The Licensed Quarter

Also known more simply as Teardrop Island, the Licensed Quarter is geographically the smallest of all the city’s districts, being confined to a single island in the middle of the River of Gold. This makes it unique compared to all other Rokugani cities, since it means the licensed district is physically separate from the rest of the city. In fact, some scholars believe the term “floating world” (for the world of the geisha) may have originated with Teardrop Island. Originally, all of Ryoko Owari’s licensed entertainments are located in the Fishermen’s Quarter. However, as the city grows the demand outstrips that district’s space, while successive Shosuro governors become increasingly concerned over their inability to properly regulate and control the city’s geisha houses, resulting in an embarrassment to the Scorpion Clan’s name. Teardrop Island was the eventual response. Located outside of the bay used for the city’s mercantile traffic, and with only a few convenient points to actually land ships, the island offers a perfect place to ensure both the integrity of the Licensed Quarter and the safety of guests, all under the governor’s complete control. Teardrop Island exists for only one purpose: entertainment. The finest geisha houses in all of the Scorpion lands are found here – perhaps the finest anywhere, although plenty of rivals would dispute that. Most establishments here are centuries old, operating with the patronage of ancient Shosuro and Bayushi families who zealously guard their privilege and the wealth and prestige that it brings. Competition runs heavy and hard between these establishments, but is always kept within civilized bounds – none will risk the ire of the governor or the possibility of being expelled from the island. The first rule of visiting Teardrop Island is that weapons are not allowed by any who are not the authorized protectors of the island (which is to say, the Thunder Guard). This is a social expectation but effectively serves as a rule of law, since only those of very high station indeed can defy such expectations. Much like other such places, Teardrop Island allows guests to save face by leaving their weapons to be “polished” until they are ready to depart the island – this task is handled by a business located on the island’s only dock, where visitors drop off their weapons upon arrival and pick them up at departure. For the most nominal of fees, their treasured blades are treated with respect, cleaned and carefully tended. Even the Scorpion themselves respect this practice too much to plot a way past it. Geisha houses, sake houses, regulated gambling dens, opium parlors operating under the pretense of some other form of entertainment – all these and a variety of other esoteric establishments can be found within the low ornamental walls that surround Teardrop Island. Even the most decrepit of locations here would be considered respectable establishments almost anywhere else. A position as an entertainer within these walls is considered an honor and privilege, and those who works here are rightfully proud of their skills. The Thunder Guard makes a strict effort to ensure Teardrop Island remains as peaceful and pleasant as possible. This is not a place of cheap sake and drunken revelers shouting at the top of their lungs before getting into dishonorable brawls; guests are expected to behave themselves, and house bouncers, well-trained doshin, and soldiers of the Thunder Guard cooperate to ensure no unruly behavior lasts long. Those who defile the Floating World with violence are summarily ejected as efficiently as possible, without exception. As a result, Teardrop Island is the safest and most peaceful district in the city, far more so than even the Noble and Temple Quarters.