Inquisitors in the Warhammer 40,000 universe are powerful agents of the Imperium of Man, tasked with protecting humanity from threats like heresy, alien influence, and the forces of Chaos. They operate with nearly unlimited authority, often answering only to the Emperor, and can command military forces, requisition resources, and even order the destruction of entire planets if necessary. Their power and autonomy make them both respected and feared figures.
The Inquisition is divided into several specialized branches, known as Ordos, each focused on a particular type of threat. The Ordo Hereticus hunts heretics and rogue psykers, the Ordo Malleus battles daemonic forces, and the Ordo Xenos fights alien threats. These Ordos often work closely with elite Imperial forces, like the Grey Knights or the Deathwatch, to achieve their goals.
Inquisitors use a wide range of methods to combat threats, from brutal purges and torture to more subtle tactics like infiltration and espionage. They often assemble a retinue of specialists, including warriors, psykers, and other experts, to assist them in their missions. This diverse group makes them even more formidable as they root out corruption and danger within the Imperium.
Prominent Inquisitors, such as Gregor Eisenhorn and Gideon Ravenor, are featured in various Warhammer 40,000 novels and games, highlighting the complex moral and ethical challenges they face. These characters exemplify the grimdark nature of the Warhammer universe, where the line between righteousness and tyranny is often blurred, and the survival of humanity sometimes justifies extreme measures.