The Courtesan Compendium (A Guide)

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[align=center]Courtesan compendium - A Guide to Courtesan Roleplay[/align]

 

I love courtesans.

I have spent a lot of time researching the courtesans and mistresses that pop up through history, and as such I have come to enjoy creating and playing characters that mimic historical women in a much-misunderstood profession.

 

I would love to see more courtesan characters out and about, but I have come to find that not many people actually 

know who they are and what they do.

They are terribly misunderstood, ignored, or completely unheard of to many- and I'd like to fix that, in hopes of fostering courtesan characters in roleplay.

 

So, without further-ado....

 

If you were to open your preferred internet browser, and I’ll only judge you if it is Explorer, and plugged the word Courtesan into your search bar, you would be met with a bare-bones definition.

 

 

[align=center]cour·te·san[/align]

[align=center]ˈkôrtəzən,ˈkər-/[/align]

[align=center]noun[/align]

[align=center]a prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients.[/align]

 

 

Ten words of unflattering bluntness and rather modern in scope. Courtesans were more than pretty women who demanded a little extra for their company, but intellectuals and fashionistas who were involved in political intrigue, and more besides.

 

Each following post will detail a historical courtesan type and mistresses in different countries and cultures, each with a real example of a woman who bore the title and became historically famous. With each of these, I will also add a section on how you can pull pieces from history and work it into roleplay.

 

[align=center]So, what is a Courtesan?[/align]

 

The dictionary is not completely wrong in that most courtesan’s were expensive, high-class prostitutes, but what exactly made them so expensive? Surely nooky was not much different than the nooky that you’d get from a street walker or even from your wife, right?

 

Well, it was historically quite normal (and actually encouraged) for a man to have a wife to bear children, and have a mistress to have fun with.

 

It was these women, courtesans by title or by action, that the elite often sought out for their good times. But why? It was certainly not just for looks ( Queen Anne Boleyn, for example, was said to not exactly be beautiful) because a pretty face really can only go so far- no, it was for the talents these ambitious, and sometimes indentured, women learned in times where “Good, wholesome” women did not dabble in the affairs of men.

 

So, what is a general, quick explanation of what a courtesan is and does? What traits bind them together?

A courtesan is namely a woman.

By birth, slavery, or by choice, she is educated beyond her peers of the time and has a wide array of skills; courtly manners, dancing, singing, playing instruments, poetry, arts, and gentile conversation.

She entertains the elite of her society, and sometime- yes -is paid for sex.

 

Up next: The Hetaira of Ancient Greece

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[align=center]Hetaira - Ancient Greece - 469BC to 409BC[/align]

 

Prostitution in ancient Athens was a very legal and regulated trade. As citizens were not allowed to partake in the both revered and reviled profession, porne (buyable women - basic prostitutes) were usually made of up of slaves and low-borne immigrants, and Hetaira (courtesans) of the wealthier non-citizens.

 

Hetaira were educated women, taught not only to read and write (which itself was a gift not often given to the commons, let alone girls), but were highly respected as Artists. They were skilled at the various dances of the day, as well as music and singing. She wore glittering jewels that a farmer’s wife could not even dream up, but it was not the sparkle of bronze that caught eyes.

Another thing that set them apart from women of this era was that they were almost completely independent- owning their own property, control over their own money and how to spend it. The Hetaira paid taxes. They could not marry, as they were non-citizens of Athens, but many became the kept mistress of noble and political leaders.

Perhaps the most impressive of all, however, was that they were welcome at the Symposium- the parties of intellectuals such as Plato and Xenophon, where their opinions were heard and they could debate with the best of them.

 

A famous Hetaira was Aspasia.

An immigrant to Athens from another Greek town, Aspasia came from a wealthy family (sadly, not much else is known of them).

What this meant was Aspasia was educated, impressively so. When she became a Hetaira, her presence was quickly noticed and she rocketed into popularity.

 

Aspasia was considered an amazing beauty, but that is not all that her suitors found attractive; she was of a sharp mind and wit, familiar with politics and poetry alike. She was so well verse in political intrigue, in the state of Athens and more, that she became the permanent mistress of the Greek senator Pericles- and acted as his confidant and advisor.

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

 

 

Hetaira are mainly immigrants. We can easily fit this in to the FFXIV setting, as there are plenty of lands other than Eorzea to come from. In fact, the personal storyline implies that you are in fact, not from 'here'.

Since education is a big part of being a Hetaira (the need to be able to read, write, and have some skill in the arts), and the fact such education is severely lacking in the setting, characters with backgrounds of wealth, or at least a teacher, fit perfectly.

