Workings of House Quæstor (Quæsitor)

Symbol and Sigil

The singularly recognizable and often feared symbol of the Quaestors is the fasces (pronounced "FAS-eez" and meaning 'bundles'). This device is a collection of 21 wooden sticks or iron rods bundled tightly together and entwined with a leather strap. In the middle of the sticks and protruding from their top is a small double-bladed iron axe (since most fasces are only about one foot long, the miniature axe is merely symbolic, and in fact sometimes absent altogether; in this case the axe's presence is implied). Although they were Etruscan in origin, the fasces were a symbol of bureaucratic power and judicial law in ancient Rome. Magistrates bore them in public places to signify the authority of their rulings, and when the House of Quaestors was created within the Order, they adopted this Roman tradition. The sticks of the fasces symbolize the concentrated power of the different Houses of the Order, one stick representing each House (note that the Rabenstein and Corona Montis sagas use Additional Houses), while the blade of the axe they encompass denotes the absolute authority of the judgments of the Quaestors (it is the executioner's axe that the Etruscans used to enact capital justice).

Each Quaestor has their own fasces which they use not only to establish their rank and authority as a magistrate, but also as a Hermetic sigil. It is forbidden by the Code of Hermes to refute the authority of the bearer of a fasces. Conversely however, it is not required to recognize the authority of a Quaestor who does not bear their fasces (though it may prove imprudent to do so; thefts of fasces to delay or obstruct Hermetic justice have been known to occur, but rarely have the culprits not been subjected to serious punishments for this offense). Use of a fasces to confer authority by someone who is not a Quaestor is a high crime within the Order.

A unique fasces is employed by the head Quaestor of each of the individual Tribunal meetings (the Praefectus), whose rods are often over 3 feet long and surround a very real axe. Too large and unwieldy to be carried by a single person, these fasces are born by a procession of preceeding attendants called 'lictors' (normally younger Quaestors themselves). The central axe of this ceremonial fasces has been used to deliver Hermetic justice to renounced magi in the past, and in some Tribunals their blood stains smear the blade still, making the ceremonial entrance of the fasces into the regular Tribunal meetings an ominous moment. Note that the 20th century term 'Facsism' derives from the totalitarian authority conferred upon the wielder of the bundles.

Ranks and Privileges

While the power of jurisdiction of House Quaestor is well-established throughout the Order, the individual powers and responsibilities among the magi who comprise this House is considerably varied and highly regulated, to ensure that abuses do not occur and the rule of law prevails. Technically all members of the House may be called 'Quaestor,' meaning 'magistrate.' But this title is largely ceremonial and is typically preceded by the magus' formal rank. These offices are known throughout the Order (at least by those well-versed in Hermetic Law), and are detailed below (from lowest to highest):

Lictor
Indagator
Prætor Urbanus
Prætor Peregrinus
Annalium Scriptor
Præfectus

A Lictor (plural lictoris) is among the least powerful members of the House, serving as a public attendant to the more powerful magistrates within the Order. The term 'lictor 'has no applicable translation, but descends rather from the title of the servants of Roman magistrates during the Empire. Lictoris are typically young, often maturing apprentices or beginning magi, and can be thought of as judges-in-training (all members of House Quaestor serve as a Lictor for some time). Lictoris can often be found accompanying senior magistrates, observing inquiries, or assisting in criminal proceedings. It is their formal responsibility to bear the ceremonial fasces into any criminal trial or tribunal. It is also their somber duty to wield the axe of the fasces in cases of serious Hermetic crimes, acting as executioners (carnifex) of Hermetic judgement. They are the only rank among House Quaestor which may not sit upon an Iudicium (trial) as a juror.
An Indagator (plural indagatoris) is an investigator, and travels throughout the lands and covenants of Europe to police the realm, responding to allegations of misdeeds and ensuring that the Code of Hermes is being maintained. When a magus or covenant requests the intervention or investigation of the Quaestors (to report a crime or any other incident of note), an Indagator is usually dispatched to peruse the claims. The Indagator is the next-to-lowest rank among the magi of House Quaestor, only surpassing the Lictoris in stature. Typically an Indagator will serve a specific Tribunal, traveling a circuit among the Hermetic covenants located within its borders. The conventions for each individual Tribunal vary, but often an Indagator traveling such a circuit is required to visit every covenant within the Tribunal within a certain time period (perhaps 5 years). Often the Indagator will not originate from the Tribunal in which they themselves were raised, lest they be biased or otherwise predisposed toward the magi with whom they interact, or in a manner that might hinder their impartiality (in fact, they often serve multiple Tribunals during their career).

