Spy promotion beyond 7

[Old Geezer]

Is there a limit of 7 on the number of pips that a spy may achieve just by spying and the next 3 must be gained through ancillaries? I tried raising a spy by just spying from level 7; he had no ancillaries. I am at 60 and have not gotten another promotion.

I continued and got up to 105 (to stop at my age) and still no promotion.

[Scotius]

In short, yes. If your spy generates with 3 in subterfuge (natural spy, I think it is called) he will gain another 4 subterfuge points as he levels (Inconspicuous, spy, adept spy, master spy).

Those last 3 points dont have to be made up by ancillaries (although it is easier, especially with a dancer adding 2 points). A spy can also get extra points from the "Plotter, Schemer, Grand Conspirator" traits, thus making up the ten.

[KingofPoland]

I usually do what the AI does for easier exp. YOu exit and re-enter the city every turn

[The King of the Fairies]

You can get an extra 1 or 2 pips for new spies in a city with a Thieves' Guild or higher.

[Drustan]

There isn't a limit on pips, the probability of an increase drops every time though. The easiest way to get a few pips is to recruit a spy in a settlement with the right guild. As these pips will be from a seperate line of traits, it shouldn't affect the rate of increase.