The Gorean Ambassador: A Summary of Role and Reality

Gorean Ambassadors are typically highly placed individuals, often from the Scribe Caste, who serve as a city's official representatives in dealings with other regions and cities. Their role is crucial for establishing ties of friendship and commerce, negotiating treaties, and preventing war. They are expected to be knowledgeable in foreign laws and customs, and to represent their city's interests with firmness and diplomacy.

Key Aspects of the Ambassador's Role:

1. Official Representation & Status:

   • Ambassadors are formal envoys, representing their Ubarate or city, seeking to establish ties of friendship and commerce (e.g., Mytilene's ambassador, Ukungu's representative).

   • They are treated as visiting dignitaries and are welcomed with courtesies, sometimes even with specific dances performed by free maidens.

   • They are permitted residence in a city and receive an "identificatory ostrakon" (a permit).

2. Diplomatic Immunity & its Nuances:

   • A key privilege is diplomatic immunity, entitling them to the "courtesies" of the host city, meaning they "must not come to harm." This immunity means they cannot be "slain" or immediately returned (as per the instance with Tarl in Explorers of Gor).

   • However, this immunity is not absolute or universally applied. In places like Treve, ambassadors are subjected to unusual conditions (hooded and in bonds) to approach, as if captives. In Corcyrus, Miles's immunity did not protect him from verbal threats or the drawing of blades in response to his severe insults, though he was not physically harmed by the city's guards.

3. Negotiation & Gifts:

   • Ambassadors engage in negotiations for commercial treaties or political bargains (e.g., Msaliti and Bila Huruma; Mwoga offering gifts and swearing fealty).

   • Gifts are a standard part of diplomacy, meant to appear "seemly" and "sue for favor." However, the nature of these gifts (and their reception) can be symbolic, as seen when Miles offered empty chests or a single silver tarsk to Corcyrus, indicating disdain.

   • They are expected to present their "proposals" and "details" to appropriate officials (e.g., wazirs), often in formal court settings.

4. Information & Perception:

   • Ambassadors need to accurately perceive power dynamics in host cities (e.g., Saphrar's true power in Turia over the Administrator).

   • They are seen as sources of information about foreign ways and compare other cities' displays (like beautiful slave girls).

   • Ironically, slaves are sometimes better informed about true happenings than ambassadors, legates, and diplomats, despite their low status.

5. Perils & Challenges:

   • They can face extreme insults and threats if they misstep or are hostile (e.g., Miles from Argentum insulting the Tatrix).

   • Missions can be dangerous and involve deception, as seen when Tarl Cabot was tasked to attack Shaba while posing as an ambassador.

   • They may be compelled to swear fealty or offer significant "bargains" (like a chief's daughter) to seal agreements.

   • They might witness parades of slaves from their own city who are now owned by the host city, especially during banquets exchanged between enemy municipalities.

6. Variations:

   • Some ambassadors might also hold military titles (e.g., Miles, general from Argentum).

   • Not all ambassadors are necessarily formal envoys; some might hold positions that simply grant them respect (e.g., a "player of Cos" at Belnar's high table).

In essence, Gorean Ambassadors are skilled agents navigating a treacherous diplomatic landscape, relying on detailed knowledge, firm negotiation, and their privileged immunity, all while operating under the ever-present shadow of Gor's brutal realities.

- Kati Evans