Introduction
Post World War 2, Japan has just fallen after the triumph of USA to conquer their country. The survivors try hard to stand up and build their cities out of scratch.
The pristine and relaxing ambience has been covered with ash, debris, and sorrow. This includes some Geishas and Mama Sans who thought of bringing their hostess business to different tides.
Then a year after the Second World War, a Mama-San decided to once again open the doors of her Geisha House, the "Lady Red Lips". A neo outlook on a once kept and treasured custom in the small town of Kiyosu, located on a sea town of Aichi.
Here, Mama-San Michiko, thought of reliving the old tradition that is of a Geisha. She always had the talent for picking great Geishas and has once again took the journey to have the finest. Four years has passed since the war and know her geishas had bloomed. And on the night of the full moon, as the house of Lady Red Lips invited prestigious businessmen, politicians and rich foreigners, she had unveiled her treasures.
And on the very night, she had announced a new twist in her Geisha house. From that night forward up until two years after, the geisha with most profit from her customers would be given a very special prize. One that has been coveted by most Geishas for centuries.
The prize of Freedom and having her own Okiya.
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This RP will be somewhat historical, it's okay if you don't know that much about post WWII (there's always google) but I want you to be creative and post interesting topics.
THIS IS a REALISTIC RP. So no powers and stuff. I also prefer if you'll use a real picture for your character.
You can submit character skeletons here. We are in need of locals, men (businessmen, foreigners, politicians) and geishas. We are also open for interesting ideas to add to our future RP :D
I and Alan23 thought of pushing this RP once again. I once tried GM-ing a geisha RP (but with a different plot and setting). I still crave the plot so I'm taking chances in pushing it to work.
This roleplay revolves around the Geishas of the Lady Red Lips. They are all new geishas who aim to live a better life. Their parents owe Mama-San Michiko a great amount of money, so in return they were forced to train and serve as geishas in the house. And with old age, Mama-San Michiko decided to find her apprentice within the Geishas. So a contest involving the highest profit brought by one geisha will be granted the freedom and chance to be a Mama-San herself.
In may not be the best Geisha RP setting but as the GM I make it a point to improve the RP through the character driven story and creating an unexpected twists within the stories.
If you are an interesting and creative RPer, please DO join. We require at least 3x a week post. One that ranges from 20 sentences onward. We want someone who will be compassionate about the RP like it's their own. Creative, spontaneous and driven Rpers are really WANTED.
(I am open for questions and PMs) ENJOY!
PS
These sites might help you with learning more about the RP:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397535/faq
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesegeisha/a/geisha1.htm
- 15 posts here • Page 1 of 1
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 7 authors
Setting
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Business people, locals, and tourists alike- all men, hurriedly made their way to one part of the town. The bright light of the moon shining has illuminated their paths not needing a lamp or candle even if the path towards the theater was isolated. Whispers filled the air as some greeted each other or share stories about the talk of the town. Some might say that it was very luxurious to spend a fairly huge amount just to attend the occasion but one would surely turn their pockets upside down just to be a part of the much awaited opening.
Lady Red Lips- has announced it's re-opening a month ago and since then tickets have been bought like dried squid on the hawker shops in the streets of the Aichi. Men buzzed about the event knowing that it is the start of a new town after war. It is the biggest sign that their small town has slowly revived itself from the wounds of the war.
Even young ladies dreamed of becoming a part of the renowned Okiya. An opportunity for them to pay for their families debts as well as the chance to be seen as a beautiful woman and be regarded to be a fragile and wanted woman. But then they knew that only the prettiest and most talented individuals make the cut.
In the meantime, Mama San Michiko sipped tea as she punched in a few numbers into her fine piece of abacus (given by a very gallant customer during her younger years), trying to compute the night's earning when he saw his young servant sweeping by the stage and making sure it was spotless as the girls prepared at the backstage.
"Nyoto!" She called. Just enough to be heard, not loud but stern enough to call his attention. "Tell the girls to be ready in half an hour. People are starting to arrive," She bowed down back to her book and continued her work. The noise from the garden has started to be heard from her location and in half an hour the doors of the theater will be opened.
