The Diplomat: Inter-Polity Negotiator and Strategist on Gor

 A Diplomat (often referred to as an "envoy") in Gorean society is an official representative tasked with managing relations between different cities, regions, and even species. Their function is vital for a city's survival and prosperity in a world where polities are scattered and often hostile.

I. Role and Purpose

1. Representation: Diplomats serve as formal envoys or representatives of their city or ruling authority (e.g., an Administrator). They carry messages, proposals, and gifts, and are expected to present themselves appropriately (e.g., "robes... suitable for an ambassador").

2. Negotiation and Influence: Their primary duty is to acquire influence in cities, "win humans to their side," and resolve conflicts or achieve objectives through negotiation. This includes commercial treaties, political alliances, and potentially inciting war against rivals (e.g., Kurii aiming to win humans to fight Priest-Kings).

3. Communication Channel: They are a vital conduit for transmitting "diplomatic communications" and "matters of moment" between governments. They may carry special "diplomatic pouches" (often reinforced) for secure transport of sensitive documents.

4. Information Gathering: Diplomats actively gather intelligence on the host polity, including their forces, political situations, and general attitudes. Ironically, it is noted that "Slaves... are often better informed than legates, ambassadors, and diplomats."

5. Legitimizing Power: Even a "spurious reign" (like a brigand's Ubarate) might seek "diplomatic recognition" from established cities to gain legitimacy.

II. Qualities and Challenges

1. Intellectual Acumen: Diplomats need "logic" and intellect, although truth can be "troublesome." They must be capable of understanding complex situations. Some are described as "traders, diplomats, interpreters," suggesting a blend of commercial and communicative skills.

2. Strategic Deception: The role can involve "subtler nature" activities, "instigating apprehension," and even outright deception. One diplomat claims to have been a "fraud and charlatan all my life," suggesting such traits can be an asset. They might use "diplomatic bombast" – vacuous but impressive pronouncements.

3. Vulnerability and Peril: Despite their official status, diplomats operate in dangerous territories. Their "diplomatic immunity" can be "stripped away" in certain circumstances (e.g., in hostile territory, if they are "spies"). They can be "ambiguous" in status, subject to arrest if suspected of being spies, and might need to be "rescued."

4. Awareness of Protocol: They must be acutely aware of and adhere to the protocols of the host city, including potentially being "hooded" or "in bonds" if it is the local custom for all visitors. This shows their willingness to comply even with humiliating demands for the sake of the mission.

5. Temperament: The ideal diplomat would be "calm" and "stable," but the role can attract individuals who lack "diplomatic skills," are "short-tempered, rude, outspoken, and impatient," or "fail to pretend to admire those whom he despises." These traits can lead to "blunders" and "offense."

III. Inter-Polity Relations

1. Hostile Engagement: Diplomacy on Gor frequently involves "hostile polity[s]" (e.g., Ar and Argentum). Dialogues can be aggressive, and the diplomat's language might be used to provoke or insult.

2. Broader Strategy: Diplomatic missions are part of larger "policy" discussions, often alongside "military" matters, indicating their integration into overall strategic planning. They can be elements in a long-term strategy of "piecemeal subversion" (e.g., Kurii aiming to control cities within Priest-King laws).

3. Trade and Commercial Focus: Many diplomatic missions are specifically commercial, aiming to negotiate trade treaties and establish economic ties. Diplomatic gifts are part of this process.

4. Inter-species Contact: Diplomacy extends beyond human cities to include contact with other species (e.g., Kurii attempting "diplomatic contacts with humans").

In conclusion, a Gorean Diplomat is a specialized Scribe Caste member (though not exclusively), operating in a high-stakes, dangerous environment. They are the city's vital link to the outside world, using cunning, persuasion, and a deep understanding of foreign customs to achieve political and commercial objectives, all while navigating the precarious line between negotiation and outright conflict.

- Kati Evans