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Prostitution in Caphiria: Difference between revisions
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In [[Caphiria]], '''prostitution | In [[Caphiria]], '''prostitution''', '''l'''egally known as '''courtesanship''', is legal and regulated, as are other aspects of the sex industry, including brothels, advertisement, and job offers through "adult service" companies. The [[College of Prostitution]] is the governing body for sex work in Caphiria, responsible for the regulation and protection of both businesses and workers and for ensuring workers comply with health regulations and engage in preventative practices. While Caphirian views on sexuality are incredibly liberal, the government of Caphiria levies heavy taxes on the sex industry, in part to appease the [[Catholic Church]] and to appeal to traditional Christian values. | ||
By the law, all sex workers must be registered with the College of Prostitution and undergo monthly health checks. Additionally, Caphirian law mandates using condoms for sexual intercourse with prostitutes, including oral contact. The legal term for a registered sex worker is ''courtesan''. | By the law, all sex workers must be registered with the College of Prostitution and undergo monthly health checks. Additionally, Caphirian law mandates using condoms for sexual intercourse with prostitutes, including oral contact. The legal term for a registered sex worker is ''courtesan''. | ||
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Historically, sex work in Caphiria has never been outlawed and has been described since the classical era. Since at least the 3rd century, several Caphirian cities operated famous brothels frequented by many of Caphiria's aristocracy. The practice of sex work was considered a necessary evil; some cities actively encouraged it, and far from existing on the margins, sex workers were often honored guests who maintained domestic order as an outlet and lesser evil to such things as adultery and rape. The cities also gained tax revenues from prostitutes. | Historically, sex work in Caphiria has never been outlawed and has been described since the classical era. Since at least the 3rd century, several Caphirian cities operated famous brothels frequented by many of Caphiria's aristocracy. The practice of sex work was considered a necessary evil; some cities actively encouraged it, and far from existing on the margins, sex workers were often honored guests who maintained domestic order as an outlet and lesser evil to such things as adultery and rape. The cities also gained tax revenues from prostitutes. | ||
During the middle of the [[First Imperium]], | During the middle of the [[First Imperium]], sex work was a loosely organized practice, mostly prevalent in port cities. Courtesans, regarded with a mystical reverence, were integral in maintaining the morale of sailors and traders during this period. They were not just providers of physical comfort but also served as confidantes and spiritual advisors, offering solace and guidance to sailors and traders, akin to mystics or oracles. This practice was deeply rooted in ancient Sarpic traditions, where spiritual and physical realms were closely intertwined. Courtesans during this time might have been associated with specific deities or spiritual practices, and their counsel was sought in matters beyond the carnal - from interpreting dreams and omens to providing advice on personal and even commercial affairs. Their abodes, often lavishly decorated, served as sanctuaries where men could find respite from their travels and tribulations. The courtesans were skilled in various arts, from music and dance to poetry and storytelling, enhancing their mystical aura. Their role was not just to entertain but to elevate the soul, blending sensuality with spirituality. | ||
As Caphiria entered a period of expansion and urbanization, courtesanship evolved. As cities expanded and evolved throughout the Imperium, recognizing the economic and social benefits of sex work, they began to institutionalize the practice. Inspired by Sarpic culture, where sacred prostitution was intertwined with religious ceremonies, some Caphirian cities established state-run brothels. These brothels were more than just places of pleasure; they were cultural hubs, hosting performances, art exhibitions, and philosophical debates. In these establishments, courtesans’ roles diversified. Some continued the tradition of spiritual mentorship, while others specialized in the arts, becoming celebrated performers and artists in their own right. This period saw the rise of the first [[Amorini Houses]], large buildings that were part-brothel and part-hostel. These Amorini Houses trained courtesans in various arts, from rhetoric to medicine, making them well-rounded companions for the elite. The government, recognizing the financial potential, imposed a tax on brothels, which became a significant source of revenue. This tax was often justified as a means to fund public works. | As Caphiria entered a period of expansion and urbanization, courtesanship evolved. As cities expanded and evolved throughout the Imperium, recognizing the economic and social benefits of sex work, they began to institutionalize the practice. Inspired