Quote Originally Posted by daremetoidareyo View Post
I would like to point out that diplomacy isn't for direct combat use, it's better directed at guards, judges, and captors to set up advantageous metacombat conditions. Put your opponent near the lions, etc.

Anyone who could hold any power over you is a target for your diplomacy skill. You have to be honest about who is more powerful than you and you can crack that game open like an oyster.
This is an excellent post and I appreciate the metaphor. I would welcome more ideas in this vein where I have recreated the thread in 5e.