I am working on a character for an upcoming game, and as I was reading through the Radical's book I can across the Denounced and Condemned radical background package. It got me thinking, would it be possible if such a thing happened to a Sister would that sister possibly be saved and joined up with a Xanthite Inqusitor? Coming to the same belief of the Xanthite, using the powers of the enemy against the enemy?

Rhal said:

Or even for a Sister of Battle to believe as a Xanthite does, and follow a Xanthite leader?

Well, as far as I know it's possible that Sisters fall to Chaos so becoming Xanthite should be possible too when separated from their order....

I generally would rather recommend against it, as it goes against their principal beliefs. In a way, the character would cease to be a Sororitas in spirit, only "leeching" off this faction's appearance style. Note that, however, it is not impossible, just highly improbable (depending on how closely you follow GW canon, only a single Sister - Slaanesh Champion Miriael Sabathiel - ever turned traitor). If you are already having the Condemned and Denounced package, which would seem to be another very rare thing, you could theoretically go all the way, as the character's connection to the Sororitas and their teachings would have already been pushed into question anyways, opening her personality for further "development" outside the rigid boundaries that define the Sisterhood.

Whilst these boundaries have been named as a measure of balancing SoB characters against other careers, I suppose the differences become less of an issue once the character in question is severed from the material support of her Order as well as losing access to faith powers (note that the latter is not RAW as per the P&P mechanics and merely my conclusion drawn from GW texts - it depends on how the respective GM running the game stands to the influence of Corruption Points to Pure Faith, and if you are using the IH or BoM rules for the character).

A further question might be how far exactly the group and their Xanthithe Inquisitor would actually go. Despite not quite being GW canon (except for the parts that were re-printed in WD), the graphic novel Daemonifuge deals a little with the subject, in that Ephrael Stern was the archetypical "Denounced and Condemned" character (and undoubtedly the basis for this background package in the P&P), and the so-called Stern Codex could be interpreted as an artifact with daemonic properties, given its origin and how it came to be. Also, the Orders Pronatus do research into artifacts of the Ruinous Powers, so whilst the Sisterhood would never approve of their usage by Imperial forces, parts of the Sororitas do go as far as - sometimes - studying Chaos rather than simply burning everything, though the Orders Militant may have a more rigid approach to the subject due to their focus.

In my humble Xanthite opinion, the Adeptus Sororitas allows to a sister to join with a Xanthite Inquisitor only for two reasons:

1) She is Denounced and Condemned - her Order doesn't want her anymore, better to give her to her heretical fellows.

2) She is so pure or strong minded that she can work a Xanthite. It's like a high task, only the stronger can accomplish it.

A Xanthite Inquisitor may want a sister because he had need someone who will certainly not fall on corruption. Maybe to control other more radical acolytes.

My two Thrones in addition to the previous post:

Sebashaw said:

Even better to simply execute her, as is done with any witch, rather than lending further strength to a perceived heretic or corrupting a pure Inquisitor and ruining the Order's reputation (depending on whether the Xanthithe intends to hide his association or not). I think that if the Sister is Denounced and Condemned, the Inquisitor in question would need to bust her out. With force, if need be. And that will be likely, for I see little reason for the Sororitas to freely let go of a rogue asset.

An idea to potentially pull this off without resorting to violence would be that the Inquisitor arranges for her to be taken onto one of the Black Ships so that she may be brought to Terra for a final sacrifice. Only that instead of reaching Terra, the former Sister would spend mere days in her cell on the Black Ship before being spirited away by the Inquisitor.

Sebashaw said:

Generally, the Sisterhood does not seem likely to condone any messing-around with daemonic artifacts. If such an association is supposed to come into existence "freely", I think that the most likely solution would be the Inquisitor quite simply pulling rank. Most Xanthites are (unsurprisingly) members of the Ordo Malleus, but the few Hereticus Xanthithes would have the authority to demand this kind of support from the Chamber Militant. Of course, the Inquisitor could also quite simply not tell anyone he's a Xanthithe ...