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http://www.fashioncatalogtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Japanese-kimono-Furisode-150x150.jpg
She slowly poked her head out on stage and saw all of the men talking and observing the stage from afar. "Rettsu wa, watashi no hontΕ no ai ga kuru koto o negatte imasu." She mutters, smiling softly.
(My true love will come soon)
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"Nyoto! Tell the girls to be ready in half an hour. People are starting to arrive," she heard Mama San Michiko's stern voice give the boy an order. The fact that she had to be out on the stage in less than an hour made Kaori feel helpless. She needed more time, she knew. Oh, how could she be so clumsy and be a weakling when the moment needed her to be prepared. She wished she was as ready as the other maikos in the dressing room. She saw how Nami was all prepared and set to be introduced yet her lips barely got tainted by the red stain. She quickly opened the small jar and carefully painted some on her lips, she wasn't sure if it looked perfect but from what her reflection tells her, it was just right. She once again adjusted her kanzashi and flattened her hair, making sure not one stray hair goes out of control.
She slowly stood up, the way Mama San Michiko taught them. And looked at her reflection, she saw how delicate and astounding her Furisode was. Not in a million years could her family afford to buy such thing but Mama San Michiko was kind enough to dress them all beautifully, making an investment in maikos who she barely knew would make it big was a huge risk- financially and reputation wise. But she did, and Kaori was thankful for that.
With her left hand, she slowly pulled out a piece of old and tattered envelope from her Nagajuban and carefully opened it. Afraid that she would rip the only memory she has of her past. A family picture, when her parents were happy, a time her mother was still alive and her in the woman's womb. And if one would turn it over, there in Nihonggo characters was her real name- Aiko Nuruwabe. But now she is known to be Kaori Humemuro, a name given to her when Mama San Michiko adopted her.
Adopted, a nice term to say that she was used to pay for her family's debts. Not that she regretted her present, of course she was feed properly and with a glamorous house to be in, but missing her family weighed more and what's worse was that she couldn't do anything about it.
The noise of the audience startled her thoughts, it was also the reason which reminded her that she needed to get ready. She walked towards to where her Shamisen was located and kept doing deep breathing- her way to ease her nerves.
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But she never forgot to spice things up, it was also the night she will reveal her well kept secret. A night that would astonish not only the men and audience, but her girls as well. You see, instead of picking a geisha who will inherit Lady Red Lips, she had come up with the thought of teaching the chosen one how to build an okiya from scratch. Like the famous saying, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day but teach a man to fish and you feed him for life. And in this case, teach a geisha how to become a Mama San herself. To let the culture of geisha live on.
This was the night she'd announce it, the night of the okiya's reborn.
When she was satisfied with her look, Mama San Michiko exited the room and called for Nyoto once again, "Nyoto, tell the girls to be ready. The doors will open in five," And with that she made her way towards the guards of the theater.
With her instructions told in a soft yet stern manner, the theater people nodded as she made herself clear. Nothing should go wrong- nothing. But somehow she was nervous herself, anything can go wrong. She has her eyes on a few distinct maikos, ones she knew would make it big. And out of the 10 maikos she trained, she knew they would blossom the most.
Mama San Michiko uttered a few silent prayers to her ancestors as she waited for the five remaining minutes to pass before her future clientele enters.
She nodded at the people when the time came. Sending the giant wooden doors opening and welcoming the excited and eager men towards the seats. There were other people she had assigned to usher the VIP guests and one of them was Col. Matthew Huntington.
Dressed in his fine army uniform, sleek combed hair and newly shined leather boots, the colonel arrived just like any other important person. His driver opened up the gallant car as he got off and awed the other guests with his presence. He never failed to impress, intimidate and create a respectable aura. More than a few japanese men bowed their heads to greet them, and whether he despised the act or not- he had to. Most especially because he was in uniform, let the dark acts stay behind closed doors, because in public he had to be the idolized persona the American Army had to be with.
He was just in time as the huge theater doors opened for them. Exactly at 1900 hours, the guest started approaching their designated seats. Col Huntington was of course specially welcomed by an usher as he was lead at the private front row of the theater. He was requested to take of his shoes and he obliged, he was seated in a well designed tatami mat as a small bamboo tea table stood before him. The usher bowed as he excused his self away.