 

Any of the Eorzean city states could become home to such a character and can fit well within each society.

 

For example; Seda Molkot is a Moonkeeper Miqo'te who just moved to Lima Lominsa. Her family is of decent wealth, and so she had managed to get a fair education in her youth. Wanting to strike out on her own, she chooses to become a courtesan. She entertains the city's rich at parties held both on and off land- though she knows better than to have a dalliance with a pirate. Because of her education, she becomes fast friends with the scholars (actual scholars, not faerie wielders) of the city. She can partake in political debate, wonder about the sciences, and travel far should she keep up with the right people- or fall hard, should she take a dangerous risk.

 

 

 

Next post: The Tawaif of Mughal Empire India

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[align=center]The Tawaif - India - Mughal Empire[/align]

 

The Tawaif of India, mostly in the northern region of the Mughal empire, were women supreme.

Mysterious, seductive, independent, the Tawaif was had privileges that other women of her time lacked.

 

When it came to class and etiquette, the Tawaif were considered the authority.

They were some of the best dressed, and most certainly exceptionally educated to cater to their royal clientele- the nobility of India.

 

On the street, Tawaif women wore purdah (veils) to keep their faces hidden- something that regular women were not permitted to wear. This was a sign of their class annd privilege and gave them a sense of mystery when in plain view.

 

Large contributors to the arts, the Tawaif excelled in dance, music, theater, film, and the Urdu literary tradition.

Learned from a fairly young age, girls would be given an extensive education in literature, music, politics, and everything needed to keep the attentions of the royals who made up their clients. Old, retired Tawaif often trained the younger generation, passing down skills, manners, and a general education. Many Tawaifs were hired to tutor the children of nobles, showing just how valuable their knowledge was.

 

Most importantly, it was their main job to be entertainers- sex was not their mission. It might not have even been requested by their client.

It could happen, yes, but it was not guaranteed to whom ever it was that had hired the Tawaif.

 

A famous Tawaif is Moran Sarkar.

Her philanthropy, arts, and letters were considered so learned and refined that she was highly respected among the courts- and actually became Queen to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who never minted any coins of his own face, but did instead in her image.

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

 

The Tawaif, as stated above, was considered the authority on etiquette and manners. She was the golden standard.

She was also very able to say "no" to sex- and perhaps it wasn't even asked of her, her clientele preferring to enjoy her for her charms and arts instead.

Since Tawaif were trained in their profession at a young age, backstories of family groups and elder tutelage fit wonderfully.

 

Also, don't be afraid of having your character actually perform in RP!

When Z'zhumii Umi is performing, I have actually made up songs for her to sing. I keep them short and full of hidden imagery, but you should find what works for you!

 

An example: Roysa Lionbinder, a young highlander woman, was raised around both strong and artful women.

At a young age, she learned her cultural dances, songs, and how to engrave protective sigils into swords and armor.

She made her way to Ul'dah after the Calamity in hopes of keeping her family traditions alive, through performance work.

Her education lacked a little in writing and reading, however, which keeps her from attaining financial stability.

Roysa can work hard and hire a tutor to learn the writing skills she needs, or she risks letting her traditions die.

 

 

Next: Tayuu/Oiran of Japan

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The Tayuu/Oiran - Japan - Early Edo period

 

I would like to start on the Tayuu/Oiran of Japan by firmly saying this:

Geisha are not, and never were prostitutes. They never sold sex. Geisha were not Oiran- this is a misconception due to the similarities between the two in both service and looks. I assure you, however, they are not one in the same.

 

That out of the way, allow me to introduce you to the Tayuu and Oiran of Edo-era Japan.

 

Due to the many unregulated prostitutes roaming around the capital city, the Shogun of early Edo Japan saw to the building and maintaining of separate, “red-light cities”. In these cities, brothels sprung up and crushed each other as if vying for space within the thick walls that surrounded them.

 

These towns, Yukaku or ‘Pleasure districts’, were not good places.

In fact, I should warn you a little- I’ll be telling you some pretty horrid things about them.

 

Firstly, as brothels needed workers and a steady stream of uninterrupted income, poor families often sold their daughters, even at age 3 or 4 years of age, off to brothel owners.

 

These young girls, torn from their families to suddenly live in cramped, dirty buildings that echoed with the sounds of men grunting and women sighing in delight and boredom, were immediately given an education in keeping clients happy- and even learned how to fake an orgasm.

 

Young girls would not go to work with clients straight away, considering their age.