Either way, this could lead to some interesting intra-party conflict, as the Sister will ultimately still report anything she sees and hears to her home convent, which will undoubtedly get passed on to Puritan Inquisitors to build a case against the Xanthithe. Depending on the behavior of the Xanthithe and his Acolytes, the Sister's observations will become prime evidence and the first step on the road for excommunication and termination. Puritans hate Xanthithes with a passion, and the Sisterhood is closely aligned with the Puritans, given that they follow the same mindset.

Let us not forget that the very same Inquisitor Xanthus, after whom this philosophy has been named, got himself burnt at the stake by a team of fellow Inquisitors. The only thing keeping all Xanthithes from being hunted down is their extremely well-developed web of influence, though most Puritans will jump at any opportunity to denounce one of these perceived heretics. And most (if not all) Sisters will, too.

In essence, the Xanthithe is pretty much inviting his own doom, should he not have darker plans for the Sister that would prevent her from spilling the beans. Even a Denounced and Condemned one may still feel a need to betray him to her former Order in a desperate act to seek redemption, if she has any sense of her old loyalties left.

Just a few things to keep in mind, I guess.

If your character is denounced and condemned, then the Adepta Sororitas have turned their backs on her. After that anything else is up to you so long as your background story backs it up. Being a Xanthinte is a stretch for sure, but if you've got the story to support it then why not?

1) The power of Ordo Malleus is far superior to anything, only Emperor Himself is superior. Inquisitor from Ordo Malleus don't have need to take a sister with violence. And a Xanthite Hereticus can always demands a favor to one of his colleagues...and spend many years later to repay it!

2) In allegorical 40K, youth are very fanatical and mind closed, old tend to be more "elastic": maybe superior sister knows that there is something other they ideal world in covent.

3) A Xanthite is Judged only by Ordo Malleus, because only that Inquisitors can really understand if he is guilty or not.

4) You had forgot an important thing: Ministorum hates Inquisition, especially Ordo Malleus and Xenos, because priests know that universe is only what is pictured in Emperor's Churches. When to Sister is asked to work alongside with a Ordo Malleus Inquisitor, she knows him for an heretic, even if he is Puritan. So, I think she knows that he must done something really bad, to have one shot to denounce him.

Lynata said:

Well, aren't all acolytes highly improbable? If you have one in your campaign she would probably be unique to the world unless the GM wants her to meet others like her. That's something I would recommend against.

Lynata said:

I think that's something you can accomplish by simply waving your rosette in the face of the canoness, unless you are wearing a big eight-pointed star and have two daemonhosts floating besides you. An Inquisitor has the power to requisition a fleet and an army, getting a prisoner transferred to him should be one of the easier tasks.

Sebashaw said:

The power of the Inquisition as a whole, not just the Ordo Malleus. And even they have certain limits....

Sebashaw said:

The Convocation of Nephilim binds the Adepta Sororitas to the Ordo Hereticus. I would presume that an Ordo Malleus or Ordo Xenos Inquisitor could requisition a Sister as well, but they may have to ask whilst a Hereticus Inquisitor could surely demand. This way, the Chamber Militant remains reserved, either officially or inofficially, for a specific faction of Inquisitors by the Hereticus' own will and influence, whilst only being able to respond to other Inquisitors as they see fit (depending on their other duties).

The fluff is a bit unclear here, as Inquisitors are usually able to demand anything from anyone, yet it wouldn't be the only exception (see Space Marines). Another option could be that a Malleus/Xenos Inquisitor may demand as well, but a Hereticus Inquisitor could move in to essentially block this request, or that the respective Canoness could pull some strings as well and contact a Hereticus Inquisitor to ask him.

The detailed wording of the Convocation's results have sadly not been revealed yet, but in the end, the AS' ties to the Ordo Hereticus are far closer than to the other Ordos, and I think this would have an effect on their dealings.

