You are a Courtesan. You spend your time with those of high society, even raised among them, but you are not one of them entirely. Either born into this life, sold into it, or even as a path chosen by you initially, you serve as a 'companion' for those of high society. Unlike some common prostitute you are expected to have an education and various artisan skills so that you can walk among as well as entertain those of higher status. You are proficient in etiquette and reading and writing. You may have been trained in a specific art form as well, or if you are often involved in the dark politics of the aristocracy you may have a few sneakier tricks up your sleeve.
One can become a courtesan through many different avenues. Were you an emerging performer with a heavy dept to pay to a benefactor? Were you captured by raiders and sold to the highest bidder? Where you attracted to the lavish life style but had no hope of legitimately climbing rank? Are you a spy strategically placed by another family hoping to topple the current power and take control?
While a Courtesan may seemingly have a life of luxury, they are often neck deep in secrets, plots, and the gritty underbelly of noble life. And perhaps, most importantly, their life is not usually their own. You may have independent Courtesan contractors, they are usually under the control of an organization or family crest which ultimately dictates their life - which many Courtesan's secretly despise. Will you use the secrets you know to gain your freedom? Or are you willing to work with your benefactors towards a larger goal?
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 25 gp
Because of your training you are welcomed by most social circles. Your grace and sociability makes it easy for you to make friends and fit in, usually being able to pass seemingly as just a member of high society. Although, while most people of a more liberal thinking take no issue in your job and position in society, some may frown upon your work. Either more strict and religious members of noble society or the peasant may think of you as having lose morals or that you are taking the easy way out of working hard to gain status. Many common prostitutes may be jealous of your ability to exist in high society, while many noble men or women may see you as a leech.
Suggested Characteristics
Courtesans exist in a very different sliver of society. Existing in the upper class, yet having no real foothold in that society. They are in many ways the upper class outcast, their position created by the wealthy but also judged by the same members of society. It is both a luxurious life and a lonely one.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world. |
| 2 | The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity. |
| 3 | I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. |
| 4 | I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations. |
| 5 | My favor, once lost, is lost forever. |
| 6 | If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields. |
| 7 | I may exist in high society now, but I will never forget my humble beginings |
| 8 | I am proud of my position, damn those who judge - let those without sin cast the first stone |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself, and get out from under the thumb of my 'benefactors'. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 5 | Family. Even those I am not related to by blood, it is a dangerous world and we must defend those we love. (Any) |
| 6 | Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for those who are where I once was. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will face any challenge to win the approval of the upper class. |
| 2 | My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs. |
| 3 | Nothing is more important than the other members of my family. |
| 4 | I am in love with the heir of a family, but they could never marry a Courtesan. |
| 5 | My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. |
| 6 | The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am incredably secritive, and believe that everyone is out to get me. |
| 2 | I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin a family forever. |
| 3 | I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger. |
| 4 | I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures. |
| 5 | Because of my position in high society, I get very frustrated when things don't go my way |
| 6 | I am vindictive towards those that look down on me, I can never resist tearing down those who cast judgement |