Geisha, the (missing) Asian Bard

[smootrk]

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you might want to make being female a requirement. Unless there's some form of male geisha I am unfamiliar with.

Actually, I thought the same the same thing initially.

Most of my initial research consisted of the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". I was 'forced' to watch the chick-flick, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the story and the cinematography. The movie gave me some great insight into the lifestyle, but I knew that it was completely fictional.

Following up with some net surfing for more details, I found out that Geisha were originally male (much like Shakespearean actors in the old days). Over time, they were replaced by women, and the male Geisha became exceedingly rare - I'm guessing that they catered to clientèle's with alternate sexual tastes.

I personally wouldn't want a male Geisha character, but I am quite conventional when it comes to the orientation of my characters. But, 3.x D&D is written with complete gender equality, and I believe rightly so for the purpose of base rules for a fantasy game, so if someone wanted a male geisha, more power to them... and my NPC's can run the gamut of variations - so I wouldn't rule it out, as unconventional as it might seem to most.

 

[Storyteller01]

Geisha defense bugs me a bit. I like the idea, but I can't get past historic accounts to the contrary. Once someone took a swing they weren't harder to hit.

Have you looked at Rokugan's Courtier class? No spellcasting, but it seems appropriate. Lots of skills (including multiple opportunities to include cross class skills as class skills), the ability to roll Gather Info as part of a rumor mill, and a later level ability that (as long as you arn't armed or hostile) forces opponents to roll a save or refuse to attack you (makes more sense imho, and it's just one of several they have access to). You might be able to pick it apart and take what you need.

If it's open content, I can type a quick version for you in a few days provided you're interested.

 

[smootrk]

Geisha defense bugs me a bit. I like the idea, but I can't get past historic accounts to the contrary. Once someone took a swing they weren't harder to hit.

Have you looked at Rokugan's Courtier class? No spellcasting, but it seems appropriate. Lots of skills (including multiple opportunities to include cross class skills as class skills), the ability to roll Gather Info as part of a rumor mill, and a later level ability that (as long as you arn't armed or hostile) forces opponents to roll a save or refuse to attack you (makes more sense imho, and it's just one of several they have access to). You might be able to pick it apart and take what you need.

If it's open content, I can type a quick version for you in a few days provided you're interested.

I am not sure I understand your take on the Geisha Defense. It is just a dodge bonus based upon her ability to subtlety distract foes in combat. As she goes up in Geisha levels she gains a little more defensive ability - it could be called distraction by beauty, grace, dance moves, etc. I put in the CHA cap (like the similar Jester ability from DC1) to reflect that it is partially based on her ability to have a striking presence (ie CHA).

I like the Courtier class. It has its place, but it strikes me as more of a politician or aristocrat, than a performer. I did look very closely at the Gossip/Gather Info skills of the class for the possibility of using aspects of it.

Ultimately, as I described a little above, I thought the Geisha would be more similar to standard bards with their Bard Knowledge ability (based on reading poetry, epic stories, classic songs, etc), with only a minor focus on true gossip. The net effect may be similar, but it is gathered differently. Courtiers actively gather intel, make contacts, grease some palms, etc. while the Geisha innocently (or maybe not so innocently) overhears tidbits of info while doing her 'personal escort' or performance roles. Much business transacts while in the Tea House, and the Geisha may be privy to portions that the patrons unwittingly discuss.

A smart or crafty Geisha would have many Courtier clients (as well as powerful Samurai and Daimyo) to aid info gathering, especially if she deals on the side with information brokering.

I do want to be clear that I did not design the class as some sort of covert cover for other activities, whether Court Spy, Ninja Assassin, or similar endeavors. The class is for entertainers (albeit with some thought on integration into adventuring parties). Multiclassing is probably what is needed to serve these slightly associated functions. I can envision specialized PRC's that address these aspects or bridge some multiclass options. An Okiya would probably make a very good cover operation for a Clan of Female Ninja Operatives.

 

[Quartz]

I'm just wondering how playable the class actually is. It may sound odd, but have you considered using the Monk class instead?

 

[smootrk]

I'm just wondering how playable the class actually is. It may sound odd, but have you considered using the Monk class instead?

Well, the class has not been playtested as either a pc character, or as an npc.

You are right, Monk sounds odd indeed.

