Diplomat

You are an official diplomat for some nation or organization.

Perhaps you are an ambassador from your country to another, perhaps you are a sanctioned negotiator on behalf of your guild, or maybe you are the chosen representative for some supernatural force or worldly power. In any case, your role is one of diplomacy, and you are called on to undertake diplomatic missions where you must communicate, represent, and negotiate on behalf of your patron.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion and either History or Insight

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: An ink pen, a bottle of ink, a pouch of fine sand, three pieces of parchment, a set of fine clothes, a letter confirming your diplomatic position, and a pouch containing 15 gp.

Feature: Diplomatic Channels

By invoking your title and office to the right people, you are often able to secure audiences with the officials of governments and organizations you encounter in your travels.

This is most effective when your request is made to someone or something whom you would normally be expected to deal with in the course of your normal duties, such as a leader or diplomat whom you have dealt with previously or someone from a nation or organization related to your own.

This is also sometimes effective in other situations where your intended target is not exceedingly familiar with you or those you represent; it is simply more difficult or less likely to achieve the desired results perhaps, and it may perhaps require some additional work to convince the relevant parties.

In any case, this feature allows you some access and leeway to contact the negotiators and decision makers you might wish to visit during your adventures.

Fleshing Things Out

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: Whom or what do you serve? What is your relationship with them/it? What sorts of places have you been sent to previously? Are your missions typically long or short term? What is your particular style of diplomacy? Who do you normally correspond with? Who are you typically tasked with contacting? What sort of things do you negotiate about?

You should also consider what caused you to take up the role of an adventurer. Did your latest diplomatic mission cause you to take up the mantle of adventure in the process?

Is your adventure a diversion from your position? Or were you an adventurer already who later came into the position of diplomat due to your reputation and contacts?

d8	Personality Trait
1	I earned this position through hard work and dedication, and I intend to keep it.
2	I can’t resist an open door, and my position opens many doors for me.
3	Luckily, diplomats aren’t expected to physically work very hard.
4	This is a serious job, and I take it very seriously.
5	I love a good time, and diplomats get invited to all the best events.
6	I tend to exaggerate my own importance.
7	I secretly hate this job.
8	I love to travel, and my job takes me to new and exciting places.

d6	Ideal
1	Power. I will use my position to further my own power. (Evil)
2	Humanitarianism. I try to use my position to help better peoples’ lives. (Good)
3	Stability. Diplomacy brings stability, and stability is strength. (Lawful)
4	Change. I don’t like rules and laws; I simply hope to promote change through my work. (Chaotic)
5	Compromise. Compromise and balance between parties is the key to good diplomacy. (Neutral)
6	Patriotism. The best interests of my nation are my first priority. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would die for the good of my nation.
2	My position is my only passion, and I will do anything to protect it.
3	I come from common people, and I know their experiences well.
4	I received this position in return for favors I provided to someone important.
5	Someone in my family is the ruler of my nation.
6	I was forced into virtual exile by my political rivals to keep me away from their plans at home.

d6	Flaw
1	I abuse every benefit my position provides to me.
2	I don’t really care about anyone else’s point of view.
3	No one must ever know about what I did during my last mission.
4	I am somewhat of a deviant when it comes to entertainment.
5	I believe I am inherently better than everyone I meet.
6	I am paranoid about being kidnapped or assassinated.