Avenging Viper
2007-07-02, 01:32 AM
I don't know if this has been done before, but I've been studying up on the geisha lately and I think it would be cool to have one in a campaign, so here we go.
Geisha of the Bladed Fan
"Geisha are not courtesans. And we are not wives. We sell our skills, not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word "geisha" means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art." ~ Mameha, Memoirs of a Geisha
Geisha, unlike the common bard, are experts of entertainment and entrancement. Their training is rigorous, producing artisans of astounding grace and artistic prowess. Becoming a geisha requires a sharp mind, as well as physical ability, for geishas are also trained in the arts of conversation and dialogue, and so they make excellent diplomats in their own demure way. A geisha under threat, though, can be a terrible enemy. Several schools have begun to teach their students the art of a deadly weapon called the "bladed fan" and the strength and grace acquired through their training makes them more dangerous than they appear. Geisha work by carefull insinuation and planning. Most of those who choose to become geisha are rogues or bards, but sorcerers and wizards sometimes choose this path as well, particularly those who specialize in enchantment spells. Occaisionally a fighter or a cleric will be drawn into this path of life. Paladins and barbarians almost never become geisha, as the geisha lifestyle is too chaotic for the taste of paladins and too subtle for barbarians.
Hit Die: 1d6
Requirements:
Gender: Female
Skills: +8 Perform (dance), +4 Diplomacy, +4 Sense Motive
Special: The character must be accepted as an apprentice by an existing geisha house, to which she owes her loyalty until reaching the 10th level of the class herself.
Class Skills:
Balance (dex), Bluff (cha), Concentration (con), Craft (int), Diplomacy (cha), Escape Artist (dex), Gatherin Information (cha), Knowledge (local) (int), Listen (wis), Move Silently (dex), Perform (cha), Profession (wis), Search (int), Sense Motive (wis), Sleight of Hand (dex), Spot (wis)
Skill points: 6 + Int modifier
{table=head]Level|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Ability|Spells
1|+0|+0|+2|+2|Mesmerizing Gaze 1/day, Initiate of the Bladed Fan|
2|+1|+0|+3|+3|Conversationalist +2, Patron|
3|+2|+1|+3|+3|Persuasive Art|+1 existing spell casting class
4|+3|+1|+4|+4|Mesmerizing Gaze 2/day, Performer's Mask|
5|+3|+1|+4|+4|Expert of the Bladed Fan, Hypnotic Gaze 1/day|
6|+4|+2|+5|+5|Conversationalist +4|+1 existing spell casting class
7|+5|+2|+5|+5|Mezmerizing Gaze 3/day|
8|+6|+2|+6|+6|Suggestive Mask|
9|+6|+3|+6|+6|Mistress of the Bladed Fan, Hypnotic Gaze 2/day|+1 existing spell casting class
10|+7|+3|+7|+7|Mezmerizing Gaze 4/day, Conversationalist +6, Mistress of the Okiya|
[/table]
Class Features:
Geisha Abilities: In order to advance in her levels, a geisha must pay her house Mistress 1 gp x the geisha class levels she has per week (due quarterly) in order to remain in the household. If a geisha is ejected from a household, she must either earn her way back in or find another household willing to take her before she can advance in the class again. After achieving 10th level in this class, she is freed from her obligations to her mother house and may start a geisha house of her own.
Bard Abilities: Geisha levels stack with bard levels for bardic abilities such as bardic knowledge.
Mesmerizing Gaze: One of a geisha's most powerful weapons are her eyes. Rumors about that geisha possess mystical powers able to stop another person in their tracks using their gaze alone. Mesmerizing gaze acts as a hold person spell cast by a bard of the character's level, without spell components and as a gaze attack. The duration of the effect is doubled, provided the geisha can maintain eye contact with the target the entire time. If the geisha cannot make eye contact with the target (either from concealment, blindness, or other effect) this ability fails. The DC of the ability is 10+geisha level+CHA modifier.
Initiate of the Bladed Fan: While geisha are primarily artisans, it is sometimes necessary for them to defend themselves. Each geisha recieves training in the use of the bladed fan, a weapon that can be easily concealed as well as wielded easily with the geisha's dance style, and upon their debute as a geisha they are given their first bladed fan. This weapon appears to be a simple dancing fan, but by releasing a catch on the fan's grip, small blades spring out from the fan's spines creating a deadly and effective weapon. All geisha are proficient with this weapon and at 1st level they acquire Weapon Focus: Bladed Fan as a feat, and her fan is considered a +1 magical item. If a geisha loses her fan, or it is destroyed, she must return to a geisha house to acquire another one.