 

Instead, the young prostitutes-in-training would work as posh servant girls for the house Tayuu until they were old enough to work the floor.

 

Reading, writing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, flower arranging, koto, shamisen, tsuzumi, and the ability to talk with a refined tongue and wit was drilled into their heads- one would be nothing but a front room prostitute otherwise.

 

The Tayuu, and then later the Oiran, was the courtesan of the brothel house.

 

She was regal in her stature, draped with several different and colourful kimono at once, her obi tied at the front, her inky black hair tied up into a slick coiffure that resembled a butterfly, sticks of turtle shell and expensive pins stuck all along it, and her petite little feet bare- unless she wore shoes, of course.

 

Every night, a grand parade would make its way through the yukaku with an Oiran on display- her little servant girls walking with bells and banners, followed by lesser prostitutes. And then the Oiran herself- Standing atop six-inch-high geta, she leaned lightly against a supporting house worker as she made her way down the street at a painfully slow pace.

 

Legend is that a new Oiran by the name of Katsuyama- upon her first parade - wowed the crowds by a very distinctive walk. Instead of taking large, cumbersome steps in her towering shoes, Katsuyama dragged the heavy blocks of wood into the street in the figure of an eight. The look was so exotic, so regal, and so graceful that every other Oiran rushed to copy it.

 

Despite all this, and the fame that came with the title, the Oiran was not like the independent courtesans of other countries. The Tayuu and Oiran were indentured slaves, an invisible collar of debt snug around her neck with the brothel owners holding the leash.

 

A woman could theoretically buy herself out of the life and be free, but it was rare.

Brothel owners liked their money, and an Oiran was a hot commodity for nobles and samurai. They tacked on debts like pins, calling every minor thing an expense that the girls would have to pay them back: Meals, clothes, rent, everything they could think of.

 

Some tried to run away from these places, and with fairly good reason, but a woman raised in such delicate settings could always be spotted by her feet- soft, little feet that had never seen hard labor and cheap shoes.

 

Oiran, prostitution, and the pleasure districts themselves survived a very long time- officially being banned and shut down after the second world war.

 

 

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

 

 

Tayuu/Oiran are not the kind of courtesan that is independent.Those who want to rp this kind of courtesan has to remember that while the character might be able to be living a lavish life, it is not their own. Some might resent the person who owns their life, or some might feel comfortable in the stability that came with room and board.

Be warned; some may not want to roleplay with a character like this because of the problematic nature of the RP.

 

 

For example: Elviane Fouquet is a wWildwood Elezen. Elviane works in a brothel owned by an immigrant from the East. Since Elviane could not find work, being unable to read and write, she went to the brothel owner in hopes of stability.She now wears lavish silk and beautiful jewelry, and always has a meal to eat, but the harder she works towards independence, the bigger her debts seem to become.

If she can find a rich suitor, she might be able to buy her freedom- but affections can fade, and Elviane might end up right where she started if suddenly left.

 

 

 

 

Next time: Kisaeng of Korea

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[align=center]Kisaeng - Korea - Goryeo Dynasty[/align]

 

The Kisaeng of Korea were, first and foremost, entertainers of a less erotic nature. Some were indeed prostitutes, but it was mostly their art and skill that was sought after.

 

The rank of a Kisaeng was the same as other entertainers, butchers, and slaves- a low rung on societies pole, and it was hereditary.

Going up in a class was hard, and if you had been born to a Kisaeng, slave, or one of the other ‘unsavory’ members of society, you were now as well.

 

The career was short lived, often ending in the mid-twenties- training places for Kisaeng taking in children as young as eight, though, if ones career lasted, it was regulated that they had to retire from their work at the age of fifty.

 

Despite being handed a life in which they were constantly monitored by the government, freedom could only be bought at a high price, and were looked down upon by almost everyone, the Kisaeng was not an unimportant role.

 

Hired to entertain foreign visitors of political nature, Kisaeng were some of the most well informed people and thus were used as a form of intelligence. With the Seven Years War, many Kisaeng were forced to entertain the military leaders of the winning army.

 

Nongae, a Kisaeng of this time, is famous for an act that was considered a brave act for her people and country.

 

The Japanese army, successful in their invasion, commanded that all the Kisaeng in the area come to them to a pavilion that they chose to celebrate at. Nongae lured a General to come out with her and view the cliff-side at which the party was being held.

Quickly wrapping her arms around the man, her bejeweled fingers locking together in a tight bright, Nongae forced them both over the cliff- killing herself, but also the General.

