How to Spy (Servant Edition) by Lita Stump
Or Queen, Captain of the Knights, etc.
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A How To Guide for Rebel Forces — Servant Edition,
by Lita Stump, Servant of Bosc Castle
Note: This guide is directed toward servants who are part of the rebel forces who live and work in the castle. This guide is not intended for townspeople or aristocrats, though this pamphlet may prove a useful reference. To see the How To Spy Guide for Rebel Forces — Townspeople Edition, see Galen Dunker. For the How To Spy Guide for Rebel Forces — Aristocrat Edition, see Ivan Finley.
A Note On Beginning
Though you are a servant who lives in the castle and are (typically) ignored by the terrorizing forces that are plaguing your kingdom, your friends on the outside live in squalor, their children petrified to leave their beds, merchants’ shops ransacked, all by order of the King, Queen, or Captain of the Knights. By being a servant for these individuals in power, you are in a unique position. Confidential conversations are held in front of you. All rooms are given access to you. You are ignored and seen as ignorant. You are the perfect spy.
When organizing your rebellion, it is imperative that you find fellow servants who are tight-lipped, stealthy, and possess nerves of steel. Spying is not for the faint. Once you have gained your fellow spies, keep the remaining servants in the dark. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Your targets must never know that you are gathering information under their noses.
The Steps
Congratulations! You have a rebellion under way! Here are Step-by-Step instructions on how to go about spying with little chance of being caught, (though it still might happen).
Step 1. Gain spies. Choose your fellow servants with care. Approach them when they are alone and preferably after hours when all knights have retired for bed.
Step 2. Question older servants who have lived in the castle the longest. They may know things that could be useful. It is also helpful to have allies on the outside. For reference, read the How To Spy Guide for Rebel Forces — Townspeople Edition by Galen Dunker and the How To Spy Guide for Rebel Forces — Aristocrat Edition by Ivan Finley.
Step 3. Choose your targets. Know their habits and use them to your advantage. If Knight A and Knight B enjoy late night whiskey, become the servant who supplies the drink and linger as long as possible in case secrets are spilled.
Step 4. Act as normal. Go about your daily chores as usual, but keep your ears open. It is key to your survival that no one, not even your fellow servants who are not in the loop, know of your true intentions.
Step 5. As a servant, all passages, floors and rooms are open to you. If one is NOT there is reason. Try to learn why and if possible, gain access.
Step 6. When seeking contact with your outside allies, be careful. Use messengers who frequent the city. If you write letters, write in code.
Step 7. Recommended only at a time of urgent need: Drugging your target’s wine or food may be necessary, especially if keys to certain locked passages (see step 5) are only on the King’s, Queen’s, Captain’s, etc. person. Sleeping herbs typically give you a few hours, but be sure to return the keys to avoid suspicion.
I hope my Step-by-Step tutorial on Servant Spying proves useful to your rebellion. This pamphlet is by no means fool-proof. If your rebellion fails, you cannot blame us. All the best of luck and may your days be brighter!
~This is a guest post I did for The Tale of Mally Biddle Blog Tour~