It might be very situational, though, depending on how good the respective convent's relationship with a speficic "guardian" Inquisitor is, how much influence the Xanthithe has, and how much pressure he is willing to exert.

Sebashaw said:

Veteran Sisters are - quite ironically - indeed somewhat more "liberal", and Palatines or Canonesses may even be considered "practical" due to getting tied up in politics. However, trafficking with the daemonic is a very extreme step, and personally I'd consider it a bit too far to happen "just like that". There's a lot more that needs to happen first. With a good backstory it might work, though such perspectives would undoubtedly affect the Sister's standing within her organization as well as potentially her own faith.

Sebashaw said:

The Ordos are ultimately "semi-inofficial" bodies that are sub-groups of a single Inquisition - there is also only one Inquisitorial Representative to sit in the Senate of the High Lords, after all.

If an Inquisitor has evidence against another, he will not be dismissed just because he belongs to the wrong faction. He may be dismissed because he lacks influence and connections, where the faction may play a role, but it's more complicated than that.

"Most other Inquisitors consider the Xanthithes, and particularly Horusians, to be walking along the edge of a precipice. Xanthithes are commonly seen amongst the Inquisition as arrogant and dangerous, toying with powers they do not fully comprehend. Puritan Inquisitors have a particular loathing for Horusians, who they see as the most dire heretics with their belief that they can create a new Emperor. However, as one of the oldest philosophies of the Inquisition, and including among their number some of the most learned and powerful Inquisitors, it is a brave or rash Inquisitor who will stand alone against the Xanthithes. Most often, as was the case with Xanthus himself, a cell of Inquisitors will form a common cause against a particular Xanthithe in an effort to expose his perceived heresies and to deal justice.

Their dealings with daemons and the Warp lead many Xanthithes and Horusians to become members of the Ordo Malleus, and they quite frequently build up associations with Chaos cults. They have been known to create sects of their own which are concerned with unraveling ancient mysteries and delving into arcane lore and knowledge."
- from GW's Inquisitor RPG Rulebook

Sebashaw said:

I wouldn't say that the Sisterhood would view the Ordo Malleus as heretics - in the end, Malleus affiliation only means that the Inquisitor in question specialized on hunting down daemons. Though it is true that the relationships between the Sisterhood and the Inquisition in general may be a bit strained, as Inquisitors largely operate as individuals whereas the Sororitas remember each slight against them as a group.

What is true as well is that a Sister surely would have a hard time denouncing him - not only because she lacks influence, but also because she has no experience whatsoever on how the Inquisition operates. What she deems as clear evidence for the most perverse heresy - and acts upon it - may not be regarded as enough but only a piece of the puzzle by the investigating body. On the other hand, the higher-ups of her Order would have connections to other Inquisitors, and they would know what to do.

In the end, the entire matter would likely involve a lot of Inquisitorial red tape - and the Sister in question may well "disappear" over night following one of her reports, years before a case can be made of it. On the other hand, if she is pushed too far, she may also simply attempt to dispense the Emperor's justice on her own ...

@Mjoellnir: Seen your post as well, but I think the above replies would apply to it as well.

@Mjoellnir

Yes, in reality, a young Xanthite would many difficulties to recruit a sister, he should do it hiding his philosophy, but if the sister discovers this, she will leaves him very soon.
A senior and known Xanthite simply ask to canoness to give him a sister per order, and he knows the only obstacle he will meet, it will be the canoness that try to made wait him as she can.

Then, the sisters will be brought to him with a nice pink bow on their heads.

@Lynata

Ordo Malleus (and Xenos) is more old and powerful than Ordo Heretius, that was born only to check the Adeptus Ministorum (in old fluff, at least).

And I really can't see why Inquisitors from Ordo Malleus and Xenos must ask to an Inquisitor, who is unable to discriminate a mushroom to an ork or a deamon from a mutant, the permission to recruit a sister.

Maybe they can't recruit an entire convent, but if the convent is full, there is few to dispute.

Adeptus Sororitas is not a private army, they simply respond first to Ordo Hereticus. And this because they were relegated to fight the enemy within.

