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{{Quote|You too must learn to blend like us: seen, but unseen.|Paola, the owner of La Rosa Colta, teaching Ezio Auditore da Firenze to hide in plain sight, 1476.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{Quote|You too must learn to blend like us: seen, but unseen.|Paola, the owner of La Rosa Colta, teaching Ezio Auditore da Firenze to hide in plain sight, 1476.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{Faction Infobox
{{Faction Infobox
|name = Courtesans
|image = Courtesanrender.png
|image = Courtesanrender.png
|hideo = No
|locations = [[Monteriggioni]]<br>[[Venice]]<br>[[Rome]]<br>[[Florence]]<br>[[Caribbean|West Indies]]
|locations = [[Monteriggioni]]<br>[[Venice]]<br>[[Rome]]<br>[[Florence]]<br>[[Caribbean|West Indies]]
|related = [[Assassins]]
|related = [[Assassins]]
|hideh = yes
|hideh = yes
|hidea = no
|notable = [[Paola]]<br>[[Teodora Contanto]]<br>Madonna [[Solari]]<br>[[Fiora Cavazza]]<br>[[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]]}}
|notable = [[Paola]]<br>[[Teodora Contanto]]<br>Madonna [[Solari]]<br>[[Fiora Cavazza]]<br>[[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]]}}
The '''courtesans''' were one of the four factions allied to the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]], with the other three being the [[thieves]], [[mercenaries]] and [[Romani]]es. They usually aided the Order by collecting information from clients, or by acting as distractions and allowing allies to slip into restricted areas.
The '''courtesans''' were one of the four factions allied to the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]], with the other three being the [[thieves]], [[mercenaries]] and [[Romani]]. They usually aided the Order by collecting information from clients, or by acting as distractions and allowing allies to slip into restricted areas.


[[Florence|Florentine]] courtesans were led by [[Paola]], [[Venice|Venetian]] courtesans were led by [[Teodora Contanto]], and [[Rome|Roman]] courtesans were led by [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]], who took over the brothel after the death of its previous owner, Madonna [[Solari]].
[[Florence|Florentine]] courtesans were led by [[Paola]], [[Venice|Venetian]] courtesans were led by [[Teodora Contanto]], and [[Rome|Roman]] courtesans were led by [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]], who took over the brothel after the death of its previous owner, Madonna [[Solari]].


==History==
==History==
 
===Renaissance===
=== Renaissance ===
Though courtesans were mainly based in [[brothels]] within a city, many were known to stand along the streets – usually in groups of four – to entice customers. Each possessed a standard style of dress and hairstyle, as was deemed appropriate for those in their profession at the time.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
Though courtesans were mainly based in [[brothels]] within a city, many were known to stand along the streets – usually in groups of four – to entice customers. Each possessed a standard style of dress and hairstyle, as was deemed appropriate for those in their profession at the time.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>


After the execution of [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]], [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]], [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] sought sanctuary with Paola and her courtesans, who taught him how to [[Blending|conceal]] himself in a crowd, [[Pickpocketing|pick pockets]], and be "seen, but unseen" as they were.<ref name="AC2"/>
After the execution of [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]], [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]], [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] sought sanctuary with Paola and her courtesans, who taught him how to [[Blending|conceal]] himself in a crowd, [[Pickpocketing|pick pockets]], and be "seen, but unseen" as they were.<ref name="AC2"/>


Afterwards, Ezio hired courtesans to distract the [[guards]] and allow his remaining family to escape the city, and would continue to use their services from then on, usually instructing them to seduce a group of nearby guards in order to allow him to slip past unseen. Alternatively, they would follow Ezio along the streets, concealing him among them by walking around him in a diamond formation, in a similar manner to how [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] blended with [[scholars]].<ref name="AC2" />
Afterwards, Ezio hired courtesans to distract the [[guards]] and allow his remaining family to escape the city, and would continue to use their services from then on, usually instructing them to seduce a group of nearby guards in order to allow him to slip past unseen. Alternatively, they would follow Ezio along the streets, concealing him among them by walking around him in a diamond formation, in a similar manner to how [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] blended with [[scholars]].<ref name="AC2"/>


