Envoy

AD&D 2e Complete Paladin's Handbook

Classes Allowed	CLASSES
Ability Score Requirements	Strength 12 Constitution 9 Intelligence 12 Wisdom 13 Charisma 17
Prime Requisites	Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma
Races Allowed	Human
Alignments Allowed	Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral1

¹This replaces the typical alignment requirement of a paladin so long as the character still follows the rest of the kit. Should a Lawful Neutral Envoy abandon this kit, they become a fighter, not a paladin.
Skilled in diplomacy as well as combat, an Envoy serves as an official representative of his government in other countries. Though he uses force when necessary to achieve his goals, he prefers compromise to hostility. He seeks friendly alliances with good-aligned governments, common ground with neutral societies, and a quick and efficient end to evil cultures.

Role

An envoy's duties range from the routine to the life-threatening. One month, he may be asked to deliver a banquet invitation to a friendly monarch. The next, he may be required to open hostage negotiations with a tribe of cannibals. He represents his country in treaty discussions, files reports about foreign military activities, and ventures into unexplored territories to scout for new trade routes. Although an Envoy rarely has the authority to make decisions on his own, his superiors take his recommendations seriously.
The Envoy prides himself on his sensible, practical approach to problems. He is thoughtful, analytical, and appeasing, the logical choice for negotiator in an adventuring party. He is the voice of reason, hesitant to engage in drawn-out, bloody wars before exploring less extreme options. Rather than engaging an evil regime on the battlefield, an Envoy prefers to work behind the scenes, perhaps engineering a political revolution or quietly dispatching the tyrannical leaders.

Advantages

• A master of persuasion, an Envoy receives a +2 modifier on reaction rolls from all NPCs, including those of evil alignment.
• An Envoy enjoys all of the following privileges in any country with which his government has established diplomatic relations:
• The host country must provide food and shelter for the Envoy as long as necessary for him to complete official business. The host country is not required to extend this privilege to any of the Envoy's companions other than his immediate family, though many host countries will do so as a matter of courtesy. If the Envoy is merely passing through the host country and has no official business there, the host country is not obliged to provide food and shelter; but again, many will do so out of courtesy.
• The host country must guarantee the Envoy's safety in time of war, or provide a military escort to return the paladin to his homeland.
• The Envoy is usually immune to arrest and prosecution. However, should the paladin commit a crime, he may be asked to leave the host country. In extreme situations, the host country may sever diplomatic ties with the Envoy's homeland, likely resulting in dire consequences for the Envoy when he reports to his unhappy superiors.
• The Envoy may not be taxed by the host country, regardless of how long he stays.
• The Envoy has complete freedom to practice his religion.
• Officials of the host country may not demand to see the Envoy's private correspondence with his homeland.

Disadvantages

• A Envoy's position and responsibilities often puts his life at risk. He makes a tempting target for assassins and kidnappers from rival governments, and a likely hostage in times of war. Even the most innocuous insult or slightest breach of protocol may be considered a grievous offense, punishable by both the affronted government and the Envoy's own superiors. As a gesture of good faith, an Envoy may be required to enter a hostile village alone and unarmed. Rather than eliminate an evil NPC, an Envoy may be asked to arrest him unharmed, then return him to the proper authorities for prosecution.
• Because an Envoy comes in regular contact with dignitaries and officials, it's important that he make a good impression. He must purchase all of the formal attire listed here as soon as he can afford them. Because a paladin is often judged by his appearance, spending money on formal attire usually isn't considered an ethos violation.
• Two loose-fitting silk or linen shirts with full sleeves.
• Two pairs breeches or trousers, made of wool, cotton, or linen, tailored to fit tightly to the legs (loose-fitting breeches tend to be associated with peasants and commoners). The breeches are usually ankle-length and brightly colored.
• Armor lining (made of soft leather or padded fabric, worn beneath chain mail to prevent chafing.
• Two pairs of cotton undergarments.
• Two pairs of silken hose and garters.
• A pair of riding boots.
• A pair of leather shoes, usually pointed at the toes and fastened at the ankle with straps and buckles.
• Two knee-length tunics, usually sleeveless, slipped over the head. Tunics may be decorated with colorful patterns of stripes and circles, and possibly feathers or small gems.
• A surcoat (outer tunic), either sleeveless or head. The surcoat is usually lined with rabbit, squirrel, or other light fur, and padded at the shoulders. Tassels, ribbons, and brocade are common.
• A lightweight mantle (a sleeveless coat made from an oval piece of cloth) for the spring and summer, made of cotton or silk. The garment is rectangular or semicircular in shape, wrapped around the body, and secured at the neck with a chain or buckle.
• A heavy winter mantle lined with beaver, fox, or other thick fur.
• A full cape made of wool, cotton, or lambskin, fastened around the neck with a chain or leather strap. High-level paladins may prefer a silken cape in black, blue, red, or violet, lined with red or black velvet.
• A wide leather belt with a metal buckle.
• A wool, cotton, or felt cap.
• A ceremonial coif (a tight-fitting cap covering the hair and ears, tied beneath the chin) made of linen or silk, and decorated with embroidery, feathers, or golden lace. A ceremonial coif is often required for state banquets and other formal occasions. The equivalent for females is called a wimple.
• Female paladins are free to wear all of the above clothing (assuming no cultural reasons to the contrary). For formal occasions, a female paladin may instead wear a floor-length tunic called a kirtle, which fits snugly above the hips and billows around the legs. A surcoat and cloak may be worn as outer garments. Females may also wear hose above the knee, secured by garters or tied with ribbons. Footwear is similar for males and females, though the kirtles conceal all but the toes.

Notable Envoys