Courtesan

Your past has been filled with temporary amorous liaisons on a pay-for basis or perhaps just in such a way that it boosts your social station.  These arrangements don’t necessarily have to involve actual sex, particularly if you come from a well-to-do part of society. You are likely to have learned skills in many areas, romantic intimacy, musical instruments, conversation and culture.  On the other hand, you are just as likely not to have afforded the pursuit of such relative luxuries, particularly if you come from from a less well-to-do background.  Regardless of social station, the life of a courtesan can be a hard one because it brings one to a position of vulnerability to the whims (and often abuse) of others.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion: Your profession has allowed you to become gifted in the art of persuasion. Something about you -- be it your looks, personality, or undeniable charm -- causes those around you to sway in your favor. 

Insight: In order to please your current or potential clients, you have learned to read people in order to gain an understanding of their desires or secrets. 

 

Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit: Your profession requires you to appear in a manner that pleases your clients. Be it a woman of high society or schoolhouse teacher, you are equipped to play any part that tickles your patrons fancy. 

Poisoner's Kit: You have experienced your fair share of trauma, particularly at the start of your profession. You have adopted the same subtlety that is expected of you by your clients when enacting revenge on those who have hurt or crossed you. You have become skilled in the art of crafting and administering poisons. 

Equipment:

A set of alluring clothing,  a set of fine clothing, a disguise kit,  one tool of the trade (whip, manacles, perfume, mirror), and a pouch containing 15 gold pieces.

 

Suggested Characteristics

Courtesans need to be charming and need to be tough. Charm is how they make sustain their living, whispering sweet nothings in the ears of their lovers. Toughness is needed because of their vulnerable positions. They are often exposed to trauma directly in the environments they live in and vicariously through listening to the woes of their lovers or friends.  A savvy sense of culture can also be useful because it makes a courtesan wiser to the ways of the world.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m a mimic, adept at shifting my persona to what the situation requires.
2	I remain cheerful and optimistic despite my lifestyle, as if heart were made of gold.
3	I’m bitter from painful experiences, and everything I say sounds sarcastic or cynical.
4	I like to take what I want, when I want. I loathe being told “no”.
5	Regardless of my situation, I maintain an air of class and distinction, and always remember my manners.
6	I’m a shameless flirt, and love being the center of attention.
7	I’m a little suspicious, worried about being betrayed and caution of being assaulted.
8	I’m quiet, always listening and paying attention to my surroundings.

d6	Ideal
1	Independence: No one will have power over me again. (Chaos)
2	Number One: The only person I ‘m concerned about is me. (Evil)
3	Honesty: One must abide by their deals and fulfill what they paid to do. (Lawful)
4	Money: There are things I won’t do for gold… but not much. (Evil)
5	Secrets: Knowing someone’s secrets gives you power. (Neutral)
6	Pleasure: Find joy in life whenever you can, with whomever you can. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	All sex workers are my brothers and sisters, and I must defend them.
2	I owe a sizable debt to my pimp or madame that I must pay off.
3	I protect the identity and secrets of my clientele.
4	I have family that I’m working to support.
5	My reputation determines my value and must be maintained.
6	I once called a burlesque house or bordello my home, and will protect it with my life.

d6	Flaw
1	I no longer believe in love.
2	I judge people for what they can do for me.
3	I cannot let go of the past and react poorly to reminders of my old life.
4	I am fighting addiction to an illicit substance with varying success.
5	I come from a broken home and hate being reminded of this fact.
6	I will do anything to raise my station in life.