Upon traveling to Rome, Ezio aided the courtesans by funding the renovations for their main brothel, the [[Rosa in Fiore]], as well as renovating [[Faction buildings|smaller brothels]] throughout the city. After his sister took over Rosa in Fiore's administration, he volunteered to teach the girls [[Guild challenges (Brotherhood)#Courtesans' Guild|several skills]].<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>
Upon traveling to Rome, Ezio aided the courtesans by funding the renovations for their main brothel, the [[Rosa in Fiore]], as well as renovating [[Faction buildings|smaller brothels]] throughout the city. After his sister took over Rosa in Fiore's administration, he volunteered to teach the girls [[Guild challenges (Brotherhood)#Courtesans' Guild|several skills]].<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>


=== Ming Dynasty ===
===Ming Dynasty===
In [[China]], it was common for successful men to have several concubines. Each concubine had a rank: the highest were considered almost as the man's wife and were called consorts and the lowest as poorly treated prostitutes.<ref name=":0">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>
In [[China]], it was common for successful men to have several concubines. Each concubine had a rank: the highest were considered almost as the man's wife and were called consorts and the lowest as poorly treated prostitutes.<ref name="China">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>
[[File:ACCC DB Concubines.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|A Ming dynasty concubine]]
 
By the [[Ming dynasty]], a concubine hierarchy was systematized in the [[Forbidden City]], strictly controlled by tradition. A former concubine of an Emperor that officially became a wife was generally called an Empress and has the right to produce official heirs to the Empire. An Empress would be seconded by the Imperial Noble Consorts and followed by Noble Consorts, Consorts and Imperial Concubines. Nevertheless, every concubine had no power over the Emperor and could easily be condemned to death by their master.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:ACCC DB Concubines.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A Ming dynasty concubine]]
By the [[Ming dynasty]], a concubine hierarchy was systematized in the [[Forbidden City]], strictly controlled by tradition. A former concubine of an Emperor that officially became a wife was generally called an Empress and had the right to produce official heirs to the Empire. An Empress would be seconded by the Imperial Noble Consorts and followed by Noble Consorts, Consorts and Imperial Concubines. Nevertheless, every concubine had no power over the Emperor and could easily be condemned to death by their master.<ref name="China"/>
 
Imperial concubines were taught the arts displayed by the ladies of the court such as embroidery, dance, music and reading. As with other Chinese women at the time, they were foot-bound and breast-bound according to tradition.<ref name="China"/>
 
The [[Zhengde Emperor]] regarded his concubine [[Shao Jun]] highly among others and would use her cat-like skills to spy upon court eunuchs and ministers. Along with her friend [[Empress Zhang|Zhang]], the pair rose to the rank of Imperial Concubine though Jun was most likely poised with the position of Imperial Consort. Because of her talents, Zhengde took Shao Jun in his expeditions against [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] to serve as his spy.<ref name="China"/>


Imperial concubines were taught the arts displayed by the ladies of the court such as embroidery, dance, music and reading. As with other Chinese women at the time, they were foot-bound and breast-bound according to tradition.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg|thumb|250px|The Tigers using Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]
After the Zhengde Emperor's death and with the royal court in disarray, Shao Jun joined the Assassin Brotherhood as Zhang decided to stay in the palace as a concubine. As [[Jiajing Emperor|Jiajing]] was put in the throne by the [[Eight Tigers|Templar eunuchs]], Zhang rose to the position of an Empress and became the Emperor's second wife.<ref name="China"/>


