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COWBOYS & VIKINGSCompendium of the Wild Wastes

Catalog / Origins / Politician

Politician

Origins

Ability Charisma
Talent Charming Liar or Group Impression
Skills at rank 2 Diplomacy, Deception

Wherever people want power, politics follows. Politics forms arenas where people compete and collaborate; nobody's hands are clean, and common folk dismiss it all as 'politics as usual'. Those who learn it see how the world is really controlled by the people in it, and those bold enough to put on a public face to seize that power are politicians.

You gain: +1 Charisma; the Charming Liar or Group Impression talent; 2 ranks in Diplomacy and Deception.

Starting Equipment:

  • Fine clothes
  • Fancy ring (5 gp)
  • A manifesto you co-wrote
  • 20 gp

Feature — Political Presence: People take you for someone of standing, often assuming noble blood; nobles and officials readily grant you audiences as one of their own.

Ideology (1d6): What kind of world do you want to build through policy? Choose or roll the ideology you champion. 1. Democracy, 2. Dictatorship, 3. Egalitarianism, 4. Anarchy, 5. Monarchy, 6. Theocracy

Quirk (1d8)

  1. Listen to me! Look at me!
  2. I'm the only one who can make a better world.
  3. I want to take over the country; the current government is a dung heap.
  4. The people deserve better, and I'll be their guiding hope.
  5. In this dog-eat-dog world, I look out for myself.
  6. I'm patient and hide my discomfort easily.
  7. I'm refined, and far above the uncultured swine around me.
  8. I just want to shake things up a bit.

Ideal (1d6)

  1. Dictator. One day I'll rule this land alone, and no one will dare challenge me.
  2. Equality. The world must do better by those with the least. I'll make it listen.
  3. Humanity. I fight for what's morally right, even when it costs me politically.
  4. Self-Interest. Ideals are for the idealistic. My goal is to survive this business and come out on top.
  5. Legacy. Everything I do is meant to honor my ancestors and leave a name worth remembering.
  6. Divine Rule. A higher power sent me to claim a throne in this world, and I intend to take it.

Pledge (1d6)

  1. I promised my family I'd change the world.
  2. Friends? Others are just means to my ends.
  3. I remember the old days with the other old-timers, when things were different and better.
  4. We all have to pull together to reach what's best for everyone.
  5. The world is a web of connections, and I need as many as I can get.
  6. I'll help, in exchange for favors later.

Flaw (1d6)

  1. I'm a pathological liar, and I break promises constantly.
  2. I'm VERY indecisive.
  3. My methods are inhumane, despite my best intentions.
  4. I hate pain; I'd rather run than fight, and I let others fight my battles.
  5. I... actually have stage fright.
  6. I was caught up in a scandal that could ruin my public image forever.

Roll or choose one of each, then pair each with a Virtue or Vice (2 of each).

Features

Political Presence. People take you for someone of standing, often assuming noble blood; nobles and officials readily grant you audiences as one of their own.

Starting Equipment

  • Fine clothes
  • Fancy ring (5 gp)
  • A manifesto you co-wrote
  • 20 gp