An organization dedicated to a singular purpose, the Inquisition answers to no man. No nation.
No god. In the span of Thedas's history, only two Inquisitions exist. While their goals
are not identical, their power and dominance over the other nations of Thedas are world-changing.
The first Inquisition focused on one goal: removing heretic mages from the world. As
nations recovered from the Blight, the Inquisition took full liberties into policing mages where
they saw fit. Records show that some citizens felt their reign tyrannical, while others
saw it as a considerate justice. While it spared and safeguarded innocent mages, the
Inquisition casted a fury of vengeance upon its enemies.
After establishing itself properly in Thedas, the Andrastian Chantry bridged a long-standing
partnership with the Inquisition. The Nevarran Accord was signed in year 20 of the Divine
Age, and called the Inquisition to act as the personal military for the Divine. The
Inquisition split into two groups: the Templar Order and Seekers of Truth. While the Inquisition's
time was at an end, their beliefs in policing mages for the betterment of all kind continued
in the values practiced by both the Order and Seekers.
Centuries later in the Dragon Age, a new cause forces the forming of a new Inquisition. The
Chantry holds a peace talk in the village of Haven, the religious landmark of the Ashes
of Andraste, in order to bridge negotiations between the rebel mages and templars, who
have been fighting against each other since the Kirkwall rebellion in year 37. In addition
to the conclave, a Seeker by the name Cassandra Pentaghast pushes the Divine to recreate the
Inquisition, in order to directly handle the chaos.
However, the talks are flung into chaos as the Elder One, an unknown party claiming himself
a deity, manifests a catastrophic event. The village of Haven is destroyed in a magical
explosion and a breach in the Veil rips open, allowing spirits and demons into the physical
world.
All should have been lost, if it were not for the efforts of one, whose witnesses call
the Herald of Andraste. An unknown person gains a powerful, magical mark in their hand,
and meets a glowing figure at the base of the Breach that others believe to be Andraste,
the Bride of the Maker. Regardless of witness accounts, using the new found power, the Herald
stops the Breach from expanding, foiling the Elder One's initial plans. Soon after, the
named Herald of Andraste becomes the lead Inquisitor, and commands the armies of the
Inquisition.
However, despite all the history of the first Inquisition, the second becomes blacklisted
by the remnants of the Chantry. Calling the Inquisitor a blasphemer for the title of the
"Herald of Andraste", and calling all the Inquisition's supporters heretics, the Chantry
forces the Inquisition to enlist the help of Thedas's finest, in order to fight the
Breach and the Elder One.
With the Inquisitor at the head, three advisors lead the military, espionage, and economic
branches.
Commander Cullen, former Knight-Captain of the Templars, leads as general of the Inquisition's
army. A survivor of the attack at the Ferelden Circle, rebellion of the Kirkwall Circle,
and the reign of former Knight-Commander Meredith, Cullen has seen the best and worst of mages
and templars.
Leliana: Hero of the Fifth Blight, Sister Nightingale, Left Hand of the Divine, and
among many other titles, acts as spymaster for the Inquisition. Trained as an Orlesian
bard and saved from death by the current Divine Justinia, her role in helping the Hero of
Ferelden end the Fifth Blight has honed her skills for the good of the Maker and all kind.
And Josephine Montilyet, an Antivan noble and backbone of the Inquisition's diplomatic
relations. While not as eager to head to battle as her fellow advisor Cullen is, her sharp
wit and mind help the Inquisition gain the respect and coin it needs to survive.
But the Inquisitor is not alone in travels. Nine dedicated followers accompany the Inquisitor.
Each individually great and powerful in their own right, some leaders and heads of the most
powerful organizations in Thedas, and others powerful in unique skill and influence.
Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, the Right Hand of the Divine and warrior from the great dragon-hunter
clan the Pentaghasts. While initially in charge of finding Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall,
she initially starts the Inquisition with the Herald and Varric Tethras.
Varric Tethras, the Dwarven rogue storyteller known for many of his tales and exploits,
including his infamous journey with the Champion of Kirkwall - Hawke.
Vivienne, known as Madame de Fer. First Enchanter of the Montsimmard Circle and advisor to Empress
Celene of Orlais.
The Iron Bull: Qunari agent of the Ben-Hassrath and leader of the mercenary group "Bull's
Chargers".
Sera, an Elven rogue of the infamously mysterious group called Friends of Red Jenny.
Dorian Pavus, the powerful Tevinter mage and pupil of Magister Alexius.
Solas, an incredibly self-taught Rift mage, skilled in all matters of the Fade.
Warden-constable Blackwall of the Orlesian Wardens. A man of great honor and humility.
And Cole, the unknown spirit crossed between the physical realm and the Fade, whose actions
in the White Spire of Orlais indirectly spurred on a rebellion.
These nine accompany the Inquisitor throughout the campaigns within Ferelden and Orlais.
Though the Chantry publicly denounces the re-created organization, the Inquisition forces
their hand into the lives of many citizens and nations.
The Mage-Templar conflict resulted from a building animosity, which festered since mages
were ordered to "serve man, not rule over him". Both sides are indiscriminately killing
each other, while others are working together. However, without a proper structure to keep
the peace, neither lives in safety. The fighting now comes to a precipice where the Inquisition
can directly influence the acceptance and succession of either mages or templars in
the world.
As mages and templars seek both peace and war, the Red Templars gain power as a formidable
foe in Thedas. These former templars have become mad with power, coming into contact
and directly ingesting raw red lyrium. Red lyrium, an unstable type of lyrium with powerful
benefits and dire consequences, found in the Deep Roads expedition at Kirkwall by the Champion
of Kirkwall Hawke, now fuels the templars into insanity. They now fight, capture, and
slaughter whoever gets in their way. Mages or not.
Corypheus. A magister from Ancient days of the Tevinter Imperium, who was thought to
be destroyed by the Champion of Kirkwall, now lays in waiting within the Grey Warden
ranks. The Wardens, known for their honorable sacrifices in the face of the Blights, are
in danger of being used as tools.
The Orlesian Civil War: a fight for the throne between Empress Celene, the already reigning
leader of Orlais, and the challenger Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons, comes to a head.
While the Empress has always sided on the cultural and intellectual improvement of society,
the Grand Duke seeks Orlais to pursue its former glory and expand. The Inquisition can
side with either, but with the former Hero of the Fifth Blight and Witch of the Wilds
Morrigan siding with Empress Celene, or possibly controlling her, the Inquisition may need
to take a stance on this Civil War.
Politics aside, the main purpose of the Inquisition remains: battling the Elder One's influence
and agents while simultaneously closing the rifts that threaten every man, woman, and
child in Thedas. The Breach must close and the Elder One must be stopped. With mysterious
power left in the Inquisitor's hand, the Inquisition must gather enough resources, enough magical
power, to fill the mark and close the Breach forever.
Will you stand against it? Or will you leave this world to its bitter end? The people of
Thedas are once again in danger, and call for aid. Lead them or fall. Either way-
it is a story for another day…