alfred never truly understood his family's hatred of magic. Not until he met DeMarco Von Strauss.
DeMarco was a tall wisp of a boy, Alfred remembered. Thin, even for someone at the age of 15. He was one of Alfred's peers, the eldest son of the Von Strauss family, who presided over the nearby township of Strauss, and like Alfred, he was to be reared as a soldier of the Golden Throne, tasked with hunting down hedge mages and warlocks. As the teens trained together, they developed a strong rivalry, as was their father's intent, and soon every sparring match, every test, every formal event, became a competition between the two. Alfred made sure to win them all, and as he did, he could see DeMarco's jealousy grow. It gave him some small measure of satisfaction to see his rival so defeated, but Alfred could never know how deeply DeMarco's hate for Alfred ran, coursing through his veins like black poison.
In secret, DeMarco's jealousy had turned black with hate, and he became desperate to destroy Alfred and the Von Edinburgh family to restore his own honor, no matter the cost. In his father's library, he found an unmarked tome, chained shut with a thick metal padlock secured across the front. Something within DeMarco smiled, as he easily picked the lock, a skill that he at least felt equal to Alfred in, and flipped open the pages.
The book was written in a language he could not understand, but every word seemed to make sense to him as he read. It was a ritual, a method of contacting something from Below. And for DeMarco, it was a way to even the score.
Everything that happened next was a blur to Alfred, something that he could only recall in flashes, even years later. He remembered waking up to screams. Some part of him realized that it was his mother's. He jumped from bed. The screams were more plentiful now, he could recognize the voices of several servants. Hallways, blood, the walls were dripping. Something stalked the estate. It was DeMarco, but he was hanging from the ceiling now, back bent and head twisted in the wrong direction. He was smiling. His hands glowed with unnatural power. Alfred could see his mother. She was splayed out on the stones. His father was shouting something at Alfred, but he couldn't hear him. Why was his mother laying so quietly on the stones? Didn't she hear the screeching sound, from behind DeMarco's smile? He looked up dumbly at DeMarco, who was staring at him now, his smile was all teeth. Too many. He raised his hand and pointed at Alfred, and an explosions ripped through the room. Then, nothing.
Alfred awoke several days later in the infirmary of his estate, his father was sitting stoically beside him. He explained what had happened. DeMarco, he said, had found a powerful spellbook that belonged to a dangerous warlock that his father had recently brought to justice. DeMarco had found the tome, and used it to contact a Demon from the Abyss. Although the Inquisition didn't know the name of the Demon in question, it was clearly too powerful for DeMarco to control or deal with, and it overwhelmed him with its power instead. DeMarco was dead, by Alfred's father's hand, but Alfred's mother, and several other servants of the house, were dead.
Alfred took all of the news with an empty acceptance. Now he understood the evils of magic. The evils of those who used it, toyed with it. He understood now his role in all of what had transpired, and as soon as we was well enough, he resumed training with a vengeance. He would join the Inquisition. He would bring glory to the Golden Throne. And most of all, he would find the name of the Demon from that night, and one day, he would kill it.
A’amakualenalena Mana’olanakeiki grew up in a small town, if any Goliath town can be called small, with few real passions. He worked with his family doing construction; building walls and repairing stonework. He was just like any other youth in that regard. One day, while A’amakualenalena was working on an outer wall, the town was attacked by a group of malevolent sorcerers. The townfolk fought boldly and bravely, but were being overrun. A’amakualenalena took hold of his hammer that he used for stone and charged into the fray, beating back sorcerer after sorcerer. When the fight was over, the surviving townfolk stared at him in awe.
He, however, felt ashamed of the violence he had committed. He had been raised to be kind and gentle. The people there told him that Destiny had a plan for him and that he was a champion of justice. After a few months, the talk never died down. People still called him a champion of justice and he was convinced he had a great destiny. He began to crave more opportunities to prove himself and began to look for wrongdoings in those around him, acting as if he were a Paladin of Tyr. He wasn’t truly a Paladin and didn’t know much about Tyr, but he acted the part. He was convinced he was of the Order of the Knights of Holy Judgment.
