Diplomat

In your earlier days, you were a representative of your people to some foreign land or local power. You have a cause, whether it be nobly representing the needs of your clan to the lords of their land, or selfishly lining your own pockets.

Even if you are no longer a mover and shaker in the political realm, your relationships with your former fellows can be an advantage for you and your adventuring comrades. You might undertake missions with your new companions on behalf of your people, or the allies you made during your time in politics. In any event, the abilities that you honed while serving as a diplomat will stand you in good stead as an adventurer.

Skill Proficiencies: History, plus your choice of one from among Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception.

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes and a pouch containing 5 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the guild artisan background in the Player’s Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a courtier.

The noble court or bureaucratic organization where you got your start is directly or indirectly associated with your bond (which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can’t help it—I’m a perfectionist.
2	I’m a snob who looks down on those who can’t appreciate fine art.
3	I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick.
4	I’m full of witty aphorisms and have a proverb for every occasion.
5	I’m rude to people who lack my commitment to hard work and fair play.
6	I like to talk at length about my profession.
7	I don’t part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.
8	I’m well known for my work, and I want to make sure everyone appreciates it. I’m always taken aback when people haven’t heard of me.

d6	Ideal
1	Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful)
2	Generosity. My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Good)
3	Freedom. Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. I’m only in it for the money. (Evil)
5	People. I’m committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at my craft. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	The people I represent are the most important thing in the world to me.
2	I became a diplomat to accomplish one thing, and one thing only. I won't stop until I have my way.
3	I owe my mentor a great debt for forging me into the person I am today.
4	I pursue wealth to secure someone’s love.
5	I was inspired in by cause by a person who has seen great hardship. I want to provide them with a better life.
6	I will get revenge on the evil forces that harmed my people and ruined my livelihood.

d6	Flaw
1	I’ll do anything to get my hands on something rare or priceless.
2	I’m quick to assume that someone is trying to cheat me.
3	No one must ever learn that I betrayed an ally to get the upper hand in a negotiation.
4	I’m never satisfied with what I have—I always want more.
5	I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6	I feel contempt toward others in my profession, and sometimes even toward myself.