[Natural Law]

"I'm really only interested in those 12 who can trace their succession to the first apostles."

All Bishops and through them all Priests and Deacons can trace their succession to the Apostles. I do not, however, believe that any amount of information provided will convince those who do not want it to be so.

"“To one who has faith, no proof is necessary. To one without faith, no proof is possible.” - St. Thomas Aquinas

Peace be with you

[dartuser]

So the RCC actually teaches not apostolic succession of authority, but rather apostolic distribution of authority.

"“To one who has faith, no proof is necessary. To one without faith, no proof is possible.” - St. Thomas Aquinas

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" - Carl Sagan, who is now a believer in Jesus Christ.