Geisha (ˈɡeɪʃə)

Beneath moon's soft glow, In grace, we dance and bestow, Harmony, we sow.

Created & Written by Khali A. Crawford

Career

Qualifications

• Physically capable of performing the Traditional Arts
• Well-educated in the fields of Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Arithmetic, Higher Reasoning, Science, and Technology
• Capable of Magic (Master of at least 4-5 Arts)
• Mastery of the Lindyn Forms
• Master of the Blade
• Strategy and Warfare

Career Progression

The journey of a Geisha begins with a careful and meticulous selection process. Young candidates are scouted for their potential. These candidates come from diverse backgrounds, and they may have demonstrated talent in various traditional arts, magic, or martial skills.

1. Talent Scouting: Talent scouts affiliated with prestigious Okiya Palaces search for promising individuals who possess the raw talent and aptitude necessary for the role of a Geisha. They attend local festivals, art exhibitions, Magic demonstrations, and martial arts competitions to identify potential candidates.
2. Initial Assessments: Once identified, prospective Geisha candidates are subjected to a series of initial assessments, which evaluate their skills, temperament, and adaptability. These assessments help determine their suitability for the rigorous training ahead.
3. Okiya Selection: Successful candidates are then approached by representatives of the Okiya Palaces. They are offered the opportunity to join an Okiya and embark on the path to becoming a Geisha. It is a life-changing decision, and candidates often consult with their families and mentors before accepting.

Upon acceptance into an Okiya Palace, Geisha candidates enter an intensive training phase that spans several years. During this time, they are transformed into skilled professionals capable of captivating their clients with their talents and charisma.

1. Traditional Arts: Geisha candidates receive comprehensive instruction in the traditional arts, including dance, singing, music, calligraphy, and cooking. They also are educated, typically by a Skald, in Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Arithmetic, Higher Reasoning, Science, and Technology. They practice diligently under the guidance of experienced instructors, honing their skills to perfection.
2. Magic and Combat Training: In parallel with their traditional arts training, Geisha candidates delve into the magical arts and combat skills. They select and specialize in a set of magical arts and undergo rigorous martial training, including swordsmanship and marksmanship.
3. Etiquette and Conversation: A significant portion of their training focuses on etiquette and conversation. Geishas are expected to be masters of engaging in conversation, knowledgeable in a wide range of topics, and adept at putting their clients at ease.
4. Lindyn Forms: A crucial aspect of their martial training involves mastering one of the Lindyn Forms. This deepens their combat proficiency and adds an element of mystique to their skills.
5. Cultural Studies: To enrich their understanding of the arts and society, Geisha candidates also study the history, culture, and politics of their world. This knowledge enhances their ability to engage in meaningful conversations with clients.

After years of rigorous training, Geisha candidates transition into full-fledged Geishas, ready to provide their services to the wealthy elite and nobility of their society.

1. Assignment by Head Mothers: The Head Mothers of the Okiya Palaces play a pivotal role in a Geisha's career progression. They carefully select clients and engagements for each Geisha based on their unique talents and strengths as well as the business needs of the Okiya. This is the starter roster for a Geisha but throughout their career, they are expected to vet and produce their own client list.
2. Client Engagements: Geishas are now entrusted with a variety of engagements, which may include accompanying noble lords and ladies to galas, providing entertainment at exclusive gatherings, or tutoring the next generation of elite society in the traditional arts.
3. Advancement: As Geishas gain experience and build a reputation, they may have the opportunity to work with higher-ranking clients or take on specialized roles within the Okiya, such as mentoring younger candidates or serving as advisors.

Payment & Reimbursement

Clients who seek the company and services of a Geisha are responsible for their payment. When a client engages a Geisha, they make a payment directly to the Geisha's affiliated Okiya Palace. Upon receiving the payment from the client, the Okiya Palace takes a predetermined percentage as its share. The exact percentage can vary widely and depends on several factors, including the reputation of the Okiya, the demand for the Geisha's services, and individual contract negotiations.

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After the Okiya deducts its share, the remaining amount is allocated to the Geisha. This sum constitutes the Geisha's base pay for their services. In addition to their base pay, Geishas have the opportunity to earn tips from clients who are particularly pleased with their company and performances. These tips are entirely at the discretion of the client and can vary in amount. The details of the payment structure are typically established when a Geisha initially signs with an Okiya Palace. Contracts are reviewed periodically, usually on an annual basis. The negotiation power a Geisha holds during these contract reviews depends on several factors:

1. Training Investment: If an Okiya scouted, selected, and trained a Geisha from scratch, the Geisha may have less negotiating power. The Okiya has invested substantially in their development, and this investment is considered during negotiations.
2. Pre-Trained Geishas: Geishas who come to an Okiya with prior training and experience may have more negotiating power. They can explore other Okiya options if they are dissatisfied with their current payment arrangement.

