Chapter 5

A Word About Law Enforcement

On about 99 percent of the planets you will visit, prostitution is illegal. Strong skills in Culture, Alien Species and Law Enforcement will help you out here. Successfully utilizing prostitution on these worlds will require a cultural understanding of exactly why prostitution is illegal to begin with.

In the rare instances where prostitution is legal, it is often very rigidly controlled. A few cultures even have what is known as a Sacred Prostitute. On worlds where prostitution is legal, if you decide to utilize prostitution, you should familiarize yourself with the cultural mores of the society and the business and bureaucratic requirements you will have to comply with. Cultures with sacred prostitutes will most likely not allow commercial prostitution, and will have severe criminal penalties for those who attempt it.

In some cases, prostitution is illegal because it is considered morally reprehensible and a black mark on a person's character. A 'sin' if you will. In some of these cultures, your captured ho can be put to death for her crimes. It is always wise to use prostitution carefully in these environments, and have the rest of your team standing by to extricate. At times like these it may be easier and more personally satisfying to have your prostitute practice her skills on you, rather than risk losing them. Bear in mind that this is an ideal environment to win favors from officials that you have managed to catch with their pants down.

In other cases, cultures have held onto the tradition of illegal prostitution primarily because they worry about social diseases, which is a valid concern. On worlds such as these where STDs are rampant no matter the species, you should only utilize prostitution if you have an excellent doctor in your party. Of course, if you have a particular disciplinary problem, then perhaps a good case of the crabs that you haven't got the ability to cure for two more planet stops could make your future commanding a bit easier. Either way, on these worlds local law enforcement isn't too likely to care much if you take a break from your travels to bankroll some credits. Be cautious of the local competition however, and have your fighters and Jedi on standby (This is not the street corner you are looking for.)

As often as not, prostitution is illegal in this enlightened and personally empowered age simply because someone, most likely a local politician or high level law enforcement official, wants a piece of the black market pie. This is where protection money comes in, if you have chosen to spend some time setting up a prostitution and racketeering business. You are much more likely to be 'just passing through' however, and will need to be careful if you don't want your hard earned profits to be taken away by The Man.