The [[Zhengde Emperor]] regarded his concubine [[Shao Jun]] highly among others and would use her cat-like skills to spy upon court eunuchs and ministers. Along with her friend [[Empress Zhang|Zhang]], the pair rose to the rank of Imperial Concubine though Jun was most likely poised with the position of Imperial Consort. Because of her talents, Zhengde took Shao Jun in his expeditions against [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] to serve as his spy.<ref name=":0" />
In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] used Empress Zhang and her friendship with Shao Jun to deceive the Assassin. However, their plans failed as Jun saved trapped concubines and defeated Qiu Ju as Zhang Yong fled.<ref name="China"/>
[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg|thumb|250x250px|The Tigers using Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]
After the Zhengde Emperor's death and with the royal court in disarray, Shao Jun joined the Assassin Brotherhood as Zhang decided to stay in the palace as a concubine. As [[Jiajing Emperor|Jiajing]] was put in the throne by the [[Eight Tigers|Templar eunuchs]], Zhang rose to the position of an Empress and became the Emperor's second wife.<ref name=":0" />


<nowiki> </nowiki>In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] used Empress Zhang and her friendship with Shao Jun to deceive the Assassin. However, their plans did fail as Jun saved trapped concubines and defeated Qiu Ju as Zhang Yong fled.<ref name=":0" />
===Golden Age of Piracy===
During the 18th century, courtesans were referred to as "dancers" who commonly worked at [[taverns]] and streets. They operated in a similar process as courtesans of the Renaissance by working as groups of four.<ref name="AC4">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>


=== Golden Age of Piracy ===
[[File:AC4 La Dame en Rose.png|left|thumb|250px|La Dame en Rose]]
During the 18th century, courtesans were referred to as "dancers" who commonly worked at [[taverns]] and streets. They operated in a similar process as courtesans of the Renaissance by working as groups of four.<ref name=":1">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>
The [[Piracy|pirate]]-turned-Assassin [[Edward Kenway]] hired dancer groups for a handful of coin, using them to distract guards and interfere with fights. By walking between them, Edward would be incognito. He also constructed a brothel near his manor in the [[Great Inagua]] to provide services for himself and the ''[[Jackdaw]]'' crew.<ref name="AC4"/>
[[File:AC4 La Dame en Rose.png|left|thumb|250x250px|La Dame en Rose]]
The [[Piracy|pirate]]-turned-Assassin [[Edward Kenway]] hired dancer groups for a handful of coin, using them to distract guards and interfere with fights. By walking between them, Edward would be incognito. He also constructed a brothel near his manor in the [[Great Inagua]] to provide services for himself and the ''[[Jackdaw]]'' crew.<ref name=":1" />


Prior to the beginning of the 18th century, [[La Dame en Rose]], a brothel in [[Port-au-Prince]] was constructed. It became a prosperous business. Sometime later, Madame [[Bastienne Josèphe]] took over the brothel and increased its financial affairs two-fold, with a portion of the profits used to purchase freedom of the [[Slavery|slaves]] in the place. In addition, Bastienne used the courtesans to gather information from clients to solicit favors.<ref name=":1" />
Prior to the beginning of the 18th century, [[La Dame en Rose]], a brothel in [[Port-au-Prince]] was constructed. It became a prosperous business. Sometime later, Madame [[Bastienne Josèphe]] took over the brothel and increased its financial affairs two-fold, with a portion of the profits used to purchase freedom of the [[Slavery|slaves]] in the place. In addition, Bastienne used the courtesans to gather information from clients to solicit favors.<ref name="FC">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' - ''[[Freedom Cry]]''</ref>


=== Revolutionary Age ===
===Revolutionary Age===
Prostitution and brothels were still popular by the mid and late 18th century. Women were sold in taverns or kidnapped to entertain rooms and even ships.<ref name=":2">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken]]''</ref><ref name=":3">''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)|Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)| (novel)]]</ref>
Prostitution and brothels were still popular by the mid and late 18th century. Women were sold in taverns or kidnapped to entertain rooms and even [[ships]].<ref name="ACF">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken]]''</ref><ref name="ACU novel">''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)|''Assassin's Creed: Unity'' (novel)]]</ref>