[sorry for bad english]

Sebashaw said:

That is still so (as far as I know), yet this has no effect on their influence. The Ordos Malleus and Xenos may have a more established web of contacts and relationships simply by being older, yet this could also be "balanced" by the Ordo Hereticus being larger. In the end, Ordo affiliation means little - what matters is the Inquisitor's own influence, and this differs from person to person.

Sebashaw said:

That is the question. If it's just a matter of "responding first", then the whole Chamber Militant deal would become meaningless, as I don't think that it happens very often that two calls for assistance reach a convent simultaneously. I think it goes deeper than that.

And I think it would be in line with the idea of internal conflict within the Inquisition that a group of Inquisitors (Hereticus) would try to "reserve" a numerically limited force (the AS) for themselves rather than allowing random individuals of other Ordos (Malleus & Xenos) to call upon them as well. Simply to prevent the awkward situation of an Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor being turned down because that strike force he desperately needs was requisitioned by an Ordo Xenos Inquisitor a couple days ago. And the Convocation of Nephilim could give them this reassurance, whilst simultaneously allowing the Sisterhood to continue their operations with a minimum of interference - as otherwise they'd likely get pestered by Inquisitors seeking assistance a lot more and become unable to fulfill their normal duties as the militant arm of the Ecclesiarchy.

Whilst it surely still happens from time to time that a Malleus Inquisitor receives support from the Adepta Sororitas, I would see it as a rare occurrence, just like it would be for a Hereticus Inquisitor to get a couple Grey Knights to accompany him. And I think that the leader of the respective Chamber Militant would have a bit of leeway to determine the request and actually be able to decline it, if it doesn't come from the aligned Ordo that the Chamber Militant has pledged itself to. Of course this may result in further repercussions (just like Marine Chapters may suffer retribution for turning down an Inquisitor), but this would depend on the people involved in the incident, and any strings they may be able to pull.

Example: Inquisitor A says he wants a couple Sisters, Canoness says no, Inquisitor A gets angry and threatens revenge, Canoness tells Inquisitor B, Inquisitor B tells Inquisitor A to f**k off. If things escalate, replace the Canoness for the Abbess, and Inquisitor B for Inquisitor Lord C. It's a power play that few Inquisitors would want to get involved in just over a single Sister.

Especially as I'm still puzzled as to why a Xanthite would want to be scrutinized by a Sister Militant tracking his every step and gleefully sending report after report to her the convent. It just seems like a bad combination - though I admit that this could likely be negated by backstory, with varying levels of elegance.

The easiest solution still seems to be for the Inquisitor to simply not say he's a Xanthite and keep the obvious daemonic stuff to a minimum, and keep the Sister "out of the loop" when it comes to certain shady dealings with Chaos cults and such.

I repeat, a Chamber Militant is not a private army (sisters accomplish even non inquisitional tasks), it's a fighting force that respond firstly to Ordo Hereticus, but Ordo Hereticus hasn't the sisters in exclusive.

When they protect a cardinal, are they doing an inquisitional task? No!

Grey Knights respond even to help calls made not only by Ordo Malleus Inquisitors, and they are the Chamber Militant of Ordo Malleus.

The point is different: an acolyte may be forced to work for inquisition, or he can do it by his will.

I think a sister can only be a voluntary acolyte, because be acolytes means work for the inquisition for a not established time.

It's not the ordinary duty of Chamber Militant, that is go for a specific mission and then return to the convent waiting the call of another Inquisitor.

So, the question is: why a sister may wants go with a Xanthite? Maybe she wants more power to fight demons and she wants try this path when an Inquisitor offers this to her.

But there would be even more motives.

Are you comparing who knows the nature of the demons with who doesn't known what Emperor has really said when he walked amongst the humans!?

There is a hierarchy in the Inquisition: the evidences are all Xanxites that don't hide their beliefs.

If is not, why is so difficult excommunicate a Xanthite?

Who are their judges?

One fine morning...

