Sex and Romance in Thedas - Minions and Organizations

"Blood and desire, in equal measure.  An art I learned from...elsewhere."

MINIONS

See the Dragon Age core rulebook, page 323

Courtesan

Before you go to your wife's bed, there are some things you should know about what she has been saying in your absence, My Lady.

Fixtures in Tevinter's upper crust, courtesans are special ornaments owned by powerful citizens.  They are reared in the finer arts once they are accepted by a courtesan mentor.  Only the most extraordinary slaves are chosen for this education; otherwise, they come from Soporati or Liberati backgrounds.  Since nobles often have little say in marriage arrangements, courtesans are common (and they can be of the same sex with little stigma).  A courtesan's life is tied to their patron's fortunes in any case, so they tend to protect their patron fiercely in the social sphere.

COMMUNICATION (SEDUCTION) 4, CONSTITUTION 1, CUNNING 3 (LORE related to patron), DEXTERITY 2, PERCEPTION (EMPATHY) 2, STRENGTH 0, WILLPOWER 2

Camp Follower

Since you're done fighting for the day, let me take it from here...

Every army attracts people in the skin trade, and as long as they're treated relatively well, they'll stick around.  If they're treated very well, they might even have favorites or stick to one particular person.  Camp followers might also attach themselves to smaller groups or individuals who travel (such as merchants, caravans, or explorers).  Either way, they provide entertainment and generally keep an eye out for their patron's best interests.

COMMUNICATION (SEDUCTION) 3, CONSTITUTION 2, CUNNING 2, DEXTERITY 2, PERCEPTION (EMPATHY) 2, STRENGTH 1, WILLPOWER 1

THE BLOOMING ROSE BROTHEL ORGANIZATION
See the Dragon Age core rulebook, page 141

The Blooming Rose is an elegant brothel nestled in the Red Lantern section of Kirkwall's upscale High Town district - but it is also more than meets the eye, especially given the city's past.  The flesh trade in Emerius (Kirkwall's Tevinter moniker) was historically as ugly as most of the city, an exchange of sex for creature comforts between Tevinter citizens and slaves (as well as some desperate Soporati).  The most unfortunate (or enterprising) companions were sent down into the mines in order to service miners who could not leave their posts until their stints were up.  

Prostitution did not go away or get too much better once the Tevinter Imperium withdrew, but the trade did improve in cruelty and lethality as the years passed.  It has gotten the best it's ever been most recently, in the Dragon Age.  First, the Carta lieutenant Maelor "inherited" the current location of the Rose from a "client."  Since he was growing older and less inclined to bloodshed, Maelor decided to bow out of normal Carta business and create something nice for himself.  He took in the best whores he knew, gave them a real premises, and acted as proprietor at the bar.  As long as you had the coin to spend on something wet, you dressed well enough to be seen in High Town, and you didn't cause trouble, you were welcome to stick around.

Though none dare mention it now, the Blooming Rose was where Maelor met his wife-to-be, the very young Lusine.  She kept looking for her wayward first husband, and once her husband showed up dead, Maelor made a better one.  Lusine showed some distaste for the business initially but was soon convinced of its utility.  As a commoner with waning beauty and few prospects, there was no other way for her to enjoy the benefits attached to the Rose.  After Maelor passed, Lusine was able to continue its operation with a deft hand, a shrewd eye, and plenty of support.

But more than that, she expanded the reach of the operation.  Anywhere the sun dawns in Kirkwall, a prostitute must pay Lusine in order to work.  If a whore refuses to take shifts in the Rose and insists on their own premises, there is an added tax, and no promise of rescue if the watch stumbles across them in back alleys, or if clients get mean.  Lusine is inclined to squeeze a few times before drawing blood when it comes to collecting her dues.  She would rather toss a whore out of the city or run them down into Darktown than kill them, but if they prove persistent, she will not hesitate to call a bounty on their head.  

Old Carta connections of Maelor's collect dues and take care of problems, generally.  Anyone in the city can collect a "finder's fee" for letting the crew at the Rose know about new, independent operators.  The prices at the Rose are steep, but they reflect not only the ornate environs but real expertise and security.  There also tends to be a variety offered at the Rose that is rare in Thedas.  Surface dwarves do not usually lower themselves any further, but Lusine always has one in the lineup.  Most of her elves acquire regulars who are very generous.  There are a few older prostitutes who make regular rounds, as well as a mix of genders, and others who have particular specialties.  

There are always more people to choose from during evening and nighttime hours, though only so many rooms to go around - which might mean spending some coin at the bar while you're waiting your turn.  Or you might visit the common room to meet a contact.  It is not considered shameful by many people to be seen in the tavern area or some of the side rooms on the first floor.  The most impatient might take their business to the kitchens or storage rooms, however, so one never knows what one will stumble across.

Abilities (Focuses)

Might: 2

Wealth: 4 (Treasury)

Influence: 3 (State)

Intrigue: 2 (Secrets)

Magic: 1

Combat Ratings

Structure: 3

Stability: 35

Scope: Local

RATIONALE

Continuing in the spirit of previous posts, I am using sub-systems to flesh out sex in Thedas.  Minions seemed like an ideal way to do this, since they are optional and usually not combat-oriented.  But I also remembered the large and opulent brothel in Dragon Age II and thought that it would make a great organization for the city.  Since Kirkwall has old roots in the Tevinter Empire, I decided to fill in some of the history (since I will be running in much older times).  I gave some backstory to Lusine and the brothel itself because, frankly, they made me wonder.  How did she get to be in charge?  How did the brothel get so much wealth?  It's one of the larger buildings you visit in the city, and quite impressive in most of its rooms.  So I blended what I saw in the video game with some storytelling, and here's what came out.  It has some Carta ties but isn't Carta-owned or run.  With a few adjustments, you could set this organization up in just about any city in Thedas with enough population and wealth to support it.

Screen capture from Dragon Age II, owned by BioWare