<nowiki> </nowiki>In 1757, Edward Kenway's daughter [[Jennifer Scott]] was kidnapped by mercenaries. The Templar [[Reginald Birch]] sold her to [[Turkey|Turkish]] slavers and became a concubine in the [[Topkapı Palace]]. The palace included the Harem for raising and educating wives of future royalty. She was then transported to [[Damascus]] to serve under the Ottoman governor in charge, [[As'ad Pasha al-Azm]]. By her mid-40's, Jennifer worked as a servant for the concubines due to her age. Ultimately, her half-brother [[Haytham Kenway|Haytham]] and a friend, [[Jim Holden]], infiltrated the palace to find and rescue her.<ref name=":2" />
In 1757, Edward Kenway's daughter, [[Jennifer Scott]], was kidnapped by mercenaries. The Templar [[Reginald Birch]] sold her to [[Turkey|Turkish]] slavers and became a concubine in the [[Topkapı Palace]]. The palace included the Harem for raising and educating wives of future royalty. She was then transported to [[Damascus]] to serve under the Ottoman governor in charge, [[As'ad Pasha al-Azm]]. By her mid-40's, Jennifer worked as a servant for the concubines due to her age. Ultimately, her half-brother [[Haytham Kenway|Haytham]] and a friend, [[Jim Holden]], infiltrated the palace to find and rescue her.<ref name="ACF"/>


By 1788, the Templar [[Élise de la Serre]] and a young girl named [[Hélène]] were saved from becoming prostitutes of the Middle Man by [[Byron Jackson]], an [[United Kingdom|English]] ship captain.<ref name=":3" />  
By 1788, the Templar [[Élise de la Serre]] and a young girl named [[Hélène]] were saved from becoming prostitutes of the Middle Man by [[Byron Jackson]], an [[United Kingdom|English]] ship captain.<ref name="ACU novel"/>  


=== Victorian London ===
===Victorian London===
[[File:ACS Jack the Ripper DLC Concept Art 2.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A brothel existing in Victorian London]]
[[File:ACS Jack the Ripper DLC Concept Art 2.jpg|thumb|250px|A brothel existing in Victorian London]]
Due to poverty and the lack of jobs, many turned to prostitution as a way to earn a living. After assassinating [[Crawford Starrick]] and his Templar control over [[London]], the twin Assassins [[Jacob Frye|Jacob]] and [[Evie Frye]] recruited initiates from child labor, orphans and prostitutes. A couple female initiates took upon the identity of courtesans who worked in a [[Whitechapel]] brothel owned by [[Olwyn Owers]], as undercovers.<ref name=":4">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]''</ref>
Due to poverty and the lack of jobs, many turned to prostitution as a way to earn a living. After assassinating [[Crawford Starrick]] and his Templar control over [[London]], the twin Assassins [[Jacob Frye|Jacob]] and [[Evie Frye]] recruited initiates from child labor, orphans and prostitutes. A couple female initiates took upon the identity of courtesans who worked in a [[Whitechapel]] brothel owned by [[Olwyn Owers]], as undercover agents.<ref name="JTR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' - ''[[Jack the Ripper (DLC)|Jack the Ripper]]''</ref>


During the [[Whitechapel murders]], the Assassin turncoat and serial killer [[Jack the Ripper]] murdered several of these initiates.<ref name=":4" />
During the [[Whitechapel murders]], the Assassin turncoat and serial killer [[Jack the Ripper]] murdered several of these initiates.<ref name="JTR"/>


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
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==Known courtesans==
==Known courtesans==
===Florence===
===Florence===
{{Main|Brothels#La Rosa Colta|La Rosa Colta}}
{{Main|La Rosa Colta}}
*Paola<ref name="AC2"/>
*Paola<ref name="AC2"/>


===Venice===
===Venice===
{{Main|Brothels#La Rosa della Virtù|La Rosa della Virtù}}
{{Main|La Rosa della Virtù}}
*Teodora Contanto<ref name="AC2" />
*Teodora Contanto<ref name="AC2"/>
*Lucia<ref name="AC2"/> - A courtesan who was attacked and robbed just outside her brothel.
*Lucia<ref name="AC2"/> - A courtesan who was attacked and robbed just outside her brothel.