The people in town started to find excuses to be away from him, however, as his zeal was too great. The people began to fear that he might find some flaw and smite them for their wickedness. He sensed their animosity and took it as a sign that he should move on to where he was needed. He said goodbye to his family and left town, traveling the lands in search of wrongs that needed righting. He quickly found that his name was too difficult for others to pronounce, so he took on a new name – a name to strike fear into his enemies. He called himself The Bear. After seeing his particularly hairy exterior, the people tended to agree with the name and it stuck. The quips and catch phrases he often spouted off while dealing with wrongdoers was mostly met with confusion, but he was labeled as an outcast by most other adventurers because of them.
A’amakualenalena wanders the land, looking for any wrong that needs righting, any evil plot that needs foiling, and any villain that needs subduing. He is The Bear. The mighty force of Holy Judgment, setting a path of destruction for all those with evil in mind.
At least that’s what he thinks.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
In the Past, she had a name. A REAL name. In the Past she was happy. She lived, she played, she loved. She had a family to go to, a husband to depend on, and children to care for. Those were such wonderful times, where she could use magic to bring happiness to those she loved...Then those days ended.
In the Past, she had to take the children while her husband distracted them. She did not even have the time to worry about him as they fled and hid. She cried as they moved, and choked as they hid. In the Past, she had to use her magic to make sure they were hidden from those who would take them away. She had to watch as others were captured or killed, and she had to leave behind others in order to ensure the safety of her children...Then those days ended.
In the Past, she was captured. She watched as some of her children were captured as they fled, while others were killed. She yelled at them to let them go, to stop what they were doing, to spare those who were innocent. She was punished for speaking up. She screamed in pain as the brand was placed on her, and screamed in grief as her children were subjected to it as well. She begged her children to simply listen and do what they were told, and prayed for their lives and safety, in the hopes that they would at least live on to find some sort of happiness again...Then those days ended.
In the Present, she barely feels anything anymore. Her children are dead, killed for various reasons. Her husband was likely dead also. The rest of her family...she does not know. In the Present, she is used every day for various things. She cleans, she cooks, she is used abused and insulted...and she is used for the pleasures of others. She sorts through the memories of the Past every night, and cries herself to sleep. She is no longer allowed to show emotion to others until told to do so. She is no longer allowed to use magic unless told to do so. She is no longer allowed to go by her true name.
In the Present, she is given the name "*****", and is not allowed to be called anything else...
In the Present, she is ordered to assist in the Inquisition’s efforts to “stop her horrific kin from spreading their evil.” She is not allowed to talk back. She is not allowed to refuse. Evil or not, she is to help doom the lives of those like her.
In the Future, she will be happy. She will be happy, because she will be able to leave the Present. She will be happy because she will be able to see her family, husband, and children again. She will be happy because all of those horrible things will be a memory. She will be happy because she will die...but not now. She is not allowed to die yet, and she has no will to force them to kill her, or even take her own life. She was not allowed to move onto the bright future.
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
Name: Jakton Terrace
“To the Abyss with all those magic flinging f-“ Jakton was cut off by a look from the stern woman across the table from him.
Her eyes drew together, “ Members of the Inquisition of the Golden Empire are expected to guard their tongues as well as the Empire” She said cooly. The giant of man sitting next to her harrumphed and leaned forward into the lamplight of the tavern, the brand on his forehead, while old, was still quite visible.
“Hurm, yes, well as I was saying, to the Abyss with all magic users,” he looked the giant up and down, “No offense.”
Jak leaned back in his chair and took a swig of ale, “They cared nothin’ for us common troopers. They threw their magic around like they didn’t have a care in the world. And you know who paid for it?” He pounded himself in the chest with a meaty fist. “We did. We were just the blood price paid so that the spell flingers got to look like heroes.” Jak turns his face and points to the scarring that ran down one side of his face and his neck, before disappearing into the stained shirt he was wearing.
“It was my final campaign with the Company. We was taking on a group of upstart rebellions. Wasn’t much of a rebellion, but the general they had with them was damn good. Captured on of the Empire’s forts, and the company I was with was hired out to clear em out. Guess it didn’t warrant a big enough stink to send the actual Imperial Army in.”
