Yuujo - Courtesans of the Court of Night Flowers

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General


The largest, most prestigious, and only legitimate house for courtesans in Kodama is the Court of Night Flowers. It is run by the now aging Hanako Murakami, who takes in the disenfranchised, down on their luck, or those sold into her care by families in debt. All the women taken under Hanako's care either take on the Murakami family name or have no family name, and most eventually take on a new personal name upon reaching adulthood (usually flower names) to separate their old life from the new. Regardless of whether a woman enters the Court of Night Flowers willingly or is sold into its care she is contracted to work for the Court for eight years or until the debts she has accrued are paid off. Sadly only the most clever and lucky of women manage to save enough to pay off their debts, and a luckier few find someone willing to do so for her.

The Court of Night Flowers is a place for women to not only learn the...delicate arts, but to gain an education in such matters as history, economics, calligraphy, flower arranging, singing, dancing, playing instruments and any other amount of small manners that might make them agreeable companions and give them the illusion of perfect femininity. Someone blessed with exceptional beauty, skill, and a firm education may be given the title Oiran, which grants her a few extra privileges within the court such as the ability to turn down clients outright if there is good reason. Oiran are the most visible and famous members of the Court of Night Flowers, known for their extravagant clothing and hairstyles and the purported ability to bankrupt the men who pursue them.

Young girls start life in the Court of Night Flowers as helpers around the house by taking care of simple chores, helping older girls and women dress, and generally making themselves useful behind the scenes. Once they are old enough to have a decent attention span their training in music, dance, politics, and other small manners begins. They are only considered apprentices in right once they are educated enough to be sponsored by an experienced courtesan. These apprentices follow the courtesan as attendants and observe her public interactions, sometimes for a few years before being allowed to work on their own.

History


Prostitution was not made legal in Kodama until recently, and doing so would strip the practitioner of the protection of family status. Because of this, the Court of Night Flowers was originally founded as a safe house for young women who chose or were otherwise reduced to selling their bodies. Women would pay the mistress for room and board, and in return have a place to sleep, food to eat, and if need be other amenities. When the Court passed into Hanako's hands the relatively benevolent relationship between house owner and the women living there became a bit less so. With the trend of 'refined' courtesans on the upswing, the fees for education and clothing as well as housing and food began to rise, making it more difficult for those women who entered the Court to leave. Soon it became mandatory for women entering the court to become educated in the ways of the courtesan, essentially trapping them there.

With the advent of Shogun Renjiro Teiji's allowance of slavery the court has boomed. It became a convenient way for families to 'gently' get rid of extraneous female mouths to feed, as well as a source of income for even less savory sources. Still, most of the women sold there find their fates to be better than many of the alternatives.

Customs


New and less favored courtesans spend much of their day sitting in provocative poses as 'window displays' at the front of the Court. Once more favored they are moved to lounge in more comfortable quarters inside. The most favored of courtesans are attainable only through appointment, and then only if they approve.

When out in public the most high ranked courtesans are easily marked by their clothing: Richly colored and embroidered kimono that border on ostentatious, ornate hairstyles and a multitude of ornaments, a front-tied obi, and enormously tall koma-geta sandals worn without socks. The sandals are particularly noticeable, as they can easily add a foot to the wearer's height.

All practicing courtesans wear white face makeup with touches of red at the lips and corners of the eye.


Rules of the Court


For Courtesans:

Every woman must pursue and pay for an education in formal etiquette, and are encouraged to take lessons in music or dance.
Once you make enough money to have an allowance you are responsible for your own clothing, jewelry, and makeup.
You are not permitted to abuse or insult the patrons (unless you are paid to do so and this is confirmed with the patron).
Even an Oiran must take on clients. Refusal of a client must have compelling reasoning behind it.
Theft from the Court will be dealt with severely, this includes running away without fulfilling your contract.

For Patrons:

The house mistress has the right to turn anyone away, regardless of how much money they might have.
Patrons are not to injure or mark the women, repeat offenders will be refused service and potentially beaten. Likewise for those that have a habit of mentally scarring the women.
Window-shopping is not permitted. Those caught teasing or disturbing the ladies on display with no intent to come inside will be driven away.
Those wishing to buy out the contract of a member of the Court must have that woman's consent to do so.
Those caught eloping with a member of the Court will be severely punished by law.