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"He doesn't say a word. He just leaves. More importantly, he's left you with the bill! And your name is mud among spies now. Perhaps you shouldn't have implied you were the mysterious and flamboyant Civet."[1]
The Civet is a notorious Great Game spy. Elusive and flamboyant,[2] they revel in theatrics, often rehearsing their actions beforehand to heighten the drama.[3] Their nickname stems from their habit of leaving behind their calling card after a successful operation, which features a civet;[4] the animal is also embroidered on some of their clothing, perhaps specifically to grant them an impromptu backup for their card.[5] Although they leave their signature at the scene, they never enter a situation without a carefully mapped escape route.[6]
The Civet is a slim-figured person[7] with blue-green eyes and an overall androgynous presentation.[8] Their facial features are noted as attractive but not distinctive; their unremarkable, ambiguous appearance serves as an asset in the art of espionage.[9] They admire the beauty of London, but also imply that their role as a spy has led them to witness all of the city's facets, down to the ugliest of its "rot."[10][11]
While the Civet's full identity remains unknown, they are the child of the Numismatrix.[12] The Civet holds some affection for their mother, and trusts her approach and actions; however, they note with disappointment that her approach to parenting involved about as much effort[13] as her neutral stance in the Great Game.[14]
↑You're an artist! Let the artistry begin!, Fallen London"He doesn't say a word. He just leaves. More importantly, he's left you with the bill! And your name is mud among spies now. Perhaps you shouldn't have implied you were the mysterious and flamboyant Civet."
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"[...] The figure abruptly turns to face the steep stone stairs. The swirl of their cloak indicates this is a practised gesture. [...]"
↑Steal the manuscript, Fallen London"The publisher's office provides no particular barrier to a person of your skills. When the rather rudimentary safe clicks open, there is no manuscript. There is a calling card with a picture of a... cat of some sort. Is that an ocelot? A civet?"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"A scrap of cloak tore away in your hand. It has a copper-thread decoration in the corner, showing some kind of feline. Or maybe it's a weasel? No. A civet."
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"They will undoubtedly have some trick up their sleeve, but you strike like a viper. You snatch at their hood and they spring backwards through the window, where they had concealed a rope for a quick escape. [...]"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"[...] there is a glint of verdigris-green as a glow catches their eyes. [...] Their voice is a warm alto. [...]"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"[...] But you caught a glimpse of their face: someone too feminine to be handsome and too masculine to be pretty; but beautiful, and strikingly so. With a dash make-up and a scrap of costume, they could mingle in any circle. Could woo most of society. A useful trait for a spy. [...]"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"Your companion sits on the ledge of a window opening. They gesture at the view of London. "Isn't she beautiful from up here? Enough distance to behold her grandeur, and too much to see the rot.""
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"I see London as she really is. After all, a solid appreciation of the truth is necessary for any convincing lie. And I lie well. [...]"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London""As m— As the Numismatrix would say: 'Coins are not all minted-metal discs'." The stranger has adopted a sing-song voice. There is a mocking edge to it. [...]"
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"There are many other pieces I could have moved. But I care enough to be disappointed in her. The Numismatrix is said to know her coins better than she knows her children. That is certainly true, although I must say she made little effort in my case."
↑The Season of Silver, Fallen London"The Numismatrix thinks she is a neutral observer in the Great Game, but if you choose not to make a move, you pass your turn. A choice has still been made, and the game goes on. [...] She is rich, and she is powerful, and she is, in her own way, fond of Londoners. I trust she'll make the right moves. [...]"