 

 

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

Again, this is another kind of courtesan that is not based around intimate relations with her customers- artist before anything else.

The social structure of the past in Korea, among other places in the east, prevented social climbing by keeping status hereditary. I'm not 100% on the lore, but I believe that this is not something common or found in FFXIV; do correct me if I am wrong, of course.

One could simply call them lesser courtesans, if injected into roleplay, that their skills be in demand but their presence outside of business considered tainted or lesser.

 

 

For example: Searing Grape is a Lohengarde woman who wanted to break from the traditional lines of work for her people and become a skilled artist. She trained very hard to get where she is- not exactly the classiest act out there, but she made a fair bit of coin.

It was a real shame that she, and a few others that were traveling got caught by a Garlean patrol.

Now Searing Grape entertains for the enemy, who is not exactly as giving in their coin as her former clients.

Can she use her wiles and skills to get free, or at least help the others with her escape? How trusting can Garlean military be when faced with a giant, attractive young Lohengarde?

 

 

Up next: Cortigiana Onesta/Cortigiana Di Lume

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[align=center]Cortigiana Onesta / Cortigiana Di Lume - Italy - The Renaissance[/align]

 

The setting now is Venice, during the renaissance.

 

Courtesans in renaissance Italy were something to be in awe of. They came in two flavors, though one could fall or rise at the whims of her clients.

 

The Cortigiana Onesta, or “Honest Courtesan”, were some of the most educated women of their time. They contributed to the arts of the time with song, dance, painting, and poetry. They were even given the same respect as noble women.

Wit, charm, and humor brought light to these gems. Chosen from what was considered ‘good breeding’, the Onesta were dressed to the nines and then tens elevens and twelves. Dripping in laces, silks, and jewels, they were not only expected to be sexual partners but also companions. If a woman did not know how to converse with her client on topics ranging from political intrigue to the most popular arts of the time, she was no Onesta.

 

It was these women who are romanticized so, their grace and beauty so vivid and awe inspiring that they could not only entertain local nobility, but also foreign kings. The Cortigiana Di Lume, however, were not quite as highly revered.

 

Considered better than common prostitutes, Di Lume women weren't given the same respect and privilege as the Onesta. She could not be found at the fabulous parties of debauchery and avarice, but along side the rialto bridge, hoping to catch someone’s eye.

 

Often of lower class families, or the wife of an ambitious man, Di Lume women were not quite as refined and sought after as her Onesta sister.

 

Veronica Franco was a famous courtesan of Venice, charming almost anyone who was blessed enough to meet her. A gifted poet, Veronica wrote and published books of her poetry thanks to the help of her clients and their influence.

 

When King Henry III visited the city of romance, he was charmed by Veronica and it is said that they had a brief liaison- which only made her more popular and sought after.

 

Of course, in 1575, a plague struck the city. In the panic that gripped the people of Venice, Veronica fled the city in fear that she too might succumb. Her belongings left behind in a dying city, her private apartments were looted. This was not the worst of it for her, however.

 

The Inquisition making its way over, what with disasters like the plague often considered matters of the Christian god, they attempted to try Veronica Franco with witchcraft.

 

She defended herself with dignity and strength, rebuking all claims made against her by those she once entertained, and was one of the very lucky few to have the charges dropped.

 

 

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

 

This is delving into the courtesan world in which noble and married women could partake in.

 

 

The Cortigiana was dressed in the best, and so it's probably not very hard to play on this- specifically, characters that are members of the Weaver's and Goldsmith's guilds in Ul'dah (Yellow Moon, anyone?).

Playing up on fashion and extravagance is perfect if wanting to play an Onesta-type character, someone who is ahead of the game when it comes to the latest duds and bangles.

 

 

An Example: Mimiji Miji is a young Lalafel noble in Ul'dah. Sadly, Mimiji's parents didn't do very good bookkeeping, and thus she is faced with either an unhappy arranged marriage or work.

She decided on the later, climbing the social ladder as a courtesan hired more for her political and financial know-how.

Now a well established courtesan, and a sound bank account once more, Mimiji decides to take on a lower class courtesan as a student- no longer needing the work, but wanting to keep in contact with her many suitors.

Perhaps she'll go down to Pearl Lane (with her body guards, of course) and see if there is anyone she sees potential in.

 

 

Up next: The age of the Career Mistress

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[align=center]Mistresses[/align]

 

Mistresses.

 

Now, you might be asking yourself, "I thought this was about courtesans!". I can understand the confusion, as I first didn't understand what a mistress had to do with historical sex work- but the connection is there, and if you can stick around for this very long post, you too will see it.

