Overview

Among the many epithets that have fallen on the shoulders of Samael Asther, the one that has inspired the most contemplation is, perhaps, "The All-Seeing Eye." Is he omniscient? Possible - there's nothing to say he hasn't mastered sensory abilities. Or perhaps it's something else. Something stranger. Perhaps he has... help?

The Job

Purpose

Samael's Eyes are a network of spies that watch over Amaya (and, to a lesser degree, the remainder of Incaendium), reporting any relevant occurrences to Samael either in person or via their mental link to him. The degree of surveillance begins concentrated in his area - very little occurs in the Crimson Palace outside of his vicarious gaze, for example. From there, the weave becomes looser the farther away from him, but does not really end until a few miles into Gaean.

Now, one might think that espionage is nothing special - it is an inevitable part of the Silent War and an even more inevitable part of the grappling for power that occurs inside of Incaendium. However, there is one thing that makes Samael's spy network more effective than any others: His spies are not people. Instead, they are insects, birds, and other small animals.

 

Qualifications

To be one of Samael's Eyes, one must be a small animal, insect or bird! Samael has a preference for crows - thus another of his epithets, The King of Crows - but is also fond of cats, rats, mice, flying insects and beetles. However, he is willing to make use of any creature available.

 

Variants

There are several variants to this rather questionable profession -- or several assigned roles, such as it is:

Observers

This is generally undertaken by insects, rats, and common birds such as pigeons. They are instructed to simply pay attention and report back any important events - such as major crimes, treasonous plots, etc. These creatures are the most common of his minions, and they do not report anything that doesn't warrant attention from the Dominus Regas.

Watchers

Generally, this will be insects or the house pets of whomever Samael is having observed, depending on the situation. They are used to keep closer tabs on some specific person or situation that Samael is concerned about. This could be a positive or negative concern - he infamous had Cain Amortus watched, for example, as he was concerned about Cain's humanity making him a soft target for those who would revolt against the ruling House.

Instigators

These are trouble-making creatures who are sent to create a specific outcome - for example they might be sent to delay someone's departure by destroying their packed supplies or by tripping the person. These are typically larger creatures - cats, rats, raccoons - or bird. The latter can achieve a good deal with a well-timed divebomb.

 

The Process

For those assigned to watch over areas near to Samael himself - generally the palace and its immediate surroundings - his fauna minions have access to a private area of his personal chambers that is set aside for his animals - pets and otherwise. There, he will hand feed them while "discussing" the events of the day. They may sleep in the tanks and cages put aside for them, or venture back into the wider area as they prefer.

As their stations grow farther away, they are expected to check in less frequently or not at all. For these Eyes, Samael maintains a mental connection with them that is generally dormant, but easily reawakened with their alert.

Those farthest away may never actually meet with Samael in person, but they are even so able to communicate with him at long range.

Benefits

For those creatures that are in Samael's employ, the compensation is given in health, intelligence, and time - as a consquence of their connection to him, their general intelligence is enhanced and their aging process slows. The creatures closest to him are also provided additional benefits - constantly available food, for example, and a guaranteed place to sleep.

Perception

It's fair to say that neither spies nor vermin are especially popular, but Samael's tendency to use one as the other is relatively exclusive knowledge. Among those who do know, it is often considered distasteful - but of course no one is willing to tell him that.