Description:

During the 1890s, politicians increasing come from the professional class rather than upper class of society. Many politicians are "self-made" men who had a first career as physician, lawyer, scholar, soldier, diplomat, banker, publisher, or parson. Also, during the 1890s, the consideration of politics as a "science" was just coming into vogue. While in some parts of the world, politics is still seen as a public service of high calling; in the United States, the image of the politician is suffering from various public scandals such as the Tammany Hall activities under "Boss" William Marcy Tweed, former mayor of New York City, and Richard Croker. Regardless of private opinions, politicians are usually treated as honored leaders and become the center of attention. All politicians have high people skills (charisma) and are extroverts. Some politicians will be well-read on political theory around the world and able to discuss various proponents and political systems of the day (Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels - communism; socialism - Karl Kautsky, Rosa Luxemburg, and Eduard Bernstein; populism - The Grange movement; conservatism - Edmund Burke; anarchism - Pierre Joseph Proudhon; absolutism; democracy; and so forth).

Role Playing:

A politician will enjoy being the center of attention (unless it is unfavorable) and play up to the crowds. Some politicians may have a serious demeanor and will stick to logic while others go for emotions. The role of politician is a center of power and status symbol in a society (although meaningless in the wilderness or where no law holds). The politician will tend to call for law enforcement over physically defending himself.

Special Benefits:

The politician tends to get good reception from both government and business leadership in any community, assuming he can communicate with them. Treat as a +2 reaction. He will be more likely to obtain favors and exert influence within these officials and businessmen. (Judges are not included unless the politician is able to appoint judges.)

Special Hindrances:

Politicians must be careful not to ever damage their image in public. If they bring disgrace upon their office, their reputation will cause a -4 reaction from the public and no favors will be obtained from officials or business leaders.

Keith Hoffman created the above kit in the course of writing the LD Tournament Medicine Man. It is approved for play in the campaign.

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