 

Kings and noblemen have had countless mistresses through the ages, some famous and others not.

The career mistress, however, did not pop up until Charles II's reign.

 

What is a career mistress?

The career mistress is a woman who, instead of intending on a short dalliance, seeks to make a name and comfortable living for herself and her friends by seducing someone in power.

She doesn't just want pretty jewels, clothes, and a good romp- no, she wants houses and political power, and she intends to keep it.

 

These women were normally women of the court and of money, though as you will read below that is not always the case.

They were fairly learned, skilled in courtly manners, and usually had at least a knowledgeable appreciation for the arts.

This is what makes them similar to the courtesans you now know- they were women of skill and talent that were put before wealthy men in hopes of favor and wealth.

 

 

 

[align=center]The Mistresses of King Charles II - England - The Restoration[/align]

 

 

How can one talk of mistresses without talking about King Charles II, the notorious merry monarch? This man had over seventeen illegitimate children with his mistresses, and there could be more that he did not acknowledge.

 

They were some of the very first “career mistresses”.

His mistresses paved the way for ambitious women in the courts in England and beyond, earning independent wealth, fame, political power, and of course the love of the King.

They ruled when it came to the court. If someone talked against one of the king’s favorites, as one court lady mistakenly did, they could find themselves out of their ass and banished. The lady mentioned had spoken ill of Barbara, the king’s first and most formidable mistress, and came to a royal ball. When she presented herself to the king for a dance, she was horrified to find that her venomous words earned her a very strict and very public banishment from court.

 

His first, and most prominent mistress was the woman who fetched him from exile:

Barbara Villiers, first duchess of Cleveland.

 

Married to a man with a moderate income and living in an aging Tudor house, Barbara earned her chance to truly shine when she was called to find the king.

After Charles I’s execution, and the following 'rule' of puritan leader lead Council of State, Charles II had fled to Europe for safety and found a temporary home in France.In the french court, Charles learned a lot about love, love making, and how to have a good time in general.

 

So Barbara was sent out, chosen because she was now immune to smallpox (she had contracted the disease, survived, and was luckily left unscarred.) which was rampantly hitting the continent.

 

According to eyewitnesses, it was love at near first sight, and Charles II returned to England with Barbara on his arm.

 

Barbara was foul tempered, extravagant, and so well favored with political power that some called her the “Uncrowned queen”. Others called her the “Curse of the Nation”. She had friends who wanted to go places, and she was good at asking the king to help them.

 

Of course, Charles II had wandering eyes and apparently a very large heart, as the french Louise Renne soon stepped into the spotlight- pushing Barbara to the sidelines.

She was given apartments in the royal palace that ran terribly close to the King’s.

 

Another notable was Nell Gwyn, who had a truly rags-to-riches story. From cinder-girl to orange seller, and from that to actress, and finally to mistress to the king. Her allowances were small compared to Barbara and Louis, but still far more than she could ever have dreamed.

 

The king’s poor wife- Catherine of Braganza -probably felt as if she were being surrounded by women who, to her, were the enemy.

 

Many women went in and out of his life, and his palace apartments, but it is said that when he lay dying, his last words were:

“Let not poor Nelly starve”.

 

Barbara and Nell survived fairly well after the king’s death, receiving a pension until their deaths- Louis, on the other hand, was stripped of her titles and possessions and returned to France in shame

 

 

 

 

[align=center]Mistresses of King Louis XV - France - Mid 1700’s[/align]

 

 

I cannot talk of courtesans and luxury without the two most prominent mistresses of French history.

 

French kings were expected to have mistresses. If one did not, the royal courts would gossip and wonder if he was alright- a king with mistresses was a virile king.

 

King Louis XV was notorious with his affairs, to the point it got a bit out of hand, but there were two mistress that stuck out into history a bit on their own.

The first: Madame de Pompadour.

 

Like a fairy tale, the King met Madame de Pompadour at a glamorous masked ball, held in honor of the Dauphine's (king’s son’s and crowned prince) marriage. He considered her the love of his life, and the two dotted on one another like lovesick children.

She was smart, a true intellectual, could sing and dance exceptionally, was cultured in ways many other women overlooked- but the problem was that she was bourgeoisie and common born, and as attached as the King was to her, the royal court would not stand to have her as such. Even Louis’s many children did not like her, as he spent much of his money and time on the woman who had stolen his heart.

