The Plenipotentiary: Empowered Diplomatic Agent

 In Gorean society, a Plenipotentiary is a high-ranking official, typically an ambassador, who possesses full and complete authority to act on behalf of their sovereign or city-state in specific diplomatic matters. The term implies they have the "full power" (from Latin plenus + potens) to make decisions and bind their principal without needing to constantly refer back for approval.

I. Position and Authority

1. High-Level Representation: A Plenipotentiary represents a powerful ruler (like an Ubar) or a significant Ubarate/city (e.g., "plenipotentiary of the great Ubar, Lord Arcesilaus, of rich Mytilene"). This signifies a very high level of trust and confidence placed in them by their principal.

2. Combined with Ambassadorial Role: The titles are often used in conjunction (e.g., "ambassador and plenipotentiary"), suggesting that a plenipotentiary is a type of ambassador, but one specifically endowed with greater decision-making power.

3. Authority to Bind: Their defining characteristic is the authority to confirm facts, arrange deliveries, and engage in negotiations that bind their principal without constant consultation.

II. Key Responsibilities and Functions

1. Diplomatic Missions: They are sent to other cities or Ubarates to establish formal ties, such as "ties of friendship and commerce."

2. Confirmation and Verification: They are dispatched to "confirm the identity of a prisoner" or ascertain other critical facts on behalf of their ruler. This is crucial in high-stakes situations where identity or legal status needs to be unequivocally established.

3. Arrangement of Logistics: They arrange practical details, such as "the nature of her delivery" (for a prisoner) or the "payment of, and possible delivery of, the reward."

4. Negotiation: While not explicitly detailed in these quotes, the role of an ambassador implies negotiation, and the plenipotentiary's expanded authority would make their negotiations binding.

III. Context and Significance

1. High Stakes: Plenipotentiaries are typically involved in matters of significant importance, such as establishing major inter-city alliances or confirming the identity of a high-value prisoner (like Talena, the former Ubara of Ar).

2. Trust: The ruler must place immense trust in their plenipotentiary, as their actions carry direct and binding consequences for the state.

3. Contrast with Regular Envoys: While a common envoy might carry messages, a plenipotentiary holds the power to act and agree on behalf of their ruler, making their mission more direct and often quicker to resolve.

In conclusion, a Gorean Plenipotentiary is a powerful diplomatic agent, entrusted with the full authority of their Ubar or city to conduct crucial negotiations, confirm identities, and arrange significant transactions. They are a direct, empowered extension of their ruler's will in foreign territories.

- Kati Evans