One profession that exists in most Yrūn cultures is prostitution. In business cultures Procurers often serve as managers for prostitutes. It is not uncommon for men and women of means to occasionally approach Procurers and arrange for sex with one (or more) of their employees. The Procurer acts as business manager and often secures protection for his employees.
Though some cultures shun the business of prostitution, others are more accepting. In Taldàna, prostitution can be a labor of faith and homage. Tithes collected from this work are donated directly to the Temple. In Taldàna, such work is done for purposes of atonement, charity, and income. Sex performed in honor of the Goddess follows specific rituals, which are sometimes touted as exotic by foreigners. Theoretically, such work is to be shared only with other faithful, but in practice adherence to this tenet is not strict. Despite the “honor” of the Amran profession, prostitution is not commonly practiced by family men or women who by tradition must provide love and devotion to their children.
Brothels are can be found worldwide but are most common in large cities or boomtowns where money is flowing freely.
In other areas, the practice is not so open. Many tribes of the Shar for instance, believe in the integrity and sanctity of women. Women known to be prostitutes are marked, shunned, and will never become wives. The subsequent children of such women are adopted to proper families or sold as slaves. At least one tribe (the Arac) outlaws the payment of prostitutes in any form other than food.
Slaves are commonly employed as sex workers in areas where slavery is accepted. Kirydia is an exception to this. Though the business of slavery thrives in the Ringed Empire, slaves are granted the same “personal rights” as free people. This is not to say there are no slave prostitutes in Kirydia, only that being an issue of morality, they cannot be forced into the profession against their will. Interestingly, some of the world’s most famous prostitutes have been Kirydian slaves (having involved themselves with members of state).
The desert cultures of Tassèrus have professional escorts called Anjara. Similar to geisha, Anjara are employed as companions and formal escorts. Anjara of lower classes are mostly prostitutes, as they do not have the training, education, or respect of their higher classed counterparts. It is a common and dangerous blunder for foreigners arriving in these areas to expect sex from true Anjara. If the Anjara takes offense (and is not paid restitution for the dishonor) the Procurer is within his rights to order the murder of the foreigner, for the business’s reputation is at stake.
Services
Sex workers can be found that will provide all manner of services for a price. Though there are no set price lists, the following should provide a cost guide for common services in the cities of northern Teréðor. Prices vary based on a) wealth of an area, b) class of worker, c) hygiene and appearance of worker, d) skills of worker, e) tolerance of the trade in a given area, and f) reputation. Despite the price ranges offered below, exceptional or exclusive workers often charge much more.
- Conversation: 1/4-1d
- Hand Work: 1/2-2d
- Massage: 1-4d
- Foot Work: 1,1/2-6d
- Mouth Work: 2-8d
- Escort: 2-8d
- Bed work: 3-12d
- Performance: 3-12d
- Back Work: 3,1/2-14d
- Exotic: 5d+
Typically, the Procurer’s cut is 80% with the remainder being paid to the prostitute. More skilled sex workers (e.g., exotics, musicians, performers) often retain a larger cut.
Notes
In some regions where pale skin is favorable; prostitutes and courtesans often cook an elixir of boiled wine in lead cups to lighten their complexion. There is no magical effect here, only lead poisoning which makes the women anemic. A cocktail of arsenic, vinegar, and chalk is also used for this purpose.