===Rome===
===Rome===
{{Main|Rosa in Fiore}}
{{Main|Rosa in Fiore}}
*Madonna Solari<ref name="ACB"/><ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref> - Former owner of the Rosa in Fiore, killed by [[Slavery|slave]] [[Cento Occhi|traders]] working for the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]].
*Madonna Solari<ref name="ACB"/><ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref> - Former owner of the Rosa in Fiore, killed by slave [[Cento Occhi|traders]] working for the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]].
*[[Fiora Cavazza]]<ref name="Project Legacy"/> - A courtesan working for the Solari, who eventually entered the service of [[Cesare Borgia]].
*[[Fiora Cavazza]]<ref name="Project Legacy"/> - A courtesan working for the Solari, who eventually entered the service of [[Cesare Borgia]].
*[[Giuletta]]<ref name="ACB"/> - A traitorous courtesan who traded information about the Assassins to a Borgia contact.
*[[Giuletta]]<ref name="ACB"/> - A traitorous courtesan who traded information about the Assassins to a Borgia contact.
Line 91: Line 90:
===Constantinople===
===Constantinople===
*[[Fabiola Cavazza]]<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref> - A courtesan affiliated with the Templars.
*[[Fabiola Cavazza]]<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref> - A courtesan affiliated with the Templars.
*[[Dilara]]<ref name="ACR" /> - An Ottoman spy
*[[Dilara]]<ref name="ACR"/> - An Ottoman spy.
*Jennifer Scott<ref name=":2" /> - Daughter of Edward Kenway sold to Turkish slavers
*Jennifer Scott<ref name="ACF"/> - Daughter of Edward Kenway sold to Turkish slavers.


=== China ===
===China===
* Shao Jun<ref name=":0" /> - a concubine-turned-Assassin
*Shao Jun<ref name="China"/> - A concubine-turned-Assassin.
* Empress Zhang<ref name=":0" /> - second wife of the Jiajing Emperor and friend of Shao Jun
*Empress Zhang<ref name="China"/> - Second wife of the Jiajing Emperor and friend of Shao Jun.


=== Carribean ===
===Caribbean===
{{Main|La Dame en Rose}}
{{Main|La Dame en Rose}}
* Bastienne Josèphe<ref name=":1" /> - madame of La Dame en Rose
*Bastienne Josèphe<ref name="FC"/> - Madame of La Dame en Rose.


=== London ===
===London===
* Olwyn Owers<ref name=":4" /> - madame of several brothels
*Olwyn Owers<ref name="JTR"/> - Madame of several brothels.
* [[Mary Ann Nichols]]<ref name=":4" />  
*[[Mary Ann Nichols]]<ref name="JTR"/>  
* [[Annie Chapman]]<ref name=":4" />   
*[[Annie Chapman]]<ref name="JTR"/>   
* Elizabeth Stride<ref name=":4" />  
*[[Elizabeth Stride]]<ref name="JTR"/>  
* Catherine Eddowes<ref name=":4" />  
*[[Catherine Eddowes]]<ref name="JTR"/>  
* [[Mary Kelly|Mary Jane Kelly]]<ref name=":4" /> - victim of Jack the Ripper
*[[Mary Kelly|Mary Jane Kelly]]<ref name="JTR"/> - A victim of Jack the Ripper.
* [[Nellie]]<ref name=":4" /> - Assassin ally
*[[Nellie]]<ref name="JTR"/> - An Assassin ally.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The "'''Red Light Addict'''" [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]] could be gained by spending 5,000 florins on hiring courtesans. As one group of courtesans cost 150 florins to hire, it means that approximately 34 groups must be hired.
*The "'''Red Light Addict'''" [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]] could be gained by spending 5,000 florins on hiring courtesans. As one group of courtesans cost 150 florins to hire, it means that approximately 34 groups must be hired.
*A courtesan's appearance had five randomly generated options: hair, face, dress color, necklace and sleeves.
*A courtesan's appearance had five randomly generated options: hair, face, dress color, necklace and sleeves.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', if Ezio hired a courtesan group and then immediately attacked [[guards]], the courtesans may draw weapons and fight the guards alongside him.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', if Ezio hired a courtesan group and then immediately attacked guards, the courtesans may draw weapons and fight the guards alongside him.
*Should a courtesan in a group fall into water, the remaining three would continue to activate the blending effect without her, indicating that the death of one courtesan was similar to when two left the group to distract passing guards.
*Should a courtesan in a group fall into water, the remaining three would continue to activate the blending effect without her, indicating that the death of one courtesan was similar to when two left the group to distract passing guards.
*Despite this, a glitch could be encountered with a group of hired courtesans outside of [[Forlì]], where if one of them became stuck and separated from the rest of the group, the remaining three would not activate any blending effects until Ezio approached the lost courtesan's perimeter and enter into the middle of the group.
**Despite this, a glitch could be encountered with a group of hired courtesans outside of [[Forlì]], where if one of them became stuck and separated from the rest of the group, the remaining three would not activate any blending effects until Ezio approached the lost courtesan's perimeter and enter into the middle of the group.
*Courtesans could not be killed or grabbed by Ezio.
*Courtesans could not be killed or grabbed by Ezio.
**The only exception to this rule could be seen in the ''Assassin's Creed II'' memory "[[Fitting In]]", being the only one where Ezio could beat up, pickpocket and grab courtesans.
**The only exception to this rule could be seen in the ''Assassin's Creed II'' memory "[[Fitting In]]", being the only one where Ezio could beat up, pickpocket and grab courtesans.
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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
[[Category:Occupations]]
[[Category:Occupations]]
[[Category:Assassin-affiliated groups]]
[[Category:Assassin-affiliated groups]]

