29. ROBE OF THE HEAD INQUISITOR OF IRUSAQ,

15^TH CENTURY POST IMPERIUM

All Irusaqi Robes of office are highly symbolic. Generally dark blue or black, they are richly jewelled and embroidered; each one individually designed for its wearer, as he or she takes office at the central Court. This miniature from the Archives is the only record of the office. The Robe traditionally features daggers which symbolise the legitimate use of torture in the interrogation of a suspected criminal – the daggers in the 15^th century have changed from the past, no longer open, they are closed, revealing an entirely more humane attitude. Torture is to be used only in the most extreme cases.Over-sleeves still show the Gold of Truth, but the Robe is simpler in its symbolism, although still as rich in embellishment as before. There is no symbol for punishment since this does not rest in the Inquisitor’s hands – blood may be shed however, as indicated by the thin red lines.