Geisha
Contents
Description
Geisha means ‘art person’, which is appropriate because they are the repositories of traditional arts. Some of the arts they practiced include dance, music, singing, flower arrangement, calligraphy, conversation (no, really, the art of conversation), and the famous tea ceremony. Geisha are generally women (though the occasional cross-dresser does appear). Geisha are all members of a hanamachi, or guild, of which there are six, each having its own mon (crest), and specialization. See below for details.
Garb
Geisha wear ornate kimono with long, flowing sleeves. Their obi, or belt, is extremely wide, covering up any shape the wearer might have. Their hair is worn up in ornate, solid styles. Their face is covered in white makup with deep red lipstick and faint pink eyeshadow. Geisha must wear the mon of their hanamachi.
Essential Spells (Bard)
Charm, Presence, Legend, Confidence, Lore, Dance, any Protection
Suggested Spells (Bard)
Visit, Sleep, Yield, any spell that will help the troops
Role-Playing Notes
Geisha are not fighters, and often bolt at the first sign of violence, but the occasional vixen can be found among the sheep. Geisha are quiet, proper, and humble, but enjoy a sort of fame, like an ancient rock star. This often makes them conceited. They are entertainers, servants to powerful people, and generally do as they are told. They live for their art, but aren’t above being a cog in a grand Machiavellian plot. Some of the instruments you’ll find a Geisha with include: koto (harp), shakuhachi (flute), and of course the three stringed lute called a shamisen. If you’re in a hanamachi that might not use musical instruments, check with your Reeve about using another appropriate prop.
Weaponry
Geisha don’t carry around much in the way of weaponry, but will sometimes be armed with a dagger or war fan, or anything heavy in the room.
Editor's Note
See the Book of Engoku's listing for Geisha for graphical representations of the six hanamachi mon used by Geisha.