{table]Bladed Fan|1d4 (small)|1d6 (medium)|1d8 (large)|18-20/x2|1 lb.|Light weapon|Slashing[/table]
Bladed fans require a successful Spot check at DC 25 to reveal them as weapons. If the Spot check is failed, they are assumed to be a normal bamboo and silk fan.
Conversationalist:
A geisha is a master of conversation, both in speech and in reading the clues her audience and patrons unwittingly reveal about themselves. As such, at 2nd level she gains +2 to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, and Bluff. This bonus is increased to +4 at 6th level and +6 at 10th level.
Patron:
At 2nd level, a geisha is able to acquire a special patron who can assist her in her work at times. The level of this patron is determined at the number of ranks in the Geisha class + the geisha's CHA modifier. This patron may come from any walk of life, but he or she is wealthy without question and will often assist the geisha as much as they are able to in a variety of ways, though they will occaisionally ask a favor in return as well as the prestige of having a talented geisha at their beck and call.
Persuasive Art:
Once per day the geisha may add her ranks in a Perform skill to a Diplomacy check in order to influence a person or group of people in her favor.
Performer's Mask
More highly trained geisha have become experts at hiding their true feelings, even from those able to spy upon their inner most thoughts magically. At 4th level a Geisha gains immunity to detect thoughts.
Expert of the Bladed Fan:
Geisha continue to train with their signature weapon as well as their training in dance and music, and so more experienced geisha learn how to best utilize its particular qualities. A geisha of this level gains Weapon Specilization: Bladed Fan, and her bladed fan is considered a +2 magical item.
Hypnotic Gaze
A geisha become more experienced, their powers of control over others increase. Higher level geisha are not only able to stop others in their tracks, but also to sublty utilize dominate person as a caster of your level, using it as a gaze attack. The geisha must be able to make eye contact with the subject to use this ability. The DC of this ability is 10+geisha level+CHA modifier.
Suggestive Mask:
Some of the highest level geisha are not only able to block others from spying on their inner thoughts, they are actually able to implant false thoughts for others to find. A geisha with this ability is immune to detect thoughts, but she is able to sense when this ability is being used on her and send the user false thoughts of her own division. The DC check for realizing these thoughts are false is 10+ the geisha's class level + her charisma modifier. She also gains a +10 to Bluff checks to defeat a Sense Motive check.
Mistress of the Bladed Fan: Those who have been geisha for a long time are said to not only be masters of their chosen weapon, but also able to bestow their fans with wondrous powers. A geisha with this ability gains Greater Two Weapon Fighting as a feat for the purposes of weilding two fans at once regardless of wether she has the prerequisits. Her fans are also treated as though they were +3 magical weapons. In addition, she is able to confer either the Flaming, Frost, or Shock ability on her fans, but only one ability at time and she must designate which in the beginning round of combat.
Mistress of the Okiya:
A geisha who has attained this level is considered a Mistress of the art. She gains Leadership as a feat, and is able to start her own geisha household. A Mistress of the Okiya benefits monetarially from the other geisha in her household, and for each geisha in her retinue she gains 1 gold piece x the protege geisha's level per week. At this level, she is also able to begin crafting bladed fans for her proteges and herself (utilizing a Craft (fan) check) and no longer needs to return to a geisha house in order to replace a lost or damaged fan.
Playing a Geisha
Geisha usually travel in pairs or in groups, but now and then a geisha will travel with an adventuring party to some end. Her house mistress might have sent her on an errand or on a quest, or she may owe some favor to one of the adventuring party members. Or perhaps there is greater wealth to be earned in travel. What is certain is that wherever a geisha might go, she is never free of the obligations to her household until she is a Mistress of the Okiya herself.
Geisha often refer to the members of their household by family titles, whether they are any relation or not. Other geisha of the same status are referred to as "Sisters". The mistress of the house is always called "Mother", and on the occaision that there are any of her "Sisters" still living in the house, they are addressed as "Auntie". There is always some rivalry between geisha "sisters", as competition for clients and the favor of the "Mother" can be fierce, though most manage to get along.