 

Eventually, she was given the title of “Marquise de Pompadour”, and she moved into the royal apartments. A smart woman, Pompadour made sure never to alienate the Queen- who was actually quite relieved to be free from her husband’s sexual appetite; ten children in ten years being more than enough for her. They were not quite friends, but the Queen adored her none the less.

 

A patron of the arts, it is said that Madame de Pompadour’s influence was felt with the flourishing of architecture and interior design, and she was even patron to the famous Voltaire. The Marquise was often of poor health, described as frail, but this did not stop Pompadour. She was an active political schemer- her influence felt in court by friends, allies and a strong voice..

 

Eventually, their sexual relationship dulled and ended- though Louis XV was not willing to simply cast her aside. They stayed close friends, lovers in more an emotional sense than sexual. He trusted her with his life, and she acted as adviser when things began to go poorly in his reign.

 

Her political career, as much influence as she had procured, was a mistake. She was not savvy as a go-between for the king and the Austrian ambassador during treaty settlements, she was manipulated and became so unpopular in the courts and country that the King received death threats if he did not get rid of her.

 

In 1764, she contracted tuberculosis, and Louis lost his beloved confidant.

 

 

 

Our second mistress came by later in Louis XV’s life, and she was a tad different and forty years the king’s younger.

Madam du Barry.

As lovely as a rose, perfect in every physical way- but said to be a bit… lacking in intelligence.

 

Madame du Berry was absolutely hated her- she was common born, and little more than a street walker according to many of the court, but she perked up a king who had fallen into a deep depression.

 

She was uncouth, scandalized the court with her manners (or lack of), and the courts thought her just another mistress that was unfit for her position. The poor girl was hated even more than her predecessor, despite having done what no one else could- bringing life back into the king.

 

The king fell ill, so terribly that took days of doctors muttering to one another to find that Louis had smallpox. This, on the cusp of death, was the end of du Berry- she was not only blamed for it all, but King Louis XV banished Madame du Barry as he absolved his sins.

In 1793, Madame du Berry was executed during the revolution.

 

 

 

 

So, how can we apply the above into roleplay?

 

Well, first and foremost when thinking of playing as a mistress to a PC is consent.

I'm not just talking about consent of the one player, though that is obviously very important; if the character is in an established pairing/marriage with another players character, you MUST get BOTH of their consent and agreement.

It would be incredibly irresponsible on both your and your partner's parts if either choose to keep secrets ooc from someone else who is involved. That is just bad RP etiquette, and is a ticking time bomb for drama and hurt feelings.

 

With NPC's, of course, the above is not an issue.

 

When wanting to play a mistress that can stick their fingers into the affairs of the rich and powerful, you have to be mindful of both the lore and its restrictions, and player knowledge vs character knowledge.

 

For Example: F'arali Yuda is a Sunseeker Miqo'te. She was once a performer on Ul'dah's streets, dancing and performing little skits for coin- but one day, she caught the eye of a richly dressed woman.

She was offered gifts of gil first, then clothing and jewels, and soon found herself in the arms of the noble woman.

F'arali learned that her new lover was in a marriage of status instead of a love match, and that she only found happiness when in the company of the Miqo'te dancer.

Moved into a private apartment and given a more than generous allowance, F'arali has most certainly hit the jackpot.

Can she keep the woman's affections, or will she find herself out in the cold should the woman find someone else?

Will the husband find out? What would he do, and how could F'arali prevent his wrath from falling upon her?

 

 

 

 

Up next: Courtesan headcanons for the known city states.

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[align=center]Courtesans Across Eorzea: Headcanons[/align]

 

While courtesans obviously have a rich history and a place in any culture with a sufficiently-developed upper class, it behooves us to remember that Eorzea’s city-states have their own cultures, and that the roles of courtesans may differ significantly between each of them.

 

The following, it should be noted, is all headcanon - it is not aggressively supported by lore except where indicated as such.

 

 

 

[align=center]Ul’dah[/align]

 

Most people who think of courtesans having a place in FF14 are going to think of Ul’dah. With its established tradition of dancers and entertainers and a wealthy upper-class elite, courtesans are going to be prominent and in great number. Many of the suggestions listed above are appropriate here - rich performers whose favors and time are sought by the rich as status symbols, women acting as kept mistresses and advisers, etc.

 

The presence of the Syndicate and its many fingers in the shadier side of Ul’dahn culture also provides opportunities for the darker aspects of the profession to be examined (within the limits of individual player comfort-zones, to be clear). The training and acquisition of girls to become tayuu and oiran in particular can be helpful here. Even the Tawaif fits well in the setting for Ul’dah, as they often start as children and are trained to host the elite of a desert empire.