Just in time for an old yet beautiful lady dressed in a fine pink kimono approached him, the usher was following behind with a tray of tea set. The old woman was careful not to look in his eyes, a traditional way for respect for Japanese, and gracefully bowed down. He knew it was an artistic way of bowing for geishas and how he loved submissiveness.
"Konbanwa," The woman spoke then rose like a graceful swan from her bow, "Our greatest honor to be welcoming you Colonel Huntington. I believe we haven't met but let me introduce myself. I am Mama San Michiko, owner of the Okiya. Thank you for gracing us with your presence," She knew who she was even before she spoke, but the way she presented herself blew him away. He didn't know that a woman can be of such presence.
He had to admit, he had been with geishas over his stay but nothing compared to how Mama San Michiko presented herself. He had to take a her hand and give it a gentle kiss but she had to pull herself away. It made the colonel furious as to why she had to avoid him when she spoke, "I am sorry Colonel, but a real geisha doesn't let a man touch her. But let me say my apologies with our fine tea," Instantly, the usher slowly placed the tray unto the table.
The following scenario had once again blew the officer away. The way the woman served him tea was a cultural heritage he hasn't seen before. He admitted, he had to know more about the traditional way of geishas and stop attending the prostitution houses that pretends to be traditional okiyas.
"Thank you very much," He spoke as Mama San Michiko presented him his tea. "I am sorry if I seem to take advantage of your presence, but I couldn't help but be blown away by your actions." He explained himself. He knew she understood his point, he was after all a westerner.
She had also prepared herself a cup as they waited for the other guests to arrive. And from the looks of it, a lot more important people may be joining them soon.
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"Hello Mama San, the others are getting anxious," Nami lowered her voice. "And I think someone took my flower. I can't find it anywhere. I might have dropped it and that woman over there is hold a flower that looks exactly like mine!" Her eyes lingered to Col. Huntington's. "Please forgive my asking, but are you Col. Matthew Huntington?"
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"Good evening, sir." She lowered her head slightly, feeling the brush of dangling cloth flowers against her right ear. They were red, matching exactly the color that stained her lips. She was adorned with a deep blue kimono, embroidered with white and pale yellow waterbirds, and a purple obi. She was a colorful geisha tonight, although it contrasted strongly with the timidness of her personality. "I must say farewell, however." She turned briefly, walking away as smoothly as which she came.
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And then as he passed the door of Kai, the shyest and most reserved of the girls, he heard the distinctive stamping of feet, and a suppressed, exasperated little cry. Nyoto always felt a bit sorry for Kai, knowing the other girls bullied and teased her because of her shyness. Although she hadn't called him, he stopped at the door and then, without knocking, walked in.
Well, it was a beautiful kimono, all right. And the obi matched perfectly. And her sweet, child-like face looked beautiful in the mirror. But there, her resemblance to a top-quality Jade Geisha ended. Her hair was a mess, totally lopsided, and with the combs already slipping out. One comb was already lying forlornly on the floor. She'd got her white rice-flour make-up almost right, but the back of the neck - the most important part - was crooked. And under her elaborate kimono, obviously the best she owned, but the red-lined collar was sticking out leaving a gap, which was certainly not up to the standards Mama San demanded, especially on such an important occasion. And under the kimono, at least one layer of her nagajuban, or possibly both, had somehow rucked up, and were visible through the kimono, giving her an artificial stomach and hips that she did not, in reality, possess.
She looked rather a mess - though, thought Nyoto, with a little help and work - she could be totally beautiful.
He cleared his throat.
"Do you need any help, Miss Kaori?" he asked, respectfully.
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How the Col. was a handsome man, not like the Japanese men like she was used too, but a foreign flare that seemed new and peculiar to her. He seemed to glow with beauty and bravery that Nanami could not resist. "I-I better get back t-to the stage before Ny-Nyoto has a stroke." Nami stuttered out, backing away as pink as Mama San Kimono.
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After a final look at herself she walked out of her room and into the main area where some of the other girls stood waiting, she smiled at them though not too wide for fear of ruining her appearance. But she wanted them to know that she thought they looked beautiful and would certainly stun the crowd into silence. She spotted Hikari moving past and thought that the purple kimono really suited her especially with the bellflower in her hair and there was Okoi in blue and red with the colours matching beautifully. She smiled inwardly hoping the men would be prepared for the women they would see that evening. She stood quietly with her hands clasped loosely in front of her and a small smile on her lips. on the inside she was terrified of making a mistake and making herself or worse Mama San look bad but on the outside she appeared calm and in control as any Geisha should.
