Spy vs spy

[Porphyre]

Spy: There are two ways to acquire a Spy: The Spy can be hired and then await inclusion in the desired force, or he can be ordered to make himself available to
this force. A Spy can also be gained through corruption. In this latter method the player/character desiring to acquire a Spy in the enemy's camp offers a bribe to
some member of that camp.

No matter how many times I read this sentence, I can't figure out exactly what this means.

I vaguely suppose that it is an artifact of the times of the Blackmoor campaign when players could play antagonistic armies and player A could then pay a NPC and expect player B to hire the same NPC.

Any ideas?

[machpants]

I think you are correct, but it doesn't have to be a PCs force. NPCs have hireling etc of various types.

[Porphyre]

Well, I supposed that, if that was a NPC only enemy force, the manual wouldn't need to make the distinction.
That would be in both cases up to the referee to decide if it works or not.
case 1: "I approach NPC and wait for the enemy to hire him. How does it turn out, dear MD?"
case 2: "I approach NPC and ask him to join the ranks of the enemy to hire him. How does it turn out, dear MD?"

The third case (active corruption), in the other hand , could be adjudicated using the NPC rules with a reaction or loyalty roll

[Porphyre]

A Spy can also be gained through corruption. In this latter method the
 player/character desiring to acquire a Spy in the enemy's camp offers a bribe to
 some member of that camp. If it is accepted there is a very high probability of
 the Spy then faithfully performing his duties thereafter. Chances are only determinable
 by the referee.
 

Also, what means "faithfully performing his duties thereafter"?

Does this means that there is a good chance that the potential spy accepts the bribe and then remains faithful to his former commander, or -on the contrary- that there is a good chance that he becomes faithful to the briber? 

[coffee]

While the rules you cite are from D&D, the principles behind them are from the real world. If you look at it from that perspective, it opens up possibilities.

To corrupt someone in your enemy's employ, you'd first look for someone with a grievance. You'd exploit that grievance until you could sink your hook in them. This is done either by an appeal to their better nature, or by showing them evidence of their treason that you can turn over to their side (with the appropriate grisly result).

In either case, the potential spy is an NPC and the end goal is reached through roleplaying. If it comes down to a reaction roll, stack the deck: Send in your highest charisma guy to do the recruiting, offer a substantial bribe, show the potential spy how you can protect him/his family, etc.

As to the 'faithfully perform his duties...', that has always read to me that he's now on your side. Like a loyal hireling (which is what he is, after all).


Hope that helps.