As Geishas advances in their skills and reputation, they can renegotiate their contracts to secure a larger share of the original payment. However, the Okiya will always retain a percentage of the client's payment. For exceptionally popular Geishas who consistently attract high-profile clients, Okiya Palaces may enroll them in specialized bonus programs. One such program is the Dsr-Rosario Program, in which the Okiya provides a loyalty payment on top of the base pay to reward the Geisha for staying with the Okiya and maintaining a loyal clientele. Other bonus programs may include:

1. Quantity Pay: Rewarding Geishas who consistently bring in high numbers of clients.
2. Quality Pay: Recognizing Geishas who attract big-spending clients.
3. Creative and Effective Bonus Programs: Okiya Palaces may offer various creative and performance-based bonuses to encourage Geishas to excel in their craft.

Other Benefits

1. Financial Stability: Geishas typically earn a substantial income from their services, especially if they are highly skilled and have a loyal clientele. This financial stability allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, access luxury goods, and invest in personal development.
2. Cultural Appreciation: Geishas are immersed in the world of traditional arts, magic, and martial skills. They have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of culture, history, and various art forms.
3. Networking Opportunities: Geishas often interact with the wealthy elite, nobility, and influential individuals. This provides them with valuable networking opportunities that can lead to connections and alliances in various spheres, including politics and business.
4. Skill Development: Geishas receive extensive training not only in traditional arts but also in magic, combat, and conversation. This diverse skill set can be personally fulfilling and open up opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth.
5. Recognition and Prestige: Geishas are respected members of society, admired for their talents and expertise. Their presence at events and gatherings adds a sense of prestige, and they are often sought after for their company and performances.
6. Customized Contracts: As Geishas progress in their careers, they can negotiate customized contracts that include higher pay, favorable terms, and bonuses based on their performance and clientele.
7. Loyalty Programs: Exceptionally popular Geishas may benefit from loyalty programs like the Dsr-Rosario Program and other bonuses, which can significantly boost their income and recognition within their Okiya and among clients.
8. Cultural Influence: Geishas have the potential to shape cultural trends and preferences. Their performances and recommendations can influence the tastes and choices of their clients and the broader society. Many local festivals and cultural performances will often request the services of a skilled Geisha to perform them.
9. Personal Fulfillment: The pursuit of mastery in the arts, magic, and combat can be deeply fulfilling for Geishas. It allows them to express their creativity and passion, leading to a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
10. Opportunities for Marriage: Geishas, particularly those with exceptional skills, may be sought after as marriage partners by noble lords and wealthy individuals who appreciate their talents and company.
11. Security and Protection: Okiya Palaces often provide a level of security and protection for their Geishas, ensuring their safety and well-being, which can be especially important in a world with potential risks.
12. Travel Opportunities: Geishas may be invited to accompany clients to various events, gatherings, and even interstellar travel, offering them the chance to explore different planets and star systems.

Perception

Purpose

The role of a Geisha in society is to serve as a beacon of cultural preservation, elegance, and enlightenment, enchanting and enriching the lives of their clients through mastery of the traditional arts, magical prowess, and the embodiment of refined etiquette. Geishas transcend mere entertainment, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and connecting individuals to the timeless traditions of their world, all while offering an oasis of serenity, sophistication, and companionship amidst the complexities of contemporary life.

Social Status

In the society where Geisha thrive, their profession is regarded with an aura of reverence and cultural significance. Rather than being relegated to a lower "caste" occupation, Geisha hold a prestigious and coveted place in the social hierarchy. They are celebrated as cultural icons and ambassadors of tradition, lauded for their mastery of the traditional arts, magical talents, and the consummate grace with which they navigate social interactions. Clients and the broader society seek the company of Geisha not only for their entertainment but also for the privilege of basking in their cultural knowledge and sophistication. Geisha embody the highest echelons of refinement and serve as a symbol of cultural continuity, their presence valued at the most distinguished events, ceremonies, and gatherings. In this society, being a Geisha is synonymous with being a guardian of tradition and a bearer of the timeless beauty that enriches the lives of those fortunate enough to share in their company.

