Courtesans Guild
Members of the guild of courtesans should not be
thought of as common prostitutes. They offer a
wide range of erotic and other services at their
franchises, which bear elegant names such as the
Perfumed World of Floating Pleasure or Golden
Heaven of the Seven Joys, and these houses are far
above the common brothel in decorum and luxury.
The guild acquires most of its attractive teenage
girls through brokers from their impoverished fathers; this may be deemed a better
fate than they would otherwise enjoy. The girls will receive instruction in the erotic
arts in return for a bonded contract to work for a specific franchised house for seven
years. After this a courtesan may retire, leave to join another house, or remain with
her present house as a partner. Courtesans are always expensive. Depending on the
house, common services range from 12-36d per visit, and the great ladies of the
profession command fees exceeding 100d. Most courtesans retire before age 30,
usually with a tidy nest-egg. Some marry former clients or enter the church of Halea
(their patron deity). A few will establish their own houses, either by purchase or
inheritance. The guild is most prevalent in Azeryan and certain parts of Harn, but
there are houses scattered throughout most regions.