A young Adeptus Sororitas Novice comes before her Sister Superior and claims to have been "Blessed" by the Emperor, saying that she can see "Auras". The Sister Superior immediately thinks "WTF?! Is this Novice a Witch? Has she made a Damnable Pact with some Dark Power? How can this be possible?" Being the upright Monodominant she is, the Sister Superior strips the Novice of her rank, casting her out of the Sororitas and the Ecclesiarchy and throws her in a dungeon to be tortured and interrogated in the worst possible ways for months on end. Strangely, this now Former Novice, though Denounced and Condemned seems to genuinely hold on to her Faith and seems to truly believe that she has been "Blessed" by the Emperor. The Sister Superior is in a pickle and is not sure what to do. She could always just throw the Former Novice on the Pyre, but what would that mean for the reputation of her Monastery, Order and the Adeptus Sororitas in general? The Former Novice isn't going anywhere, so she sends an Astropathic message to a trusted Monodominant of the Ordo Hereticus, explaining the situation and asking for advice. Enter the Xanthite...

The Xanthites being an Ancient, Powerful Faction, knowledgeable in the forbidden natures of the Warp beyond ANY of their peers, have established a network of listening posts to intercept Astropathic signals. This is especially helpful for learning if others in the Inquisition are plotting against their Faction or their colleagues. They intercept the Sister Superior's message and immediately know that this Novice has a rare and useful Gift indeed. They send their quickest ship and a trusted member of their Faction to acquire this Denounced and Condemned Novice before the Monodominants of Ordo Hereticus can respond.

Upon arrival... Inquisitor X to Sister Superior: "Oh yes, Inquisitor <blank> and I go way back. I am here on his behalf to relieve you of your burden. Here is the message that you sent. This problem is no longer yours to worry about and the reputation of your Monastery and Order will remain intact." Inquisitor X takes the Ex-Novice with him kicking and screaming (because she can see HIS aura). The Sister Superior thinks nothing of it until a few days later when she receives an Astropathic message from her Monodominant contact saying "Burn the Witch immediately!!!" By then it's too late and the Xanthites have in their possession a Powerful Tool.

The Xanthite Faction studies the Warp and the Blasphemous creatures within it to better defend the Imperium against such threats. A member of the Ordo Malleus may find himself slaying the same Daemon over and over through out his career. He begins to think, "What's the point? These creatures are immortal." He confides his doubts in an older, wiser, more powerful member of his Ordo. The Senior Inquisitor takes the younger aside and says, "What if a way could be found to imprison such a being? Using the proper rites it could be turned into a powerful tool to be used against the Enemy Beyond". And so the younger Inquisitor starts down the Path of the Xanthite. This faction wants to control and enslave Chaos, not succumb to it. Therefore the members of this Faction must be watched closely by their peers. And if a member DOES succumb, it is their Xanthite peers who will be found leading the charge against their Fallen former comrade.

The Denounced and Condemned Ex-Sororitas makes for an excellent Tool in evaluating the Alcolytes and Peers of the Xanthite Inquisitors. With enough successes, the Ex-Novice can tell if the target of her scrutiny is a Psyker, a Null or if their Aura is artificial in some way, and if so, is the result of a Daemonic Power, Psychic Power, technology, etc. Knowing the ways of the Warp and of the Power of Faith, they would most likely try to shelter her from gaining too much Corruption so that her Faith can continue to provide her with a defense against the Taint of the Warp and the Enemy Beyond.

