No Mercy Above Heaven...
While the Caglianni have an official mandate from the Hierophant of Parona to operate without interference, the order does not work exclusively for the Church, but for any state power or local government that calls upon them. Ostensibly autonomous, impartial, and above corruption, the Caglianni are nonetheless notorious for their brutal and merciless methods. For this reason, their name is usually spoken in fearful whispers.
The Caglianni maxim is Ni Misera Supra Cerulea, Ni Misera Suta -- “no mercy above heaven, no mercy below." The Caglianni do not see it as their place to show clemency, only to punish. As no mercy shown by mortals should supersede that which is bestowed by divine forces in the afterlife, their role is but to commend others to the beyond. Only the Gods may forgive.
EXECUTIONS and INQUISITIONS
Caglianni are versed in the ceremonial and legal practices of whichever region they operate in. They are also expert in all styles and rituals of execution; beheading, hanging, burning, boiling, flaying, evisceration, and many other exotic methods. Even with their ominous reputation, the Caglianni are known for their professionalism and their stoic decorum. Their fearsome presence is thought to convey a sense of legitimacy and inexorable justice to such proceedings. Whether the case demands a quick clean death or a more elaborate inquisition, the Caglianni carry out the sentences with detached efficiency.
Caglianni are often employed in situations that require extractions of confessions or executions of politically-important figures. There is a kind of prestige in having a Caglianni agree to serve as the headsman for a significant person, and throughout history, Officers of the Order have carried out executions for many lords, clerics, and even royalty.
Officials wishing to avoid public unrest due to making controversial verdicts may also petition a Caglianni to conduct inquests and independant trials for high-profile cases on their behalf. The undertakings of this clan are understood to be autonomous, impartial, and incontrovertible, so the institutions that call upon them are often absolved from any political consequences of Caglianni intervention.
No figure is too influential, too sacred, or too dangerous to be tried and executed by the Caglianni. A trial conducted by a Caglianni is treated as binding through Clarion lands and the Empire. On rare occasions in history, pardons have been handed down by the High King of Clarion and the Hierophant of Parona to overturn Caglianni convictions, but these examples were posthumous in both instances.
The fee charged by the Order is standardized according to an established scale, and so that they may appear in both large cities and rural townships alike. It is understood that all proceeds from their activities are returned to the organization, rather than to the individual, and bribes or gifts are not accepted. The Order does not always agree to every petition, so services are never assured. However, once a Caglianni begins an inquisition, it will be seen through to its conclusion.
WITCH-FINDERS
The Caglianni are often employed to preside over cases of alleged diablery or supernatural corruption, especially when local authorities or clergy are too fearful to proceed. They are thought to be knowledgeable in such matters, as well as equipped to defend themselves against occult threats and influence.
Indeed, the Caglianni are said to wield powerful magics of their own, and make use of various arcane tools, charms, and incantations in the course of their duties. Many of these methods would be considered heretical by ardent reformers of the Holy Wheel, but for the time being, they are tolerated in the hands of the Caglianni.
Caglianni trials can be dramatic affairs, with all the pageantry and theatre that the Church and the throng demands. However, such stagecraft usually stems from the needs of local institutions or communities for due ceremony. When left to their own devices, Caglianni are usually blunt and brutally expedient in all matters.
OFFICERS of the ORDER
It is unknown how many Caglianni there are. Their numbers are secret, and they are thought to travel incognito, guarding their true identities closely. It is very rare to see more than one at a time.
Officers of the Caglianni typically appear as very tall, physically-imposing figures with a terse, solemn presence. Each officer may be anonymous, but the uniform of the order is distinctive and recognizable to all; a dark, conical hood that obscures the face, and black robes emblazoned with the red emblem of the sect. Some wear black armour inscribed with protective prayers and spells, while others may have such wards and sigils tattooed directly on their skin.
The signature weapon of the Caglianni is a ceremonial executioner's greatsword. These large 2-handed blades are designed for chopping, with a flat chisel-like tip rather than a point. In addition, Caglianni may travel with the various tools of their trade - whips, manacles, cages, surgical tools, interrogation implements, and other such devices.
The Caglianni maxim is Ni Misera Supra Cerulea, Ni Misera Suta -- “no mercy above heaven, no mercy below." The Caglianni do not see it as their place to show clemency, only to punish. As no mercy shown by mortals should supersede that which is bestowed by divine forces in the afterlife, their role is but to commend others to the beyond. Only the Gods may forgive.
EXECUTIONS and INQUISITIONS
Caglianni are often employed in situations that require extractions of confessions or executions of politically-important figures. There is a kind of prestige in having a Caglianni agree to serve as the headsman for a significant person, and throughout history, Officers of the Order have carried out executions for many lords, clerics, and even royalty.
Officials wishing to avoid public unrest due to making controversial verdicts may also petition a Caglianni to conduct inquests and independant trials for high-profile cases on their behalf. The undertakings of this clan are understood to be autonomous, impartial, and incontrovertible, so the institutions that call upon them are often absolved from any political consequences of Caglianni intervention.
No figure is too influential, too sacred, or too dangerous to be tried and executed by the Caglianni. A trial conducted by a Caglianni is treated as binding through Clarion lands and the Empire. On rare occasions in history, pardons have been handed down by the High King of Clarion and the Hierophant of Parona to overturn Caglianni convictions, but these examples were posthumous in both instances.
The fee charged by the Order is standardized according to an established scale, and so that they may appear in both large cities and rural townships alike. It is understood that all proceeds from their activities are returned to the organization, rather than to the individual, and bribes or gifts are not accepted. The Order does not always agree to every petition, so services are never assured. However, once a Caglianni begins an inquisition, it will be seen through to its conclusion.
WITCH-FINDERS
Indeed, the Caglianni are said to wield powerful magics of their own, and make use of various arcane tools, charms, and incantations in the course of their duties. Many of these methods would be considered heretical by ardent reformers of the Holy Wheel, but for the time being, they are tolerated in the hands of the Caglianni.
Caglianni trials can be dramatic affairs, with all the pageantry and theatre that the Church and the throng demands. However, such stagecraft usually stems from the needs of local institutions or communities for due ceremony. When left to their own devices, Caglianni are usually blunt and brutally expedient in all matters.
OFFICERS of the ORDER
Officers of the Caglianni typically appear as very tall, physically-imposing figures with a terse, solemn presence. Each officer may be anonymous, but the uniform of the order is distinctive and recognizable to all; a dark, conical hood that obscures the face, and black robes emblazoned with the red emblem of the sect. Some wear black armour inscribed with protective prayers and spells, while others may have such wards and sigils tattooed directly on their skin.
The signature weapon of the Caglianni is a ceremonial executioner's greatsword. These large 2-handed blades are designed for chopping, with a flat chisel-like tip rather than a point. In addition, Caglianni may travel with the various tools of their trade - whips, manacles, cages, surgical tools, interrogation implements, and other such devices.
