Inquisition

The first Inquisition were a group of people who, following the First Blight, rose up to defend Thedas from the dangers of magic and heretics. The Inquisition later joined with the Chantry and became the Seekers of Truth and the Templar Order. The Inquisition is reformed midway through the Dragon Age to investigate a new threat to Thedas.

The Inquisition of old
In the years before the founding of the Chantry and the start of the Divine Age, Thedas was plunged into chaos. The First Blight had ended, the Imperium had broken apart following Andraste's March, and despite the spread of the Maker's teachings, blood mages and Old Gods cults were widespread. The Inquisition was formed around -100 Ancient with the goal of protecting the people from the tyranny of magic in whatever form it might take; blood mages, abominations, cultists or heretics. A loose association of Andrastian hard-liners, the group combed the land in search of these threats and some say theirs was a reign of terror. Others say they were cast in a negative light by history because their investigations and even application of justice, protecting both mages and common people impartially, crossed too many powerful groups. In these accounts it is suggested that the group was already known as the Seekers of Truth and that the "Inquisition" moniker was perhaps pejorative.

In 1:20 Divine, the newly founded Chantry found common cause with the Inquisition and they signed the Nevarran Accord. As part of the agreement, the Inquisition became the new martial arm of the Chantry, the Templar Order, and its senior members became known as the Seekers of Truth. Another result was the creation of the Circle of Magi, with the templars serving as wardens for the Circles.

The modern Inquisition
"As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn. We will close the Breach, we will restore order, with or without your approval."

- Cassandra Pentaghast

Some time after the Revolt at the White Spire in 9:40, the Inquisition is reformed. Like its ancient predecessor, the new Inquisition is an independent body, beholden to none. The reformed organization's mission is to track down and suppress the agents of chaos threatening Thedas, close the Breach, and restore order. The Inquisition's sovereignty however is derived from the allies who validate it and as the Inquisition's influence spreads, many will begin to look to it as a beacon of law that must bring justice upon criminal parties. What form that justice takes however is dependent on how the Inquisitor applies it to each situation.

The modern Inquisition, in a fledgling state, begins with the interrogation of Varric Tethras by Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast. The Inquisition's reconstruction is, in fact, a back-up plan by Divine Justinia V in case of a calamity within the Chantry. Following the massive explosion that killed the Divine and conclave, Thedas falls into chaos as the Breach threatens to consume the world. The late Divine's writ was invoked by her Hands, Cassandra Pentaghast and Leliana, declaring the Inquisition reborn and independent of Chantry authority. However, the Chantry has denounced the Inquisition, calling them heretics for harbouring the Inquisitor, who had been labeled the Herald of Andraste by witnesses from the failed conclave at the Temple of Sacred Ashes.

Leadership

 * The Inquisitor — leader of the modern Inquisition
 * Cullen — leads the Inquisition's armed forces and acts as the Inquisitor's tactician
 * Josephine Montilyet — the Inquisition's ambassador and a skilful socialite
 * Leliana — leads the clandestine division of the Inquisition responsible for espionage and assassination

Notable members

 * Argent, an agent
 * Belinda, an agent
 * Blackwall
 * Cassandra Pentaghast
 * Cillian, an agent
 * Cole
 * Dagna
 * Dorian
 * Hall, an agent
 * Harding, head scout and lieutenant
 * Iron Bull
 * Katari, an agent
 * Korbin, an agent
 * Luka, an agent
 * Neria, an agent
 * Rion, an agent
 * Rosslin, a corporal
 * Michel de Chevin - agent
 * Sera
 * Sidony, an agent
 * Solas
 * Tamar, an agent
 * Thamond, a captain stationed at Crestwood
 * Thornton, an agent
 * Varric Tethras
 * Vivienne

Heraldry

 * After the establishment of the Nevarra Accord the Inquisition divided into the Templar Order & the Seekers of Truth. This is reflected in their heraldries. The Inquisition's sigil was split too, the Blade of Mercy became the Templar's icon while the all-seeing eye became the crest of the Seekers of Truth.

Trivia

 * In The Sims 3 University Life there are various mobile phone skins, one called "Age of Dragon" which has an Inquisition theme.