She has been cut off from her ties to the Adeptus Sororitas and the Ecclesiarchy. It would be nigh on impossible for her to be sending back regular "reports" to her former comrades. Even if she could, they would not pay them heed. She is too far gone, a Witch and Heretic, Denounced and Condemned, not to be trusted. Taken away from everything she knows, and surrounded by the Xanthites, she would slowly become re-indoctrinated, re-educated. "Your former Sisters would have thrown you on the Pyre and your God-Emperor given Gift would have gone to waste. You can still serve the Imperium and the God-Emperor as an Alcolyte in the Inquisition. It is your destiny..." Thus, the Former Adeptus Sororitas starts down the Path of the Xanthite. While not a "Chaos Sororitas" by any means... She is perhaps now more of a "Dark Sororitas", fully indoctrinated into the Xanthite philosophy. Her Faith protects her against the Enemy Beyond, and with the proper Rites, may even allow her to take up the Daemon Blade without suffering the corrupting effects that most would. Such a character would be well suited to turn the weapons of the Enemy against itself and become a Xanthite Sororitas...

---->My 2 Cents

P.S. Only a Powerful group of Puritan Inquisitors, with totally concrete evidence, presented before a High Conclave, have a chance of having one SINGLE Xanthite Inquisitor Excommunicated. Such is the Power, Influence and Potency of this Ancient Faction of the Inquisition. Also: The Xanthite presented here is the mainstream type, the "True Xanthites". Radical: yes, but not as extreme as SOME Factions (Oblationists, Phaenonites, Horusians, etc...)

Lynata said:

I seem to recall a lot of novels which overturned this rather outdated bit o' fluff.

A denounced and condemned sisters is a easy recruit for a Xanthite. And I had intentionally used the word "recruit".

But now I want try to imagine why a normal sister want stay with a Xanthites:

• Sister of Battle: a sister wants avenge her fellows sisters killed by demons. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!"
• Sister Dialogous: a sister find a old prayer book with strange invocations, similar to what she saw time ago in a prohibited book. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!"
• Sister Pronatus: a sister find an old demon artifact. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!"
• Sister Famulous: a sister discovers a demonic cult in high society. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!".
• Sister Sabine: a sister discovers a demonic cult in a non-imperial society. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!".
• Sister Hospitaller: a sister discovers an epidemic of demonic nature. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!".
• Sister Vespila: a sister discovers some corpse changed by warp. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!".
• Sister Planxilium: a sister discovers a demonic church. She asks help to a Monodominat Inquisitor, but he is only able to burn imperial citizens randomly. So she asks to an Amalathian Inquisitor, miss Luisa Reallygoodperson and she respond: "Now I can't help you, because I'm trying to prevent an Inquisition war. But I know a Xantithe, miss Alice Mindrape, I think she would be happy to help you!".
• Siater Magrida: miss Alice Mindrape sees a cute sister and asks to cardinal Ignato to take her. He responds: "I'll never give to a Xanthite a new sex toy!" She said him that she can tell something bad about him to a Monodominat Inquisitor, very able to burn people. Cardinal Ignto responds: "I'll never give to a Xanthite a new sex toy before to wash her and dress her properly".

Grinnenstadt said:

"I strove, more than anything, to protect the reputation of the Order," Curtz said, resuming his seat. "There were three incidents, mass-killings. The perpetrator made a great effort to suggest they were the work of a battle-sister."

He paused, and looked at the Canoness and her guards. "A Battle Sister of the Order of the Martyred lady," he emphasised. "A Battle Sister... corrupted."

The three veiled women remained silent.

"I knew this was impossible," Curtz went on. "Absolutely impossible. Your kind - forgive me, great lady - your kind are incorruptible. I made a careful study of the archives to reinforce my opinion. History shows us many horrors, but never a Battle Sister fallen. That was when I realised it was a sham. Lunacy in fact. I suspected that it was matter of blasphemy. You are no doubt aware that the Pyrus Reach is greatly conflicted of late. Terrible times, and the poison of it, I’m glad to say, is slow to reach us. Sometimes being a backwater world has its benefits. I supposed that some miscreant desired to stain the Order’s name by committing these crimes, to engender unrest and panic. I sent the reports to alert you to the defamation."

He paused. Still, the three women remained silent.

"Now... now, I’m not so sure."

"Because?" asked the Canoness.

"Because you’re here."

"What did you do?" asked Elias or Bernadet.

