the needs of lonely or status conscious people. A master
courtesan will be an accomplished musician, able to play at
least one woodwind or string instrument. The master will also
be able to sing, recite and compose stories and legends,
perform mime, act out skits and dance. The consummate
courtier is also the master of proper dress, and attractive
appearance and is able to simulate a great range of emotions.
The abilities attendant to this skill are usable by such a
character in situations not covered by the following rules, as
are those of the troubadour skill (q.v.). The GM should
improvise and allow a courtesan character to use his skill in
appropriate instances. If, far instance, the party is at the mercy
of a homely witch of indeterminate age, a male courtesan
should be able to charm her and at least win his companions'
lives if he plays it right. A courtier is a male courtesan.
A courtesan character must pay an additional Experience Point
increment of 10% to increase his Rank in the skill when:
1. His Manual Dexterity is less than 12; 2. His Agility is
less than 15; 3. His Physical Beauty is less than 15; or
A courtesan character decreases the Experience Point cost to
increase his Rank by an increment of 10% when:
1. His Agility is greater than 22; 2. His Physical
Beauty is greater than 20
All modifiers are cumulative. A courtesan acquires one ability
per Rank.
Sing Recite stories and legends Compose stories and legends
Perform mime Act out skits Tell jokes
Dance Dress well (e.g., formally) Dress seductive
Appear attractive (by other culture's standards) Simulate wide range of emotions Imitate accents
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A courtesan will receive (25+ [Rank squared]) Silver Pennies for a night's work. A courtesan
will receive (25 +- (Rank + 1) squared]) Silver Pennies for the same job. The distaff side will
do better at this profession in a male-dominated society. The pay rates are reversed in a
matriarchy. A courtesan is expected to charge a lower per diem if hired for consecutive
evenings.
A courtesan's social position has peculiar advantages and disadvantages. A master
courtesan is equally welcome at a royal ball and at the lowest dive in town. At the same time,
a courtesan can be prevented from practicing his skill or imprisoned if the local authorities
are so inclined. A courtesan should keep in mind that it helps to provide services at a
discount or for free and to bribe the right people to ensure freedom of action.
A courtesan must pay (250 + [350 x Rank] ) Silver Pennies per year for finery and the
props of the trade. A courtesan who does not spend the above amount operates as if he
were two Ranks less proficient. If the Rank of a courtesan is reduced to a negative number,
the use of the skill is temporarily lost. The above amount does not include extraordinary aids,
such as love philters, but does include perfumes and other frippery.