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"Oh please do, Nyoto- san. I really need some help or I'll get a mouthful of words from Mama San." Kaori cried for help as Nyoto offered her a hand with her oshiroi-nuri. She was satisfied with her face reflections but didn't realize how her nape looked, good thing the house boy was there to remind her. "This is all so complicated, when will I ever learn to fix my nagajuban?" Her voice was starting crack but she tried to keep her poise.
The noise had grew louder, telling her that the theater doors had already opened- that the show will begin in a few minutes. She gently placed her shamisen on the side as she adjusted her bun to show Nyoto how bad her nape looked. "Please Nyoto-San, does it need more work?" She mumbled as she lowered her head when the loud bang of the bamboo doors of the backstage startled her.
Mama San Michiko
Somehow the girls had found their way out of the backstage and started surrounding her and the important guests, and it doesn't have to take a genius to know that they were than excited and nervous about the night. Mama San Michiko slowly shook her head, she should have noted the girls not to make any premature appearance until they were called at the stage. The girls are really a handful to begin with, she just need to teach them how to be more reserved and not to approach a man unless they were talked to. They need to know respect and presence, they need to know who to consider to friendly with and which person they need to be calm and graceful around.
"I'm very sorry Colonel, my girls are a bit too excited about the night. Again my apologies but I must leave for a while to prepare for the start of the show but please do enjoy the tea and rice crackers while we wait for the show to start," Mama San Michiko spoke without looking from her tea, a traditional way for Geisha to do when speaking with anyone.
The Colonel only gave her a nod as he sipped his tea. Her signal to rise from the mat. Soon she was brisk walking towards the girls area and wondered how many times does she have to tell the girls to be more reserved. With her two powerful arms, the bamboo door swung with force as her presence silenced everyone.
"As Maikos I've always told you never EVER show clumsiness in front of your customers! Who permitted all of you to leave the backstage with asking me?!" Her voice boomed as she eyed each and every maiko in the room. "Tell me!" She knew that even if she screamed her head off, the audience won't be able to hear her. Somehow their noise would drown hers.
She spotted the girls she was looking for and spoke, "Nami, Okoi and Hikari! There will be no dinner for tonight. That should teach you to keep your noses out others business." Her voice was calmer this time but the authority remained. "For everyone else, get your sensu and shamisen. The show starts any minute now. Nyoto- Kaori- fix that immediately," With that she turned her back and headed towards the orchestra for final reminders.
When will these girls ever learn? She asked herself before giving off a frustrated sigh. She knew that they had to step up their game sooner than everyone expected.
Col. Matthew Huntington
He was more than pleased that a lot of the maikos have decided to welcome him with their presence. One particular maiko had also shown her obvious admiration towards the colonel and he surely liked it. He loved how she looked so naive and saw him as a hero who would sweep her off her feet. But the man had more interesting plans of his own.
Mama San Michiko, the owner of the okiya had excused herself and he gave her a nod. A few other important people he had grew acquainted to had arrived. A few business men. Some other men in uniform that served the navy and air force were also present. But there were others who were just blessed to be born with a wealthy heritage.
Colonel took a final sip before smirking, the night had turned out more fun than what he thought it would be. He will definitely be a patron of the said okiya because as far as he was concerned he always gets what he wants.
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It wasn't the memories of being shot at, or those that he'd killed, that haunted him. War was war, and the American and British pilots naval gunners who had shot at him had been fighting for their counties, and were doing only what could have been expected. As for the men he'd killed - again, that was war, and he'd done it for his Emperor and his country. Nor did he feel any particular dishonor that he'd never flown a mission of the divine wind, the tactic they called kamikaze. He knew in his heart he'd volunteered, and chance had seen to it he was not chosen in the ballots.
It was the faces of friends. Good friends. Chie, who he had never seen anything but grinning, even when he flew his last, suicidal mission. Gorou, to whom he owed a sum of money lost at cards, a debt he could never pay (though he'd sent the money to Gorou's widow). Katsu, who was always telling dirty jokes. Nori, his drinking partner. Takeo, who was vainer than any woman, and tougher than any wild animal. Norio. Shin. Masao. Kichiro, a friend since childhood, with whom he had volunteered. All good friends. All dead. Some flying on suicidal missions, others shot down in normal combat. But all dead.
