Inquisition of the Elder Fire

The inquisition is an organization of religious zealots who worship various Sun gods, believing that the only true way to be cleansed is by being consumed by flame. They see most fires as holy channels of divine power manifest as a blessing for them, studied and interpreted by their seers and sages, as well as used for basic heat, light and utility.

They are not outwardly an extreme religious faction, they show their face as a place of worship and penitence, a place to earn forgiveness under a strict religious code, and many find their brand of righteousness fulfilling. They serve as guardians near borders of dangerous regions such as the Crag, the passages into the Lowlands, and have a small presence in Burningbor.

Unknown to most members of the inquisition, the founders of teh inquisition and the current heads that lead them are member of the Cult of the Ashen End.

Fire-breathing Dragons are revered and respected by the church, as are the Dragon Gods, but not directly worshiped as they are mostly feared, but any non-fire dragon is seen as an affront to all other 'True Dragons' and are often hunted. Any unnatural fire beyond Dragonfire is taught to be an abomination and must be extinguished at all costs.

## History

In the history of the inquisition is murky, but most believe that they were formed in order to investigate the cause of the sundering, after the churches began having worrying visions and dreams, but could not divine the answers. They knew the sundering was a shift in Divine power, but were not sure why or how, so the first inquisition scouts were sent to all places where the sundering had rent and cracked the world seeking answers. Some scouts traversed into the dangerous Lowlands, and others were sent deep within the newly-formed 'Crag', while some were sent to the gaping Burning Mountain. The inquisition also served to keep innocents away from the now dangerous regions where the sundering had affected the world the most.

From the Crag, the scouts and returned with disturbing reports of a great slumbering power that had awoken, and were half-mad. The leaders of the church were divided, and there was much debate. Only a few leaders decided to go to see this disturbing power themselves, and so they trekking into the Crag itself, and were never seen again.

Somehow, the inquisition remains, still officially recognized by the church, but no one can say where their true authority comes from, aside from their legions of trained paladins and warriors and clerics they recruit. Officially the inquisition is 'never over' as any soldier of the inquisition will tell you, they claim to still seek the cause and a protection from the powers that shook the world, to be ready for when it may return.

## Structure

The inquisitions' upper echelons are a closely-guarded secret, the true leader in unknowns, but there are three figureheads that all inquisition members know, though very few have ever received orders directly.

The leader of the inquisition is the Inquisitor of the Righteous Flame, who leads all forces in the inquisition, and provides orders to his five lieutenants, known as the Burning Knights and their right-hand men, the Hands of the Inquisition.

Below these lieutenants are the common soldiers of the inquisition, paladins, warriors, clerics, who serve as the main force of the inquisition and carry out the dangerous or specialized work required by the inquisitor.

At the bottom of the organization are the common folk, known as the Kindlers - they are cooks, bakers, priests, healers, craftsmen, and other various jobs of the common folk, all equal in rank with each other in their service to the inquisition.

## Goals

To find teh source of the Sundering and prevent another cataclym of its like from ever happening again. To preserve and serve the faithful of their cause, and those who share their worship of their patron Deities. To cleanse all unholy and unworthy flame.

## Limits

Will not allow innocents come to harm in regions too dangerous for their capabilities, even if that means barring their passage. Will not tolerate magical fires, except for Dragonfire, which is considered holy.