 

 

 

[align=center]Gridania[/align]

 

With its more rustic culture, Gridanians may not seem to have much in the way of a courtesan culture. Indeed, they seem to frown upon luxury and excessive frivolity, if their reactions to the existence of Haukke Manor is any indication.

 

Kisaeng-type courtesans might fit well in Gridania’s social setting; more for public entertainment than kept women, their appearance could be considered important in certain festivals and meetings.

During harvest, for example, these women could be hired by the city or by a few wealthy patrons and perform grand harvest dances and songs to help appease the elementals.

 

There being some sort of nobility class (Lady Amandine for example), perhaps some of the few nobles left in Gridania are patrons to the arts that these courtesans perform- perhaps keeping some as personal entertainers, or offering pensions as benefactors to others.

 

 

 

[align=center]Limsa Lominsa[/align]

 

La Noscea clearly has a culture of hired entertainers and prostitution, as anybody who has ever escorted a Cute Courtesan out of Costa Del Sol can attest. Limsa itself, however, has a rowdier atmosphere than that of Ul’dah, and as such elite courtesans of the sort mentioned above may be harder to justify.

 

One possibility may be that the hiring of an elite courtesan is a status symbol for pirate bands the same way that it would be for members of the Ul’dahn elite. A wealthy captain who is able to maintain both control over their ship and retain the services of a desirable courtesan is an effective captain indeed.

 

Of course, one of the most powerful powerful pirates in real life was Ching Shih, a prostitute who commanded over three hundred ships and terrorized China. A courtesan could also be a pirate, vying to that elusive title of Pirate Queen. One could try to aim for this by getting cozy with the right Captains.

 

 

 

[align=center]Ishgard[/align]

 

We don’t really know what Ishgard is all about aside from the fact they really love Halone, really hate dragons, and are very medieval in their ways of dealing with heretics.

In fact, much of their architecture reminds me of medieval castles.

 

With a noble system, strict theocracy, a war against giant fire-breathing lizards, and a cold snap that could make Manitoba shudder in fear, I have plenty of ideas on how courtesans may be implemented.

 

There is a quest where you return a token to an Ishgardian man to inform him of his sons death- the last of his line.

This is clearly not the only incident in which this may have happened, and so I see a perfect opportunity for the courtesan to flourish in their cold, snowy forests.

Nobles of fair wealth but lacking in heirs could take courtesans as second, third, or even fourth wives, aka mistresses, to try and pad their line with plenty of children.

 

I personally don’t feel like Ishgard is all that interested in fantastical parties and hedonism, so the women who might be chosen to warm the beds of nobles and bear them children would probably more likely to be intellectuals and and philosophers who try and advise their patrons in the difficult times.

 

Some mistresses, of ambitious and malicious nature, might try to use the war and declarations of heresy against rivals in and out of the home- which can work out so that they may take a higher ranking, or be thrown herself into Witchdrop.

 

 

 

[align=center]Garlea[/align]

 

Garlea is a bit of a mystery to us, aside from being a tyrannical empire with more advanced war-based technology.

 

They seem to be very roman in nature, considering their names (Livius, Gaius, Nero) and the fact that the roman empire expanded relentlessly in it’s hayday.

 

Based on that, perhaps the Hetaira model could be used- kept women of generals in the Garlean army who follow their lovers/patrons to their expansion efforts.

They would have to be smart, quick thinking, well versed in military efforts, and politically up to date on both their homeland and the nations taken over by them.

 

Strong women, though perhaps a little more soft once out of the armor, they might keep the stress from becoming too much for their patrons in what ever way they knows to work.

Military is a hard life, especially when assigned to a foreign state for campaigns.

 

 

 

Up next: Closing thoughts!

[PkThunda]

[align=center]Closing thoughts[/align]

 

So, now that there is all that information on different types of courtesans in history and how they might be implemented in game, it’s time to talk a bit more seriously and go over OOC concerns that come with playing a courtesan.

 

First, a lot of people will assume courtesan=hooker.

If you feel inclined, you’re free to just throw this guide at those people and flounce away. That can’t always be the case, and my ego might explode if it were.

You can either tell everyone who makes such a comment, or asks, the truth about your own interpretation. You can also simply ignore those who think that your character an ERP toon, which actually brings me to my second bit.

 

You do not have to ERP to play a courtesan.

As you may have read above, not all courtesans sold sex.

They sold their skills in music, dance, poetry, and conversation, and so can your character.