Well, there was no sense thinking about it, not if he were going to make even a pretense of enjoying this evening. He drained his glass, and after taking a leave of his companions, walked out into the street. The sea-air hit him with a blast, as if some giant were wielding a huge fan, reminding him of his combat days, most of which had been above the ocean. Around the corner was the theater, to which he'd been invited, for a special evening featuring geisha from the new house. He entered, and immediately began scanning the area, but was disappointing to see no-one he knew. He took his seat unobtrusively on a mat, waiting to see which of the geisha would attend him.
******
Without further words, Nyoto's skillful fingers began working at Kaori's appearance. Picking up her discarded bamboo brush and dipping it into the rice paste, he deftly repainted the design on the nape of her neck. Then, with the aid of a comb, he fixed her shimada into a perfectly symmetrical shape, replaced the fallen and slipping kanzashi, and untied and retightened her obi. It saddened him a little that her head remained down and her eyes staring at the floor during this process, as if he'd frightened her, and desperately racked his brains to find something to say to the poor, frightened girl. But nothing came to him. He shook at her collar, so that it was folded correctly, and adjusted her kimono at the front to a more modest aspect, so that her nagajuban would not be visible every time she bent down. The kimono would probably slip again, since it was not a perfect fit, but he consoled himself that at least she'd look immaculate when she made her entrance. Finally, he bent and lifted the hem of her kimono, and tugged the wrinkled nagajuban back into place, smoothing it with his hands while trying not to be too familiar. He tried hard not to look at her slim legs, but it was a losing struggle!
"There. Now you look beautiful," he said, pulling her kimono back into place and shaking out the folds and wrinkles. "No. Let me say that differently. You always look beautiful. Now, you're perfect!"
And then came a loud noise as the bamboo doors opened. The show was about to start.
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She watched as the girls came back looking dishearten and ashamed, and she could feel her heart reach out to them Hikari looked the most forlorn, "Hikari chan..", said Suzume quietly as she walked over and put her hand on her shoulder. "If you want you can have half of my dinner", she said in her soft quiet tone of voice, she then smiled, "It's okay it's only the first night now things can only get better". Thats when she saw Kaori fussing over her appearance she smiled, "Kaori chan you are always beautiful even with uneven nagajuban", she said with a bright smile.
- 15 posts here • Page 1 of 1
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Col. Matthew Huntington
Who dares defy me?
Mama San Michiko
Okiya owner and a known Geisha during her younger years
Kaori "Kai" Humemuro
A weakling
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Kaori "Kai" Humemuro
A weakling
Col. Matthew Huntington
Who dares defy me?
Mama San Michiko
Okiya owner and a known Geisha during her younger years
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Kaori "Kai" Humemuro
A weakling
Mama San Michiko
Okiya owner and a known Geisha during her younger years
Col. Matthew Huntington
Who dares defy me?
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tea house
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Small town in Kiyosu
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Aichi ↪ Okiya of Lady Red Lips Owner: RolePlayGateway
The okiya
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Aichi ↪ Sumo Theater Owner: RolePlayGateway
Sumo wrestling matches
Fullscreen Chat » Create Topic » Tale of the Clash of Geishas: Out of Character
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Tale of the Clash of Geishas
by lovechanningforever on Mon Aug 29, 2011 10:55 am
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- Last post by tinyartist18
on Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:20 pm
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Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Most recent OOC posts in Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Edit:
I made up the character anyway just in case you would accept her. ^^ If not thats fine to.
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
And just say that guy had special privileges or whatever.
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Come on guys, don't be scared to join the OOC. :)
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
P.S.
Please keep the pictures as URL as to keep the page neat. I only posted the pic of the Theater as reference and i will also post the pic of the Okiya soon. :)
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
(Hi Meesha, where've you been lol? Hope you are ok)
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
Thanks for joining :D
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
(Hey Belynta we meet again ;P)
Any particular character skeleton to go off of?
Re: [OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
[OOC] Tale of the Clash of Geishas
You may edit this first post as you see fit.