Revision as of 23:29, 15 March 2016


Patience, brothers. Soon we will reveal the secrets of Assassin's Creed: Syndicate.

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"You too must learn to blend like us: seen, but unseen."
―Paola, the owner of La Rosa Colta, teaching Ezio Auditore da Firenze to hide in plain sight, 1476.[src]

The courtesans were one of the four factions allied to the Assassin Order, with the other three being the thieves, mercenaries and Romani. They usually aided the Order by collecting information from clients, or by acting as distractions and allowing allies to slip into restricted areas.

Florentine courtesans were led by Paola, Venetian courtesans were led by Teodora Contanto, and Roman courtesans were led by Claudia Auditore da Firenze, who took over the brothel after the death of its previous owner, Madonna Solari.

History

Renaissance

Though courtesans were mainly based in brothels within a city, many were known to stand along the streets – usually in groups of four – to entice customers. Each possessed a standard style of dress and hairstyle, as was deemed appropriate for those in their profession at the time.[1]

After the execution of Giovanni, Federico and Petruccio, Ezio Auditore da Firenze sought sanctuary with Paola and her courtesans, who taught him how to conceal himself in a crowd, pick pockets, and be "seen, but unseen" as they were.[1]

Afterwards, Ezio hired courtesans to distract the guards and allow his remaining family to escape the city, and would continue to use their services from then on, usually instructing them to seduce a group of nearby guards in order to allow him to slip past unseen. Alternatively, they would follow Ezio along the streets, concealing him among them by walking around him in a diamond formation, in a similar manner to how Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad blended with scholars.[1]

Upon traveling to Rome, Ezio aided the courtesans by funding the renovations for their main brothel, the Rosa in Fiore, as well as renovating smaller brothels throughout the city. After his sister took over Rosa in Fiore's administration, he volunteered to teach the girls several skills.[2]

Ming Dynasty

In China, it was common for successful men to have several concubines. Each concubine had a rank: the highest were considered almost as the man's wife and were called consorts and the lowest as poorly treated prostitutes.[3]

File:ACCC DB Concubines.jpg
A Ming dynasty concubine

By the Ming dynasty, a concubine hierarchy was systematized in the Forbidden City, strictly controlled by tradition. A former concubine of an Emperor that officially became a wife was generally called an Empress and had the right to produce official heirs to the Empire. An Empress would be seconded by the Imperial Noble Consorts and followed by Noble Consorts, Consorts and Imperial Concubines. Nevertheless, every concubine had no power over the Emperor and could easily be condemned to death by their master.[3]

Imperial concubines were taught the arts displayed by the ladies of the court such as embroidery, dance, music and reading. As with other Chinese women at the time, they were foot-bound and breast-bound according to tradition.[3]