If you want to play the type of courtesan that does sleep with her clients but are not comfortable (or of legal age, 18+) with ERP, you always have the choice of ‘fading to black’. Not doing the thing but saying you did is perfectly acceptable. Tell your RP partners that this is what you prefer, and do not let people try and coax you into going beyond your boundaries just because you play a courtesan.

 

Regarding gil and payment- you can very well charge actual gil for your characters services. Perhaps your character might be hired for a party to liven it up, to be someone’s date, to dance, or yes even sleep with- you can charge for anything you feel is reasonable.

If you are not comfortable in taking actual gil for RP services, you can simply play pretend and say that gil changed hands while saving someone from actual bankruptcy.

 

 

Another thing to stress, even if I said it before, is the absolute need for consent from all players when playing a mistress.

Make sure that both married/bonded character players know and want you to be playing as another in their RP relationship.

Polyamory and triad relationships are cool - cheating and hurting another player’s feelings is not.

 

 

Brothel FC’s can adopt the style of tiered ranks, like in the case of Tayuu/Oiran, events for courtesans to meet and greet one another (and size each other up), performing groups of courtesans who work together for public shows, and even training new courtesan characters that want to IC learn how it’s done.

 

And finally, I will broach the idea of courtesans working together-

Courtesans, which technically competing with one another, still must at least have a vague notion of who are their rivals, how they are doing, who is new to the profession, and if there are any dangerous clients that have been blacklisted from seeing others.

 

I have a Linkshell (The Courtesan Coalition, on Balmung) that I hope to use should other courtesan players want to deal with the RP possibilities above, but there are other means as well.

 

[align=center]And there you have it.[/align]

[align=center]Hopefully you have learned something, become inspired, or have at least scratched that curious itch in regards to the world of courtesans.[/align]

[align=center]I hope to see more courtesans of various kinds and see their players love the viewpoint that their characters create.[/align]

 

[align=center]Go forth, be merry, and have fun.[/align]

[DreamedReality]

Should be an informative and interesting read. I look forward to it.

[Shayrei]

I love seeing the companion roleplay... It's the entire reason I made Andralyn and Heaven's Gate! Yay for this thread!

 

Let's get the misconception out of the mix that if I roleplay a character who is a prostitute/companion/dame/courtesan, that all I'm looking to do is drum up ERP and partake in nothing but sexy times RP every time in log in. 

 

While some players may include that aspect in their RP (and it's perfectly fine that they do!), not all of us do. You know what they say about assumptions.

 

I'm interested in the research you've done, I'm far more lazy. 10/10! Will lurk!

[Antain]

As a former companion, I approve!

[PkThunda]

Hetaira is up!

[Aysun]

Interesting, yes, and keeping it classy! When you start charging real gil for ERP and call your character a courtesan.. that's when I have to go 'WTF NO?' though. >_>

[D'ly]

This is a really interesting read. Can't wait for the others to be up. :3

[PkThunda]

Interesting, yes, and keeping it classy! When you start charging real gil for ERP and call your character a courtesan.. that's when I have to go 'WTF NO?' though. >_>

 

I actually do this.

I incorporate ERP into my roleplay, but to discourage my RP devolving to just ERP (which is fine for some, but not my mission) I do actually charge real gil when someone is interested in that aspect.

 

This keeps my pockets full, but also makes sure that I am roleplaying in a general, public sense more often than not.

 

I do not have anything against those who do, for the most part, ERP while giving their character the title of courtesan- it is an aspect of the job in a way, after all.

I have made this guide for those players, and others interested, to see what the title actually means and to help inspire them in their personal stories and plotlines.

[PkThunda]

The Tawaif section is up!

[PkThunda]

Tayuu and Oiran are now up!

Sorry it's so big- it's one of the sections I know most about.

[PkThunda]

Kisaeng have been posted!

[PkThunda]

And now Cortigiana Onesta/Di Lume are up!

 

Again, everyone is free to comment or ask questions if you have them!

[PkThunda]

Mistresses are now covered!

Woo, that was a long one.

[PkThunda]

And the guide is now done! Thank you for being patient on it- as you can see, it was a lot of work (14 paged! I should get a history degree )

[Antain]

Thank you for this :love: It has been most informative!

[Ciel]

This all was a very interesting read, clearly a lot of research went into it.  Well done.

[Telluride]

*whistles* Love it! I haven't seen this detailed a guide for the RP Profession in any RP forums for any other game - this one could go cross-platform!

 

Perhaps I'll encounter Z'zhumii again, and offer a little backup instrumental for her next singing appointment.