The Frankish Spymaster
Status
Major NPC - Intelligence handler
Codename
"Raven"
Overview
The Frankish Spymaster, known only by the codename "Raven," is a high-ranking intelligence official operating for the Frankish crown. Raven manages covert operations throughout Iberia, deploying agents to assassinate targets, gather intelligence, and advance Frankish interests in the region.
Known Operations
Alaric of Toulouse Mission
Raven handled Alaric of Toulouse (codename "AdT"), sending him three letters:
First Letter (Mission Briefing):
- Ordered assassination of target "G"
- Provided operational details: travels by first quarter moon, disguised as merchant with merchant-disguised guards
- Gave contact protocol: mark of the falcon at dusk market
- Warned of mission importance and disavowal if captured
Second Letter (Concern):
- Expressed worry over two months of silence
- Mentioned contingency plans being prepared
- Urged immediate contact
Final Letter (Disavowal):
- "Effective immediately, you are disavowed. All ties between you and the crown have been severed."
- "Cease all actions and disappear."
- Burned bridge with Alaric completely
Jean-Luc Mission
Raven (or the same intelligence apparatus) appears to be running Jean-Luc:
- Jean-Luc works for "Frankish intelligence network"
- Has affiliation with "Frankish intelligence network" (2 dice)
- Current mission: eliminate William of Aquitaine
- Jean-Luc's belief: "The better I serve the Frankish spymaster, the sooner I can get out of this life"
Operational Pattern
Recruitment
- Recruits operatives who want to escape their current circumstances
- Offers a way out "if they serve well enough"
- Uses both coercion and incentive
Management Style
- Maintains strict operational security (codenames, burn protocols)
- Quick to disavow agents who fail or go silent
- Has contingency plans ready
- Expects absolute obedience and regular reports
Goals
Advancing Frankish interests in Iberia through:
- Targeted assassinations of key figures
- Intelligence gathering on regional powers
- Disruption of enemy operations
- Maintaining network of assets across the region
Current Network
Known or suspected agents:
- Jean-Luc - Active operative, targeting William of Aquitaine
- Alaric of Toulouse - Disavowed operative, abandoned mission
- Unknown contact with "mark of the falcon"
- Possibly other embedded agents throughout Iberia
Relationship with Agents
Jean-Luc's description suggests a transactional but binding relationship:
- Agents see working for Raven as temporary but necessary
- The work has "perks" but agents want to exit
- Success brings possibility of release
- Failure or silence brings disavowal and danger
Mystery
- Is "Raven" one person or a position?
- How extensive is the Frankish intelligence network in Iberia?
- Why is William of Aquitaine a target?
- What was so important about "G"?
- Are there other active operations the party might intersect?
Connections