The Diplomat

A condensed study into the world of diplomacy, and of the attributes that a good diplomat should possess.

by Amon Elveder


1. The World of Diplomacy

One that wishes to enter the world of diplomacy may encounter certain extreme surprises at the very beginning of his career. The outer appearance of that world is that of civilised interaction and smooth compromises, yet beneath that surface there lies a world as brutal and merciless as the bloodiest of battlefields. I hope therefore to bring forth a brief and condensed version of the sometimes harsh truths about the world of diplomacy, and of the people and things that one will encounter if one was to venture into this yet uncharted world. May this book be of assistance to all who wish to take that path.


2. The Qualities

The attributes of a diplomat need to be of two separate kinds. First is the born nature of the given person, which needs to be subtle, serene and peaceful, but at the same time strong-willed and determined.
Secondly come the taught traits: A diplomat should have an eloquent demeanour, and he should always behave himself as if he was mingling at a royal court. Eloquence therefore should serve to help the diplomat in negotiations, but this trait should never be brought about in excess and in such amounts that it should overwhelm his modesty and (apparent) honesty. A certain level of education on a wide range of subjects, but greater than all other attributes put together is the patience of a diplomat. His patience is ultimately the key factor in reaching his goals, for as lengthy negotiations and curryings of possible favor might work to undo the weaker individual by making him think of it all as pointless, a diplomat should always lie in wait of these feelings and keep them at bay, reminding himself of the importance of his task.


3. The Means
[i]
A word or two about the means allowed (or, not openly condemned) in the world of diplomacy. Diplomacy being on one hand a rather ancient phenomenon, it is on the other hand, as a defined and regulated art, still rather young. It is therefore not strictly regulated how a diplomat should encourage his counterparts or countering monarchs to bend to his will, for as long as no obvious laws of that realm in question are visibly broken or breached.
Outright bribery, extortion and threats are the extreme means that a self-respecting and earnest-going diplomat should avoid, unless given the express order by his own lord to put to use these precise means.
This form of things brings us to the conclusionary motto of all diplomats; that a diplomat should always work according to the desires and goals of his lord or nation, for not to do so and advance his own goals instead would indicate that he be no diplomat at all, but a common lecherous, servile thing, that are plentifully found in every royal court and chamber of commerce throughout the known world.


End of Part One.

_________________
Tally-ho and barf barf!

Chars:
Glothar Goldbuckle, once High Councillor of Barak Runedar
Amon Elveder, pessimistic elven fighter
Bork Murmegaí, simple orc brute
Turnips Buck-Tooth, goblin cessbrain
Puuki Mon, gnomish axe-slinger
Elveder Ilivatar, monk