The Zhengde Emperor regarded his concubine Shao Jun highly among others and would use her cat-like skills to spy upon court eunuchs and ministers. Along with her friend Zhang, the pair rose to the rank of Imperial Concubine though Jun was most likely poised with the position of Imperial Consort. Because of her talents, Zhengde took Shao Jun in his expeditions against Mongols to serve as his spy.[3]

The Tigers using Zhang as bait for Shao Jun

After the Zhengde Emperor's death and with the royal court in disarray, Shao Jun joined the Assassin Brotherhood as Zhang decided to stay in the palace as a concubine. As Jiajing was put in the throne by the Templar eunuchs, Zhang rose to the position of an Empress and became the Emperor's second wife.[3]

In 1530, the Templars Zhang Yong and Qiu Ju used Empress Zhang and her friendship with Shao Jun to deceive the Assassin. However, their plans failed as Jun saved trapped concubines and defeated Qiu Ju as Zhang Yong fled.[3]

Golden Age of Piracy

During the 18th century, courtesans were referred to as "dancers" who commonly worked at taverns and streets. They operated in a similar process as courtesans of the Renaissance by working as groups of four.[4]

La Dame en Rose

The pirate-turned-Assassin Edward Kenway hired dancer groups for a handful of coin, using them to distract guards and interfere with fights. By walking between them, Edward would be incognito. He also constructed a brothel near his manor in the Great Inagua to provide services for himself and the Jackdaw crew.[4]

Prior to the beginning of the 18th century, La Dame en Rose, a brothel in Port-au-Prince was constructed. It became a prosperous business. Sometime later, Madame Bastienne Josèphe took over the brothel and increased its financial affairs two-fold, with a portion of the profits used to purchase freedom of the slaves in the place. In addition, Bastienne used the courtesans to gather information from clients to solicit favors.[5]

Revolutionary Age

Prostitution and brothels were still popular by the mid and late 18th century. Women were sold in taverns or kidnapped to entertain rooms and even ships.[6][7]

In 1757, Edward Kenway's daughter, Jennifer Scott, was kidnapped by mercenaries. The Templar Reginald Birch sold her to Turkish slavers and became a concubine in the Topkapı Palace. The palace included the Harem for raising and educating wives of future royalty. She was then transported to Damascus to serve under the Ottoman governor in charge, As'ad Pasha al-Azm. By her mid-40's, Jennifer worked as a servant for the concubines due to her age. Ultimately, her half-brother Haytham and a friend, Jim Holden, infiltrated the palace to find and rescue her.[6]

By 1788, the Templar Élise de la Serre and a young girl named Hélène were saved from becoming prostitutes of the Middle Man by Byron Jackson, an English ship captain.[7]

Victorian London

A brothel existing in Victorian London

Due to poverty and the lack of jobs, many turned to prostitution as a way to earn a living. After assassinating Crawford Starrick and his Templar control over London, the twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye recruited initiates from child labor, orphans and prostitutes. A couple female initiates took upon the identity of courtesans who worked in a Whitechapel brothel owned by Olwyn Owers, as undercover agents.[8]

During the Whitechapel murders, the Assassin turncoat and serial killer Jack the Ripper murdered several of these initiates.[8]

Characteristics

A group of courtesans in Venice

Courtesans could not perform any sort of freerunning, and were usually unarmed, though in the cases where they were, they carried knives and bladed fans. Should they be discovered aiding Ezio in an attempt to infiltrate a guarded area, the courtesans were usually attacked mercilessly, and killed very quickly in the fight.[1][2]

If Ezio or Edward encountered a group of guards while walking with the courtesans, two of them would leave the group to distract them, while the other two stayed with the Assassin, in order to maintain the blend and help keep him anonymous. This behavior was very helpful in assassination missions where the target walked among civilians.[1]

The courtesans in Rome acted much as they did in other cities, however, after Ezio had allied himself to their guild for some time, the girls he hired were able to poison any enemies they were instructed to distract.[2]

Known courtesans

Florence

Main article: La Rosa Colta

Venice

Main article: La Rosa della Virtù
  • Teodora Contanto[1]
  • Lucia[1] - A courtesan who was attacked and robbed just outside her brothel.