Jak pounded on his chest and let out a deep belch, “ ‘Scuse me. As I was saying, we was marching in this fort. It coulda been drawn out into a deep siege but our Company contact specified that if we was to take the fort in a half a fortnight, “he chuckled at his own pun. The Inquisitors across from him shared no such sense of humor. Figures Jak thought. “if we was to take the fort in a week, we would get a bonus. Well, it took us damn near three days to assembly and march our stinking as—rear ends out there. So that left us with two days to take the Gods-forsaken hut.”
“So off we go. My squad was to provide cover for a particularly powerful mage. We was sappers.” He paused to look at the Inquistiors, “We blow sh—stuff up.”
Ice Queen gave a barest nod of the head, “I know what Sappers are Sargent.”
“Right. As I was saying we were to cover for this mage and give him enough of a head start on the wall to where all he needed to do was give the wall a good kick o magic and it’d crack like an egg.”
“It was all going well, and we were just about ready to crack the egg, when they caught wind of us. Sent a sortie out to take care of us. We managed to push them back. But our damned mage ran like a coward and decided to go ahead and blow the wall. Without giving us warning. Tried to blow us, the other poor bastards and the wall to the Abyss.” Jak’s knuckles turned white on the mug as he took a deep swig. He wiped the foam off his mustache with his sleeve before continuing, “Killed the sortie and my whole squad. I survived because Krinnic landed on me. He was bigger than even me. Only this side of my face was exposed and pointed away from the blast. We won the battle and I turned in my stripes. Told 'em I wasn’t working in any unit where they don’t control those damned mages like a dog on a leash. Heard your one such unit so here I am. “
“Here you are,” the giant drawled out before standing to his full height.
Ice Queen pushed a parchment across the table, “We checked out your history with your former company. I liked what I heard even if you are a bit uncouth. Report to this address to begin the recruitment process. Glory to the Empire.”
Tryvan - Half-Elf Rouge. Survival at Sea
Jakton Terrace - Human Fighter - Helm's Inquistion
Geoffrey Longhorse - Human Paladin - Eon: Scorched Skies
Born to relatively poor parents in [Enter City Name], Gylbard and his brother had a hard upbringing. Their mother died giving birth to their sister and after that their father became more and more distant, until one day he vanished. Now responsible for both his siblings he found anyway possible to bring food back home everyday. Before long he found himself entangled with a local gang and both he and his brother were dragged into their ranks. This was the next 8 years of their lives, working as pawns on the streets for measly scraps and the protection of their sister. Slowly they worked their way up into positions of some responsibility and power.
Then when Gylbard was 29, the gang was taken over from the inside by tiefling sorceress. Krislana was brutal, the result of a life spent scared and hidden. She changed the gangs operations from small-time protection rackets and theft to full on raiding. Anyone who questioned or disagreed with her was eradicated. Gylbard managed to get his sister away, sending her out of the city. To where, he doesn't know. But he knew he would never make it out. And his brother was flourishing under Krislanas new leadership; he revelled in the constant violence and terror they inflicted. After a few months of this the gang was forced out of the city, their actions bringing the full force of the army against them. They then wandered the country side, putting whole villaged under the torch.
It was around this time that Gylbard left the gang, during one of their raids. The sudden reason why, he keeps that secret. Wandering the lands aimlessly, Gylbard was captured by the Inquisition. Aware of Krislana's powers they wanted to capture and control her and they knew they could use Gylbard to get to her. After interrogation and months of solitary confinement Gylbard finally agreed to help them in return for pardons for himself and his brother.
He helped them track the group down, using his knowledge of their workings and camps, and the Inqisition lead an attack on the gang. In the insuing fight Gylabrd found himself face to face with his brother. His brother was completely loyal to Krislana and nothing he said could pacify him. They fought, resulting in the loss of Gylabards left hand and his brothers life. Somehow Krislana managed to escape but the rest of the gang were all killed or captured.
As per the agreement, Gylbard was pardoned and given his freedom so after a long and arduous recovery he found himself with his life ahead of him. Haunted by the pain magic had caused him and his family, Gylbard has decided to enlist with the Inquisition to seek out and destroy those who use it.