Geisha of the Bladed Fan
"Geisha are not courtesans. And we are not wives. We sell our skills, not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word "geisha" means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art." ~ Mameha, Memoirs of a Geisha
Geisha, unlike the common bard, are experts of entertainment and entrancement. Their training is rigorous, producing artisans of astounding grace and artistic prowess. Becoming a geisha requires a sharp mind, as well as physical ability, for geishas are also trained in the arts of conversation and dialogue, and so they make excellent diplomats in their own demure way. A geisha under threat, though, can be a terrible enemy. Several schools have begun to teach their students the art of a deadly weapon called the "bladed fan" and the strength and grace acquired through their training makes them more dangerous than they appear. Geisha work by carefull insinuation and planning. Most of those who choose to become geisha are rogues or bards, but sorcerers and wizards sometimes choose this path as well, particularly those who specialize in enchantment spells. Occaisionally a fighter or a cleric will be drawn into this path of life. Paladins and barbarians almost never become geisha, as the geisha lifestyle is too chaotic for the taste of paladins and too subtle for barbarians.
Hit Die: 1d6
Requirements:
Gender: Female
Skills: +8 Perform (dance), +4 Diplomacy, +4 Sense Motive
Special: The character must be accepted as an apprentice by an existing geisha house, to which she owes her loyalty until reaching the 10th level of the class herself.
Class Skills:
Balance (dex), Bluff (cha), Concentration (con), Craft (int), Diplomacy (cha), Escape Artist (dex), Gatherin Information (cha), Knowledge (local) (int), Listen (wis), Move Silently (dex), Perform (cha), Profession (wis), Search (int), Sense Motive (wis), Sleight of Hand (dex), Spot (wis)
Skill points: 6 + Int modifier
{table=head]Level|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Ability|Spells
1|+0|+0|+2|+2|Mesmerizing Gaze 1/day, Initiate of the Bladed Fan|
2|+1|+0|+3|+3|Conversationalist +2, Patron|
3|+2|+1|+3|+3|Persuasive Art|+1 existing spell casting class
4|+3|+1|+4|+4|Mesmerizing Gaze 2/day, Performer's Mask|
5|+3|+1|+4|+4|Expert of the Bladed Fan, Hypnotic Gaze 1/day|
6|+4|+2|+5|+5|Conversationalist +4|+1 existing spell casting class
7|+5|+2|+5|+5|Mezmerizing Gaze 3/day|
8|+6|+2|+6|+6|Suggestive Mask|
9|+6|+3|+6|+6|Mistress of the Bladed Fan, Hypnotic Gaze 2/day|+1 existing spell casting class
10|+7|+3|+7|+7|Mezmerizing Gaze 4/day, Conversationalist +6, Mistress of the Okiya|
[/table]
Class Features:
Geisha Abilities: In order to advance in her levels, a geisha must pay her house Mistress 1 gp x the geisha class levels she has per week (due quarterly) in order to remain in the household. If a geisha is ejected from a household, she must either earn her way back in or find another household willing to take her before she can advance in the class again. After achieving 10th level in this class, she is freed from her obligations to her mother house and may start a geisha house of her own.
Bard Abilities: Geisha levels stack with bard levels for bardic abilities such as bardic knowledge.
Mesmerizing Gaze: One of a geisha's most powerful weapons are her eyes. Rumors about that geisha possess mystical powers able to stop another person in their tracks using their gaze alone. Mesmerizing gaze acts as a hold person spell cast by a bard of the character's level, without spell components and as a gaze attack. The duration of the effect is doubled, provided the geisha can maintain eye contact with the target the entire time. If the geisha cannot make eye contact with the target (either from concealment, blindness, or other effect) this ability fails. The DC of the ability is 10+geisha level+CHA modifier.
Initiate of the Bladed Fan: While geisha are primarily artisans, it is sometimes necessary for them to defend themselves. Each geisha recieves training in the use of the bladed fan, a weapon that can be easily concealed as well as wielded easily with the geisha's dance style, and upon their debute as a geisha they are given their first bladed fan. This weapon appears to be a simple dancing fan, but by releasing a catch on the fan's grip, small blades spring out from the fan's spines creating a deadly and effective weapon. All geisha are proficient with this weapon and at 1st level they acquire Weapon Focus: Bladed Fan as a feat, and her fan is considered a +1 magical item. If a geisha loses her fan, or it is destroyed, she must return to a geisha house to acquire another one.
