Royal Keeper of Secrets
The Loshmak court is rife with deception; almost every decision and act of the nobility involves cloak and dagger operations. It is through this that the Keeper of Secrets roots out conspiracy in service of the Potentate. Any rumour, whisper or stray leak of information, the Spymaster knows about it. Any transaction or deal that takes place between members of the court, the Spymaster about it. Anything that could jeopardise the supremacy and reign of the Royalty, the Spymaster knows about it and has more likely than not already removed the traitors as threats. All this with only one other person knowing the face of the Keeper of Secrets.
Career
Qualifications
Being appointed as Royal Keeper of Secrets by the Potentate is a great honour upon whoever is chosen to root out the plots of The Loshmak Dynasty. Despite this, only the Potentate is actually aware of the Keeper of Secrets' identity. Ultimately up to the Potentate to decide, the person to become Spymaster is a trustworthy and reliable person of the court, able to keep a secret and act decisively and efficiently without recklessness. Often, the role is filled by a member of the Potentate's council but it is not unheard of to appoint someone who is not only for them to be promoted on to the council after a time. Since the role is secretive, there are few specific requirements for the role as that would substantially decrease the sample of potential people, making it easier to deduce the holder of the title.
Payment & Reimbursement
If public payment was to be given to the Keeper of Secrets, their face would clearly be exposed, so instead, payment comes in other forms, such as subtle financial support and leniency. Additionally, the family of the Spymaster is compensated after the their resignation or death.
Other Benefits
A place on the council is almost guaranteed for the Keeper of Secrets if they are not already apart of it and while all of the council has some influence over the Potentate, the Spymaster - chosen by the Potentate themselves based on trust - naturally has a well heard voice in the court. Hosting an extensive spy network gives power and influence in addition to purely the role; having control over a skilled group of individuals is extremely useful for gleaning information for blackmail and exploitation of secrets.
Perception
Purpose
The Keeper of Secrets is in service to the Potentate, protecting them from deadly plots from the shadows. Traitors of the Dynasty are identified and interrogated, and probably killed.
Social Status
Mostly disdain is held for the Spymaster as no secret is safe from their hidden but watchful eye. Someone appointed to the title is likely someone who does not hold such negative viewpoints, or at least subdued compared to the average noble. Not that the Potentate would know this, more meaning that a particular kind of person is suitable for the role.
History
The first Keeper of Secrets was utilised in 493 EOG by Potentate Malodik Loshmak when an assassination plot was discovered by a lower member of the court named Simole Fonwall. Playing a major role in this conspiracy's downfall led to his secret appointment to the role of Spymaster. From this point onwards, the Keeper of Secrets would protect the Loshmak royalty from any would be traitors.
Operations
Tools
A wax seal is given to all Spymasters. If ever a warrant or operation is carried out in relation to the court, the Keeper of Secret's seal of approval is used to give permission and authorise their spies.
Materials
Documents are signed regularly meaning a supply of ink and parchment are necessary in the day-to-day work. Mostly, the Spymaster oversees the actions of others rather than being in the field themselves meaning specific materials aren't all that needed.
Workplace
The Spymaster is given a study or office where most of their work is performed, all under the cover of another role, such as banker or public relations. The office in question is catered to the personal preference of its owner, bu usually there is a fireplace and a desk along with other decorations and lighting of any normal noble's study.
Provided Services
The majority of action is performed by the vast and interweaving network of spies, none of which have ever seen their overseer's face. Information is exchanged through lettered orders from the Keeper of Secrets and written reports from their agents. Placed numerously, they are experts at drawing out information from loose lips, tricking even the most cautious individuals into spilling their secrets. It is this system that makes the Spymaster so powerful.
Dangers & Hazards
Naturally, the spies themselves place themselves in dangerous situations: stealthy infiltrations by night, theft of incriminating pieces of evidence and risky facades of friendship are some of the many perils they may face. In contrast, the Spymaster is safe from such direct dangers but in a way is far more vulnerable. Any slip up of planning and logistics, they are held responsible. While nobody knows the truth of the Keeper of Secrets' identity, eliminating the possibility of reveal through interrogation of a captured agent, the Master must keep the secret themselves from associates in the court, lest they be placed in a precarious position.
Alternative Names
Spymaster
Type
Intelligence Gathering
Legality
While many actions of the spies are against the law set out by The Loshmak Dynasty, authorisation is given to those not caught in the act due to the nature of the service to the crown.
Famous in the Field
Related Locations
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