meme; behind the harem doors

[metropolising]

 

A magnificent realm of delights constructed for the delectation of its sovereign, the harem spans many locations, many eras. Many kings were born of courtesans, many children of pleasure-slaves rose to become great scholars and military leaders. The surroundings are luxurious, but don't be fooled: it is as locked up and guarded as a precious jewel. Or a prison. Enter the harem and lose yourself in its enticements and politics.

Choose your Role

1. Sultan/Emperor or Sultana/Empress: the harem is yours, and you may demand whatever you wish from its residents.
2. Grand Vizier: the sultan's chief advisor, you are the closest and most trusted. You may even be selected to test new harem acquisitions, or judge new beauties.
3. Ambassador: Nobility from another land, you are merely visiting the palace. As a gesture of rare goodwill, the emperor has invited you into the harem to be refreshed and entertained.
4. Guard: armed and dangerous, you are charged with protecting the security of the harem. Never mind the glimpses of veils, the dazzling perfumes... keep your mind on your work.
5. Eunuch: the primary guards and servants of the harem. You see all, know all, can manipulate the emperor and his many wives... but you cannot take any pleasure yourself in the erotic spectacle.
6. Courtesan: a resident of the harem, you must obey and please your sovereign. Nor are all pleasures purely sexual: you may be a brilliant dancer, a skilled musician, a poet, a scholar. And you may sway your ruler with your service and tender words.
7. Invent your own!

Choose your Entertainment

1. The Acquisition: a beautiful person is captured, bought, kidnapped, or otherwise brought to the harem.
2. The First Night: it is your first night in the harem. What will happen when the great doors to the chosen courtesan's room are closed and locked?
3. A Feast: the sultan is in a good mood. A great feast is taking place! Even people not ordinarily allowed to enter the harem are invited to partake of its cool pools and beautiful musics. Strum the lyre, serve the chicken, and dance!
4. A Fight: someone stole something from your room. Someone badmouthed you where you could hear it. People get bored, shuttered in like this... Whatever the cause, it's time for you to set some boundaries. Violently.
5. An Illicit Love: you shouldn't do this. It's against every law of the harem. But the pull is just too powerful, and you must satisfy yourself...
6. A Pleasant Day: sometimes you just want to fool around in the pool and talk about all the other girls and boys. SOL to your heart's content in the luxurious shaded halls of the harem.
7. Invent your own!