I do not see the correlation between monk and geisha, except maybe in some wire-fu type movies where just about anyone might be a secret martial art master. Like I said a couple of times, the class was not designed as anything other than what it is... a performer (Asian bard). It is not a secret cover for mystical martial arts masters, or a secret cover for a ninja band, nor a secret amazon female samurai clan, or anything else. An enterprising DM may adapt it to suit any role they want, but it is designed simply as the base class bard with an Asian flair, which is completely absent from the Oriental Adventures ruleset (including the Rokugan books). Just trying to fill that void.

As to playability, I would love to hear from someone who tries it out. PC, NPC, or otherwise.

 

[Quartz]

I do not see the correlation between monk and geisha

Self-discipline. Grace.

 

[bento]

Geisha and playability

One issue I would have with this class is that historically, there is no reason why a Geisha would join an adventuring party.

While I am no expert on real Geisha (hadn't specialized in studying the artform in graduate school) I have read some and watched a documentary or two. Geisha (and hostesses in modern Japan) exist to help clients relax after a stressful day. Their artforms - serving drinks, learning songs, dancing, ect., are learned as young girls in order to bring beauty and gaity into the lives of powerful men.

Therefore the purpose of a Geisha would be to seek out a powerful sponsor and provide lifelong service to that sponsor. This could be a local lord, politico, rich merchant or yakuza boss. While other heroes in an RPG would be to do the same (serving a powerful lord), the have a wide latitude to hit the road on a quest. Geisha's role is to stay home, rub shoulders and pour sake.

Geisha don't equal bards because bards hit the road to learn new stories, experience adventures that provide inspiration for songs, and other nonsense. What does a Geisha gain from going on a quest? For a player wanting to take on the role of a Geisha, it would make more sense to take a ninja and spend some skill points on performance to use it as a convincing cover.

Now Geisha as NPCs are great, providing excellent sources of information for a party. They can also provide intrigue in a urban-based adventure. But building an NPC Geisha using the Expert NPC class makes more sense.

Give me a reason for a Geisha to complement a party of adventurers, and then I might agree, but otherwise, it's a questionable.

 

[Dei]

Give me a reason for a Geisha to complement a party of adventurers, and then I might agree, but otherwise, it's a questionable.

Typically you'd be right. You're average Geisha will never be engaged in "adventuring." However it is perfectly plausible for Geisha's who show exceptional aptitude to have objective's closer to those of a spy or other agent. Historically they did in fact take on these roles.

Let us assume for example that your Okiya is indebted to the local lord and a situation arises across the border that threatens his land. He cannot send any agents as if they are caught he will be in a great deal of trouble so he requests that a Geisha be sent, she is perfect because she is a diplomat by nature with the ability to spy on/pacify situations should she find them but at the same time she does not bear the same affiliations or conotations that sending a ninja or other agent would. If he sent one of them it would be construed as a hostile act should they be found out, nor could that agent contact the locals should it become necessary without arising suspicion. With a Geisha there are no such problems.

Though it is true that it is taking some liberties with the historical role it is not that great a step.

 

[smootrk]

One issue I would have with this class is that historically, there is no reason why a Geisha would join an adventuring party.

Give me a reason for a Geisha to complement a party of adventurers, and then I might agree, but otherwise, it's a questionable.

I see your point, but I don't have any more trouble with adventuring Geisha, than I do with adventuring Monks, Priests, Wizard types. Why should a Monk leave the monestarey (historically that is)? Why should a priest-type leave behind the temple he is charged with serving (outside of the layman missionary)? Why should the reclusive wizard depart his lonely tower and his experiments just to travel? The reason is that it makes good stories, and good games. It might be easier to take the soldier (fighter/samurai/etc) and give him a mission or have him look for glory, but sometimes the more interesting character comes from different backgrounds.

I do understand what you are saying, but I think the point is not very applicable in a fantasy game setting which is truly not historic at all. The class was designed originally and primarily for NPC's, but as I progressed, I could see actual use in the game by a player.

I do appreciate your feedback.

 

[Storyteller01]

I am not sure I understand your take on the Geisha Defense. It is just a dodge bonus based upon her ability to subtlety distract foes in combat. As she goes up in Geisha levels she gains a little more defensive ability - it could be called distraction by beauty, grace, dance moves, etc. I put in the CHA cap (like the similar Jester ability from DC1) to reflect that it is partially based on her ability to have a striking presence (ie CHA).

Just that geisha's didn't go into combat. Those that were involved in some fight died pretty messily. There weren't examples of those that avoided blows by distraction.

Even the two in Zatoichi (one male and one female seeking revenge for the death of a relative) were more like rogues in the use sneak attacks. They used one surprise attack to make a kill, and those that survived weren't distracted by charm after the fact.