"I hired a man. A fellow of decent reputation as a catcher of men. I hired him to hunt down the miscreant, so that the matter might be settled and the good name of the Order cleared."

The Canoness rose to her feet. "You sent a man after this... as you said... miscreant?"

"A good man. A capable man."

"Regent," she said. "You have signed his death notice."

"I made provisions," Curtz said quickly. "The man was no fool. Very capable, very sly. He will keep his mouth closed."

"Forever," said Bernadet or Elias.

However, I am sure that an Inquisitor could be brought into the matter either way, perhaps simply because of the close relationship between the AS and the Ordo Hereticus, or because the Sororitas quite simply feel obliged to report this to the Inquisition out of sheer sense of duty. All of the above is merely to underline what things like these mean to the Sisterhood and how strong their reaction would be. Just a few things to keep in mind when constructing the backstory for a Denounced and Condemned character.

Deinos said:

Sebashaw: I do think all those incidents would rather be dealt with internally. Half of these things do not even need inquisitorial involvement at all.

Depend by the incidents and by the sisters involved.
A Xanthite Inquisitor wants power, I think a sister who joins with a Xanthite wants power for her plans...maybe only a Xanthite can give her the power, or notions, or anything she wants for protect the Emperor.
Yes, it's rare that a not Denounced and Condemned sister works with a known Xanthite, but I don't think it impossible.

Sebashaw said:

Sure, but why would that Sister want power and for what plans exactly? She can get power and support from her Order - and if her Order says no she's not likely to go and say "f**k you" to her Canoness and seek outside aid from some Inquisitor, particularly one who has little connections to the Ecclesiarchy, and even moreso actively uses the things she fought against. This is circumventing the hierarchy, and the Sororitas do not take kindly to such things. In fact, such mindset would likely be rooted out in Schola indoctrination already.

As soon as an order is issued by a Superior, that order should be carried out as if the blessed Dominica herself had commanded it, for it is written - "Her will be done"
- Rule CCXXXIX, the Rule of the Sororitas, Volume XXV

That's not to say that a Sister could not be tempted into such things, but I doubt she would initiate them on her own behalf. It just goes against central tenets of their teachings to be that rebellous. If an Inquisitor would show up and ask her, though, that might be a different thing.

I remember a short story called "Daemonblood" written by Ben Counter, in which Veteran Seraphim Aescarion went on a rather personal crusade against the Ultramarine Sergeant Castus who had been turned to Nurgle and became one of his Champions. The Sister spent several years pursueing him, until the Canoness ordered her to stop. She obeyed, but 20 years later she did take the chance to take vengeance (for his affront of turning against the Emperor - she was present when he got corrupted by a Great Unclean One) when an Inquisitor approached her with a set of coordinates and new information on her nemesis' doings. Personally, I thought the way her sense of duty conflicted with her underlying thirst for retribution was written very well:

"The planet indicated is Saafir, which we have been monitoring very carefully for over twenty years. Now, we understand that there is an official position held by your Canoness regarding Castus and yourself. Is that correct?"

"That is so." Aescarion felt a ripple of excitement in her blood. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to even mention the name around her.

[...]

"With respect, Inquisitor, though you will know I am not disinterested in the fate of Parmenides, I fail to see why I have been called here. I have pressing duties elsewhere on Terra." She knew full well why they needed her. But she wanted, she needed to hear them say it.

Sebashaw said:

Denounced and Condemned Sisters should be rare by themselves. As far as inquisitorial involvement is concerned, I'd say that a Denounced and Condemned "recruit" is easier to explain than a "pure" Sister. The latter would just be too much hassle for an Inquisitor who trusts in using Chaos and the warp instead of more puritan methods anyways.

Maybe this particular smart and intelligent sister has understood that puritans methods (burning an ENTIRE city of EMPEROR is a WASTE of HIS ownership for kill a single demon) are not so effective.

Maybe, sometime a sister understood that there are other methods to solve problems.

The Imperium is a place where be stupid and ignorance is the ideal condition for everyone.

But if you are intelligent, you are a fish out of the sea.

