The International Order of the Pawns was a covert organization created by Orrin Oscar Lutwidge in 1956. Its main purpose was to research the mystery surrounding the Vanishing and how it related to the disappearance of Andrew Ryan and the building of Rapture. This organization had members around the world, each referred to by a code name of a pawn color and degree. Late in Lutwidge's search for Rapture, he became more paranoid, fearful that others would uncover the secret of Rapture. Thus, he began to direct the efforts of I.O.O.P. toward laying false evidence to mislead other researchers, such as Celeste Roget. Lutwidge enlisted the help of the Red Pawn to accomplish this, but in the process he alienated some of his previously faithful pawns who saw his quest become increasingly personal a