Brainstorm
Lately, I've been reading material about the Pochteca, the Aztec Empires traveling salesmen who acted as spies in foreign lands. This, of course, immediately led me to do a quick brainstorm about a secret society for use in Totems. Let me know what you think.
Agents of M.A.Z.T.L.A.N.
The Awikyano are the Maztlani Empire’s connection with the outside world. These long-distance merchants keep the nobility supplied with luxuries and increase the Empire’s prestige and culture throughout the Untamed Lands.
There is a subset that does more directly for the State, however: the tlatlatiliawikyano or “secret travellers”.
Their mission is twofold:
1. Collect intelligence on groups or individuals that are a threat to the Sovereignty of the state, discover and build networks among potential allies of the Empire, and use the information obtained in preparation for military conquest and expansion.
2. Get rich in the process.
They operate out of the Vanilla Guildhouses in the Capital and in Eltaca.
PCs have the Merchant Edge. The cannot take the Nobility Edge, as nobles would never stoop to common trade. They can be Rich or Filthy Rich, but the social norms of the Empire being what they are, they are not allowed to openly display their wealth, at least not within the Empire itself.
They are dedicated to Yakatekutli, Lord of the Vanguard, god of Commerce, Secrets, and Good Lies. He is an Avatar of Tlokke Nawal, the Creator, Lord of the Near and Nigh.
There are three classes of specialized roles within the secret society, named after flying creatures sacred to their god:
koxolitli - pheasants; these men are specialized in combat.
teixkuapapalotl - A Jade-Green Moth, similar to the Luna Moth; stealth and deception are their weapons
kuapixtototl - Vermillion Flycatcher- These are Blood Sages