by Sarpic culture, where sacred prostitution was intertwined with religious ceremonies, some Caphirian cities established state-run brothels. These brothels were more than just places of pleasure; they were cultural hubs, hosting performances, art exhibitions, and philosophical debates. In these establishments, courtesans’ roles diversified. Some continued the tradition of spiritual mentorship, while others specialized in the arts, becoming celebrated performers and artists in their own right. This period saw the rise of the first [[Amorini Houses]], large buildings that were part-brothel and part-hostel. These Amorini Houses trained courtesans in various arts, from rhetoric to medicine, making them well-rounded companions for the elite. The government, recognizing the financial potential, imposed a tax on brothels, which became a significant source of revenue. This tax was often justified as a means to fund public works. | ||
As the First Imperium approached its zenith in the 6th and 7th century, courtesanship underwent significant transformation, aligning with broader social and cultural shifts. | As the First Imperium approached its zenith in the 6th and 7th century, courtesanship underwent significant transformation, aligning with broader social and cultural shifts. One of the most famous Amorini House proprietaries was [[Doccharita Koholottia]], a former slave. Koholottia transformed her Amorini House into a center of culture and learning, far exceeding its traditional scope. She introduced a curriculum that included not just the traditional arts expected of courtesans but also subjects like political theory and economics. Under her guidance, courtesans became well-versed in the intricacies of Caphirian society, capable of engaging with the elite on intellectual levels. Koholottia's success story, from slavery to prominence, inspired many and contributed to changing perceptions about courtesans, elevating their status within Caphirian society. Consequently, Amorini Houses became more institutionalized, and also served as training centers, where young courtesans learned not only the art of pleasure but also etiquette, philosophy, and the fine arts, making them sought-after companions among the aristocracy. Towards the end of the 7th century, courtesans began to play a more direct role in politics and they became confidantes and advisors to the ruling elite, wielding soft power to influence decisions and negotiations. Amorini Houses turned into spaces where political and intellectual discussions flourished, subtly shaping Caphirian policy and diplomacy. | ||
However, as the First Imperium fell into decline in the 9th century, courtesanship mirrored the empire's decline. As the Imperium faced internal strife and external threats, courtesans, privy to the secrets and plans of the elite, became crucial players in the political world. Amorini Houses served as neutral grounds for clandestine meetings and negotiations, often mediating disputes and alliances between warring factions within the Imperium. During the [[History of Caphiria#Piracy in the Duranis|rise of piracy in the Duranis]], courtesans were instrumental in intelligence gathering and diplomacy. They used their connections and influence to infiltrate the Društvari, one of the powerful pirate tribes, and gathered crucial information about their plans and movements. [[Olemaria Celladonserse]], a renowned courtesan, played a pivotal role in the delicate balance of power between the Imperium and the Društvari during the height of piracy in the Duranis region. Accompanied by members of the [[Praetorian Guard]], Olemaria made the xxxx mile journey from [[Venceia]] to the southern provinces to meet with the leader of the Društvari pirates, Esli Tarlev. While Tarlev was impressed by Olemaria's tact, he arrogantly believed she would be easily manipulated due to her profession. However, Olemaria's sharp intellect and deep understanding of political dynamics quickly turned the tables. She subtly steered the conversations, using her charm and wit to plant seeds of doubt in Tarlev's strategies against the Imperium. Olemaria, capitalizing on Tarlev's underestimation of her, extracted key information about the Društvari's plans, vulnerabilities, and even internal dissent. This intelligence was crucial for the Imperium to devise effective counter-strategies, significantly weakening the Društvari's offensive capabilities and influence in the region. Tarlev ended up agreeing to let Olemaria establish an Amorini House at the port town of [[Töröm]], which he controlled. Olemaria sent her most effective courtesans to Töröm, where they gathered critical intelligence on Društvari movements and plans, which she discreetly passed to the Caphirian authorities. This information helped the Imperium preempt and counter several major pirate attacks, significantly reducing the threat to coastal trade routes. Olemaria's actions, while unrecognized by official histories, demonstrated the significant yet often overlooked role courtesans played in shaping the events of their time. Their ability to navigate the complex web of politics, combined with their access to the elite, made them powerful yet subtle influencers in the course of Caphirian history. | |||
== Modern era == | == Modern era == | ||