While Indagatoris are often young magi, many Quaestors are particularly well-suited for investigatory efforts, and some quite powerful magi remain in this post for their entire career. Most travel alone, but there have been cases of two or even three investigators arriving to explore and analyze particularly delicate situations. In modern, 20th century terms they can be thought of as a synthesis of both detective and prosecutor. When they arrive at a covenant, the covenant is obligated to provide them shelter, food, and protection for a fortnight. And while they may ask questions of the Indagator, he is not required to respond. After the fortnight has passed, the Covenant is no longer obliged to provide for the Indagator, who usually departs. If however the Indagator suspects a possible trasngression against the Code of Hermes has transpired, they may announce an Indagatio (a formal investigation), and will remain at the Covenant until the investigation's conclusion. This requires the presentation of their own sigil (a fasces), and demands cooperation of those being investigated (who must submit to Intéllego magics and other forms of scrying). The outcome of such a formal Indagatio is always reported in written records within the House. By tradition, Indagatoris tend to use restraint in the opening of investigations, lest the authority of their House be eroded by petty scrying. Each Tribunal is headed by a single investigator, the Indagator Primus, but this rank is largely ceremonial and holds no additional privilege (though it does confer honor within House Quaestor itself, reflecting the superior talents of the investigator, who is consequently dispatched to particularly important investigations).

It is within the Indagator's power to render decisions and dispense penalties for low crimes (see the Code of Hermes for details of such offenses). Such decisions are usually accepted, but it is possible to appeal an Indagator's verdict. In this case the punishment is indefinitely withheld and the matter is taken before a Prætor at the earliest possible convenience (usually within a few months, at several possible locations). The Prætor will first hear the argument for guilt by the Indagator, and then the defending magus (or magi) must respond to refute the charges. The Prætor alone renders judgement. If he finds for innocence then the case is dismissed (and the Indagator's reputation may suffer), but if the Indagator's initial verdict is upheld by the Prætor then the original penalty is doubled. This doubling of a penalty was intended to discourage any frivolous use of appeals. Successfully arguing such appeals should require thorough role-playing, but at the Storyguide's discretion can be benefited by delicate use of Disputatio, Intrigue, and Communication by the character. Note that this previous discussion involves the case of low crimes. In cases of high crimes, the Indagator may not render judgement but rather must bring the matter to a Prætor for a decision. All high crimes require the convening of an Iudicium (a trial), which can only be opened by a Prætor, though this is usually done at the urging of an Indagator, who serves as prosecution in the case. To kill an Indagator is a aggregious offense, and almost assuredly bestows a death penalty to both the murderer and his accomplices. Note that the term 'Indagator' is masculine; female investigators are called Indagatrix (plural Indagatricis).
A Prætor is a magistrate, a Quaestor who presides over criminal judgments. In fact they are often simply called 'Quaestors,' as befitting their role as true judges). According to law, the Prætor must be at least 40 years old. In addition to hearing appeals and rendering judgments for low crimes, a Prætor can also convene an Iudicium (a court of legal authority) to resolve a potential high crime. There are two varieties of Prætoris; the first are called Prætor Urbanus, who mitigate any disputes that remain confined to a single Tribunal (all the subtleties of interest and parties involved belong to the same Tribunal). If a dispute involves magi or hermetic influences that encompass multiple Tribunals, then a Prætor Peregrinus must be consulted. Note that both of these varieties of Prætor are magistrates who function in the same capacity; the distinction refers only to their level of training (though it might reflect the prestige of the Prætor).
The Annalium Scriptor is a record-keeper of House Quaestor, who chronicles the investigations, judgments, and outcomes of all matters of Hermetic law (the conditions and results of every Indagatio is detailed by the Scriptor). Within each Tribunal there exists a single Scriptor, who must organize and preserve the verdicts and conclusions of every case for future records. The post is filled by a willing magus of House Quaestor, usually of at least 40 years in age, by a majority vote of a quorum of the Magi of House Quaestor within the Tribunal. Theirs is a sedentary task, and they are rarely dispatched to actual sites of investigation or courts, though this does happen infrequently. It is the responsibility of the Annalium Scriptor to accompany the Praefectus (head magistrate) to Tribunal meetings, and to convey his records to each of the other Tribunals of the Order within an orderly fashion (usually once every 10 to 12 years). In addition, the Scriptor coordinates the organization of the Quaestors within the Tribunal, conferring promotions, assigning Prætors to cases, designating Indagatoris to investigate specific allegations, establishing the routes they ply, and perhaps even acquiring new quaestors from a distant Tribunal. All of these tasks are not always possible for the Scriptor to regulate (for example, a trial may be convened before the Scriptor can be notified), but when possible the Annalium Scriptor is charged with such decisions, and has the authority to make them. Sometimes a Scriptor will share these responsibilities with the Praefectus, but this is not required. Each Scriptor is assigned an individual Redcap or tabelarius (or perhaps more) from House Mercere to expedite the delivery of messages to and from the Scriptor within their Tribunal. By tradition the Scriptor no longer performs any other duties as a Quaestor, nor sits as a juror in a trial, nor votes at Tribunal. It is a high crime to alter the Scriptor's records in any manner.
The Praefectus is the head magistrate of a Tribunal. Typically they are the most senior-ranking Prætoris within a Tribunal, and it is their responsibility to attend and supervise the Tribunal meetings, serving as head magistrate for any criminal trials (iudicium) that are required. They are also responsible for rendering all judgments of low crimes at a Tribunal meeting, or dispensing that authority to one of the other Prætoris in attendance if they wish. The minimum age of a Praefectus is 50, and they are required to have at least 10 years of experience as a Prætor before assuming this post (unless this is made impossible by the death of any other possible candidates; traditionally a new Praefectus is selected according to their age, the most senior Prætor within a Tribunal assuming the role). The Praefectus usually resides within the specific Covenant in a Tribunal that hosts the Tribunal meetings; however, this is not demanded by law. They must also attend the Grand Tribunal or appoint a replacement if their health does not permit such a journey. In all other capacities, the Praefectus retains the rights and privileges of a Prætor, and will continue to perform his responsibilities in this capacity (which even includes sitting as a judex in rare cases). While the Annalium Scriptor arguably has more authority regarding the mundane operation of the quaestors within the Tribunal, it is the sole power of the Praefectus to depose the Annalium Scriptor for any abuse of office.