Rome

Main article: Rosa in Fiore
  • Madonna Solari[2][9] - Former owner of the Rosa in Fiore, killed by slave traders working for the Borgia.
  • Fiora Cavazza[9] - A courtesan working for the Solari, who eventually entered the service of Cesare Borgia.
  • Giuletta[2] - A traitorous courtesan who traded information about the Assassins to a Borgia contact.
  • Lucia[2] - A courtesan who accompanied Fiora and Santino Solari on one of his business outings, who was also kidnapped by slave traders alongside madonna Solari. She was sent back to alert the other girls of the ransom for Solari.
  • Mina[2] - A victim of the Templar Malfatto, a rogue doctor that preyed on courtesans. Ezio Auditore found her being mourned by her friend in a back alley of Rome.
  • Agnella[10]
  • Sarghina[10]

Constantinople

  • Fabiola Cavazza[11] - A courtesan affiliated with the Templars.
  • Dilara[11] - An Ottoman spy.
  • Jennifer Scott[6] - Daughter of Edward Kenway sold to Turkish slavers.

China

  • Shao Jun[3] - A concubine-turned-Assassin.
  • Empress Zhang[3] - Second wife of the Jiajing Emperor and friend of Shao Jun.

Caribbean

Main article: La Dame en Rose
  • Bastienne Josèphe[5] - Madame of La Dame en Rose.

London

Trivia

  • The "Red Light Addict" achievement could be gained by spending 5,000 florins on hiring courtesans. As one group of courtesans cost 150 florins to hire, it means that approximately 34 groups must be hired.
  • A courtesan's appearance had five randomly generated options: hair, face, dress color, necklace and sleeves.
  • In Assassin's Creed II, if Ezio hired a courtesan group and then immediately attacked guards, the courtesans may draw weapons and fight the guards alongside him.
  • Should a courtesan in a group fall into water, the remaining three would continue to activate the blending effect without her, indicating that the death of one courtesan was similar to when two left the group to distract passing guards.
    • Despite this, a glitch could be encountered with a group of hired courtesans outside of Forlì, where if one of them became stuck and separated from the rest of the group, the remaining three would not activate any blending effects until Ezio approached the lost courtesan's perimeter and enter into the middle of the group.
  • Courtesans could not be killed or grabbed by Ezio.
    • The only exception to this rule could be seen in the Assassin's Creed II memory "Fitting In", being the only one where Ezio could beat up, pickpocket and grab courtesans.
  • During the memory "Carnevale", courtesans appeared in the streets wearing masks.
  • In Monteriggioni, after renovating the brothel, random courtesans appeared to walk in the streets. However, Ezio was unable to hire them.
    • They no longer appeared during the early scenes of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, except for one who appeared behind Ezio as he was leaving the hidden tunnel from Monteriggioni.
  • In Brotherhood, if a civilian Ezio stole from prepared to have a fistfight with him, courtesans that he had hired would sometimes go and fight them instead, knocking the civilian out with only two punches.
  • In Assassin's Creed: Revelations, courtesans were replaced by the Romani, as they were not accepted in Ottoman-Byzantine society.
  • Courtesans were visible in Assassin's Creed: Unity; however, they could not be hired or interacted with, as they were civilians.

Gallery

  • Concept art of the courtesans
    Concept art of the courtesans
  • Ezio blending with a group of courtesans
    Ezio blending with a group of courtesans
  • Ezio speaking with a courtesan in Rome
    Ezio speaking with a courtesan in Rome
  • Roman Courtesans insignia
    Roman Courtesans insignia
  • Initiates art of the Florentine courtesans
    Initiates art of the Florentine courtesans

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Assassin's Creed II
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - Freedom Cry
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Assassin's Creed: Forsaken
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 Assassin's Creed: Syndicate - Jack the Ripper
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood novel
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Assassin's Creed: Revelations

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