You first acquire access to an intelligence network when you build a Spymaster's Suite.
Beginning on the next month after you have built it, (during the World Updates), you will begin to receive additional 'bonus' information.
The amount and quality of this information depends upon the level of your Intelligence Network (IN).
- IN 1: A Random Grid and a Random Resource Type are rolled. You then receive a notification about a potential Resource Node in that randomly rolled Grid. If you scout there, you will gain a +10% to the Scout check to find that Node.
- IN 2: 50/50 Roll: either CP or Explore. Random Grid is rolled. You then receive a notification about a potential CP or Explore Opportunity. If you Scout there (CP), you will gain a +10% to the Scout Check. If you Explore (Explore Opportunity) there, you will gain a +10% to the Explore Check.
- IN 3: As 1 + You receive the information you would have received from IN 2 - except instead of receiving a bonus to finding an Explore Opportunity or CP, you automatically receive the full information about that opportunity or CP in advance.
- IN 4: Receive the benefits of ALL of the above.
As with standard World Updates: All Opportunities that are presented by your Intelligence Network expire at the end of the month. (If you receive a Quest, the quest may indeed provide a longer duration/opportunity, this is unaffected.)
With regards to IN2: It should be noted that if you have access to the Spymaster's Suite option (or any similar) that allows you to choose the first Node - and you select something OTHER than CP: you forgo any bonus provided by the Intelligence Network.