{table]Bladed Fan|1d4 (small)|1d6 (medium)|1d8 (large)|18-20/x2|1 lb.|Light weapon|Slashing[/table]
Bladed fans require a successful Spot check at DC 25 to reveal them as weapons. If the Spot check is failed, they are assumed to be a normal bamboo and silk fan.
Conversationalist:
A geisha is a master of conversation, both in speech and in reading the clues her audience and patrons unwittingly reveal about themselves. As such, at 2nd level she gains +2 to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, and Bluff. This bonus is increased to +4 at 6th level and +6 at 10th level.
Patron:
At 2nd level, a geisha is able to acquire a special patron who can assist her in her work at times. The level of this patron is determined at the number of ranks in the Geisha class + the geisha's CHA modifier. This patron may come from any walk of life, but he or she is wealthy without question and will often assist the geisha as much as they are able to in a variety of ways, though they will occaisionally ask a favor in return as well as the prestige of having a talented geisha at their beck and call.
Persuasive Art:
Once per day the geisha may add her ranks in a Perform skill to a Diplomacy check in order to influence a person or group of people in her favor.
Performer's Mask
More highly trained geisha have become experts at hiding their true feelings, even from those able to spy upon their inner most thoughts magically. At 4th level a Geisha gains immunity to detect thoughts.
Expert of the Bladed Fan:
Geisha continue to train with their signature weapon as well as their training in dance and music, and so more experienced geisha learn how to best utilize its particular qualities. A geisha of this level gains Weapon Specilization: Bladed Fan, and her bladed fan is considered a +2 magical item.
Hypnotic Gaze
A geisha become more experienced, their powers of control over others increase. Higher level geisha are not only able to stop others in their tracks, but also to sublty utilize dominate person as a caster of your level, using it as a gaze attack. The geisha must be able to make eye contact with the subject to use this ability. The DC of this ability is 10+geisha level+CHA modifier.
Suggestive Mask:
Some of the highest level geisha are not only able to block others from spying on their inner thoughts, they are actually able to implant false thoughts for others to find. A geisha with this ability is immune to detect thoughts, but she is able to sense when this ability is being used on her and send the user false thoughts of her own division. The DC check for realizing these thoughts are false is 10+ the geisha's class level + her charisma modifier. She also gains a +10 to Bluff checks to defeat a Sense Motive check.
Mistress of the Bladed Fan: Those who have been geisha for a long time are said to not only be masters of their chosen weapon, but also able to bestow their fans with wondrous powers. A geisha with this ability gains Greater Two Weapon Fighting as a feat for the purposes of weilding two fans at once regardless of wether she has the prerequisits. Her fans are also treated as though they were +3 magical weapons. In addition, she is able to confer either the Flaming, Frost, or Shock ability on her fans, but only one ability at time and she must designate which in the beginning round of combat.
Mistress of the Okiya:
A geisha who has attained this level is considered a Mistress of the art. She gains Leadership as a feat, and is able to start her own geisha household. A Mistress of the Okiya benefits monetarially from the other geisha in her household, and for each geisha in her retinue she gains 1 gold piece x the protege geisha's level per week. At this level, she is also able to begin crafting bladed fans for her proteges and herself (utilizing a Craft (fan) check) and no longer needs to return to a geisha house in order to replace a lost or damaged fan.
Playing a Geisha
Geisha usually travel in pairs or in groups, but now and then a geisha will travel with an adventuring party to some end. Her house mistress might have sent her on an errand or on a quest, or she may owe some favor to one of the adventuring party members. Or perhaps there is greater wealth to be earned in travel. What is certain is that wherever a geisha might go, she is never free of the obligations to her household until she is a Mistress of the Okiya herself.
Geisha often refer to the members of their household by family titles, whether they are any relation or not. Other geisha of the same status are referred to as "Sisters". The mistress of the house is always called "Mother", and on the occaision that there are any of her "Sisters" still living in the house, they are addressed as "Auntie". There is always some rivalry between geisha "sisters", as competition for clients and the favor of the "Mother" can be fierce, though most manage to get along.