Spies
Illicit Information Gathers
Silent footsteps pad across cobbled streets as the target fades in and out of the shadows before them. The victim has little idea they are being followed, as the unknown person blends in with the scenery every time they may be caught. Unlike other assailants who live in the shadows, this one is here for information, seeking to uncover the darkest secrets hidden by those who do not want to be known. Whether court romances, illicit trade deals, or any number of things, the one who tails the shadows will find it, eventually exposing it for a handsome payment in the future.
Spies are only one part of the web of dark professions that rule the underworld of information and chaos. While the consequences of their actions and knowledge can be great, these are not the people who assassinate or tear apart kingdoms. These people are knowledge gatherers, followers in the shadows who learn things that others could not easily, or more importantly, legally. Courts, countries, and other entities employ these people to learn about their enemies, whether to position themselves better or to exploit these weaknesses. This has been the course of all politics the world over.
It is relatively easy to become a spy, hiding in the shadows and gathering information, but a certain level of skill, discretion, and notoriety is needed to become the best. Well-known spies are often failures, while those who have succeeded time and again have little recognition. Proof of one's exploits may be necessary, but getting caught is the worst possible outcome for this profession. Much like the other dark professions, Spies walk a fine line between success and failure with every job.
Career
Qualifications
Unlike most professions, there truly are no qualifications to becoming a spy short of the ability to follow people without detection. Depending on who a spy is employed by, they may be required to have knowledge of court politics, the ability to mingle with nobles and commoners, and other knowledge that will allow them to carry out a specific job or task. In most instances, few people fall into the profession of a spy, but are often taught by those willing to pass on the trade.
Spy guilds are few in number, as knowledge of each other leads to issues within their professions. The loyalty of spies is meant to lie with their employer, so serving in guilds crosses boundaries that few can navigate. Oftentimes, those who join the profession are brought in and taught by those already employed, eventually being employed by the same person.
Perception
Purpose
Spies are tasked with gathering information, often through illicit means. These people may serve politicians, nobles, trade guilds, or any organization or person that may benefit from information about their rival. How this information is to be used is often not part of the contract, but Spies may be required to infiltrate organizations, kingdoms, or other groups to gather this knowledge without letting the target know that they are being watched.
Social Status
As one of the dark professions, spies are not welcomed by society, often seen as damaging and beyond the law. Due to this view, spies work in the shadows and keep their movements secret, often taking on a number of personas in order to fulfill whatever their contract may be. That being said, spies are seen as one of the most sophisticated of the dark professions due to the range of skills a spy may employ.
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