(This is a quick write up of an adapted character, still not sure about all the exact details but will fill out if picked)
Xanni was born into a noble family, as the fourth and last child. They lived in the country in a secluded mansion, and she spent her childhood running around and playing with her two brothers and big sister, when their studies allowed it. They were raised to believe in the glory of the Empire, and Xanni often dreamed about bringing honor to her family. She always payed attention to her teachers, and obeyed their every word. Otherwise she was a goodhearted girl, no stranger to mischief, and liked to sneak into the kitchens for sweets. Her siblings were similar in temperament, but one of her brothers started to question their teachers and parents in his teenage years, and in the end he ran away. The family disowned him, his siblings were shocked and disappointed, but neither of them questioned the decision.
Xanni started wondering why her brother would betray her, turned to religion, and what first started as praying for understanding turned into a serious commitment. When she unassumingly let a magic user walk away without recognizing the forbidden kind of magic, her superiors realized that her inexperience and naivety prevented her from reaching her true potential. They sent her to the Inquisition, so that she could experience firsthand the evil magic users bought, and back up her education with experience.
She's eager to learn, and similarly eager to bring light into the lives of the good people around her.
Xanni Leafhelm - Halfling Cleric (Life domain) in Helm's Inquisition
Chaenath Miahana - Elf Warlock (Archfey pact) in Order of Dawn
Rojan was only a child when the young girl came to his parents doorstep. She couldn't have been more than fourteen from the looks of her, and Rojan's parents didn't hesitate to give her shelter from the blizzard outside. It would be a mistake they would never have a chance to repeat. In the night, after they had all gone to bed, she struck. Rojan can still remember the screams. He can still remember the terrifying eldritch tentacles that served as her weapons, sacrificing his parents to the abomination she called master. When this girl, finally unveiling her grotesque tiefling form, turned her attention to her final victim, there was a brilliant light, and her flesh burned away as a cleric of Helm arrived just in the nick time to save Rojan.
The cleric brought Rojan back to Helms Inquisition, and raised Rojan as one of his own. Rojan didn't have the clerics patience, however, and instead of following his path in Helms service, Rojan joined the rank and file of Helms Inquisition, serving as first a squire and then a guard, moving his way up, hoping to one day prove himself worthy enough to go out and fight the evil that he saw so many years ago.
Rojan is blinded by vengeance, and the blessing of Helm is upon him. He seeks to fight the evil of these magic users, and most especially warlocks, in order to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Recruiting will end on Sunday, July 1st.
Any questions, please pm them to me.
The recruitment is over and the campaign shall begin shortly.
Party is:
It is a clear sky with the mid day sun shining bright above the barracks. Banners of white and gold fly from its walls as it towers over the citizens. Soldiers mill in and out of it, paying no heed to any of you as you make your way in. Inside is a simple building, wooden floor, wooden walls, adorned with shields and swords. From across the entrance you see a branded one, an old wood elf who sits at a table. He writes upon a book, keeping track of what comes and goes from the barracks. He notices your group comes in and regards you all with a bow of his head.
"Welcome sers and madams, may I ask what brings you here today." He says with a small smile upon his face.
Jakton walks over to the old wood elf and leans down a bit, "Name's Jakton Terrace. I got this letter," he waves the parchment in front of the elf's nose. "Says I'm supposed to report to a bloke named Surn. You want to point him out to me?"
Tryvan - Half-Elf Rouge. Survival at Sea
Jakton Terrace - Human Fighter - Helm's Inquistion
Geoffrey Longhorse - Human Paladin - Eon: Scorched Skies
Alfred watches from the doorway, bemused, before swaggering over, his rapier swinging lightly at his belt. He reaches into the breast pocket of his vest, and produces a similar letter, which he places gently on the counter between himself and the old branded one.
"Well, well, my goodman. It seems as though we both have business with the Inquisitor. I suppose that means we may be working with each other." He smirks, and offers his hand out to the older man. "My name is Alfred Von Edinburgh. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The wood elf nods as he inspects both letters, "Yes, here to see the Inquisitor, yes? Unfortunately he is in a meeting right now. Please wait here and he should be done in a moment or so." He gestures to the loungers by the entrance, holstered with leather. Not as comfy as a noble's seat but comfy still. "And might I ask for any weapons on your person? It is merely for security measures, good sers." He points to the rack besides his desk, already with spears and shortswords stored upon it.