And I think even a sister can be intelligent.

And I think a sister who work with a Xanthite Inquisitor not necessarily use chaos weapons. Maybe she wants only support who use them and kill those people when they become the pawn of the Ruinous Power. (P. 93, The Radical's Handbook)

OR, maybe she wants only have MORE opportunities to fight demons and cultist, and she choose a Xanthite because they have a strong military approach. (P. 97, The Radical's Handbook)

Sebashaw, I must say I do not agree with your latest post. My specific problems are:

Sisters can be intelligent, therefore they might oppose Imperial policies that cause extreme collateral damage: Sisters of Battle know full well the consequences of letting a daemon escape notice. It isn't they like collateral damage but that they think the alternative is worse. There are other methods of solving problems, but Puritans and Radicals alike kill innocents in the prosecution of their duties. Burning cities of the faithful is one of the sad realities of 40k. "Men must die so Man survives."

A Sister might work with a user of a daemon weapon to kill them when they become corrupt: Guilt by association. Usage of a daemon weapon by itself would be taken as a sign of imperfection of the soul by one of a Puritan mindset. It would be very hard for a Sororitas to consent to usage of such weaponry, especially with the knowledge that such tainted power might be more than a single Sister can stop.

Xanthites have a strong militant approach, therefore they might appeal to Sororitas: Militant approaches are not the only reason to join an Inquisitor. That phrase, "militant," could be applied to many different Inquisitorial factions. The Amalathians, Monodominants, Isstvanians, and arguably Recongeregators all have strong militant traditions. However, this should not obscure the fact that Inquisitors of all stripes can have very militant policies. That fact itself should not be reason enough to join one's warband. In fact, Xanthites are infamous for studying what Puritans would destroy and this difference would be very obvious in combat. A Xanthite would be hard-pressed to burn a Cult's library that he captured or a datastack belonging to a renegade Magos and a Sister would have to notice this eventually. Such actions would run counter to many parts of her faith.

But you forget that not everyone Xanthites uses demonhost or demon weapons.

And for me, if your personal believe makes you see the sky green, it's as you were stupid. [things like this have happened really in real world, with tragic consequences.]

Maybe you can help me to find more plausible motives for a sister.

Sebashaw said:

I think you've already raised some good motives.

Even though the original poster was asking about a Denounced and Condemned Sister, I like some of your points. E.g. she knows the Xanthite Inquisitor has the right goals, she has been asked to accompany the =I=, but she knows that the =I= might use questionable methods. Who better to hang around and put a bolter round through the =I='s head if they cross the line (and that's a line you define because it's youtr character my friend).

Don't be disheartened, the other posters all mean well and aren't atacking you, and they are great sources of knowledge about the canon (which I really appreciate and value) but in your game go with whatever works for you, your gm and your group.

My next character is going to be a denounced and condemned Famulous, sort of an outcast Bene Gesserit. I know some posters didn't like the concept, but I took their ideas and reworked my concept. I actually like it more now, but I stuck with the basic concept because I think it will bring me gaming goodness and joy (not much joy for the heretics though!).

Remember, even thouh the Sororiats are possibly trhe straightest organisation in 40k, your character can alway be the ONE that doesn't fit the mould. I know mine will be. (Can you say Lady Jessica meets Dirty Harry? I knew you could).

I'm sorry if my replies were harsh, I apologize to all.

I have been playing this exact charater since the radicals handbook came out (we just got to Acension) and she has been a great charater. D&C sister still has her faith, just not the support network of all her sisters around her. The Xanthite just crouched his views in terms she could accept, along the lines of (you say that you would do/sacrifice anything in the service of the Emperor, but would you really, would you use a deamon weapon to save temple, or city or planet, or in published FF adventures the sector. Normally the SOB would fail before using those methods.

Also Xanthites believe that with a strong enough will and faith you can use the weapons of the warp and still remain pure/ sane. The Pure Faith talent lets you do this as long as the player keeps a FP handy.