Ambassador

“Master Ambassador” by Jennifer Meyer. Permission given to use this image from Margaret Weis Productions.

The ambassador represents the individual who has the ability to conduct sensitive diplomatic missions, handle difficult negotiations, and formulate effective government policy – all skills that are highly valued in a war-torn world. Such a person may be the representative of princes in foreign lands and often hostile courts. He may be acting in the interests of his liege or for his own ends, if the ambition of the ambassador eclipses his loyalties. Whatever his cause, his skill in diplomacy remains keen.

All ambassadors are experienced in political intrigue, in drafting agreements and treaties, and in understanding a foreign mindset. The ambassador has the ability to lead a kingdom to riches or into ruin with the turn of a phrase.

Ambassadors are ideal adventurers because they are always being sent to other lands and regions to engage in diplomatic missions or to act in the service of their liege lords. NPC ambassadors are often found in foreign courts manipulating the affairs of local nobility or representing a nation’s interests in times of crisis.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.
Languages: Two of your choice.
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a letter of introduction from your sovereign, and a purse containing 25 stl (gp in other worlds).

Feature: Favored Embassy

As an ambassador, you are assigned to one or more embassies in foreign lands. You are intimately familiar with the political arenas to which you are assigned, and have learned to adjust to the unique customs and quirks of courtly life. Even in times of war, conflict, and revolution, you and your companions may find refuge here. Your DM will provide you information on the number and locations of your embassies, and courtiers with which you have contact.

While at a favored embassy, you and your adventuring companions can be expected to be served by your retinue, the embassy’s support staff consisting of aides, bodyguards, experts, and advisors. You have diplomatic immunity while at your embassy, for as long as the nation it is in honors that.

Suggested Characteristics

An ambassador needs to be receptive to new and different ideas, cultures, and beliefs in order to have any success in their careers.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I have a silver tongue. I look for every opportunity to engage in negotiation, no matter how insignificant.
2	The art of negotiation is like a game of strategy to me. I hate to lose.
3	I love learning about other cultures and immersing myself in them.
4	Manipulating others brings me great joy.
5	I strive to teach my companions about social graces and etiquette at every opportunity I get.
6	I always seek compromise.
7	I express myself with great gravitas.
8	I am observant not only of a speaker, but also his audience. Sometimes more information can be conveyed in a look.

d6	Ideal
1	Peace. Parley is sacred to me. Violence should only be used as a last resort. If I go into battle, then I have failed. (Neutral)
2	Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. (Chaotic.)
3	Power. I use my station to advance my sovereign’s needs – or my own. (Evil)
4	Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful)
5	Insightful Acclimation. I need to be receptive to new and different ideas, cultures, and beliefs in order to achieve success. (Neutral)
6	Protection. It is my duty to protect and care for the people of my homeland. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. I am his eyes and ears.
2	I am seeking out a way to end a conflict that has lasted for generations.
3	My sovereign’s alliances must be sustained at all costs.
4	I use my office to seek foreign aid in freeing my people from unjust rule.
5	I come from a long line of ambassadors and seek to live up to the high standards they set.
6	I foresee war on the horizon and will do whatever it takes to prevent it.

d6	Flaw
1	I have granted asylum to someone that I shouldn’t have. Now my appointed office is in jeopardy.
2	Sometimes the realities of courtly life prohibit me from doing the right thing.
3	I have been accused of “going native,” sympathizing more with the land in which my embassy lies than with my own homeland.
4	Sometimes I resort to “aggressive negotiations.”
5	I once failed at a negotiation that resulted in someone’s death. The incident still haunts me.
6	I can be too hard of a negotiator. If I think I can get more, I will push my luck.

Bibliography

Weis, Margaret, Jamie Chambers, and Christopher Coyle. “Master Ambassador Prestige Class.” Age of Mortals: Dragonlance Campaign Setting Companion. Lake Geneva, WI: Sovereign, 2003. N. pag. Print.