The Inquisition

Historians believe that the Inquisition was the frightening face the Catholic Church showed the world from 1435 to 1834, but there are others who know the truth.  It did not end then, but endures to the present and is more fearsome than ever.

The public at large, historians in general and even some of the Church's highest officials know nothing of the Inquisition's current activities due to the organisation's intense secrecy.  These days it is called the Society of Leopold, and comprises Catholics primarily but not exclusively.  Its membership devotes itself to the utter eradication of all of "the Devil's spawn", a catch-all term that includes sorcerors, witches, the Kindred, lycanthropes and all other supernatural entities.  They have hidden chapterhouses in most major cities and are extremely well-financed, with access to paramilitary-quality hit squads and the finest equipment.

The Club have tangled with the Inquisition on several occasions, most notably the murder of Selina the tigerwere.  Although many of the Society possess the power of True Faith, their attacks are becoming increasingly violent and indiscriminate.  As this is coupled with an apparent increase in the use of torture to gain information, the Club have heard that many members are developing moral qualms over the direction the Inquisition is taking.

The current leader of the Society of Leopold is Inquisitor General Armand DeSouza, based at their motherhouse in the Vatican City.  He is said to be responsible for the Inquisition's new, 'hardline' attitude.  However, Louise has a number of the Society on her payroll, which explains why the Club has so far been able to avoid any prolonged confrontations.