Operations

Workplace

In the world of Geisha, the Okiya Palaces, true to their name, stand as grand and imposing structures, often resembling palaces in their architectural opulence. These Okiya Palaces serve as the heart of the Geisha profession, offering not only the lavish settings where clients are entertained but also the essential facilities for training, living, and hosting various cultural events. An Okiya must be equipped to fulfill a myriad of functions, reflecting the diverse skills and roles of the Geisha within. This includes:

1. Training Grounds: The Okiya must have dedicated training areas where Geisha can refine their mastery of the Traditional Arts, magic, marksmanship, swordsmanship, and the Art of War. These spaces are carefully designed to accommodate rigorous practice and skill development.
2. Residential Quarters: Geisha resides on the palace campus in two distinct residences. The Geisha Residence, often referred to as the "front end," is where clients are entertained. These elegant clusters of buildings or spaces allow multiple Geisha to host multiple clients simultaneously. Each Geisha, along with their personal staff, maintains a Private Residence within the Okiya, where they live when not engaged in their professional duties.
3. Event Hosting: Okiya Palaces play a vital role in the local culture and society, often contracted by the planet's local government to participate in ceremonies and cultural events. Sometimes, they are even responsible for hosting such events and accommodating all the attendees. This requires spacious and versatile event spaces within the Okiya. The venue alone from hosting such events brings more money into an Okiya, and that is to say noting of the gross vendor income from being the host of such events.
4. Renting Spaces: Beyond their primary functions, Okiya Palaces may also rent out their well-appointed spaces to interest groups or organizations for a variety of purposes, further diversifying their income streams.

Maintaining the Okiya Palace is a meticulous endeavor. The Geisha Residence, where clients are entertained, is orchestrated with the utmost attention to detail. Okiya Palace Staff take great care to ensure that every aspect aligns with the preferences of the Geisha, down to the placement of tiles and decor. The atmosphere within these spaces is carefully crafted to create an enchanting and immersive experience for the clients.

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Each Geisha and her personal staff reside in a designated apartment or complex within the palace grounds. These living spaces are both functional and harmonious, providing comfort and privacy to Geisha and their teams. The arrangement is typically one complex per Geisha and her staff, allowing for a sense of community and mutual support.

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The facilities and infrastructure of an Okiya Palace are paramount to the success of the Geisha within. They serve as the canvas upon which the Geisha paint their artistic and cultural expressions. The ability of an Okiya to withstand the demands of training, client entertainment, event hosting, and cultural obligations is a testament to its prominence in the world of Geisha. Failure to meet these expectations could lead to the decline or even the demise of an Okiya in this highly competitive and nuanced profession.

Provided Services

1. Entertainment Performances: Geishas are renowned for their artistic talents. They can provide captivating performances in traditional arts such as dance, music, and theater. These performances may incorporate magic and martial elements to enhance their appeal.
2. Conversational Companionship: Geishas are skilled conversationalists who engage their clients in meaningful and entertaining discussions. They are knowledgeable in a wide range of topics, making them engaging companions for social gatherings.
3. Cultural Education: Geishas can educate their clients about the cultural and historical aspects of their world, sharing insights into traditional customs, rituals, and art forms. This service can be particularly appealing to clients interested in cultural enrichment.
4. Magic Demonstrations: Geishas proficient in magical arts can provide enchanting demonstrations of their powers, showcasing their mastery of spells, illusions, and mystical abilities.
5. Combat Demonstrations: For clients interested in martial arts and combat, Geishas can offer demonstrations of their swordsmanship, marksmanship, and mastery of Lindyn Forms, providing a unique and thrilling experience.
6. Cooking and Culinary Expertise: Geishas skilled in the culinary arts can prepare exquisite meals for their clients, offering a taste of traditional and exotic dishes from different planets and star systems.
7. Tea Ceremonies: Geishas may host traditional tea ceremonies, showcasing their precision and grace in performing this revered ritual. It's an opportunity for clients to experience a moment of tranquility and reflection.
8. Meditation and Relaxation Sessions: Some Geishas may offer meditation and relaxation sessions to help clients de-stress and find inner peace, incorporating their knowledge of mental and spiritual practices.
9. Escort to Events: Geishas often accompany their clients to social events, galas, and gatherings, serving as elegant and engaging companions who enhance the client's social status.
10. Education for Noblewomen and Heirs: Geishas can be employed to educate noblewomen and heirs in the traditional arts, magic, etiquette, and cultural nuances, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles.
11. Artistic Collaboration: Geishas can collaborate with clients on creative projects, such as designing costumes, composing music, or choreographing performances, drawing from their artistic expertise.
12. Interstellar Travel Companions: Some clients may hire Geishas to accompany them on interstellar journeys, providing entertainment, companionship, and cultural enrichment during long voyages.
13. Event Planning and Hosting: Geishas may assist in planning and hosting private events, including themed parties, cultural celebrations, and gatherings tailored to the client's preferences.
14. Customized Experiences: Geishas can tailor their services to meet individual client preferences, ensuring a unique and personalized experience for each encounter.
15. Mediation and Diplomacy: In certain situations, Geishas may be called upon to mediate disputes or represent their clients in diplomatic settings due to their poise and communication skills.

