The Courtesan Compendium (A Guide)

[Ilwe'ran]

Remember folks- Sources.

Link sources to your arguments to both back up your claims and educate!

 

I could link a lot of things, but they are in french as what MikoBehnen is talking about is about a french army institution (and like a dream for many children ^^ !). But best would be to know what are her source, so I would be able to identify where is the confusion, it might be something about the language and mistranslations or something about a view of the other countries on mine (yup, can happen as well, like for the mousquetaires and the sword).

[MikoBehnen]

Remember folks- Sources.

Link sources to your arguments to both back up your claims and educate!

 

I could link a lot of things, but they are in french as what MikoBehnen is talking about is about a french army institution (and like a dream for many children ^^ !). But best would be to know what are her source, so I would be able to identify where is the confusion, it might be something about the language and mistranslations or something about a view of the other countries on mine (yup, can happen as well, like for the mousquetaires and the sword).

 

I'm going to have to dig through all my old school books to find them so I'm not just trying to remember. LoL (also: "something about a view of the other countries on mine" is SUPER possible since I studied all of it at an American college and we're not always great at that bit :\ )

 

I did a quick google check and I DID get it wrong  (That's what I get working from memory) So it wasn't "chevalier" but "chevalier servant" and it seems that was just what the french called cicisbei... going to spend 2 hours on Wiki now studying

[Zetchryn]

Was wondering, cuz I had thought that Chevalier was the mounted knights. Still an awesome thread, good to know for my alt that I'm developing alongside A'zireena.

[Ilwe'ran]

Remember folks- Sources.

Link sources to your arguments to both back up your claims and educate!

 

I could link a lot of things, but they are in french as what MikoBehnen is talking about is about a french army institution (and like a dream for many children ^^ !). But best would be to know what are her source, so I would be able to identify where is the confusion, it might be something about the language and mistranslations or something about a view of the other countries on mine (yup, can happen as well, like for the mousquetaires and the sword).

 

I'm going to have to dig through all my old school books to find them so I'm not just trying to remember. LoL (also: "something about a view of the other countries on mine" is SUPER possible since I studied all of it at an American college and we're not always great at that bit :\ )

 

I did a quick google check and I DID get it wrong  (That's what I get working from memory) So it wasn't "chevalier" but "chevalier servant" and it seems that was just what the french called cicisbei... going to spend 2 hours on Wiki now studying

 

I thought it might linked to language as there are many words close but not having the same meaning when it comes to chivalry.

Chevalier servant is the french translation of Sigisbée (Cicisbeo) who were, as you said some male courtesan accompanying married women in Italy during the 13th century as you said, but they didn't existed in France. Woman infidelity was (and still is) something which is hardly tolerated and never official so I really doubt there were any official male courtesan in France.

[xypher]

This was a really interesting read! I learned lots of new stuff today.

 

I noticed there was a small debate about "male courtesans" but never a definitive closure to it. Would a male be able to use the title OF "courtesan" or is that something that should be avoided? I've been considering making a "courtesan" type, but it's a male so I wanted a general feel on if it's a good idea or not.

 

Edit: I necro'd like a dummy. I'm so good at checking dates, I swear.

[Gegenji]

This was a really interesting read! I learned lots of new stuff today.

 

I noticed there was a small debate about "male courtesans" but never a definitive closure to it. Would a male be able to use the title OF "courtesan" or is that something that should be avoided? I've been considering making a "courtesan" type, but it's a male so I wanted a general feel on if it's a good idea or not.

 

Edit: I necro'd like a dummy. I'm so good at checking dates, I swear.

 

Pff, you're fine. I remember when this thread was made and it has a lot of good information for people who want to play this particular character type.

 

As for "male courtesan," I've seen a few folks running with the idea in-game, so I think you're safe to run that if you so please. I don't think the term is gender-specific... but I could be wrong.

[xypher]

Pff, you're fine. I remember when this thread was made and it has a lot of good information for people who want to play this particular character type.

 

As for "male courtesan," I've seen a few folks running with the idea in-game, so I think you're safe to run that if you so please. I don't think the term is gender-specific... but I could be wrong.

 

Ooh, fair enough. Yeah, I have seen people running around as males tagged as "courtesans" but I noticed these are the same folk who believe being a courtesan is just a fancy term for being a sex worker.  But hopefully with this thread, people will come to start doing really intriguing and unique plots with their courtesans! I or sure aim to stick true to the old ideals of what a "courtesan" was to the best of my ability, for sure.

[FallenFedora]

I'm really glad I stumbled onto this threat, playing my guy off as a courtier (The male equivalent of a courtesan) as more the expensive escort type rather than 'we smash now, ye?'. This'll help a lot - and I hope it helps abate the stigma around characters that play these roles. (Especially the ones whom use it more as a backdrop, rather than the centerpiece.)

[Etoile]

This was a really interesting read! I learned lots of new stuff today.

 

I noticed there was a small debate about "male courtesans" but never a definitive closure to it. Would a male be able to use the title OF "courtesan" or is that something that should be avoided? I've been considering making a "courtesan" type, but it's a male so I wanted a general feel on if it's a good idea or not.

 

Edit: I necro'd like a dummy. I'm so good at checking dates, I swear.

 

If you wanna rp a male courtesan, do it. Seen a head nods toward it in game with npcs, but that's aside the point. Rp what you enjoy playing.

[Momo]

Rather than some, I would say the majority of courtesans, both male and female, consider themselves to be prostitutes or act as such. The best way that I have seen to counteract this from my experience, is just have integrity and faith in your own character and the portrayal you choose. It gets a little exhausting, but being vigilant in telling people that ERP isn't all your about is rewarding when people ask for your to perform courtly duties, and enjoy your character for the atmosphere they create, the little gestures, words, and actions your character takes to entertain your partner and those around them.

 

It can be done! Just gotta put in the work and dedication and find a place your character fits in, either a group or specific friends.