Post by Mariko on Aug 7, 2012 7:41:10 GMT -5
Mariko Shimada:
Age: 20
Race: Human
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 127 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Occupation: Geisha
Personality:
Mariko is a gifted, expertly trained woman of exceptional talents. She is soft spoken, respectful and obedient. She understands her role as an Artisan of the “Karyukai,” and is respected in the eyes of the Tokunoese people. She remains a mystery to outsiders and offers only a glimpse of her world to a select few. She speaks the Common tongue quite well but is unfamiliar with the customs of the world outside Tokuno.
Background:
When Mariko was seven years old her parents, poor farmers from Homare-Jima, sold her to an “Okiya” located in the capital city of Zento. She lived there as servant until achieving the rank of “Maiko” and learning the skills needed to become a Geisha. Forbidden to leave the “Okiya” or Geisha House, save for rare occasions, she spent her formative years leaning the arts and became exceptional in the various skills required of a Geisha. So talented did she become that at age seventeen her “Mizuage” was sold at the record price of 500,000 gold. After her debut as a full Geisha, her reputation and fame brought wealth and prominence to the Ichiriki Chaya of Zento. She lived there until a mysterious fire broke out last year while she was away entertaining the Daimyo of a distant province. The fire completely destroyed the Okiya killing its “Okasan” and three of her Maiko sisters. Finding herself alone, save for her servant Umeko, she stayed as the guest of a prominent Innkeeper in Zento. Her future was uncertain as she tried to raise the funds needed to rebuild her beloved Okiya.
Current:
Mariko was recently in the service of Lord Renthar of Ashencrosse. Honor bound to repay a life-debt after he saved her life when she was attacked outside New Haven; she remained in the mainland town of Ashencrosse for several months. However, having heard nothing from Renthar for many, many weeks she returned to Zento where she stayed as a guest at the local Inn.
Hearing of her plight, Lord Takeamada, a former guest at the Okiya offered to become Mariko’s “Danna” or patron. With his help she was able to secure enough funds to rebuild the Ichiriki Chaya which is now located in the Western District of the capitol city of Zento. Mariko lives there with Umeko a young servant/apprentice.
The Okiya is currently open, with limited access, to the general public. It will eventually be closed to the general public and open only to special guests or by invitation. Rarely seen in public, Mariko does perform, on occasion, at the local tea house or at the behest of the Empress. She will travel and entertain prominent Lords or Ladies outside Tokuno if adequate escort and compensation is provided.