Dangers & Hazards

1. Intense Competition: The Geisha profession is highly competitive, with many aspiring candidates vying for limited positions. This can create pressure and rivalry among Geishas.
2. Client Expectations: Meeting and exceeding the expectations of demanding clients can be stressful. Geishas must consistently deliver exceptional performances and companionship.
3. Vulnerability to Exploitation: Geishas may be vulnerable to clients who seek to take advantage of their skills or personal connections for their own gain.
4. Exposure to Intrigue: Geishas often attend high-profile events and gatherings, exposing them to political intrigue and potential risks associated with powerful clientele.
5. Social Isolation: The demands of their profession may lead to social isolation, as Geishas often prioritize their careers over personal relationships.
6. Burnout: The rigorous training and constant performance expectations can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, resulting in burnout.
7. Cultural Expectations: Geishas must adhere to cultural norms and traditions, which can limit their personal freedoms and choices.
8. Stigmatization: Despite their cultural significance, Geishas may still face societal stigmatization and prejudice from those who misunderstand or misjudge their profession.
9. Ethical Dilemmas: Geishas may grapple with ethical dilemmas, such as navigating complex client relationships or participating in activities that conflict with their personal values.
10. Security Risks: High-profile Geishas may become targets for various threats, including paparazzi, stalkers, or political adversaries of their clients.
11. Financial Dependency: Geishas' income is often tied to their clients, making them financially dependent on maintaining client relationships.
12. Loyalty Conflicts: Geishas may experience conflicts of loyalty between their Okiya Palace and clients, especially if clients have conflicting interests.
13. Loss of Privacy: Their public personas and high visibility may result in a loss of personal privacy, making it challenging to lead private lives.
14. Cultural Pressure: The weight of upholding cultural traditions and expectations can be burdensome for Geishas, who may feel pressure to be flawless in all aspects of their lives.
15. Longevity Challenges: The demands of the profession can take a toll on their health and longevity, potentially leading to physical and emotional health issues in later years.
16. Client Dependency: Geishas who become too dependent on a single, high-paying client may face significant financial instability if that client's support is withdrawn.
17. Isolation from Modern Society: Geishas' deep immersion in traditional arts and culture may result in isolation from modern society and technology, limiting their exposure to the broader world.

Words of the Elegant Geisha through the Ages

1. "Magic is not merely a display of power; it is the subtle harmony between the ethereal and the tangible. As Geisha, we are the custodians of this delicate balance, using our magical prowess to enchant, heal, and mend the threads of the universe itself."
2. "In our art, we do not merely dance or sing; we convey the very essence of our culture, its history, and its aspirations. Through every graceful movement and each heartfelt note, we tell stories that echo through the ages, allowing the past to dance with the present."
3. "The blade of a sword is a mirror reflecting one's soul, and our proficiency in swordsmanship is a testament to the discipline of our spirits. We do not wield it for violence but to protect, to defend, and to uphold the principles we hold dear."
4. "In the tranquil depths of our hearts, we carry the wisdom of ages, handed down through generations. As Geisha, we are not only entertainers but also guardians of the profound knowledge that shapes our world's identity, ensuring it is passed on to those who seek its embrace."
5. "While we may be adorned in silken robes and delicate ornaments, we are also bearers of resilience and strength. The Lindyn Forms we master are not tools of aggression but reflections of our unwavering commitment to self-mastery."
6. "In the hushed corridors of our Private Residences, we find solace and recharge our spirits. Our lives are a delicate balance between public splendor and private contemplation, each complementing the other in our journey as Geisha."

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Alternative Names

Celestial Artisans | Aurora Ambassadors

Famous in the Field

• The 5th Wonder of Mars