In addition to these formal ranks of House Quaestor, there also exist twenty Quaestor Dignitus, whose limited authority can transcend that of the normal offices of House Quaestor for certain matters. These honorary magus-judges are members of another Hermetic House who have been granted ceremonial membership to House Quaestor in accordance with the Law of Hermes. They have no authority to perform any of the normal duties of House Quaestor, render any judgments or interpret Hermetic Law on their own, however they can convene an assembly of their own officeholders to render supreme judgment for the Order regarding particularly grave matters. This rank was created by the Law of Hermes in order that every House be adequately represented within the Order, and to ensure that none be wrongfully persecuted or misjudged.

Iudicium

An Iudicium is a court of legal authority, which renders judgement for any charges of high crimes against the Law of Hermes. The Iudicium is presided over by a single Quaestor, who must hold a minimum rank of Prætor. The Prætor dictates the course of the proceeding, determining who may speak, what evidence is admissible, when the trial shall commence, recess, or conclude, and any other subject bearing on the trial. His authority is absolute. Yet the Prætor alone does not render a verdict. This is the responsibility of the Judex (the jurors), which must be magi and can come from any Hermetic House as long as they remain in good standing. In order to hold a legitimate court, the judex must consist of at least 3 magi (although 5, 7, or 9 are sometimes employed instead; always an odd number, and often depending upon local traditions within the Tribunal). While it is standard practice to have at least one magus from House Quaestor (of any rank) sit as a judex, it is preferable to have the other judex derive from differing Hermetic Houses when possible. This is not required, and it is perfectly legal to hold a trial in which only magi of House Quaestor sit as jurors. At the discretion of the presiding Prætor, the trial will open and usually begins with a presentation of the charges leveled against the offending magus. Typically the principle Indagator that investigated the matter will present such evidence, and serves the role of prosecutor. The defending magus then argues their position, and may appeal to other magi to speak on their behalf. In cases where two rival magi or factions are in dispute, they simply argue their positions (the Prætor dictates which side speaks first and the decorum of the argument). Allowing non-magi to speak in a trial is a relatively uncommon event, and may only be allowed with the consent of the Prætor (who is sworn as always to fairness and impartiality). When the trial is concluded, the judex render judgement by a secret vote. In most cases a majority vote will suffice, though it is always necessary to have a unanimous vote when a magus is to be cast out of the Order or immediately slain (the Prætor himself does not cast a vote, though has the right to break ties in that unlikely event by rendering judgement directly). All judex must have their sigil present, using it to cast their vote, and no one can wield the sigil of another magus by proxy in a trial. The individual votes of the judex are kept secret, and do not appear in the written record of the trial. The verdicts of the judex are not subject to discussion or negotiation, as the Prætor normally uses his authority to dictate what outcomes they may render (ie innocence, guilt, and precisely what punishments shall be meted out).

Judex must swear an oath of honor and integrity at the beginning of the Iudicium, and if it can be proved that they cast their vote bowing to selfish considerations or for any reason whatsoever that violates their oath of honesty, they too can be subject to severe punishment (abusing one's vote in an Iudicium is a high crime in and of itself). If a magus involved in a trial has reason to doubt the integrity of a potential judex (for example they belong to a rival Covenant), then they may ask the Prætor to remove the judex from the trial before it commences (but never after). By tradition, a Prætor will excuse any potential judex without question or need of explanation on the first request. If the same request is made of a subsequent judex however, the Prætor may become more stingy, demanding explanations and wary of intentional delays (whatever decision the Prætor makes about the use of contested jurors is absolute). Replacing jurors in this manner may delay the start of a trial, but considerable haste is always made, and House Quaestor will endeavor to provide judex from within their own ranks if other options fail. Most Iudicium are held within Hermetic Covenants or other secure locales, and are conducted with expedience. Any magus charged with a high crime that leaves the Iudicium before its conclusion is assumed guilty. To seek retribution against a judex or Quaestor for a previous judgement is a high crime against the Order, typically punishable by death or renouncement.

Usually, magi who belong to the same covenant as a mage who is on trial are not posted as judex, but this is not a firm rule.

This page last modified on 10-Apr 1999.

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